Leica M-E Typ 220

Leica M-E Typ 220

The Leica M-E Typ 220 is a digital Leica M rangefinder camera introduced by Leica Camera AG in 2012. It was positioned as a more accessible full-frame digital M body and was closely related to the Leica M9 generation, using an 18-megapixel CCD sensor and the traditional Leica M rangefinder layout [1][2].

The camera uses the Leica M bayonet mount with an additional sensor for 6-bit lens coding. It accepts Leica M lenses from 16mm to 135mm, along with compatible M-mount lenses from other makers. The active sensor area is approximately 23.9 × 35.8 mm, corresponding closely to the usable format of analog Leica M cameras.

The M-E Typ 220 records DNG raw files at 5212 × 3472 pixels, with JPEG options down to smaller resolutions. The sensor is a full-frame CCD chip with approximately 18 megapixels output resolution. The camera stores files on SD or SDHC cards and supports Adobe RGB and sRGB color spaces.

The viewfinder is a large bright-line frame rangefinder with automatic parallax compensation. It displays paired framelines for 35/135mm, 28/90mm and 50/75mm lenses, activated automatically when a lens is attached. The finder magnification is 0.68x, with an effective rangefinder base of 47.1 mm.

Mechanically, the M-E Typ 220 uses a microprocessor-controlled metal blade shutter with vertical movement. In aperture-priority mode, shutter speeds are continuously controlled from 32 seconds to 1/4000 second. In manual mode, speeds run from 8 seconds to 1/4000 second in half steps, plus Bulb for long exposures up to 240 seconds. Flash synchronization is available at 1/180 second.

History

Development and Launch

The Leica M-E Typ 220 was released in September 2012 as a simplified full-frame digital M camera. It arrived shortly after the Leica M9 and M9-P period and before the later CMOS-based Leica M Typ 240 became the main digital M platform[3].

Position in the Digital M Line

The M-E Typ 220 is closely related to the Leica M9 generation. It shares the same basic CCD-era digital M concept, including a compact full-frame sensor body, optical rangefinder focusing and classic M-mount handling. It was visually distinguished by its anthracite-grey finish and simplified external styling.

Unlike later CMOS-based digital M cameras, the Typ 220 does not offer live view or video. It is a still-photography rangefinder built around the traditional optical M experience, with manual focusing, aperture-priority exposure, manual exposure, bright-line framelines and a rear 2.5-inch LCD for image review and menu operation.

Serial Number Notes

Leica Wiki lists the order number as 10 759, Type 220, with published serial numbers from 4420344 to 4420969. Because digital Leica serial-number information can be incomplete or inconsistently published, this range should be treated as a documented reference range rather than a guaranteed complete production range.

Relationship to Leica M9

The M-E Typ 220 should be kept separate from the Leica M9. Both cameras belong to the same CCD-era digital M family, but the M-E was sold as a simplified later model with its own order number, finish and market position. Seller listings may describe it as M9-based, M9 generation, M-E CCD or M-E Typ 220, but the correct model name is Leica M-E Typ 220.

Relationship to Leica M-E Typ 240

The M-E Typ 220 should also be distinguished from the later Leica M-E Typ 240, introduced in 2019. The Typ 220 is the earlier CCD-based camera with 18MP output, while the Typ 240 is a CMOS-based digital M derived from the Leica M Typ 240 generation. These are different cameras and should not be merged.

Identification

The Leica M-E Typ 220 is identified by its M-E top-plate marking, anthracite-grey paint finish, 2.5-inch rear LCD, Leica M bayonet mount, 0.68x optical rangefinder, classic digital M body shape and order number 10759. It has no video function and no live view, reflecting its M9-generation CCD platform.

The body uses an all-metal die-cast magnesium chassis with brass top panel and bottom cover. Published dimensions are approximately 139 × 37 × 80 mm, and the listed weight is approximately 585 g with battery.

Collector Notes

The Leica M-E Typ 220 is valued by many photographers because it offers the CCD-era digital M look in one of the most minimal digital Leica bodies. Its appeal is closely tied to the M9-generation sensor, traditional optical rangefinder operation and understated anthracite finish.

Collectors and buyers should check the sensor condition, shutter operation, rangefinder alignment, rear LCD, battery compartment, SD card function, 6-bit lens coding reader and general electronic operation. Because the camera is a digital body, condition assessment should include both mechanical rangefinder checks and electronic checks.

Common listing names include Leica M-E, Leica M-E Typ 220, Leica ME 220, Leica M-E CCD, Leica M-E 10759 and Leica M9-based M-E. These names should point to the same base model unless the listing is clearly the later M-E Typ 240.

The Leica M-E Typ 220 should be treated as a separate M-mount digital camera because its CCD sensor, Type 220 designation, order number 10759 and M9-generation body position make it distinct from both the Leica M9 and the later Leica M-E Typ 240.