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Leica M-Monochrom Review

  • Overview
  • Alternatives
  • Lenses
  • Leica M-Monochrom

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    Main Features

    • 18MP - Full frame CCD Sensor
    • ISO 160 - 10000
    • 2.5" Fixed Type Screen
    • Optical (rangefinder) viewfinder
    • 2 fps continuous shooting
    • No Video Mode
    • 600g. 139 x 80 x 37 mm
    CHECK PRICE
    CHECK PRICE

    Leica M-Monochrom Overview

    First introduced in May 2012 , Leica M-Monochrom is a 18.0MP Pro Mirrorless camera with a Full frame (36 x 24 mm ) sized CCD sensor and Leica M lens mount.

    Leica M-Monochrom Review - Click for Table of Contents

    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Lens Mount and Lenses
    4. Sensor and Photography Features
    5. Physical Specs
    6. LCD and Viewfinder
    7. Connectivity, Storage and Battery
    8. Other Features
    9. Photography Type Scores
    10. Alternatives
    11. Popular Comparisons
    12. Frequently Asked Questions
    13. Detailed Specifications

    Leica M-Monochrom has an Overall Score of 45/100 and ranked #209 out of 215 in Mirrorless cameras (Top 10 Mirrorless), and ranked #610 out of 1226 in all Cameras (Top 10 Overall).

    Main Scores
    Imaging
    Features
    Value for Money
    Portability
    Overall Score
    Check our Smart Finder Tool to filter, sort and compare all digital cameras.



    Leica M-Monochrom Physical Specs
    Leica M-Monochrom weighs 600 g (1.32 lb / 21.16 oz) and has external dimensions of 139 x 80 x 37 mm (5.47 x 3.15 x 1.46″). Considering that the average weight of Mirrorless type cameras is 445g, Leica M-Monochrom is a significantly heavy camera for its class. On the other hand, with a thickness of only 37mm, it is quite small, 13mm thinner than the average of its class.
    Weight Comparison

    Mirrorless Cameras

    Leica M-Monochrom
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    Thickness Comparison

    Mirrorless Cameras

    Leica M-Monochrom
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    Here is the front and top view image of Leica M-Monochrom with the dimensions:

    Leica M-Monochrom Body Size Dimensions
    Front and Top View External Dimensions and Size of Leica M-Monochrom Camera Body

    In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Leica M-Monochrom, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.


    Leica M-Monochrom Body Size Compared to a Credit card and a Battery
    Physical size of the Leica M-Monochrom Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery


    Below you can find the comparison of the weight and thickness of Leica M-Monochrom with its main competitors:

    Leica M-Monochrom Size Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Weight vs M-Monochrom Thickness vs M-Monochrom
    Leica M-Monochrom Camera Sony A6000
    Compare
    344g 256g lighter 45mm 8mm thicker
    Leica M-Monochrom Camera Leica Q
    Compare
    640g 40g heavier 93mm 56mm thicker
    Leica M-Monochrom Camera Leica Q2
    Compare
    718g 118g heavier 92mm 55mm thicker
    Leica M-Monochrom Camera Leica M8
    Compare
    591g 9g lighter 37mm equal thickness
    Leica M-Monochrom Camera Leica M9
    Compare
    585g 15g lighter 37mm equal thickness
    Leica M-Monochrom Camera Leica M10
    Compare
    660g 60g heavier 39mm 2mm thicker
    Leica M-Monochrom Camera Leica D-Lux 7
    Compare
    403g 197g lighter 64mm 27mm thicker
    Leica M-Monochrom Camera Fujifilm X-Pro2
    Compare
    495g 105g lighter 56mm 19mm thicker

    Weather Sealing

    Leica M-Monochrom doesn't have any environmental sealings on its body so you got to be extra careful to protect it against water and dust. If you shoot under these conditions very often, consider checking Top Mirrorless Cameras with Weather Sealing page.

