Leica M-E Typ 240

Leica M-E Typ 240

The Leica M-E Typ 240 is a digital Leica M rangefinder camera introduced by Leica Camera AG in 2019. It was presented as an entry point into the digital M system and is based on the Leica M Typ 240 platform, with a 24-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor and traditional optical rangefinder focusing [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 M-E Typ 240 uses a CMOS sensor with an active area of approximately 23.9 × 35.8 mm. The official technical data lists DNG resolution as 5976 × 3992 pixels, equal to 24 megapixels, with JPEG output available at 24MP, 12MP, 6MP and 1.7MP settings.

The camera records DNG raw files, JPEG files or combined DNG plus JPEG. It also supports video recording in VGA, 720p and 1080p formats, using Motion JPEG / QuickTime recording. This places it within the M Typ 240 generation rather than the simpler stills-only M Typ 262 generation.

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

Mechanically, the M-E Typ 240 uses a microprocessor-controlled metal blade focal-plane shutter with vertical movement. In aperture-priority mode, shutter speeds run continuously 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 exposures up to 60 seconds. Flash synchronization is available at 1/180 second.

History

Development and Launch

The Leica M-E Typ 240 was announced in June 2019 as a more affordable digital M model based on the M Typ 240 platform. DPReview described it as a budget-friendlier M-series camera, with the camera listed for availability from late July 2019.

Position in the Digital M Line

The M-E Typ 240 followed the earlier CCD-based M-E Typ 220. Unlike the Typ 220, which was based on the M9 generation, the Typ 240 version uses a CMOS sensor and the larger M Typ 240-generation body concept[3].

It should also be distinguished from the Leica M Typ 262. The M Typ 262 is a simplified stills-focused model, while the M-E Typ 240 uses the M Typ 240 feature set, including live view, video capability, a 3-inch rear LCD and 2GB buffer memory.

Sensor and Image Quality

The camera’s 24MP CMOS sensor gives it the same broad imaging foundation as the M Typ 240 generation. The official technical data lists ISO sensitivity from ISO 200 to ISO 6400, adjustable in 1/3-stop increments, with Pull 100 available.

DNG files can be recorded compressed or uncompressed. The technical data lists compressed DNG files at approximately 20–30 MB and uncompressed DNG files at approximately 48.2 MB.

Body and Handling

The body is made from die-cast magnesium with brass top and base plates. The official technical data lists black or steel gray lacquered finishes for the camera body specification, with the M-E version commonly associated with its grey anthracite-style finish.

Published dimensions are approximately 138.6 × 42 × 80 mm, with a listed weight of approximately 680 g with battery. The camera uses the BP-SCL2 lithium-ion battery and stores files on SD, SDHC or SDXC memory cards.

Relationship to Leica M Typ 240

The M-E Typ 240 is closely related to the Leica M Typ 240 and should be understood as an E Edition version of that platform. It shares the 24MP CMOS sensor generation, live view capability, video recording, 0.68x finder and M-mount architecture.

The main catalogue distinction is the M-E identity, order number 10981, 2GB buffer memory notation in Leica’s technical data and the 2019 market position as a lower-priced digital M option.

Relationship to Leica M-E Typ 220

The M-E Typ 240 should be kept separate from the Leica M-E Typ 220. The Typ 220 is an 18MP CCD-based camera from 2012, built on the M9-generation platform. The Typ 240 is a 24MP CMOS-based camera from 2019 with live view, video and M Typ 240-generation body architecture.

Identification

The Leica M-E Typ 240 is identified by its M-E marking, M Typ 240-generation body shape, Leica M bayonet mount, 0.68x optical rangefinder, 3-inch rear display, BP-SCL2 battery, video capability and order number 10981.

Common listing names include Leica M-E Typ 240, Leica M-E 240, Leica ME Typ 240, Leica M-E E Edition, Leica M Typ 240 E Edition and Leica M-E 10981. These should be treated as alternate names for the same base camera.

Collector Notes

The Leica M-E Typ 240 is valued as one of the more accessible full-frame digital M bodies, combining the proven M Typ 240 CMOS platform with a simplified market position and distinctive M-E identity. It appeals to photographers who want a traditional optical digital M camera with live view, video capability and the larger M Typ 240 battery system.

Collectors and buyers should check the rangefinder alignment, sensor condition, shutter operation, rear LCD, live view, video function, hot shoe contacts, SD card slot, battery compartment, firmware version and general electronic reliability.

The Leica M-E Typ 240 should be treated as a separate M-mount digital camera because its Type 240 platform, order number 10981, 2019 release and E Edition positioning distinguish it from the earlier M-E Typ 220 and the standard M Typ 240.