Home Audio/Video Leica’s New M10-R Boasts Unique Sensor

Leica’s New M10-R Boasts Unique Sensor

Leica Camera has introduced for availability at the end of July a high-resolution version of the company’s legendary rangefinder camera. With its newly developed, unique 40-megapixel color sensor, the new Leica M10-R (shown) delivers enhanced rendition of details to fully explore the optical excellence of the legendary Leica M lenses, says the company. This new flagship expands the M10 family, which includes the M10, M10-P, M10-D and M10 Monochrom, and achieves maximum image output without compromising the tenets of M photography.

The M10-R’s new sensor represents a considerable increase from the 24 megapixels of the earlier sensor on the M10, while still yielding significantly reduced image noise as well as providing a wider dynamic range, says Leica. The sensitivity range of this new sensor, from ISO 100 to 50000, means it can be used in multiple applications. That base ISO of 100 helps allow bright-light photos where the aperture can be kept wide open for better background blur and bokeh, while on the other side of the spectrum, the maximum exposure time has been increased to 16 minutes for more creative freedom with long exposures in the darkest light.

A complement to the Leica M10-R’s imaging prowess and handling is its super-quiet mechanical shutter, inherited from the M10-P. Its quiet operation helps the user be stealthy, and its minimal vibrations reduce the risk of camera shake to help yield sharper pictures.

The construction of the M10-R involves a large amount of hand assembly utilizing quality materials by highly trained specialists, carried out at the company’s production plant in Wetzlar, Germany. This ensures that the large number of components – such as the complex rangefinder mechanism – not only perform with precision but are also robust and long-lasting. A Leica M is synonymous with reliability and durability, making it a valuable long-term investment.

The Leica M10-R reaches its full potential when paired with its native Leica M lenses. The camera has the capacity to fully utilize the imaging performance of this legendary, longstanding lens range. The M10-R truly “sings,” says the company, when paired with the newest generation of Leica’s optics, such as the APO-Summicron-M 50 f/2 ASPH. Concurrently, the M10-R’s image quality and resolution also emphasize the distinct characteristics of older M lenses, many of which are still cherished by vintage photography enthusiasts to this day.

The Leica M10-R will be available at Leica stores, boutiques and dealers for $8,295 in black chrome and silver chrome finishes.