Leica M-E (Typ 220)

Leica M-E (Typ 220), entry-level digital M camera²⁹⁸ based on Leica M9³⁵⁷, was introduced in September of 2012³¹⁸ and remained in production until 2015³⁵⁷. The camera was painted in anthracite grey³¹⁸ and had product code of 10759³⁶¹. It was seen as a less expensive alternative to the Leica M (Typ 240) that was to appear a short time later³⁵⁷.

Leica M-E (Typ 220) did not feature a frameline selector or USB port³¹⁸. Frame lines on this camera matched image sensor size at 1m focusing distance³⁶¹. Camera weighed 585 gram³⁶¹.

Special Cameras

Leica M-E (Typ 220) "Kinderlachen", dated 2015 and numbered 3333535, was a fundraising initiative created in collaboration between Leica and the non-profit organization Kinderlachen e.V.³⁹⁶ It was one of two unique Leica cameras (Leica M no. 4889418 and Leica M-E no. 3333535) featuring Kinderlachen designs³⁹⁶. All proceeds from the sale were directed towards projects conducted by Kinderlachen e.V.³⁹⁶ As part of this project, two unique Leica models were developed with children in Dortmund³⁹⁶. The children received cardboard versions of the Leica M rangefinder camera, which they could paint and decorate according to their imagination³⁹⁶. This creative process produced 140 pieces of artwork that were exhibited at Leitz Park in Wetzlar³⁹⁶. In recognition of their vibrant designs, Leica selected two cardboard cameras as templates for Munich-based artist Helmut Lutter, who then transformed these designs into two remarkable and truly unique Leica rangefinder cameras³⁹⁶.