Leica M (Type 240) Hands-On Review

This episode, Chris Niccolls braves the cruel Canadian winter to look at the new Leica M Type 240 digital rangefinder. This is Leica's first M rangefinder with Live View and video capture. Will these new additions help create the greatest M of all, or take away some of what made rangefinder photography so appealing?
Special thanks to Chris Tait for his great street photography.
Shop online at: www.thecameras...
Shot and Edited by Jordan Drake
Filmed on the Sony FS700

[@dhuwdhuwdhuw]

personally, I bought Leica M to play with it. it is not just about stellar image quality, there are a lot cheaper cameras with same specs and similar quality in the market. but, with Leica, you can really feel the experience of taking pictures and it will never be the same with other cameras. Sure, it is very expensive. but it is worth the price. try before judging it, you will love it.

[@arcadian91007]

Sounds intoxicating, been dreaming about a Leica, wish I could afford one..

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

The RX1 certainly does have a crispness too it but all comparisons you see are straight raw files converted without sharpening in lightroom. The Leica M 240 does render colour and tone very uniquely and the boost in dynamic range is a big plus. Chris @ The Camera Store TV

[@ObserveJeremiah]

You guys do some of the best camera reviews out. Its like the opposite of DigitalRev. Informative, professional and speaks to the average camera consumer.

[@AndySnap]

Another excellent, informative Camera Store review. Keep em coming!

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

That photo was shot on a 50mm F2 @ F2. Chris Tait also had a 35mm F1.4, 28mm F2.8 and 75mm F2.5. I'm glad I hung onto the originals to check the EXIF data! Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@Joshzphoto]

You guys always have the best and most trustworthy reviews anywhere on the net! Thank you so much for giving amazingly down to earth and unbiased reviews!

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

The adaptor was not delivered in time for the review, but we have used M lenses with an extension tube and it works brilliantly! Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@Patsesson]

Cant wait to watch this in 1080p while having breakfast :) You just know that when TheCameraStore has a new video uploaded that its gonna be great!! You guys are easily one of the top camera gear video makers on youtube, keep up the good work and your own style! Greetings from Finland.

[@yellowpanda04]

this is the best Leica M review , very honest and very practical review, many many thanks to Chris.

[@ChrisBilodeauPhotography]

People that don't get Leica, just don't get Leica. Moreover, most people that buy a Leica M will not use it like a soccer parent with their new fancy DSLR and kit lens. I have pro DSLRs that I use to make money as I am a semi-professional wedding and portrait photographer. They are big plastic computers that allow you to shoot in the dark. They have more options than iPhones and everybody has a DSLR nowadays. I got my Leica M8 to slow me down. It's a finely carved hunk of brass and mag alloy that mates to the world's best optics. I find I actually think about what I am gonna photograph and the whole process of making an image with a Leica is intoxicating. Leica Ms make you a better "photographer." You capture moments rather than just making cool images. Sort of like shooting film. I love my Nikons and my D800 is amazing. But, when I go out the door, it's always the Leica M8 with Elmarit 28mm that goes in my bag. That and a Nikon FE film camera.

[@carolinamardonesolivos6333]

dslrs arent made of plastic

[@ChrisBilodeauPhotography]

Carolina Mardones Olivos Polycarbonate is a rigid form of plastic. "Some" DSLRs have a magnesium alloy shell covered with plastic, like my D3 and D800. Some lesser DSLRs are plastic (poly) and even have a plastic lens mount, like the D600 and below. Leica are metal and brass.

[@tom20152]

why don't you just shoot film. It will make you a better "photographer".

[@ChrisBilodeauPhotography]

tom nguyen I do. 1958 Leica M3. I also develop my own B&W, typically with Ilfosol and either Kodak 400-TX or HP5 Plus. The point is, too many people buy a digital camera today and craft of "photography" is lost. I applaud Leica for understanding this. I love that Leica introduced a new M-A recently, an all mechanical throwback to the M3 (in 2014). If one hates Leica, that is fine. But, hate Leica for an intelligent reason and not that it is too expensive or does not shoot video. Leica is a Ferrari. Over-priced? No. Why? Because there is no way to accurately price something with intangible qualities cherished by those that understand its purpose. If you see a Ferrari as just a car with 4 tires to drive to Walmart, then you don't understand. If you see a Leica M as a snapshot camera, again, you will not understand. Its not arrogance, it is just a different way of thinking and respecting the pure craft of photography.

