Leica M (Typ 240)

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The Leica M (Typ 240) was introduced at Photokina in September of 2012, alongside the Leica M-E, but it was not delivered until 2013³¹⁸. The first sketches for the Leica M (Typ 240) camera were drafted in 2009, during the development of the Leica M9³⁶¹. The product code for black paint mode is 10770 and for silver chrome is 10771³⁶¹.

Processor

At its core, the Leica M (Typ 240) design features the MAESTRO processor for the first time³⁵⁷. This processor ensures fast performance despite the camera's high resolution and Live View capabilities. The Maestro and its successors continue to be the driving force behind Leica's larger digital cameras to this day³⁵⁷.

Sensor

The Leica M (Typ 240) also features a new CMOS sensor developed through a collaboration between Belgium, France, and Germany³⁶¹. This innovative sensor has unique characteristics, the most notable being its lack of a layer of microlenses³⁶¹. As a result, the sensor is less sensitive to the effects of skew rays hitting the pixels at the outer edges, delivering good results with both telecentric and standard lens constructions³⁶¹. 

Speaking of sensors, initially, like many competitors, Leica opted for CCD sensors, known for their superior image quality at the time but also for high energy consumption, which made video capture impossible³⁵⁷. While CCD sensors dominated the market, CMOS chips began with an unfavorable reputation³⁵⁷. However, over time, CMOS sensors evolved to outperform their CCD counterparts and have since largely replaced them in the camera industry³⁵⁷. Leica was well-prepared for this transition³⁵⁷. A specialized team led by Dr. Volker Zimmer focused on in-house development of digital photography technology and firmware, which included contributions to the design of processors and sensors³⁵⁷. 

6-bit-coded R-Adapter

The Leica M (Typ 240) introduces the 6-bit-coded R-Adapter, allowing the use of R-lenses with focal lengths ranging from 15 mm to 800 mm³⁶¹. Additionally, Leica M (Typ 240) features a larger buffer, faster processing algorithms, and improved energy efficiency, making it the quickest-operating model in the M series³⁶¹.

Live View function

The Live View function is well-executed, demonstrating that Leica is staying ahead of its competition³⁶¹. As a manual focus camera, Leica M (Typ 240) allows for precise focusing through Live View and a selectable magnifier view³⁶¹. Furthermore, it employs edge detection algorithms, a common image processing technique, to highlight sharp edges in red at the selected focal distance³⁶¹. 

Significant innovations lie beneath the surface, particularly the transition from DSP technology to ASIC technology³⁶¹. DSP refers to Digital Signal Processors used for general purposes, while ASIC represents Application-Specific Integrated Circuits customized for specific applications³⁶¹. 

EVF2 Electronic Viewfinder

In addition to Live View and optical rangefinder modes, Leica M (Typ 240) camera is compatible with the EVF2 electronic viewfinder from the Leica X2, giving photographers three viewing options³⁶¹. Similar to the M9 Titan and Leica M-E models, the camera body does not have an external USB interface³⁶¹. 

Bottom plate

The bottom plate has been redesigned²⁹⁸. The tripod mounting hole is now located in the chassis of the camera instead of bottom plate²⁹⁸.

There is a small section of the metal plate on the bottom plate that has been cut away and filled with plastic²⁹⁸. This modification was made to eliminate signal interference with Wi-Fi SD cards²⁹⁸. The interior is now entirely metal instead of featuring a plastic lining²⁹⁸.

Shutter

The camera features a brand-new shutter made by Copal, designed to facilitate Live View shooting²⁹⁸. When you press the LV button, the shutter opens²⁹⁸. To take a photo, you must depress the shutter to initiate exposure, which requires the shutter to close and then reopen²⁹⁸.

Battery

The new battery in Leica M (Typ 240) is larger than the one found in the Leica M9²⁹⁸. It features a power rating of 1800 mAh and a voltage of 7.4 V²⁹⁸. This increase in battery size is necessary to power the 3-inch screen 920000 pixel LCD screen with Gorilla Glass for live view functionality, which requires both sensor and processing power to capture image data and display it on screen²⁹⁸. Combined with more efficient electronics—specifically the Maestro ASIC compared to the generic DSPs used in the M9—the Leica M (Typ 240) can achieve approximately 400 to 500 shots in live view²⁹⁸. This translates to about 5 hours of continuous usage, or around 800 to 1000 shots when using the optical viewfinder²⁹⁸.

Framelines

The LED-illuminated frame lines in the viewfinder look identical to those in the M9 Titanium²⁹⁸. The frame lines are still in three sets: 28/90, 35/135 and 50/75²⁹⁸. The illumination of the frame lines is now entirely internal²⁹⁸. The brightness of the frame lines adjusts based on ambient light and can be set by the user to either red or white²⁹⁸.

Multifunction Handgrip

The Multifunction Handgrip is slightly taller at the base compared to the Handgrip M to accommodate the additional electronics. On the backside, there are four ports located beneath two weather-sealed rubber caps. The left side features a USB port for connecting to a computer and a power input for external power supply to the camera. On the right side, you'll find a PC sync socket and a new LEMO-style SCA connector designed for the TTL flash bracket accessory²⁹⁸. 

Movie Mode

Additionally, the Leica M (Typ 240) became the first camera of its kind to record videos in Full HD format, featuring a separate shutter release on the top³⁵⁷. These new capabilities were made possible thanks to the Maestro processor³⁵⁷.

Closing Remarks

The Leica M (Typ 240) was discontinued in 2017³⁵⁷.

Special Editions of Leica M (Typ 240):