Leica M262

Leica M262

The Leica M (Typ 262) was designed for photographers who found the standard M (Typ 240) too heavy and feature-dense. Released in November 2015, it embodies the philosophy of "Das Wesentliche" (The Essentials) by stripping away the multimedia functions that many traditional rangefinder users never touched. Most notably, the M (Typ 262) removes Video recording and Live View capabilities entirely. This results in a drastically simplified menu system, consisting of only two pages, which allows for faster operation and a distraction-free shooting experience.

Physically, the M (Typ 262) differs from its siblings by utilizing a durable aluminum top plate instead of the traditional brass. This change reduces the camera's weight by approximately 100 grams compared to the M (Typ 240), making it noticeably more comfortable to carry for long periods. Despite the material change, the camera retains the robust magnesium alloy chassis and the premium tactile feel expected of a Leica.

Another critical improvement introduced in this model is the shutter cocking mechanism. The M (Typ 262) features a much quieter shutter sound than the M (Typ 240), addressing a common complaint about the loudness of the earlier model. While it shares the same 24-megapixel Full-Frame CMOS sensor and Maestro processor as the M240, the exclusion of Live View means the battery life is exceptionally long, as the sensor is only active during the actual exposure.

History

The Leica M (Typ 262) was introduced as an entry-point into the digital M system, positioned below the M (Typ 240) and M-P (Typ 240).

The "Lightweight" Alternative (2015) By 2015, the M (Typ 240) had established itself as a powerful tool, but its weight and video features were polarizing. Leica responded with the Typ 262, marketing it towards street photographers and travelers who prioritized portability and stealth. The switch to an aluminum top plate was a nod to the M-E (Typ 220), but the Typ 262 went further by refining the mechanics. It was the first digital M to successfully implement a "stealth" shutter without being a specialized "P" model [1].

Simplification of Design Visually, the M (Typ 262) is slightly more understated than the standard M240. It features a smaller red Leica logo (similar in size to the M9 logo) and lacks the "M" movie button on the top plate. Instead, a small button near the shutter release is dedicated to White Balance. Because it lacks Live View, the camera is strictly a rangefinder—focusing must be done via the optical viewfinder, reinforcing the traditional skill set of the user [2].

Legacy The M (Typ 262) is often viewed as the spiritual predecessor to the Leica M10-D and other "screen-less" variants, proving that there was a market for digital cameras with fewer features. It remains a favorite on the used market for those who want the color science of the M240 sensor but in a lighter, quieter, and more photography-focused package [3].

Sources

• [1] Leica Wiki (English). Leica M (Typ 262) Data. https://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-wiki.en/index.php/M_(Typ_262)
• [2] Red Dot Forum. Review: The Leica M (Typ 262). https://www.reddotforum.com
• [3] Ken Rockwell. Leica M Typ 262 Review. https://www.kenrockwell.com
• [4] 35mmc. Leica M Typ 262 Review – The Rational Choice. https://www.35mmc.com
• [5] DPReview. Leica M (Typ 262) Overview. https://www.dpreview.com