Leica M 262 Review

[@joecataldo3853]

I like the video. I owned the M9 and wanted to upgrade, purchased the M262. It's clean and old school. Too many people want to much stuff on a camera now a days. Yes, I'm old. A camera is for making a photograph. Keep up the videos, helpful to deciding on a camera or piece of equipment......

[@JimArnold6]

Thanks for the comment, Joe. I agree about simplicity. Shutter speed and aperture are all you need. ISO is great on this camera up to 1600 and pretty good at 3200. The M10's high iso capability looks amazing, making the 3rd variable practically unimportant. That's why I like auto ISO. Allows me to control what matters in a way film cameras never could. The 262 is the best deal today for a digital M until used/refubed M10's start hitting the market. Enjoy your 262!

[@mattdayphoto]

Really appreciate this close look at the camera! Helped me decide to go ahead and order one last night. Cheers from down the road in Chillicothe, Ohio! 👍🏻

[@jim0266]

Hi Matt, I've watched and enjoyed many of your videos over the last year or so. Nicely done! Glad the 262 video helped and hope you like the camera. I had no idea you are based in Chillicothe. Spent a memorably horrible time there back in the 80's while in college. I filled in for the staff photographer at the Chillicothe Gazette when he took a vacation over Xmas and NY. At the end of the stint a wisdom tooth become infected. It was a long few days until dental relief.

[@mattdayphoto]

jim0266 Oh wow, that's awesome to hear! I appreciate it. No kidding?! Small world!

[@Topsyrm]

Thanks for the link to the RAW files I have just bought an M9 waiting for delivery and your link settled my mind for IQ and PP in Lightroom. Thanks again.

[@JimArnold6]

Glad the files were helpful. Enjoy the M9!

[@Topsyrm]

Jim Arnold thanks, hopefully will.

[@JimArnold6]

I get the sense M9 prices have reached a level where (assuming you didn't over pay) you could use it for 12-18 month and sell it for what you paid. They are becoming a cult camera like the M8. If you take a small hit think of it as an extended rental.

[@d30gaijin]

I am coming to the Leica digital M series digital camera a bit late, most of my experience is Leica M and LTM film cameras, with a bit of digital M via the Ricoh GXR M camera. Your review was very helpful in my decision to buy a Leica digital M camera. I chose the a Leica M 262 camera. Thank you for posting a very informative review. Don

[@robc7055]

Well done, a sensible and informative review of a Leica, how rare and how refreshing

[@jim0266]

Thanks, appreciate your comment.

[@JamesGreen321]

Brilliant review, very detailed on all aspects

[@jasonsmithdotcom]

I can't wait for mine! Thank you so much for these reviews to tide me over, Jim!

[@jim0266]

+jasonsmithdotcom I feel like a Leica enabler. ;) Looking forward to hearing from you once you get yours and have some time with it.

[@explore_moor]

Great overview Jim. Love my 262 due to the simplicity. Didn’t know about the WB shortcut. Thanks

[@adambucci707]

i'd love to see the monochrom in this form factor.

[@omrikl88]

This is great man! Fantastic movie, I have a Typ 262 and I learned a few things from the video. I didn't know about the direct exposure compensation, it makes such a difference! Also... I always though that I should format the SD card with SDFormatter, but doing it "your" way does yield faster startup time! Thanks a lot!

[@jim0266]

+Omri Kl Glad the video helped you. Have fun with your 262.

[@barra650]

No video mode, FANTASTIC. Back to basics FANTASTIC .Am I right in saying there is no live view ?, FANTASTIC.

[@jim0266]

+barra650 You are correct. There is no live view on the M262.

[@thestuffmikedoes2309]

100% agreed

[@GuamPhotography]

Really great review of the Leica M typ 262, enjoyed it :)

[@jim0266]

+Guam Photography Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@matsts]

4:35 that are missing or included?

[@jim0266]

I think the M240 has a few simulation modes. The 262 does not have any simulated film modes.

