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Leica M10-R: New M-Flagship with 41 MP Sensor


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Leica Camera AG today presents a new Leica M camera, the Leica M10-R with 41 MP resolution. It is based mainly on the Leica M10 introduced in 2017, takes over some of the higher quality M10-P, but has a completely new sensor.

It is available in black and silver and will be available in July for 7,990 €.

Leica M10 and M10-P Genes…

At first glance, the new Leica M10-R does not look any different from the Leica M10. Only the engraving on the accessory shoe on the top of the camera discreetly points out the significantly higher resolution.

Technically, however, the M10-R is based on the higher quality Leica M10-P, from which it takes over both a touch screen and the particularly quiet shutter.

… but an all new Leica M10-R Sensor

The sensor has been completely redesigned by Leica so that no compromises have to be made in image quality despite a 67% higher resolution.

The cover glass now consists of two layers cemented together, which filter out unwanted IR and UV components that would otherwise lead to color distortion.

The design of the sensor elements has also been optimized to increase the light-sensitive area of the single pixel.

These changes in the design ensure that, despite the higher resolution (and thus smaller pixels), both the image quality at high ISO values and the color reproduction are at least as good as with the original Leica M10. According to the manufacturer, the dynamic range should even be better than the standard model.

The sensitivity of the Leica M10-R sensor now starts at ISO 100 (native) and can be increased to ISO 50,000. Sample images show very good color reproduction even at high values.

Changes to the M10 family

With the introduction of the Leica M10-R there are some changes in the M10 product family

  • The original Leica M10 will be available ony in black (6.850€)
  • The Leica M10-P remains in the program in both black and silver at 7,500€.
  • The new Leica M10-R will cost 7,990€ (black and silver).
  • The Leica M10 Monochrome (still only in black) is priced 8.250€.
  • The Leica M10-D will no longer be available.

The official press release:

The new Leica M10-R:

Leica Camera presents the 40-megapixel variant of its legendary rangefinder camera.

Wetzlar, July 16, 2020. With the new Leica M10-R, Leica Camera AG introduces a high-resolution variant of the company’s legendary rangefinder camera. The M10-R’s newly developed sensor offers a resolution of over 40 megapixels, which represents a considerable increase compared to the M10. As a result, the M10-R delivers a significantly enhanced rendition of details. The new sensor of the M10-R opens up a host of possibilities that are unprecedented within M photography. Along with the clear visibility of even the finest details, the sensor provides extensive performance reserves for cropping and larger formats. In addition, the contrast-rich rendition of subtle structures leads to an even lower risk of moiré patterns. The M10-R is therefore well suited for landscape and architectural photography.

Despite its high resolution, the M10-R offers significantly reduced image noise as well as a wider dynamic range. The M10-R completes the Leica M10 family, which also includes the M10, M10-P, M10-D and M10 Monochrom.

The M10-R’s base sensitivity of ISO 100 and goes up to ISO 50000. The maximum exposure time has been increased to 16 minutes, enabling extraordinary night-time shots with the use of a tripod. The Leica M10-R is equipped with the same shutter as the Leica M10-P. It is not only exceptionally quiet (allowing for an unobtrusive way of working), but also operates with minimal vibration. This reduces the risk of camera shake.

As with all of Leica’s rangefinder cameras, the construction of the M10-R involves a large proportion of manual assembly by highly trained specialists, carried out at the company’s production plant in Wetzlar. This ensures that the large number of mechanical components – such as the complex rangefinder – not only perform with the utmost precision, but are also particularly robust. A Leica M is synonymous with the utmost reliability and durability, making it a viable long-term investment.

The Leica M10-R is best able to reach its full potential when paired with Leica M lenses. Equally, the camera has the capacity to fully utilize the outstanding imaging performance that distinguishes this legendary lens range. Particularly in combination with the newest generation, such as the APO-Summicron-M 50 f/2 ASPH., the M10-R delivers photographs of a truly exceptional quality. At the same time, the camera emphasizes the distinctive characteristics of older M lenses cherished by photography enthusiasts all over the world.

The Leica M10-R will be delivered worldwide as of July 20, 2020.

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1 minute ago, Jeff S said:

I don’t see anything in the press release that speaks to discontinuing the M10-D.  Source?

Jeff

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Why Leica does such a poor marketing job? No sample images on the major M camera release? Except couple tiny pics which cannot be viewed full screen or downloaded? Who they think they are? Don't care about our customers? Our brand need not to advertise itself? Shame....

Edited by skater75
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If the M10-D is discontinued, there will be a new model to replace it, however it is surprising to see discontinued on such a popular camera.  B&H show it in stock, no mention of discontinued, Leica Store Miami the same.   

So,  the M10-R adds a red dot and more megapixels.  That Leica releases a new model with megapixels being the only upgrade speaks to the continued importance of resolution increases.  

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2 minutes ago, darylgo said:

 So, the M10-R adds a red dot and more megapixels. That Leica releases a new model with megapixels being the only upgrade speaks to the continued importance of resolution increases.  

Or to a future, more exclusive and higher priced M10-RP, with script and no dot.  But without enough other significant enhancements to interfere with marketing an eventual M11, which this would otherwise have been called.  And to take advantage of economies of scale provided by the S3 sensor architecture.  

It also incorporates the internal M10-P enhancements....shutter sound, buffer, etc.....along with brand new 16 minute exposure time.

Jeff

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3 minutes ago, Jeff S said:

It also incorporates the internal M10-P enhancements....shutter sound, buffer, etc.....along with brand new 16 minute exposure time.

Forgot about the 16 minute exposure, and didn't mention dynamic range because it's a great unknown.  The longer exposure length could be helpful depending on it's falloff with higher iso.  I am thinking specifically of astrophotography, they also mention this aspect.  Previous models, the M240, could barely squeak out Milky Way photos with a f1.4 lens set to 8 seconds and iso 3200, certain lenses could not be used such as the 21mm Summilux because of the severe coma in the corners.  The 50mm Summilux is outstanding and images could be stitched to give a wide view with the 50mm perspective.  Astro is not what Leica designs the M but it is nice to have the capability.  

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14 bit color, that is great news.

 

However the S typ 007 is 16 bit. This is a point for me on the sensor of the typ 007, and really the original M10.

I think the low light on the M10-R will be good, but at ISO 6400 I think the M10 will beat it.

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