[@Federico84]

maybe i'm wrong but i have a feeling that with leica a good portion of the price is for the leica logo,

[@niccollsvideo]

Hey Erik, thanks for enjoying our show. Monopods and tripods are good ideas but a good video camera should render any movement that is present nicely. The M doesn't have a truly appropriate shutter speed given it's frame rate but also seems to render motion in a stilted fashion which to our eyes is less pleasing than other cameras. It's subtle but it's there. P.S. if your getting jitters on your SLR try a shutter speed double your frame rate if you haven't already. Chris @ The Camera Store TV

[@KurzawaJakub]

I'm never disappointed with your reviews. Great work, keep doing it. :)

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

The image quality is identical to the M9, which has been written about in great detail by many photographers. All you sacrifice is a USB port and frame line preview. With so many new cameras out there, we probably won't do an M-E video in the near future. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

I'm going to assume you mean me, Chris Niccolls, and not my counterpart Chris Tait. He's going to be hurt but he'll get over it. Thanks for watching our videos! Chris @ The Camera Store TV

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

Agreed.

[@Magneira]

To be fair I never used one for extend periods, only tested two that my friend has because its very expensive, the build quality and the less are top I can say that :)

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

I think it has something to do with our respective proximity to the equator. We actually had liquid water outside today!!! Chris @ The Camera Store TV

[@Camtography]

Really beautiful pictures from Chris. Thank you guys for the video.

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

It certainly is, a nice feature but the lenses aren't yet so I think it only serves to provide perceived confidence in your investment being safer Chris @ The Camera Store

[@DavidDatura]

An enjoyable review. Glad to see, for the most part the M lives up to expectations. Good job Chris.

[@alnwick00]

Did you use a tripod with each camera system in approximately the same place when making the comparison photographs?

[@TechInspected]

Wow this is much more of an actual pound for pound review. Good job sirs!

[@kennethgray5447]

Love these TCS reviews!..

[@meunierjean-luc3116]

Very anxious to get mine! Even with some limits I am shure I will enjoy this camera. And over all, it is the only full frame interchangeable lens camera that will fit in my bicycle handlebar bag.

[@TOOBBIINN1]

Chris is getting better with doing these videos. Nice work!

[@temporarymomentary]

Finally ! Review with print samples.

[@davidvanchu]

It's funny, snow is a staple in The Camera Store TV videos, while sunny and hot days are the most common in DigitalRev.

[@kape06111]

Thank you for the review. I'm using a Fuji XE1, but I'm falling in love with thi Leica M. It now has all what I wanted in the previous M.

[@JoelKernasenko]

There is a way to see the exposure changes "live". If you half press the shutter and adjust the settings it will update in real time to the actual exposure.

[@greenophotography]

Happy with my M9-P and great glass.

[@skiiizo]

Thank you very much Chris for this nice video.

[@barparildar]

Excellent video! Thank you very much!

[@Dikaiosune02]

This was a great balanced review. I'm quite certain my conclusions will be quite similar. Thank you for making the leap and putting your reputation on the line with your comments on the rx1. And thank you for comparing prints. Good job. From a Leica user.

[@tvurk]

You guys deserve 10x more subscribers for sure, keep up making these awesome reviews!

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

We mentioned this at 5:36.

[@killazx9]

I like this video a lot. Good honest opinion and the guts to play it side by side against a camera like the RX1. Most Leica reviewers would immediately put Leica on a different playing field so it does not look bad even when other brands are doing a better job at not even 1/2 of the cost. Leica still makes some great lenses with some very unique image signatures. It may boil down to personal taste but on the camera body department Leica does not seem to be able to win with a 3rd party supplier.

[@InTheMistPhoto]

Looking for something smaller (for stills!) than my DSLR with an optical viewfinder, so I thank you very much for the excellent video from a non-Leica-purist.

[@StefanSager]

Super awesome backwards walking!

[@nikonrulz]

Excellent review as usual Chris.

[@24SEVIN]

This makes me feel A LOT better about going broke for an RX1 even though they are totally different cameras. I'd still rather have the Leica M mostly bc I can change lenses, but the size of the RX1 is ridiculous. So portable. Great review!

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

They milk the brand name, but I still feel that you're paying the money not for any perception of IQ but for the unique nature of shooting a rangefinder. It's all about the experience of shooting and not the final product. One could argue that liveview makes the camera less unique compared to the rest though. Is that good or bad?

[@maheshg212]

Chris, very enjoyable and informative as always. It was very useful to see the comparison between RX1 and M9 too... now I need to find some money to buy this! I tried noctilux beast with M, and man that is a killer combo.

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

You can find Chris Tait's Flickr account by searching for 'christait'. There's even more Leica M samples on there!

