Top 10 Best Leica M Cameras in 2020

Life is short they say. Well, of course, it is true. And every moment of your life counts. For this reason, you might want to capture every bit of it, yes, in photos, because what better way to capture life’s moments? But you might be asking yourself where to start because maybe you are not that much of a camera guy. What options are there for you as a beginner that you can comfortably start with as you begin to explore the amazing world of photography? Well, worry no more because that is our job. Here is a compilation of the Top 10 Best Leica M Cameras in 2020.

1. Leica 14495 Multi-Functional Handgrip M (Black)

The new Leica 14495 Multi-Functional Handgrip allows users to experience the amazing world of photography. It is made with a texture that allows the user to have a firm grip on it hence the name handgrip. Geo-tagging is the hallmark of this device though. Right on the handgrip, the camera has an inbuilt GPS module.

This function allows users to add the location of the machine as you take your pictures. At the same time, it enables you to add many useful functions to the camera. You can be easily able to sort your images by location thanks to geotagging. This camera allows users to use independent flash and an external viewfinder at the same time.

The Handgrip also offers an SCA socket. The beauty of this socket is that it communicates with the camera just like an integrated hot shoe. For studio flash systems it comes with a DIN/ISO-X sync plug. You can also connect the camera straight to your computer because Leica has an inbuilt port developed into the Handgrip. The Leica Image Shuttle function gives users the option to remote control all the functions of the camera.

Pros

• Geo-tagging allows users to update location of pictures
• Easy to handle due to good grip
• USB port connects to computer directly

Cons

• GPS is not very strong

2. Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246) Digital Rangefinder Camera Body, 24MP,

Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246) Digital Rangefinder is a camera I will recommend to you and your friends. Why is this so? If you are looking for a camera with outstanding image performance, this is it. It has a live view which is enhanced for greater ambiance. The focus peaking is second to none.

The monochrome sensor has high resolution good enough to give you perfect quality pictures. This premium device comes to you with High-quality full-HD video function. It does not need color filters. Some other amazing feature is low noise and a bright viewfinder.

There is certainly no better way to view your photos than this. Picture processing is fast thanks to the Leica Maestro Processor. Available in black chrome finish, the camera is the perfect color for you. It comes complete with a carrying strap as well. It has a 3″ monitor with 921,600 pixels which ensures that photo quality is good.

Pros

• Full HD function
• Low noise-high quality photos
• Fast image processing

Cons

• Color might not be appealing to some

3. Leica M7 Rangefinder 35mm Camera w/ .72x Viewfinder, Silver (Body Only)

The Leica M7 Rangefinder embodies absolute reliability in all situations. If you are a lover of adventure like me, you do not have to worry about power for your camera. It can operate during an emergency without batteries. The reason why the Leica M7 Rangefinder is still above the rest is its optical and mechanical components cannot be compared to any other.

The use of the very best materials ensures that high precision, longevity, and great value are guaranteed. It makes automatic exposures as well as an automatic shutter speed control. The focal plane in its Leica camera is designed to control exposure time electronically.

The rangefinder camera display has a total of 33 readings in the viewfinder readings. You can work with M7 more accurately with its ON/OFF button strategically positioned next to the release button. M7 also has a specially equipped flash unit which enables users to use the flash creatively.

Pros

• Automatic shutter control
• Electronic controls
• Specially equipped flash unit

Cons

• Full HD function not available

4. Leica M7 0.72 35mm Rangefinder Camera body black

This Leica M7 camera is quite just like the silver M7. The only difference is the color. Made with high precision optical and mechanical components the Leica M7 is good enough for your camera needs. Furthermore, it is made with impressive innovations enabling it to make automatic exposures.

The manual exposure balance is a thing of the past with the M7. Instead of an alternative, it uses the automatic shutter speed control. The legendary cloth focal plane featured in the M7 gives the user control over time in an electronic manner. The M7 features a very unusual element in the world of rangefinders; it has a total of 33 different readings on the viewfinder.

Thanks to this an area of 2 square millimeters can be enlarged up to 15 times. This is how you get those clear photos you are craving for. M7 works in conjunction with the Metz flash unit enabling the camera to take photos at sync speeds of to 1/1000 seconds.

Pros

• Automatic exposure setting
• Focal plane shutter
• Natural pictorial rendition

Cons

• HD function unavailable

5. Leica 10370 Leica M-A Typ 127 Rangefinder Camera (Black)

If you are one who is looking to stay true to photography, this analog camera is made for you. Let us start off with the build; how do you like a gorgeous hunk made from brass and then painted in soothing black color? The dimensions are 138w × 38d × 77h. The viewfinder is a 0.72 pretty much the same to most Leica’s.

The tank is well built with 28 (90), 35 (135) and 50mm (75) lines just like most other M-bodies. 60 years, that is how long Leica has been with you, and it is still going strong. For pure mechanical excellence, you can trust it. As I put it from the start, it is designed to make life easy for beginners. Yes. It is easy to use.

The photographer only needs to concentrate on the focusing. It comes to you with an all enclosed body with both top and bottom covers. The removable spool that is characteristic of the M3 is opted out for more modern design. The meter is withheld though.