    Leica M-Monochrom Sensor and Photography Features

    Leica M-Monochrom has a 18.0MP Full frame (36 x 24 mm ) sized CCD sensor . You can shoot at maximum resolution of 5212 x 3472 pixels with aspect ratios of and 3:2. M-Monochrom has a native ISO range of 160 - 10000 and it can save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

    Leica M-Monochrom is not the highest resolution Full frame camera. Sigma fp L with its 61.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Leica M-Monochrom vs Sigma fp L or take a look at Highest resolution Mirrorless cameras list.

    Let's look at how the size of the Leica M-Monochrom's Full frame sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

    Leica M-Monochrom Sensor Size Comparison
    Comparison image of Leica M-Monochrom Sensor Size with other standard sensors

    Leica M-Monochrom Lens Mount and Lenses

    Leica M-Monochrom has a Leica M lens mount and currently there are 60 native lenses available for this mount. Leica lenses are legendary in the camera world due to their optical and mechanical perfection, but they also come with a big price tag. Fortunately, some third party manufacturers also offers more affordable lenses for this mount.

    Leica M-Monochrom doesn't have a sensor based image stabilization system but 0 of these lenses already comes with Optical Image Stabilization.

    Here are some of the most popular Leica M-Monochrom Lenses on Camera Decision:

    Popular Leica M Mount Lenses for Leica M-Monochrom
    Model Focal Length on M-Monochrom Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
    Voigtlander 25mm F4 Color Skopar Pancake Lens Voigtlander 25mm F4 Color Skopar Pancake
    25mm 35mm FF 156gr MF Amazon B&H Photo
    Voigtlander 21mm F4 Color Skopar Pancake II Lens Voigtlander 21mm F4 Color Skopar Pancake II
    21mm 35mm FF 136gr MF Amazon B&H Photo
    Leica Elmarit-M 24mm f2.8 ASPH Lens Leica Elmarit-M 24mm f2.8 ASPH
    24mm 35mm FF 290gr MF Amazon B&H Photo
    Voigtlander 28mm F2 Ultron Lens Voigtlander 28mm F2 Ultron
    28mm 35mm FF 244gr MF Amazon B&H Photo
    Voigtlander 35mm F2.5 Color Skopar Lens Voigtlander 35mm F2.5 Color Skopar
    35mm 35mm FF 134gr MF Amazon B&H Photo
    Voigtlander 40mm F1.4 Nokton Classic Lens Voigtlander 40mm F1.4 Nokton Classic
    40mm 35mm FF 175gr MF Amazon B&H Photo
    Leica Summarit-M 50mm f2.5 Lens Leica Summarit-M 50mm f2.5
    50mm 35mm FF 230gr MF Amazon B&H Photo
    Leica Macro-Elmar-M 90mm f4 Lens Leica Macro-Elmar-M 90mm f4
    90mm 35mm FF 240gr MF Amazon B&H Photo

    Check our Leica M-Monochrom Lenses page for more detailed lens search.



    Leica M-Monochrom LCD and Viewfinder

    Leica M-Monochrom has a Fixed Type 2.5" LCD screen with a resolution of 230k dots. At only 2.5", the screen is on the smaller side and 230kdot resolution is lower than most of the recent models in this class.



    Leica M-Monochrom back view and LCD

    M-Monochrom has a built-in Optical (rangefinder) viewfinder, making it easier to shoot in direct sunlight and in other situations where it might be difficult to view the LCD monitor. The viewfinder has a coverage of Unknown and a magnification ratio of 0.68x. Unknown coverage means that what you see in your viewfinder while shooting will slightly be different from the actual image.

    Leica M-Monochrom Connectivity, Storage and Battery

    Leica M-Monochrom has a USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) port to connect your camera to other devices.

    Battery

    Leica M-Monochrom is powered by a proprietary battery which provides a shooting life of 350 according to CIPA standards. Considering that the average battery life of Mirrorless type cameras is 369 shots, its battery life is about average in its class but it would still be wise to invest in some spare batteries for long photo trips.