[@matsts]

@@jim0266 long live 262

[@shy-guy5544]

Nice video. Would you recommend it for someone who only shoots jpegs? Thanks

[@jim0266]

Probably not. While I never shot JPEGs with this camera, only RAW, it feels like a waste of the best the camera has to offer by limiting it to JPEGs.

[@martins6865]

Good video and I’m seriously considering getting the m262. The M10 looks like a great camera but it’s expensive of course as it’s new. There’s a lot of discussion about ISO issues at 6400 with the 262 but how often is this ISO used in normal use frankly? Others discuss some concerns about the robustness of the aluminium top plate and so it goes on. There seems to be little talk about any potential sensor dust issues (have you come across any?) and whilst the build quality is great, how robust are the rear command buttons? Would appreciate your thoughts. Thanks.

[@JimArnold6]

Hi Martin, Thanks for commenting. I still have not had the opportunity try an M10. One day I will probably move to an M10, but right now I’m content to use the 262 for a while longer. I don’t think I’ll sell my 262 even if I do purchase an M10. That will give me a 2nd body as backup and make use of two lenses without having to change bodies when covering events. Aluminum top compared to brass IMO makes no difference. If the camera is taking such hard knocks that the top of the 262 can’t take the abuse I suspect either would a brass-topped M. I have not had any dust issues, but I am pretty cautious. I try to keep the lens mount pointed down when changing lenses, do it quickly and make sure the camera is off. I think I’ve cleaned my 262 once. I use and Eyelead Gelstick. No issues with the buttons or anything on M262. I would only use 6,400 on my 262 when absolutely necessary and then I would make sure not to underexpose. It looks like 6,400 on the M10 is totally usable. To me 3,200 is totally usable. Keep an eye on Popflash.com. As I write this they have a like-new 262 for $3,800. That’s $3,100 less than a new M10. I don’t feel like I need a 2nd battery with the 262, but pretty sure I would not feel safe with only one battery on the M10 due to its reduced size. If you are in the U.S. you might consider renting a 262 from Lensrentals for a few days. Feel free contact me directly at jim AT jimarnold DOT org with more questions.

[@martins6865]

Hi Jim. Many thanks for this. Very useful input. I've ordered a S/H 262 for a reasonable price and it comes tomorrow. I'm really looking forward to familiarising myself with it and to putting it through its paces so I'll give my thoughts once I've done that. No, I'm not US based, but from across the pond!

[@JimArnold6]

Martin S looking forward to hearing your thoughts. Congratulations.

[@martins6865]

Hi Jim. Now I've had the camera for a month and recently took it on vacation to the Caribbean. It is an impressive instrument and the IQ is outstanding. The simplicity of the menu system (once set there is very little to adjust) and at Auto ISO, this camera is a joy to use. There is a pop to the images and a colour rendition which in my view no other camera/lens combination I have used before can give. I was using a 50mm/f2 Summicron and a 35mm f1.7 Voigtlander Ultron and it performed beautifully with both lenses. Early days I know, but so far I have no regrets buying it.

[@JimArnold6]

Hi Martin, Great to hear back and know the 262 is working out for you! Auto ISO, especially when combined with Manual Mode, is my fav. There is a lot to say for simplicity and a camera that gets out of your way. Cheers!

[@johnhouston6982]

Do you still shoot with the M262 now Jim, the red dot forum still rates this as a great camera..I had a M9 and miss it but thong the M262 would be a good option, even today do you think, Great video Jim thanks😮

[@jim0266]

Hi John, appreciate the comment. I still have the 262 but sadly haven't shot with it much the last few years mostly due to going nowhere during the pandemic. I'm in a down wave photographically too. Maybe I will swing up in a few years. Was actually thinking of selling it to fund a new Mac. I still haven't seen or shot with an M10 to be able to compare. When I look at the 262 images they still have a great look and feel compared to other cameras.