[@nategrey392]

I feel another serious digitalrev video

[@Wolkenkeller]

You are the Colin Farell of photography. Awesome!

[@h3csc]

I seriously think TCS deserve a lot more attention than they currently have

[@JoelKernasenko]

I was posting as I was watching ;) Great Review! LiveView and the ability to use an EV are great additions to the system.

[@CorySchadt]

Amazing that the RX1 can compete considering the massive price difference.

[@MichaelGerrard]

Excellent review, as always!

[@ChrisPaynePhoto]

You can still mount your lenses, they work just the same as the mount hasn't changed outside of the coding. You won't be able to see your aperture or what lens you used in your EXIF data but the photos will be there and look awesome.

[@TheMegumi1]

Great review. I love the style of these.

[@Sapphire4459]

What I was going to say before I pressed return was , I desperately want to like the digital m cameras but feel do let down with reliability they are only good for amateurs as a pro could not rely on them like you could before. One of the big selling points to me as a professional is reliability which most people don't even mention. Reliability is even more important than picture quality.

[@MichaelFoleyPhotography]

Image quality might be better, yes. But the focus on the RX1 is incredibly slow and a rangefinder has many advantages for accurate shooting. Not to mention it's a fixed lens; you are comparing apples to oranges when it comes to what type of camera it is.

[@glenconverse1327]

Very interesting review. Thank you so very much.....

[@lichmd]

Excellent and well thought out review. The Leica M is enticing for those of us that have M lenses. Unfortunately I find the RX-1 a more interesting camera for street photography, candid portraiture, environmental portraiture and for discreet compact carry. Thanks and keep it up!

[@AriBCantor]

TCS Team: Bravo on another superb, subjective, and informative camera review. I'm on the fence regarding the new M (240), and you raised some excellent points that any potential buyer should ponder. I'd love to hear your thoughts regarding the new grip and the EVF (same as the X2). In addition, did you experience any software/firmware issues as this is a new generation for Leica. Thanks, and please keep up the outstanding work!

[@mp4podcastDOTcom]

Jordon the only thing I do not like about the Sony NEX-FS700U is that it does not have a coffee mug holder. I think that's a deal breaker for me when filming out in the cold. LOL

[@Acquavallo]

I just want a Leica so much

[@Federico84]

i wouldn't walk backwards on the snow holding a leica with one hands. you like to risk :)

[@crispy1688]

Great review!! Very thorough and honest

[@kam-ic9pq]

Best Leica M review. Thank you.

[@niccollsvideo]

In terms of clarity and detail I would say yes it's better, and I love the D600. The Leica M also has very pleasing colour and tonal range but the D600 gives better high ISO quality and dynamic range. It's really mostly to do with the physical advantage of leaving out the mirror and gap and not the glass. In the end though a shovel made in Germany and a shovel made in Japan both dig holes. Chris @ The Camera Store TV

[@nachase100]

He's referring to the manufacturer of the sensor, CMOSIS, a relatively unknown Belgian sensor manufacturer, not to the sensor type (ie. CMOS).

[@MichaelFoleyPhotography]

What are you talking about? Did you see the images? The M clearly has better image quality in every regard to the M9. Sharpness, color depth, tonal quality, contrast, dynamic range, and iso performance are all improved.

[@Rationalific]

Great review! I know that Leica has its followers, but it seems that nearly every camera they bring out has technology that is a few years behind the competition's and a price that is a few thousand dollars higher than the competition.

[@Magneira]

Its clear that people buy and enjoy leica like a hobby or something like that, not because its good the best one, I don't get or agree with that but hey there a crazy people for everything right?

[@jonathhanhuynh]

Very nice reviewed and thanks.

[@BernieCastilloUIC]

I have an old Leica M6 (Film camera) with two old Leica lenses; 35mm 1:2 / 35 Summicron and 90mm Summicron 1:2 APO ASP. If I buy this new Leica M ( 240) - digital body only, could I still use my old Leica M6 *lenses : 35mm Summicron and 90 mm Summicron with Leica M (240) ? Do I need an adapter ? Are these lenses compatible with Leica M ( 240 ) ? OR I have to buy a new Leica M (240) lenses ? Specific for Leica M (240) only.Thanks. Bernie ( Ret.)

[@js312raf]

11:22 That's a crop from the M9, not the M240 compared to the RX1 though! (I actually have all three cameras as well!)

[@rompowertube]

Great review, thank you very much!

[@themajordude]

Excellent review!

