Leica M (Typ 262) Review

The M (Typ 262) rangefinder camera, which captures the essence of rangefinder photography, demonstrates Leica’s devotion to uncomplicated, straightforward photography while combining modern attributes for sophisticated image-making.

The Typ 262 is a stills-only camera built on a full-frame 24MP CMOS sensor and a Maestro image processor. Unfortunately, it does not have the now-standard video or live view features. Therefore, it can only shoot up to 3 frames per second with sensitivities reaching up to ISO 6400.

A redesigned body design incorporates an aluminum alloy top plate, resulting in a noticeable weight decrease compared to traditional brass plates. Additionally, a new shutter cocking mechanism is very quiet, making it ideal for applications that need discreet shooting.

As a Leica rangefinder, this model has a 0.68x optical viewfinder with split and overlaid manual focusing, automated parallax correction, and automatic picture field selection based on the connected lens.

A 3.0 “921.6k-dot LCD with scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass cover is also included. However, it is rarely used to examine the imagery, alter the white balance, or navigate the two-page menu system.

The M (Typ 262) has a revised silhouette with a step in the top plate and a small center Leica red dot on the front panel. Despite its traditional and understated style, the M (Typ 262) has a step in the top plate. The Typ 262 is unique among the M-range in that it does not have the capability of live view or video recording; instead, it concentrates solely on still photography. In addition to its different exterior appearance, the Typ 262 is also unique.

Leica M (Typ 262) Sensor

This camera can generate high-resolution stills with exceptional picture quality and low noise levels since it has a full-frame Leica MAX 24MP CMOS sensor. Additionally, the camera has a full-frame sensor. When used with the Maestro image processor, the camera has a sensitivity range of 200-6400 ISO, which may be increased to 100 ISO so that it can be used in environments with more available light.

This image processor also enables quicker overall performance. Combined with a 1 GB picture buffer, it allows sustained shooting sequences of 3 frames per second for a maximum of 8 frames in a row.

Leica M (Typ 262) Viewfinder and Rangefinder

At a focusing distance of 6.6 feet, the optical viewfinder is a big, bright-line 0.68x-magnification rangefinder with automated parallax adjustment and frame lines. These features are adjusted to match the size of the image sensor. Depending on the lens now connected, the automatic picture field limiter will remember different pairs of bright lines, such as 35mm and 135mm, 28mm and 90mm, or 50mm and 75mm.

The rangefinder system presents split or stacked bright field pictures within the viewfinder’s central portion to facilitate the precise manual focusing adjustment. The rangefinder’s adequate metering base is 47.1 millimeters (mechanical metering basis 69.25 mm x viewfinder magnification of 0.68x).

Leica M (Typ 262) Design

As opposed to M cameras with a brass top plate, this top plate is composed of an aluminum alloy rather than brass so that the overall weight of the camera may be kept lower. In addition, the body is made of magnesium alloy, and it is covered in synthetic leather for a minimal and long-lasting design.

Methods of shooting that are stealthy and covert might benefit from having a shutter mechanism that is hidden and silent. 3.0 “Corning Gorilla Glass, which is resistant to scratches, is used in the construction of the 921.6k-dot LCD so that it will last longer. Playback of still images and navigation of the two-page menu system are the only functions of the rear monitor; live view and video recording are not supported in this configuration.

Working in manual or aperture-priority mode is possible because of the straightforward control arrangement and shooting modes system. The top plate houses an easily accessible shutter speed dial and a drive selector for the camera. In addition, there are six buttons, including navigational buttons, on the rear of the camera. These buttons provide quick access to frequently used settings, such as the white balance and the ISO.

Leica M (Typ 262) Features

Leica M mount is compatible with various rangefinder lenses, both currently available and those from the past. Depending on the user’s preference, images can be saved in either the DNG or JPEG file format.

Working with an external flash is possible thanks to the top hot shoe, and the maximum sync speed is 1/180 of a second. It is possible to capture up to two frames per second using the single exposure option. Support for various languages includes German, English, French, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Russian, and Korean.

Leica M (Typ 262) Specs

Sensor ResolutionEffective: 24 Megapixel

Exposure Control

Metering MethodCenter-Weighted Average
MagnificationApprox. 0.68x

Focus

Focus ModeManual Focus

Flash

Flash ModesFirst-Curtain Sync, Hi-Speed Sync, Manual, Second-Curtain Sync, TTL Auto
External Flash ConnectionHot Shoe
Battery Type1 x BP-SCL2 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 7.4 VDC, 1800 mAh

Packaging Info

Package Weight5.65 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)8.6 x 8.5 x 6.5″

Price

Leica M (Typ 262) FAQs

When did Leica M (Typ 262) come out?

2015 saw the debut of the Leica M (Typ 262) in the marketplace.

How much does a Leica M (Typ 262) weigh?

The Leica M (Typ 262) weighs about 600 grams (21.16 ounces) when it does not have a lens connected to it.

What is so special about Leica M (Typ 262)?

The Leica M (Typ 262) is a pared-down variant of the renowned Leica M camera series. It is intended to provide a shooting experience that is more conventional, with an emphasis on simplicity and picture clarity as the primary design goals.

It has a full-frame CMOS camera, manual focus, and a minimalist design that gets rid of features and complications that aren’t essential. It offers the same high-quality craftsmanship and meticulous engineering that Leica is renowned for. Still, its feature set has been simplified, allowing it to be more affordable than other Leica M cameras.

The extraordinary picture quality of the Leica M (Typ 262), along with the camera’s unique design and construction quality, are two of the primary characteristics that set it apart from other cameras.

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