The NEW Leica M – The Leica M-D without rear LCD. Back to basics.

Looks like Leica has announced a new basic M-E style M to the Leica Rangefinder lineup! Much like they did near the end of the M9 days, releasing the M-E, which was a basic M9 at its core, it seems they did it again with this new M-D. THIS tells me that a new M will be on the way this year, end of year. Yep, that is my prediction. It’s been 3 years since the M240, the M has a 3 year life cycle, and they now released the M-D. Which is in all reality, a BASE M 240, much like the M-E was a base M9.

BUT doesn’t this sound odd? Did Leica not release the M 262 not too long ago which was a basic M240? Yep, but this time, the 5th member of the M family in production currently is without a rear LCD, much like the uber expensive M60. Instead of the rear LCD we have an ISO dial, much like on the old film cameras. THIS IS COOL, AND I NOW WANT ONE.

PRESS RELEASE BELOW but my email is in to Ken Hansen (khpny19@aol.com) to pre order this one! Pricey as always at $5995 but this one will be SWEET.

You can also pre order at PopFlash.com

Leica Announces Latest Addition to M System: The Leica M-D

New Leica M-D Eschews LCD Screen to Focus on Essential Features and Minimal Design

For Intuitive and Classic Handling

April 28, 2016 – Leica Camera today announced the addition of a new model to their M rangefinder system, the Leica M-D (Typ 262). Together with the Leica M and M-P (Typ 240), the Leica M (Typ 262) and the Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246), this latest release from Leica marks the fifth addition to the digital family of M cameras and the first serial production model of the digital M system to be made without a monitor. The screen on the back of the camera is now replaced by the ISO sensitivity dial – a key exposure setting for any camera which harkens back to the ongoing legacy of analog Leica M rangefinders. The Leica M-D contains only the core technical features required for photography – shutter speed, aperture, focus and ISO sensitivity – allowing users to concentrate on what is most important: capturing the decisive moment.

The technical specifications of the Leica M-D are similar to those of the Leica M (Typ 262). As with all other digital cameras in the M family, the Leica M-D (Typ 262) features a high-resolution CMOS full-frame sensor. The 24-megapixel resolution ensures exceptional image quality and extreme sensitivity to light, allowing photographers to shoot in even the most difficult lighting scenarios. The camera’s Maestro processor guarantees fast processing of captured image data and yields a camera that is responsive and always at the ready. Exposures are saved exclusively as RAW data in DNG format, enabling photographers to apply all their desired adjustments when using post-processing software. The camera is dedicated exclusively to rangefinder photography and deliberately supports neither video recording nor Live View. Leica M-D users can shoot pictures confidently knowing that they are utilizing the latest generation of Leica M camera performance, albeit with all extraneous features intentionally omitted for the most pure experience.

Leica’s passion for minimal design is immediately recognizable in the makeup of this camera. The Leica M-D expresses a purely functional form factor, and features design characteristics such as a top plate in brass with a step at the end citing the design of the Leica M9. The omission of the Leica red dot logo or M badging on the front makes the camera even more unobtrusive when shooting and traveling. The average observer could easily mistake the Leica M-D for an analog M camera, giving the user a level of discreetness that does not often come with using a digital camera. The design philosophy of the Leica M-D gives its users the most analog experience of shooting a digital camera, and returns to the ritual of waiting to see the images until it is time to sit down and edit.

In addition to its simple design, the hardly audible shutter of the Leica M-D guarantees maximum inconspicuousness when shooting, ideal for photographic situations where discretion is key. The camera also features a shutter cocking system that is particularly quiet in single exposure mode and enables a shutter release frequency of up to two frames per second. In continuous mode, the M-D has the same sequential shooting speed as its sister models and shoots up to three frames per second.

The Leica M-D (Typ 262), priced at $5,995 is available the first week of May at local Leica Stores, Leica Boutiques or Leica Dealers. The camera package includes a carrying strap in full-grain cowhide leather.