Leica M10 Digital Rangefinder Review

The Leica M10 is a beautiful blend of Leica analogue heritage and digital innovation. Leica is actually in their 11th year of constructing the digital M-Camera and they actively listen to photographers for feedback so their cameras are continuously improving. This latest rangefinder has the thinnest body of any digital Leica M camera, 4mm thinner than the Leica M (Typ 240), a large viewfinder which those who are fans of street photography will appreciate and a new ISO speed dial. There are plenty of other features well worth talking about so sit down, pull up a chair and come with us as we take our first look at the new Leica M10. 

Leica M10 Features

The Leica M10 is Leica's latest digital rangefinder, and features a new internal design, that has enabled a more compact camera body, that is as thin as a Leica film rangefinder, at 33.7mm thick.

The Lecia M10 is a rangefinder camera which means you get a wider view than the lens sees so you can essentially see a picture opportunity approaching, making it a perfect tool for street photography. The M10 is also the smallest full-frame system available (including lens and camera) which, again, makes it particularly good for street photography where discretion and size are important. While we're discussing plus points of the M10 it's worth mentioning that it supports all Leica M lenses right from 1956 onwards. 

Leica M4 Vs M10 Width - Image Courtesy Leica 

New features found on the Leica M10 include an ISO speed dial which features ISO stops in full increments and a 24 megapixel sensor, unique to Leica, which offers significantly improved noise performance (which Leica say gives a 2 stop improvement). As already mentioned, the M10 is very slim and this is down to the sensor circuit board and camera circuit board now appearing on the same plane rather than stacked. The ISO range available on the camera is from ISO100 to ISO50,000.

The viewfinder on the Lecia M10 gives a 30% larger field of view when compared with past M-system cameras and 0.73x magnification which on the M240 was 0.68x, and on analogue M cameras 0.72x. The M10 can use the same EVF as the T system (Visoflex Typ 020 2.4mp with GPS built-in). 

Inside the M10 is the same Leica Maestro II image processor found in the Leica Q, Leica SL and Leica S. The camera has 2GB of buffer memory and the M10 is capable capturing 5fps at full resolution when using continuous shooting, resulting in 30 DNG files or 100 JPEGs. 

Two stops forward, One stop back

Wi-Fi is built in for remote control from a smartphone, but video fans will be disappointed as there is no video function and no USB port. For those who do want to shoot video, Leica suggests you look at the Leica SL. The M10 also supports DNG RAW files which means you can edit images on the go with Lightroom Mobile.

The ISO range is greatly expanded compared to previous Leica M cameras, the camera can now shoot at 5fps, and there is built-in Wi-Fi for the first time in a Leica M camera. There is also live-view, however, there is no video recording. Here we compare the Leica M10 to the preview Leica M cameras. Leica has now moved away from the somewhat confusing "Typ 240" numbering system for camera versions.

Additional accessories include a handgrip with different finger options, a Leica thumb support, new dioptre correction lenses, a stepping ring, holster, pouch and leather half-case with removable screen protector. 

Key Features

• 24 megapixel Full-Frame CMOS sensor
• Leica M Mount
• 0.73x magnification optical viewfinder
• 3inch screen, 1036K pixels, with scratch-resistant Corning® Gorilla® Glass
• ISO100 (Base ISO) to ISO50,000
• AdobeDNG raw
• 5fps continuous shooting
• Wi-Fi connectivity
• No video recording
• Weather-sealed full-metal, magnesium alloy chassis
• Live-view with Focus peaking 
• Available in black or silver and black

Leica M10 Handling

As you'd expect from a Leica, the M10 is well built and has the distinctive Leica styling that makes them so recognisable. The top plate is constructed from solid brass and the body is made from a full-metal magnesium alloy chassis. The Corning Gorilla Glass featured on the screen is scratch resistant and the camera features rubber seals to protect it against light rain and dust. 

Buttons have been simplified so you now just have three: live view, playback and menu (the M240 had 6 buttons) and there's a programmable favourite menu to give quick access to specific functions. A firmware update, released shortly after the M10 was announced, improved handling and access to settings. You also have direct access to essential functions and if you use the M-App, you can share images, use your smartphone as a remote control and adjust various options without having to touch the camera. 

The camera feels extremely well built and in your hand, the aperture and focus fall into the perfect spot when holding the camera with two hands. The limited number of buttons on the back of the camera doesn't appear to be an issue, as you don't really need to access the menus much, with the main shooting controls on the outside of the camera. When you do want to access the menus, these are clear and by using the favourites menu you can quickly setup your favourite options (for example white balance, manual ISO, etc). 

The viewfinder is large and bright, giving a clear view of the scene and the guidelines automatically adjust depending on what lens is used. When using live view, the view automatically displays a magnified view when you turn the focus ring on the lens and focus peaking helps with focus thanks to the bright lines around objects when they are in focus.

The new ISO dial on the top left of the camera gives full stops so you can select the ISO speed manually. You can also put this in the A (Auto) position or M (Manual), where you can set the ISO speed using the camera menus - you'll need to do this if you want to shoot at the higher ISO speeds not on the dial. You can also set the ISO range available for Auto ISO as well. The dial is locked into place when it is pushed down and you need to pull it up in order to turn the dial - this is so you don't accidentally turn it when it is in your bag. The dial is quite firmly in position when down and it took a while to get used to pulling this up - using two fingers is the best method here. 

It's worth mentioning that switching over to a rangefinder, and more importantly, manual focus can be tricky for many and as a result, there will most likely be a number of shots that are out of focus. This is down to the combination of using a bright Leica lens and a full-frame sensor where focus, or rather correct focus, is critical. Over time, with practice, or the use of live-view this should improve.

For anyone familiar with using rangefinders, the more compact size of the M10, along with additional external controls, will be welcome. The screen also looks great and works well outdoors. If you already have a digital Leica M camera, then it's worth noting the M10 uses a new slimmer battery. Battery life is said to be around 210 shots, however, we managed to get slightly more than this before we needed to charge the battery again.