Leica M Monochrom Type 246 First Look

Leica just announced an update to its unique M Monochrom camera (still called M Monochrom with the Type 246 suffix). The new version brings some improvements including a new sensor and processor as well as the capability to shoot video in black and white.

The Leica M Monochrom is a strange beast. It is the only consumer digital camera that was ever developed with a dedicated black ad white sensor (with no color filters). We had a chance to play with the older Leica M Monochrom during Photokina 2012 and it was a very special and different experience. The images coming from the camera seems to have a quality which is very different than what we are used to from other full frame cameras, yet the camera is not simple (and surly not conventional) to use.

The new Leica M Monochrom (Type 246)

The new version (type 246) includes the following:

Sensor: new 24 megapixel full frame monochrome CMOS sensor (created by CMOSIS, vs. 18MP sensor by Kodak on the older version).
Processor: Leica Maestro processor (new).
Bayonet: Leica M bayonet with sensor for six-bit coding.
LCD: 3inch screen, 921k dots with Sapphire crystal glass.
Video: Full HD Video, 25/24fps in B&W.
Shutter: 60s-1/4000s.
Flash sync speed: 1/180s flash sync speed.
Sensitivity: ISO320 – ISO25000 (extended) – this means that you might need an ND filter and bright daylight.
Shooting speed: 4fps continuous shooting (buffer of 30 images).
RAW: Adobe DNG raw.
Dual-axis electronic level.
Body: High-strength (Splash proof) magnesium alloy and solid brass top and base plates.
CIPA: 800 shot battery life (when using the viewfinder).
Price: $7450.

The new Leica M Monochrom top plate

Leica official video – Ragnar Axelsson – Around Iceland in 80 hours

[vimeo]https://vimeo.com/126365311[/vimeo]

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Iddo Genuth

Iddo Genuth is the founder and chief editor of LensVid.com. He has been a technology reporter working for international publications since the late 1990's and covering photography since 2009. Iddo is also a co-founder of a production company specializing in commercial food and product visual content.