Leica M10-D (Tye 262) Review

Leica has launched the M-D (Typ 262), a model that is very similar to the Leica M (Typ 262) but does not include a rear LCD panel. The purpose of this camera is to offer purists and those nostalgic for a shooting experience that is more reminiscent of the film period.

This is not the first time that Leica has issued a digital rangefinder without an LCD; the $18,500 M Edition 60 did not have a display too. However, the Leica M-D (Typ 262) will not be a limited edition and will be available for a far more affordable price of around $6,000.

The Leica M-D Typ 262 provides its users with the most fundamental controls due to the absence of a menu system and no in-camera options for reviewing or modifying previously captured photographs.

Because of this, pictures are exclusively taken in the RAW format (lossless compressed. DNG files), which eliminates the need to modify the white balance and any other settings that pertain to the in-camera processing of pictures, such as sharpening, contrast, saturation, and so on. And naturally, there is no funding for cinematic endeavors.

You have the option of shooting in either the Aperture Priority or Manual exposure mode, the metering mode can only be set to center-weighted, and the ISO may be manually adjusted from 200 to 6400 in 1/3 EV steps using a dial that is located on the back of the camera and resembles a film speed dial.

There is a Bulb mode available, however, it can only be used for exposures of up to 60 seconds at a time. The camera’s shutter speeds vary from 8 to 1/4000 seconds (or up to 60 seconds when set to Aperture Priority). Flash’s x-sync rate is 1/180 of a second. Although the Leica M-D Typ 262 does not have support for automated exposure bracketing, it does have the ability to compensate for exposure by up to three stops (+/- 3 EV).

When shooting in single-shot mode, the M-D Typ 262 has a shutter cocking mechanism that is nearly quiet. However, when shooting in continuous mode, it is still capable of shooting at up to three frames per second and has one gigabyte of buffer memory. Similar to the M Typ 262, there is no USB connector, and images must be stored on SD cards. These cards can be of the SDHC or SDXC kind.

The magnesium and aluminum body of the Leica M-D is manufactured with a brass top panel and base. It is finished nearly entirely in black, and Leica’s signature red dot emblem is absent from the design to maintain a higher level of discretion.

When the battery is inserted, the total weight is 680 grams, approximately 80 grams more than the M Typ 262. The identical lithium-ion battery pack (7.4 volts, 1800 milliampere-hours) is utilized, although there is currently no information about runtime.

Leica M10-D (Tye 262) Specs

Leica M10-D (Tye 262) Pros & Cons