Leica M Monochrom

Leica M Monochrom

The Leica M Monochrom, also written Leica M-Monochrom, is a digital Leica M rangefinder camera introduced by Leica Camera AG in 2012. It was the first full-frame digital rangefinder camera from Leica designed exclusively for black-and-white photography [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, as well as compatible third-party M-mount lenses [1].

The M Monochrom is built around an 18-megapixel monochrome CCD sensor with an active area of approximately 23.9 × 35.8 mm. Unlike a standard color digital camera, the sensor does not use a Bayer color filter array. Each photosite records luminance information directly, giving the camera its dedicated black-and-white image character [1][2].

The sensor has no low-pass filter and uses an infrared filter for light above 700nm. The official manual lists DNG resolution as 5212 × 3472 pixels, with JPEG output available at several smaller sizes. Files can be recorded as DNG, JPEG or DNG plus JPEG [1].

The ISO range is ISO 320 to ISO 10000, with ISO 160 available as a pull setting. This higher native sensitivity compared with the Leica M9 reflects the absence of the color filter array, which would otherwise absorb some incoming light [1][3].

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. The finder magnification is 0.68x, following the M9-generation digital M body layout [1].

Mechanically, the camera 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 240 seconds. Flash synchronization is available at 1/180 second [1].

History

Development and Launch

The Leica M Monochrom was announced in May 2012 as a black-and-white-only version of the full-frame digital M rangefinder concept. DPReview described it at launch as an 18MP full-frame monochrome rangefinder based on the M9 generation [3].

Position in the Digital M Line

The M Monochrom belongs to the M9-generation digital M platform. It shares the classic compact body shape, CCD sensor generation, 2.5-inch rear display and optical rangefinder handling of that period, but replaces the color sensor with a dedicated monochrome CCD sensor [1][3].

This makes it different from later Monochrom models. The M Monochrom Typ 246 moved to a 24MP CMOS sensor and added live view, while the M10 Monochrom used a slimmer M10-generation body with a 40MP monochrome CMOS sensor. The original M Monochrom remains the CCD-based first generation [4].

Sensor and Image Character

The monochrome CCD sensor is the defining feature of the camera. Because there is no color filter array, the camera avoids color interpolation and records brightness information directly at each photosite. This gives the files a distinct tonal structure and sharpness compared with black-and-white conversions from color files [1][3].

The camera also supports JPEG toning options such as sepia, cold and selenium. These toning options affect JPEG output, while DNG files preserve the raw monochrome sensor data for later processing [1].

Body and Handling

The M Monochrom has an all-metal body with a magnesium alloy chassis, brass top plate and brass bottom plate. Published dimensions are approximately 139 × 37 × 80 mm, with a listed weight of approximately 600 g including battery [1][2].

The rear display is a 2.5-inch TFT LCD with approximately 230,000 pixels. The camera uses SD and SDHC memory cards, a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and traditional Leica M controls for shutter speed, aperture, focusing and optical rangefinder composition [1].

Model Numbers and Editions

The standard black version is commonly associated with order number 10760. Leica Wiki also lists special versions such as the silver and brown leather anniversary edition 10797 and the 100-year set version 10794 [4].

These special editions share the same basic camera platform and should be treated as variants unless a catalogue intentionally separates limited editions as individual model pages.

Relationship to Leica M9

The M Monochrom is often informally called M9 Monochrom because it is based on the M9-generation platform. However, the official model name is Leica M Monochrom or Leica M-Monochrom, not Leica M9 Monochrom [3][4].

Listings using names such as M9 Monochrom, M9M, M Monochrom CCD, M-Monochrom, Original Monochrom or Leica Monochrom 10760 should be treated as alternate names for the same base camera, unless the listing clearly refers to a later Typ 246, M10 Monochrom or M11 Monochrom.

Identification

The Leica M Monochrom is identified by its black digital M body, top-plate M Monochrom marking, Leica M bayonet mount, 0.68x optical rangefinder, 2.5-inch rear LCD, CCD-generation body layout and order number 10760 for the standard black version.

It should be distinguished from the later M Monochrom Typ 246, which uses the larger M Typ 240-generation body, live view and a 24MP CMOS sensor. It should also be distinguished from the M10 Monochrom and M11 Monochrom, which use later body platforms and higher-resolution monochrome CMOS sensors.

Collector Notes

The Leica M Monochrom is valued because it was the first dedicated black-and-white digital M camera and remains the only CCD-based Monochrom model. Its appeal is closely tied to its M9-generation body, CCD sensor rendering, minimal black finish and pure monochrome file workflow.

Collectors and buyers should check sensor condition, shutter operation, rangefinder alignment, rear LCD, SD card function, battery compartment, charger compatibility, 6-bit lens coding reader and general electronic reliability. Because it is a digital camera from the M9 generation, sensor service history can be an important condition factor.

The Leica M Monochrom should be treated as a separate M-mount digital camera because its 18MP monochrome CCD sensor, 2012 release, order number 10760 and first-generation Monochrom platform make it distinct from both the Leica M9 and later Monochrom models.

Sources

• [1] Leica Camera AG. Leica M Monochrom Instruction Manual. https://www.lensrentals.com/product-assets/4dd93033-4cd8-4e3c-bb65-a8309bdd9651/42009.pdf
• [2] Leica Camera AG. Leica M Monochrom Technical Specifications. https://cvp.com/pdf/Tech%20Specs.pdf
• [3] DPReview. Leica announces M-Monochrom black-and-white 18MP full-frame mono rangefinder. https://www.dpreview.com/articles/7361553203/leica-announces-m-monochrom-18mp-full-frame-mono-rangefinder
• [4] Leica Wiki. M Monochrom. https://wiki.l-camera-forum.com/leica-wiki.en/index.php?title=M_Monochrom
• [5] DPReview. Leica M-Monochrom Hands-on Preview. https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/leica-m-monochrom