A Leica camera with a silver and black body, featuring a prominent lens and a red Leica logo on the top right.

Leica M10

The Leica M10 was introduced in January 17, 2017334. With the introduction of the Leica M10, Leica returned to its previous approach to camera naming conventions357. 

The rangefinder on the Leica M10 was completely redesigned and is now 30% larger than that on Leica M (Typ 240)309. It had a magnification of 0.73x, compared to the 0.68x found in earlier digital M models309. This larger rangefinder allowed for much easier visibility of the 28mm framelines compared to Leica M (Typ 240), while the higher magnification simplified focusing309.

Leica M10 had a new sensor made specifically for the Leica M10. The M10 boasted a maximum ISO of 50,000, which was three stops more than the maximum ISO of 6,400 found in Leica M (Typ 240)309. The improved dynamic range and minimized banding, along with excellent color reproduction, made the higher ISO values quite usable309. It maintained a resolution of around 24 megapixels357. This sensor advancement provided a noticeable improvement in image quality compared to its predecessors, which may not be immediately apparent from the technical specifications357. Leica did not disclose the manufacturer of the Leica M10's sensor309. 

The Leica M10 was equipped with a Maestro II processor, designed to produce less heat and consume less battery power309.

Due to the thinner body of the Leica M10, a completely new shutter design was necessary309. It had a sound that is very similar to that of Leica M (Typ 240): no louder, but slightly higher in pitch309.

The LCD on the Leica M10 was 3 inches, similar to that of Leica M (Typ 240), but it featured greater resolution (1036 vs. 920) and a different aspect ratio309. The screen was clear and bright, making it excellent for both live view and image reviews309.

The top plate of the Leica M10 included an ISO dial309. The Leica M10 was also the first digital M model to incorporate a dedicated ISO dial, replacing the traditional rewind button found on older analog M models357. This innovation, conceived by the product management team led by Jesko von Oeynhausen, allowed users to control all key parameters—focus, aperture, shutter speed, and ISO settings—directly on the camera without having to navigate through menus357. As was often the case with Leica's M series, these seemingly minor yet practical details had significantly contributed to the Leica M10's lasting popularity357.

The top plate of the Leica M10 removed the video button309. The Leica M10 did not offer a video mode, maintaining a clear focus on photography while providing optional image composition on the display357. The rear plate had a slightly redesigned thumb wheel and direction rocker switch309. However, the most significant changes could be found in the buttons on the left side of the LCD309.

The top plate of the Leica M10 removed the multi-function On/Off switch309. 

Moreover, Leica M photographers welcomed the Leica M10's new housing featuring a redesigned top plate, reminiscent of the legendary Leica M3357. Leica M10's housing was extensively redesigned to accommodate the newly arranged control elements while moving closer to the classic, less bulky form factor of the analog rangefinder models357. This camera was 4mm thinner than Leica M (Typ 240)309. The camera also had a deeper lens mount than that of Leica M (Typ 240), which accounts for about half of the overall thickness difference309. The thumb grip of Leica M10 was slightly deeper than that of Leica M (Typ 240)309. At 647 grams it was 50 grams lighter than Leica M (Typ 240)309.

The digital capabilities of the Leica M10 were further enhanced by the integration of a WLAN module, allowing the camera to connect to the Leica FOTOS app on smartphones357. This feature enabled users to upload images and control the camera remotely357. An additional GPS receiver was integrated into the redesigned electronic Visoflex viewfinder, whose connection pins were discreetly relocated to the accessory shoe357.


Prototypes

Prototype Leica M10 "P01", dated 2018, had several small differences from the standard production Leica M10, such as the "Push" setting on the ISO wheel, a missing front button, a different design for the battery compartment, and original pencil markings on the housing from the design department387.


'Betriebskamera' Cameras

Leica M10 "Betriebsk.", dated 2018, numbered 5322491, was manufactured for internal Leica factory use only381.


Special Editions

Leica M10 "Leitzpark Edition Black" was produced in 2018357. This was second special series on the occasion of the opening of the third construction phase of the Leitz-Park357. The black camera had no red Leica dot; the lettering "Leitzpark" was embossed in its black leather coating, which was also engraved on the back of the top plate357. 

Leica M10 "Leitzpark Edition Silver" was produced in 2018357. This was third special series on the occasion of the opening of the third construction phase of the Leitz-Park357. The silver chrome-plated camera also had no red Leica dot; the lettering "Leitzpark" was embossed into its black leather covering357.

Leica M10 "Edition Zagato" was produced in 2018357. This special edition was developed together with the Italian design brand Zagato357. The top plate, base plate, controls and the camera casing were made of aluminium357. Instead of the leather covering, the camera's housing featured fine grooves357. The Summilux-M 35 f/1.4 ASPH. included in the set had a similar design357. In addition to a red shutter release, there was a red carrying strap made of cowhide with embossed Zagato lettering as a colour accent357. A unique serial number was engraved on an aluminium plate on the underside of the camera, which was only visible when the base cover was opened357. Examples included:

  • prototype body number 3040415 (P14/15), dated circa 2016, with lens 4721213
  • body number 5324087 (88/250), dated 2018, with lens 4728487
  • body number 5324138 (139/250), dated 2018, with lens 4728538

Leica M10 "Royal Selangor" was produced in 2018357. This special edition was produced in collaboration with Royal Selangor, the world's largest pewter manufacturer and trader based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia357. The edition was available in a pewter and a silver edition, each with a Summilux-M 50 f/1.4 ASPH357. The silver edition featured acanthus leaf motifs by Comyns engraved in silver357. 

Leica M10 "Robb Report 15 Years Russian Edition" was produced in 2019357. This special series was released on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the Robb Report magazine in Russia357. The black chrome-plated camera had a brown ostrich leather cover357. The top plate was engraved with the words Robb Report, "15 Years Russian Edition" and a special number357. The set included a black anodised Summicron-M 35 f/2 ASPH357. Examples included: body 5322465 ("1 of 15") with the lens number 4757350.