Leica launches M Monochrom (Type 246) which brings faster performance than its predecessor

Three years ago, Leica shocked the photography world with the release of a mirrorless camera that could take black and white pictures. The camera was digital, but its soul was completely analog; however the camera was released in a fairly high price.

Nevertheless, Leica M Monochrom got high praise. This camera was the first digital camera with full-frame sensor which was not equipped with a color filter array. It was able to produce a black-and-white images with distinctive character and difficult to be imitated by other cameras that relied on image processing or filtering functions.

To continue this success, Leica has launched a successor called M monochrom (Type 246). The second generation of this mirrorless camera doesn’t only bring faster performance, but also a more perfect new image sensor.

The focus is still the same, to produce black and white photographs with maximum quality. For that Leica has provided a new CMOS sensor in full-frame format to the M monochrom (Type 246) body. The image sensor has a resolution of 24 megapixels, and just like its predecessor, it doesn't have a color filter array.

This image sensor sensitivity can be improved up to ISO 25,000, with excellent details. The other interesting thing is the compatibility of lens; besides M-Lens line, the Leica M monochrom (Type 246) can also be used with a row of Leica R lenses.

Accompanying the new image sensor, there is Leica Maestro image processor with a capacity of 2 GB RAM. Compared with its predecessor, the M monochrom (Type 246) is capable of taking pictures three times faster. As a complement, Leica is pinning the option of full-HD video recording - which of course also in black and white.

All are packed in a resilient and minimalist rangefinder-style body. The Magnesium material is trusted as the construction of camera body, while its LCD screen is coated with sapphire crystal glass that's almost impossible to scratch.

Through a 3-inch screen, user can also activate the Live View function as an alternative to the optical viewfinder. Magnification and Focus Peaking features are also included so you can easily adjust the focus manually on the screen resolution of 921,600 dot.

Leica M monochrom (Type 246) is scheduled to go on sale in May 2015, at a price of $ 7,450 (excluding the lens). Seeing the price, you might wonder how well is this camera in taking pictures? well … you can see the shots of the photographer Ragnar Axelsson when traveling in Iceland together with Leica M monochrom (Type 246). See the complete photos here.

Tweet