Pros

• Easy to use
• Almost silent shutter
• Mechanical operation
• Ergonomic design
• Does not require batteries

Cons

• Sync speed limited
• In-camera meter omitted

6. Leica M (Typ 262) Digital Rangefinder Camera (Black Body Only)

Leica M (Typ 262) Digital Rangefinder makes no mistake. That it revolves around a full-frame 24MP CMOS sensor is quite obvious. That it comes with a Maestro image processor is also impressive. Although video and live view features are conventional now, the Typ 262 omits these features to produce a stills-only camera that is capable of shooting at up to 3 fps.

That combined with sensitivities of up to ISO 6400 is what makes Leica M (Typ 262) Digital Rangefinder different. Leica M (Typ 262) has quite a redesigned body updated by incorporating an aluminum alloy top plate. The result of this is that Leica M (Typ 262) has a reduced weight compared to a typical brass plate Leica camera. Also featured in Leica M (Typ 262) is a redesigned shutter cocking mechanism.

This means you are good to go when taking those quiet discrete. Because it belongs to the Leica family Leica M (Typ 262) rangefinder features a 0.68x optical viewfinder, the focusing is manual and important to note-superimposed. It has an automatic parallax correction not to mention a 3.0″ 921.6k-dot LCD monitor. Additionally, the LCD monitor comes with a Corning Gorilla Glass cover which is scratch-resistant.

Pros

• Excellent image quality- up to ISO 3200
• New shutter shocking mechanism
• Compatible with M Mount Lenses

Cons

• Lacks a brass top plate
• Viewfinder absent

7. Leica MP 0.72 Silver Chrome 10301

The ultimate mechanical perfection has just arrived with Leica MP 0.72 Silver Chrome. This is a tool like no other. Made by hand with integrity its photographic parameters are tailored with precision. The distraction by automation is avoided in this camera.

On the contrary, it employs concentrated technology to enhance concentrated photography. It comes in a compact form that is quiet, reliable and easy. In short, it is designed is laid out and simple. Do you like vibration free exposures? You have it right here thanks to the mechanical shutter of the Leica MP 0.72 Silver Chrome.

The Leica lenses are also very fast. And because Leica cares about compatibility nearly all M-lenses can be used with Leica MP 0.72 Silver Chrome.

Pros

• Good picture quality even in poor light
• Mechanical-Allows photographers to exercise full creativity
• Expensive

Cons

• Some users do not like 100% mechanical devices

8. Leica 10771 M 24MP RangeFinder Camera

The new Leica 10771 M is by any standards a groundbreaking device in the world of cameras. It is defined by innovation and versatility. This top of the range Leica M-Camera is one of the most modern ever created by Leica. It still employs the all-time favorite rangefinder technology but combines that with groundbreaking digital technologies.

Of course, you must know about the legendary M-lenses, what you do not know is that this it combines with a newly developed CMO sensor with very high resolution. This combination delivers good quality of pictures. New focusing methods are also included in this device. It comes with a Leica Maestro image processor that is fast.

Moreover, live view video and other universal capabilities are available. A 3″ display isn’t bad for this camera. 920,000 pixels for the price are just worth every penny. To crown, it all is a camera body which is splash proof.

Pros

• Fast image processor
• Splash-proof camera body
• 24 MP Sensor for maximum imaging quality
• Live view and video included

Cons

• Still expensive

9. Leica 10770 M 24MP RangeFinder Camera

The new Leica 10770 M 24MP RangeFinder Camera is not your ordinary Leica camera. It is one of the most innovative devices ever made from M-technologies. Made from some of the most creative technologies available today, the Leica 10770 M is a combination of decades of experience in rangefinder technology and some of the most recent technology.

The high-resolution full-format CMOS is second to none. It’s a high-performance feature. Combine this with the legendary M-Lenses and a high-performance processor, and there you have amazing imaging results. To make that photography session even more fun, live view and video capabilities are added.

Its LCD screen is easy to read from. Zooming into photos on it is an amazing experience. The rangefinder focusing is also quite accurate. The live view comes in handy when it’s a bit dark or better yet when you are shooting at f0.95.

Pros

• High-quality sensor
• Better contrast

Cons

• Manual focus
• Rangefinder system can be complicated for a beginner

10. Leica M9 18MP Digital Range Finder Camera (Black, Body Only)

I now have the pleasure to introduce to you the smallest full frame digital camera in the world. Maybe you doubt that, but as small as it is, it is the first Rangefinder camera that has a 24 x 36mm format sensor. It is an 18-megapixel sensor that allows the full 35mm format. To eliminate infrared light contamination, the Leica M9 has a cover glass.

That means you do not need any IR filters. Any beginner can use the camera because it has simple menus making it easy to handle. So that you know M 9 is also compatible with most SD cards up to 2 GB and additionally it is compatible with SDHC cards up to 32 GB. The heritage of the Leica rangefinder M System is still preserved in the Leica M9.

Pros

• The first digital rangefinder camera
• Has an infrared protective glass
• Compatible with SD cards

Cons

• Body and lenses sold separately
• Memory cards not included

Conclusion

60 years, that is how long Leica has been around, and it is still going strong. Consistency is what defines Leica. This is the reason you can trust their products. They know what photography is all about because they have been here with us every step of the way. Over the years Leica has continually engineered better cameras that embrace modern technologies. But while at it, Leica has kept its legendary heritage. For those who are passionate about robustness and creativity in photography we highly recommend that you try these products out.