[@lemonmark]

Great review! Keep up the good work. Just wondering why you didn't include the external viewfinder.

[@wanderingphotog]

M-E is exactly the same as the M9 except without a frame-line selector or USB port. Same sensor, screen, menu, etc.

[@SimoneDiFrancia]

i love that camera!

[@witherm01]

....camera and lens setup when there are very able cameras out there that in my opinion do just as good a job.

[@Sam081590]

Chris!! I'm on the pre-order list for the Leica M and am expecting it very soon. If it arrives, I can't return!!! Need your opinion ASAPPP please T.T. So, i ordered the Leica with the classic 50 Cron. I love how "pure" it is - little gimmicks, however I also saw tests of the RX1 and it is AMAZING in detail. However, the colour seems to have less "character" than the M, and the electronic focusing leaves little to be desired. What's your take!?

[@MaartenBlij]

From what you have shown today, I think I like the image quality of the RX1 better. Which is strange to me, because I always thought that Leica was the best in it´s market.

[@jhsong84]

Hey Chris, thanks for the review! Big fan. Just one request. Could you PLEASE do a review on the new Leica M-E as well. I've seen a lot of the M review, but not much on the M-E, and preferably a comparison test between the M-E and the M9. Thanks!

[@fergie9275]

Just curious - what do you have against the Leica straps? I personally love them - I have them on all my cameras. They're simple and never get in my way or slip.. Thanks

[@deepspacechris]

I can understand your opinion, its just that as soon as I got used to the 50 'lux asph it was hard to use anything else.

[@Ingeneering]

quick question regarding Chris' photos. What lens was he using for the images shot? Specifically the first one at 8:29?

[@Axibis]

Get Last Identity leather Strap for it, they are great...

[@hongyimo]

Chris, you looked so young man~

[@JohnYoungPhotographer]

great review thanks

[@photoheritage]

I wish you could review Nikon D-7100 against Pentax K-5 II / Pentax K-5 II s Please vote up if you think it would be interesting review..

[@nilsfilm]

Wish they hadn't not done the "video" mode. They should have put as digital/optical switchable finder or optical with digital read-out options as well as the live view. Not going to make me switch from m9 as I don't really want to drop that money.

[@BartenderX]

St Pattys! Nice review, would be nice if I could afford Leica gear for street shooting and portraits.

[@conscarcdr]

Chris & Jordan, could you pit D800E + Distagon 35/1.4 against Leica M + Summilux 35/1.4 ASPH FLE? I think it would be fairer to compare similarly specified lenses. Too bad there is no D600E yet.

[@Othercargo]

would love to see a review with the R lens adapter but great review

[@lubesicle]

great review chris, just one note -- the jittery video, wouldnt that be from not using a stabilizer? i get the same jitteryness no matter what slr/photography camera i use for video, and you guys were on a train which i feel would exacerbate that. thanks and great review like always, been watching a lot of your stuff

[@mehmetpinarci1456]

Very nice review .

[@Produitscoreens]

Hello, just a comment on your sharpness test. Was it made in Jpeg or Raw ? Thank you

[@Sapphire4459]

From the days of working as a cruise ship photog in the late 1980's Iusing M4's & M4-p's to using the m6 in the 90's I bought an M8.2 which is a very nice camera but with very disappointing reliability compared to the others.

[@QuickQuips]

He's filming the D7100 review today. He might compare it with Pentax and Canon's offerings. Liked this review. Any words about the abysmal DxO sensor results?

[@shirokage240z]

The M-E is not a successor, it's the M9 renamed and without the frameline "preview" lever and USB port.

[@randomgeocacher]

From the eoshd interview with Leica I was expecting extraordinary video, it's averaging pixels rather than line skipping. But maybe that's also related to the weirdness you observed, perhaps rolling shutter effects are different in this setup.

[@Silverwarhawk]

Hey Chris, do you think Fujifilm will ever come out with a Full Frame Digital Rangefinder that just won't trigger a big black hole on bank accounts?

[@kape06111]

Very nice video. Thank you it was exactly what I asked for in the review of the Fuji x100s and x20. I have a dilemma, Leica M or rx1. Price vs lenses possibility. Any advise?

[@cityhunter2501]

i wish chris t made the review for the new M or at least shared some of his thoughts or opinion because chris n doesn't seem to like shooting rangefinder other than like a P&S, weird though considering the MM review was nicely done

[@UJOPhoto]

At this price point, the only sane comparison for this camera would be the Nikon D4s and the Canon 1Dx , both of which smash this snobby thing to pieces in terms of frames/second, ISO, focusing, etc.