Leica M-P 240

Leica M-P (Typ 240)

The Leica M-P (Typ 240) represents the "Perfected" or "Professional" evolution of the groundbreaking M (Typ 240) platform. Announced in August 2014, it was designed to address specific feedback from working photographers who required a more robust and unobtrusive tool. While sharing the same 24-megapixel Full-Frame CMOS sensor and Maestro image processor as the standard M240, the M-P version introduces critical mechanical and cosmetic enhancements that distinguish it as the superior field camera.

The most significant functional upgrade is the 2GB internal buffer memory, double that of the standard model. This allows for prolonged continuous shooting (up to approx. 24 images at 3 fps) without the camera "choking" while writing to the SD card—a vital feature for photojournalists covering fast-moving events. The rear LCD screen is protected by extremely hard sapphire crystal glass, making it virtually impervious to scratches from zippers or rough handling, ensuring clear image review in harsh conditions.

Aesthetically, the M-P (Typ 240) embraces the "stealth" philosophy found in the M9-P. The iconic red Leica dot is removed from the front to avoid drawing attention. Instead, the top plate features a classic "Leica Camera AG Wetzlar Germany" script engraving. Additionally, the M-P reintroduces the manual frame line selector lever on the front of the body, a beloved feature from analog M cameras (missing on the standard M240) that allows photographers to manually toggle frame lines to visualize different focal lengths before changing lenses.

History

The M-P (Typ 240) continued Leica's tradition of releasing a "P" variant mid-cycle to refine their flagship digital rangefinder.

The "Professional" Refinement (2014) Released two years after the original M (Typ 240), the M-P was positioned as the ultimate reportage tool. The standard M240 had faced criticism for its slow buffer, which often locked up the camera after just a few rapid shots. The M-P's 2GB buffer solved this completely, making the camera feel significantly more responsive [1]. The return of the frame selector lever was also a direct nod to heritage users who felt its omission on the M240 was a mistake.

Durability and Design The M-P (Typ 240) is built like a tank. It retains the weather-sealing and the massive BP-SCL2 battery of the standard model, offering exceptional battery life that outlasts both the M9 and the later M10. The sapphire glass screen was marketed as "unbreakable" in normal use, adding to the camera's premium positioning. It was sold at a premium price point over the standard model but held its value better due to these desirable upgrades [2].

Legacy Production ended around 2017 with the arrival of the Leica M10. Today, the M-P (Typ 240) is often considered the "definitive" version of the 240-generation. Users who prefer the unique, rich color rendering of the CMOSIS sensor (often cited as different from the cleaner look of the M10) seek out the M-P specifically for its buffer and sapphire screen reliability [3].