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Leica M-E Digital Rangefinder Camera

BH #LEME • MFR #10759
Key Features
  • 18MP Full Frame CCD Sensor
  • Fits Leica M-Mount Lenses
  • 2.5" TFT LCD with 230,000 Pixels
  • Manual Focus with Optical Viewfinder
The M-E Digital Rangefinder Camera from Leica is a full frame, interchangeable lens camera that embodies the notion that less is more. By concentrating on essential photographic functions, the M-E produces high quality images in a fast and stealthy manner. The camera houses a full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor but retains a compact, durable and well-designed form.

The 18MP CCD sensor in full 35mm format offers high-resolution imaging and the omission of the sensor's low-pass filter creates photos with fine details and an increased visual impact. The sensor matches well with the compact M-system and M-series lenses, giving uniform exposure across the entire sensor. The camera's compatibility with the full line of superb Leica M-series lenses provides flexibility in shooting and sharp imagery. 

By declining to incorporate features such as Live View and Video functions, the M-E frees itself to perfect only those functions that create a better photographic image. Its fast and accurate manual focusing is achieved via the optical viewfinder/rangefinder and the smooth, exact focusing ring of a Leica lens. Shutter speeds from bulb mode through 1/4000th of seconds can be set manually or automatically determined by the camera. The shutter mechanism is a closed type focal plane shutter with external cocking mechanics and provides a quiet and smooth action.

A 2.5" TFT LCD screen with 230,000 pixels offers clear image playback and menu control and the camera body itself is an all-metal casing made of die-cast magnesium with an attractive anthracite-gray finish and a real leather wrap which provides a good grip as well as good looks. A hot shoe mount is available for optional flash attachment.

This is an ideal camera for those interested in a pure photographic system which produces uncompromised image quality.

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Leica M-E (Typ 220) Overview

The M-E Digital Rangefinder Camera from Leica is a full frame, interchangeable lens camera that embodies the notion that less is more. By concentrating on essential photographic functions, the M-E produces high quality images in a fast and stealthy manner. The camera houses a full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor but retains a compact, durable and well-designed form.

The 18MP CCD sensor in full 35mm format offers high-resolution imaging and the omission of the sensor's low-pass filter creates photos with fine details and an increased visual impact. The sensor matches well with the compact M-system and M-series lenses, giving uniform exposure across the entire sensor. The camera's compatibility with the full line of superb Leica M-series lenses provides flexibility in shooting and sharp imagery. 

By declining to incorporate features such as Live View and Video functions, the M-E frees itself to perfect only those functions that create a better photographic image. Its fast and accurate manual focusing is achieved via the optical viewfinder/rangefinder and the smooth, exact focusing ring of a Leica lens. Shutter speeds from bulb mode through 1/4000th of seconds can be set manually or automatically determined by the camera. The shutter mechanism is a closed type focal plane shutter with external cocking mechanics and provides a quiet and smooth action.

A 2.5" TFT LCD screen with 230,000 pixels offers clear image playback and menu control and the camera body itself is an all-metal casing made of die-cast magnesium with an attractive anthracite-gray finish and a real leather wrap which provides a good grip as well as good looks. A hot shoe mount is available for optional flash attachment.

This is an ideal camera for those interested in a pure photographic system which produces uncompromised image quality.

18MP Full-frame CCD Sensor
The highly light sensitive full-frame CCD sensor is ideal for the compact nature of the M-E and the high quality Leica M-series lenses. Uniform light exposure from corner to corner of the sensor provides sharp, high quality images.
Omitted Low-pass Filter
The omission of the otherwise usual low-pass filter ensures that images possess fine details and a particularly natural visual impact.
Optical Viewfinder/Rangefinder
Manual focus is provided through the large, clear, bright-line rangefinder with 0.68x magnification and automatic parallax compensation. The viewfinder's frame lines match the image sensor size at 3.2 feet (1 m). Split or superimposed image rangefinder is shown as a bright field in the center of the viewfinder image. The eyepiece is adjusted to -0.5 dpt. An LED display is visible in the optical viewfinder showing auto shutter speeds and exposure correction warnings.
Exposure
Exposure metering is Through the Lens (TTL) metering, center-weighted with variable aperture. There are two exposure modes: Automatic shutter speed (Aperture Priority A-mode) and Manual Exposure (M-mode). Exposure compensation is -3 EV to +3 EV in 1/3 stops.
Handsome, Durable Design
Milled brass top cover with all metal, magnesium body. Anthracite-gray finish and black leather trim.
Image File Format and Size
The M-E shoots in both DNG (RAW data uncompressed or nonlinear compressed) and JPEG formats. DNG file size is 18 MB (compressed) and 36 MB (uncompressed). Exact JPEG file sizes depend on resolution and image content.
User Profiles
Up to four sets of camera and exposure settings can be saved under a user-selected profile name and rapidly retrieved whenever required.
Menu Languages
English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Japanese, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese
Other Functions
Saturation, Contrast, Sharpening
Accessories
All optional accessories compatible with the Leica M9/M9-P digital camera will fit the Leica M-E.
Software
A free Adobe Lightroom software download is included.

Leica M-E (Typ 220)Specs

Imaging
Sensor Resolution
Actual: 18.5 Megapixel
Effective: 18 Megapixel
Exposure Control
Metering Method
Center-Weighted Average
Magnification
Approx. 0.68x
Diopter Adjustment
-3 to +3
Focus
Focus Mode
Manual Focus
Flash
External Flash Connection
Shoe Mount
Battery Type
1x Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 3.7 VDC, 1860 mAh
Packaging Info
Package Weight
4.55 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
8.7 x 7.8 x 7.4"

Leica M-E (Typ 220) Reviews

See any errors on this page? Let us know

question

Does this camera body and lense made in Germany?
Asked by: daniel C.
The M-e that I bought, does not say MADE in GERMANY, simply says GERMANY. My 50 mm lens says made in Germany. I do not have a 75m lens
Answered by: Alan O.
Date published: 2018-08-26

question

Is the M-E a new model in 2015?
Asked by: Jane s.
No. This is basically the M9 camera and sensor minus a few of the M9 features (which most people think are unimportant). It uses the older CCD technology for the sensor, but many people prefer this. The only drawback in my opinion is limited flash offerings: there is a small one from Leica and a huge handle-mount one from Metz, and that is about it.
Answered by: Don P.
Date published: 2018-08-26

question

how large a print can i make for exhibition and still remain sharp?How does it compare to a medium format at 20x 24 inches prints.
Asked by: Anonymous
You could easily make 16x20 or 20x24 inch prints with this camera. A medium format camera however would have more resolution at those print sizes.
Answered by: Matthew C.
Date published: 2018-08-28

question

Which of the Leica Flash Units is compatible with this camera?
Asked by: Anonymous
According to Leica, the M-E is compatible with the SF 24D and the SF 58.
Answered by: Christina S.
Date published: 2018-08-28
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