Black Leica camera with a textured grip and a large lens, red Leica logo above the lens, and a small viewfinder on the top right.


Leica M (Typ 262)

The Leica M (Typ 262) was introduced in December of 2015318 and was produced until 2019357. At its introduction, it was considered a reduced cost model318.

The Leica M (Typ 262) represented a careful refinement of existing features357. Technically, it shared most characteristics with its predecessor, the Leica M (Typ 240)357. Both models utilized the same 24-megapixel CMOS image sensor with a maximum sensitivity of ISO 6400357.

However, the Leica M (Typ 262) emphasized the original values of the Leica M series357. This focus resulted in a simpler operation, eliminating unnecessary controls357. Notably, the complete film mode and Live View capabilities found in the Leica M (Typ 240), along with their associated controls and menu items, were removed in the Leica M (Typ 262)357. Additionally, Leica M (Typ 262) was not compatible with the electronic clip-on viewfinder, as its connections were absent357.

The manual selection lever for the rangefinder framelines, present in the Leica M (Typ 240), was also missing in Leica M (Typ 262)357. The design featured a streamlined housing, lacking controls such as the secondary shutter release for video, which gave it a resemblance to the Leica M9357. This strategy of removal has resulted in significantly simpler menus and a weight reduction of about 80 grams compared to the Leica M (Typ 240)357. 


Special Editions

Leica M (Typ 262) "Red" was produced in 2017357. It was created for the Lars Netopil Classic Cameras - Leica Store Altstadt Wetzlar357. The set of 100 units included a red anodized camera, with the top and base plates milled from aluminum, as well as a red anodised Leica 50mm f/2 APO-Summicron-M ASPH357. Examples were:

  • prototype body number 5142186, with prototype Apo-Summicron-M 2/50mm RED lens number P01/03 (prototype lens number 1 of 3 produced) and Apo-Summicron-M 2/50mm RED lens number P03/03 (prototype lens number 3 of 3 produced), was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Museum Leica" book in 2018596.
  • body number 5235002, dated 2017 (that was sold with prototype lens number 4666801 (P02/03), dated 2016 (prototype lens number 2 of 3 produced)391)
  • body number 5235045, dated 2017 
  • body number 5235061, dated 2017 
  • body number 5235063, dated 2017 (that was sold with Apo-Summicron-M 2/50mm RED lens number 4667268, dated 2016)384
  • body number 5235095, dated 2017 (that was sold with Apo-Summicron-M 2/50mm RED lens number 4667311, dated 2016)385