[@johnhouston6982]

@@jim0266 ..thanks for the comments, the SL2-S is fine but I miss the rangefinder experience…..we all have down turns and we all struggle a bit, even now…let me know if you ever consider selling..I am lucky as I live near Ffordes a good camera shop in the Highlands, and they always are keen to try out cameras , and will pop out there soon in a few weeks when I have saved the money and look closely at a M262 the have in stock..best Wishes, John H 📷

[@slimnics]

nice run through. do you know the leading website for buying & selling leicas ?

[@jim0266]

+SlimNic Clipz Thanks! I *highly* recommend Popflash.

[@Uhmsters]

Debating whether to get the Leica M262 or M240. Which one do you guys prefer?

[@jim0266]

Will you make videos with the camera? Will you use or miss Live View? If yes to either, get the 240 Otherwise, consider the 262. You cab probably find it cheaper used than a 240. Check popflash.com

[@QEEFA]

Is the finish similar to the black chrome on the Leica M8,M7, M Monochrome? Will it get bright marks easily on the top plate? or is the finish as robust as the M-E? Appreciate your input on this.

[@jim0266]

+A- FIQSTER The finish is more like those on the cameras you cited. I did get one tiny tick on the finish on the curved portion between the front and the top to the right of the shutter button toward the strap bumper. Not sure if I did that or there was a flaw in the finish causing it. It was tiny, but looked to me to be silver underneath. If the camera does wear it may get a silvery look. A poke with a Sharpie seemed to fill and hold it.

[@QEEFA]

I see...so it is not as robust as the M-E finish yea? Got it! Coz i was really hoping the M262 has the same finish durability as the M-E. So could passed as a black chrome yea.

[@dominiquecollard9068]

What are the files like sin the photos from the camera ? any examples?

[@JimArnold6]

Send me an email (see my website) and I will send you some RAW files.

[@dominiquecollard9068]

@@JimArnold6 Dominique Pierre-Nina Film Photographer and Dark Room Printing Phone: [phone] Website: www.pierreninaphotography.com Email: [e-mail] IG: @pierreninaphotography (instagram.com/pierreninaphotography)

[@JimArnold6]

@@dominiquecollard9068 I will send you some files via WeTransfer when I get time this weekend.

[@larrylobster9107]

Does this use a different battery vs the M8 or M9?

[@JimArnold6]

Yes.

[@nickfanzo]

Thinking about adding this to my m3 and m6

[@JimArnold6]

Nice! LMK if you have any questions.

[@BobDyl]

Great review. Thank you very much!

[@jim0266]

+BobDyl Bob, thanks for your comment.

[@dominiquecollard9068]

Can you shoot BW on the 262? or just colour then change to BW.

[@JimArnold6]

Yes. There is an option to shoot B&W only as JPEG while also setting the sharpness or contrast levels. Or you can shoot both JPEG as B&W and RAW DNG at the same time.

[@dominiquecollard9068]

@@JimArnold6 Thanks Jim. You see I had the M-P Typ 240 but sold it and regret it. I came across the M262 which sounds much more up my alley as I am a Leica Film shooter 90% of the time. I have an Xpro2 but wanted a digital Leica so I think the M262 is the closest I can get to basic in the digital world aside from the MD but you can only shoot colour with the MD!. Thanks, Dominique Pierre-Nina Film Photographer and Dark Room Printing Phone: [phone] Website: www.pierreninaphotography.com Email: [e-mail] IG: @pierreninaphotography (instagram.com/pierreninaphotography)

[@nickfanzo]

How do you like it four years later?

[@JimArnold6]

It's still a great camera and does anything I ask of a digital M.

[@helthuismartin]

Any corrosion already on the sensor????

[@jim0266]

+helthuismartin LOL

[@scottmacwatters]

I have an M240 right now, but I'm looking for a secondary camera / backup camera. Do you think this is a good option for that? I don't use the video modes at all, so that's not a dealbreaker at all. I did use the live view a few times for some macro functionality and wide angle field of view, but I'll still have the M240 for those functions.

[@jim0266]

+Scott MacWatters The 262 would make a great combo with a 240.

