Since the first copies of the new Leica M (Typ 240) appeared on the market early March 2013, there is a vast disparity between supply and demand of the new Leica M (Typ 240) causing a lot of discussion in the corresponding camera forums. In addition these discussions are heated up by quite contrary reviews and user stories expressing the whole range between absolute excitement and deep frustration. This article tries to focus on objective facts and findings determined since I entered the M community in early April. The review is underlined by many real world examples taken with M-mount lenses from Leica, Voigtlander and SLR Magic as well as some adapted Nikkor lenses. Additionally you find a short comparison to the Sony NEX-7.

Perhaps I may not be the typical Leica M customer as I do not care too much for the unique feature of the M: The optomechanical rangefinder. However this camera attracted me as it is currently the only mirrorless full frame digital camera on the market (except the Sony VG900 which is primarily a video camera) allowing to use all those really fantastic Leica M lenses and in contrast to the Leica M9 it is not limited to lenses with rangefinder coupling. Due to its live view and the optional EVF you can now use it for macro- and tele-photography and a wide range of adapted DSLR lenses as well aided by focus peaking and up to 10x magnification. Its new 24 MP CMOS sensor gains about 1 EV ISO performance and about 2 EV additional dynamic range compared to the CCD sensor of the M9 and allows to record 1080p videos at up to 25 fps with that camera as well. As I use a HyperPrime CINE 50mm T0.95 lens since about one year, I was also quite excited about that feature because at the moment it is the only combination allowing to use a 50mm f/0.92 full frame lens optimized for video. So the specifications and options sounded promising enough to ask my dealer to put me on the waiting list right in September 2012 when the camera was announced at the Photokina. In April I had the chance to get one in silver ("chrom") and immediately started exploring it.

Comparing the Leica M (with Summilux 50mm f/1.4 ASPH) to the Sony NEX-7 (with SLR Magic HyperPrime CINE 35mm T0.95)

One of the first questions on my list was: How does the M with a Leica Summilux 50mm f/1.4 ASPH compare to the Sony NEX-7 with a SLR Magic HyperPrime CINE 35mm T0.95?

Hamburg, 01. April 2013 - Today we are proud to present a first snapshot of the rumored Leica M 3D prototype spotted in Hamburg.

After the successful launch of the new Leica M (type 240) many people asked what Leica will present as next model on their roadmap. After some rumors that Leica will focus more on stereoscopic photography in the future for an even more "3D pop" in the pictures taken with their gear, we spotted a first prototype already in February in Hamburg, Germany and had a chance to take a sample shot:

(red/cyan filter glasses required to see the spatial 3D effect)

I was told that Leica will provide also rubber bands fitted for pairs of 35mm and 50mm Summilux lenses allowing to transfer the focus setting from one lens to the other. Unfortunately the current prototype can not carry a pair of Noctilix 50/0.95 ASPH. The final version may also provide the option to attach two EVF (at the moment you have to switch the preview between left and right sensor).

We will try to get another hands-on session soon, so stay tuned!

P.S.: You propably know that you should not believe in all that is posted on the internet - especially on 1st of April...? ;)

All images copyright by 3D-Kraft.com.