With only a few weeks left before Photokina 2014, the German manufacturer introduces its latest addition to its rangefinder catalog: The Leica M-P Type 240.
Basically, the new MP is a Leica M (Typ 240), but optimized especially for professionals with a number of subtle yet significant improvements, giving users only what they need in a compact rangefinder camera.
One thing noticeable on the new M camera is the absence of the iconic 'red dot' in front of the camera. Taking its place is Leica's signature engraving that can be found on the top plate.
Inside the Leica MP you can find a 24 megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor coupled with the Leica Maestro image processor and a 2 gigabyte memory buffer (twice of that in the M typ 240), improving on continuous shooting (at 3 frames per second) because of faster processing.
Adding to improvements in the sensor and buffer, Leica has now integrated sapphire coating to its monitor, making it extremely scratch resistant. An anti-reflective coating on both sides have been have also been added, making viewing easier in difficult lighting.
A frame line selection lever has now been added. The lever can select the bright-line frames can be changed according the focal length of the lens mounted. Frames are show in pairs for corresponding focal lengths: 28 and 90mm, 50 and 75mm, 35 and 135 mm.
Here's Leica's official press release (via l-camera-forum.com):
"Leica Camera AG, Wetzlar, presents a further model in the Leica rangefinder camera segment. Based on the otherwise identical Leica M, the Leica M-P offers all the technical advantages of the Leica M-System and several additional features, for example an enlarged buffer memory. The 'P' in the name of this camera indicates the particularly discreet and enduring design concept with which the Leica M-P joins the line of Leica M-Cameras conceived especially to fulfil the needs of professional photographers.
The buffer memory capacity of the Leica M-P has been increased to 2 GB - twice the size of that of the Leica M. This guarantees that the Leica M-P is immediately ready to shoot in almost all situations. This is a particular advantage when shooting pictures in rapid succession, as the image data needs to be buffered directly after the shutter is released, before writing to the SD memory card. This means that users can now react to events with even greater spontaneity to capture the decisive moment in almost every photographic situation.
In terms of design, the Leica M-P is based on the typical characteristics of the Leica rangefinder system and focuses in particular on robustness and a long product lifespan. The use of an extremely scratch-resistant sapphire crystal cover for its LCD monitor is one example of this. This material is so hard that it can only be worked with special diamond cutting tools and is one of the world's hardest materials. In practical terms, the sapphire glass LCD cover is almost unbreakable and offers resistance to many kinds of wear and stresses, meaning that the camera is ideally equipped for many years of use. Thanks to an anti-reflective coating on both sides of the cover glass, image reviewing is now even better, even in difficult lighting conditions, and allows photographers to assess and check every subject with optimum precision both before and after exposure."
The Leica MP can be pre ordered on B&H starting at $8,000 (body only), available in both silver and black models.
