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 [1].

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 [1].

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 [1].

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 [1].

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 [2][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 [2][3].

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 [1][3].

Serial Number Notes

Leica Wiki lists the order number as 10 759, Type 220, with published serial numbers from 4420344 to 4420969 [2]. 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 [2][3].

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 [3].

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 [1].

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.

Sources

• [1] Leica Camera AG. Leica M-E Instruction Manual. https://www.overgaard.dk/pdf/Leica_M-E_de-en-Instruction-Manual.pdf
• [2] Leica Wiki. M-E. https://wiki.l-camera-forum.com/leica-wiki.en/index.php?title=M-E
• [3] DPReview. Leica M-E Typ 220 Specifications. https://www.dpreview.com/products/leica/slrs/leica_me220
• [4] Imaging Resource. Leica M-E Typ 220 Review. https://www.imaging-resource.com/cameras/leica/m-e-typ-220-review/