[@XiaNingTian]

It's the M-D 262 or this for me. For a first Leica (which will take me a while to save, but I'm making progress), it's... I mean, is it weird? I've been in awe of the M cameras since 2012 when I started taking up photography. Having stopped for a few years and having sold my D7000 due to it not being used, I now have that itch again after seeing the M-D. It has to be the M-D for me. I'll happily settle for the 262 standard, an M9-P or black M9, but I haven't felt this much excitement to get back into photography since I used my friend's Canon QL17 for my photo class. This is the camera for me. Not my wallet, but deals are popping up here and there... as long as it isn't the 240 or M10. I don't need/want live view or video. I just don't care for it. Thoroughly enjoyed the video. I'm off to be more obsessive over this model.

[@jim0266]

Glad you liked the video. My biggest issue with the M-D 262 is the lack of auto ISO. I pretty much use only manual mode with auto ISO in all my cameras. If this is the camera that drives your passions go for it. If you find a used one at a good price there is a good chance you can sell it for pretty much what you paid for it should you ever want to upgrade. There will always be an interest in a camera like the MD over the 262 with screen. Consider renting the camera for a few days (if you are in the U.S.) for a few days from Lensrentals. For about $190 with shipping for 3 days it might save you money in the long run to test it out first. www.lensrentals.com/rent/leica-m-d Keep an eye on Popflash too. They have good pricing and are honest with great service. Your M9 options are a good way to get into Leica. But honestly I would take a plain 262 over any M9, FWIW. Good luck on the hunt!

[@jim0266]

FYI, just noticed an MD "used" with Leica warranty at PopFlash - www.popflash.com/10945UTRC

[@williamschaffel3760]

Well its now 2022 and wanting to replace my old M8 and M9, I bought a like-new M240. I don't do video and like you, I'm not interested in Live View, so I would have been very happy with the M 262. But for some reason, people are asking hundreds of dollars more for an M 262 than an M 240 or even an M-P 240.

[@jim0266]

Interesting. Do you think people want the simplicity of the 262? I haven't shot seriously with mine for a few years now, or with any "real" camera for that matter. Just snaps on my cell phone. I've been thinking I should sell mine and the last of my L-mount lenses. Might be a good time.

[@williamschaffel3760]

@@jim0266 I came across some information that the because the Type 262 was a stripped down model, it did not sell as well as Leica expected and they did not make it available for long. I guess the result is that is it far more difficult to find a Type 262 than a Type 240 and the result is the higher price.

[@MrPhotographerDude]

So it doesn't have live view?

[@jim0266]

There is no video or live view on the M262.

[@MrPhotographerDude]

jim0266 Who needs it? :)

[@kamoteque13]

Are you still using this?

[@JimArnold6]

Still own it. Have not photographed much the last 18 months.

[@kamoteque13]

Yeah nice review. Im looking to get this model. Maybe when I got bored with my RD1

[@harrivayrynen]

Nice review!

[@jim0266]

+Harri Väyrynen Thanks Harri. Look for my email. Jim

[@dimanatti]

Yes JIM!.

[@jim0266]

+Dimanatti Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@aboutphotography]

Great. Ideo!

[@ahmedrashed78]

Made of brass?

[@JimArnold6]

Top plate is anodized aluminum for weight reduction. I have a feeling the base plate is brass. A small portion of mine if worn at the bottom and gold is showing through.

[@ahmedrashed78]

Jim Arnold I am so tempted to order one, 4900 USD new and around 3800 used

[@JimArnold6]

A.R. Photography check in with PopFlash.com. They get 262's from time to time with full warranty at your used price.

[@nickfanzo]

ahmad vlogs too expensive. Should be 2000.00

[@codiecrieg2480]

i like this leica withount any screen what it is cold? Nvm it is my goal ;3

[@nisornt]

nice camera ~!

[@jim0266]

+Nisorn T Let me know if you have any questions!

[@藤田格-f7r]

ライカQ２８ｍｍ、ライカM262５５ｍｍを使い分けしてます、はじめてのライカですが満足してます。