Leica Broadens Its Market With $5450 Leica M-E

Now THIS is cool!!  18MP full frame camera is essentially an M9 in a new body to appeal to those who just can’t swing the high price of the new M10.  Bravo Leica !  There were a lot of bogus reports of making an APS-C mirrorless system but this was absolutely the right way to do things.  I’m so excited I might even buy one!  What a beauty.

EDIT: No I won’t buy one because they still have the same 230,000 dot LCD on it from the 1980s.  Yes it is that crap that I would change my decision.  Come on Leica…. you know you’re going to get flamed for doing that.

Edit 2: 3900 GBP , USD price is 5450.

Leica announces M-E: The essence of rangefinder photography

Photokina, Cologne, 17 September 2012: Leica Camera AG today presents a new model in the Leica rangefinder portfolio: the Leica M-E.

Together with the new Leica M and Leica M Monochrom – the world’s first digital black and white camera in 35mm format – the Leica M-E joins the latest digital generation of Leica M cameras, now comprising three rangefinder models. Offering rangefinder technology perfected by Leica over decades, the Leica M-E represents the essence of rangefinder photography. Concentrating on the essential photographic functions and renowned dependability for all typical ‘M’ fields of use, the Leica M-E makes an ideal entry- level model for photographers wishing to experience the fascination of M-Photography in its purest form.

Featuring a proven, high-resolution, 18 MP CCD sensor in full 35 mm format, the Leica M-E offers exceptional image quality combined with the distinct advantages of rangefinder photography, and a minimal, discreet design in an unobtrusive anthracite grey paint finish. The application of an attractive new leather-style trim, which also provides enhanced grip for steadier shooting, ideally complements the camera’s classic design.

 

About the Leica M-System

Since 1954, the Leica M system has stood for an unmistakable, individual kind of photography and a very conscious photographic style. This is because, with a Leica M, the photographer becomes a part of the action in the process of capturing challenging and creative images. The rangefinder allows the photographer to frame the shot precisely, while providing a clear view of what is happening outside the viewfinder frame lines. This allows the user to predict the decisive moment and capture it discreetly and reliably at the right moment – in all fields, from photojournalism and ‘available light’ exposures to discreet and aesthetic fine-art images.

The functions of the Leica M rangefinder camera are consistently constructed for extreme durability and robustness. The highest quality materials, meticulous manufacturing processes and precise manual assembly guarantee functional reliability for many years to come. Full backward system compatibility – almost all lenses in the Leica M range built since 1954 can still be used with the latest M camera models – is an important factor in the enduring value of the Leica M series.

Pricing and availability

The Leica M-E in anthracite grey paint finish is scheduled to be available in the UK at a suggested retail price of £3,900 inc VAT from September 2012 from authorised Leica dealers including the Leica Store Mayfair: www.leica-storemayfair.co.uk, tel: 020 7629 1351. A full list of authorised UK Leica dealers is available at www.leica-camera.co.uk.

Photo of author

Dan Carr

Founder of Shutter Muse, full time photographer and creative educator. Dan lives in the Canadian Yukon, but his wanderlust often sends him in search of images all around the world to meet the needs of clients and readers alike.

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