Leica has just announced the latest version of its classic M series compact rangefinder cameras, the M10 Monochrom. What makes this camera stand out is its 40-megapixel full-frame sensor that records only luminance data and doesn’t capture any color.
The advantage of this type of sensor is that it increases the tonal range that can be captured by the camera, producing what B&H Photo's black and white aficionado Allan Weitz regards as the best monochrome images he’s ever seen by a digital camera. In this video, he’s incredibly enthusiastic about the photographs produced by the M10 Monochrom, to say the least.
Leica has opted to couple the black and white photography with the understated stylings of the M10-P that has a matte finish and leaves off the classic Leica red dot.
The Leica M10 Monochrom. Image source: leica-camera.com.
Clearly, this is something of a niche product and also a significant investment, but for black and white enthusiasts, if the sensor is as good as Weitz says it is (read his wonderfully effusive review here), street photographers that otherwise would never dream of being able to justify the cost of a Leica might want to start saving up. However much we might rib Leica for its limited-edition snakeskin bodies and ostentatious “limited edition masterpieces” (to quote the Leica website), I’ve yet to encounter someone who’s bought an M-series camera and regretted it.
The truth will be in the raw files, but until you can track one down, you’ll have to settle for this selection of images published on the Leica website. Enjoy.
The Leica M10 Monochrom is available for pre-order for $8,295 and is expected to start shipping in the next week or two.
Will you be splashing out? Is color overrated? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
You can pick up a Fujifilm GW690 III for 500.00 put what ever film in it and have a great B&W shooter. This is deserving some deep thought because for a few dollar investment you can try out B&W for a while and see if you really want to go for a more modern $15k set to shoot just B&W.
You may be wondering why I suggested the Fujifilm GW690 III the main reason is the lens it is critically sharp and the larger negative will give you all the resolution one could want. If I didn't swear off film after shooting it for 40 years I would go back but for me never again.
Well if someone bought one for me and a Leica 35 f1.4 I would not complain, But be aware that you will be spending $13800.00 for my dearest affections.
I think it looks great but unless I had seriously more disposable income, I'll be sticking with my X-T3 and Acros film simulation for my black and white street photography.
It's a beautiful camera except for the exposed screw head right above the lens
I would not buy it no matter how much money I had. There is silly and then there is just plain stupid.
why would anyone buy this camera for 8,000.