    Battery Life Comparison in Pro Mirrorless Cameras

    Leica M-Monochrom
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Olympus E-M1X with its 870shots is the model with longest battery life among Pro Mirrorless cameras. Check the comparison of Leica M-Monochrom vs Olympus E-M1X or take a look at Longest Battery Life Mirrorless cameras list.

    Leica M-Monochrom Features Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Max Video Battery Life Wi-fi Bluetooth NFC
    Leica M-Monochrom Camera Sony A6000
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 360shots Yes No Yes
    Leica M-Monochrom Camera Leica Q
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 shots Yes No No
    Leica M-Monochrom Camera Leica Q2
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 370shots Yes Yes No
    Leica M-Monochrom Camera Leica M8
    Compare
    None 550shots No No No
    Leica M-Monochrom Camera Leica M9
    Compare
    None 350shots No No No
    Leica M-Monochrom Camera Leica M10
    Compare
    None 210shots Yes No No
    Leica M-Monochrom Camera Leica D-Lux 7
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 340shots Yes Yes No
    Leica M-Monochrom Camera Fujifilm X-Pro2
    Compare
    3840x2160 350shots Yes No No

    Leica M-Monochrom Other Features

    Max Shutter speed

    Leica M-Monochrom can shoot continuously at max speed of 2 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/4000 sec.

    Flash

    Unfortunately M-Monochrom doesn't have a built-in flash but it has a flash shoe for mounting external flashes.

    Leica M-Monochrom PROs and CONs Review

    Now let's get in to more details of our Leica M-Monochrom review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

    PROs
    Optical Built-in Viewfinder
    18.0MP - High Resolution Sensor
    Flash Sync Port
    Report a correction

    Buy Leica M-Monochrom from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO


    CONs
    No Wireless Connection
    No Image Stabilization
    No Articulating Screen
    No Full HD Video
    No Touch Screen
    No Face Detection Focusing
    Small LCD Screen ( 2.5")
    Low Screen Resolution ( 230kdots )
    Slow Continuous Shooting: 2.0fps
    Low Battery Life: 350 shots
    No Environmental Sealing
    Not so wide AE Bracketing Range: ±2 EV
    Report a correction
    What type of Photography is Leica M-Monochrom Good for?
    In this section, we review and score Leica M-Monochrom in 5 different photography areas.

    Leica M-Monochrom for Portrait Photography

    Leica M-Monochrom has a score of 52 for Portrait Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Portrait is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Mirrorless Cameras for Portrait Photography list.
    Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
    Very High Resolution Sensor: 18.0MP
    Optical Built-in Viewfinder
    Average Ergonomics&Handling
    No Image Stabilization

    Read the details of how we scored Leica M-Monochrom for Portrait Photography

    Leica M-Monochrom for Street Photography

    Leica M-Monochrom has a score of 50 for Street Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Street is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Mirrorless Cameras for Street Photography list.
    Optical Built-in Viewfinder
    Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
    Medium sized Body
    No Live-view
    No Image Stabilization

    Read the details of how we scored Leica M-Monochrom for Street Photography

    Leica M-Monochrom for Sports Photography

    Leica M-Monochrom has a score of 56 for Sports Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Sports is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Mirrorless Cameras for Sports Photography list.
    Fast Max shutter speed: 1/4000s
    Optical Built-in Viewfinder
    Average Ergonomics&Handling
    Slow Continuous Shooting: 2.0fps
    Environmental Sealings
    Focus Points
    No Image Stabilization

    Read the details of how we scored Leica M-Monochrom for Sports Photography

    Leica M-Monochrom for Daily Photography

    Leica M-Monochrom has a score of 65 for Daily Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Daily Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 Mirrorless Cameras for Daily Photography list.
    Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
    Medium size Body
    600g

    Read the details of how we scored Leica M-Monochrom for Daily Photography

    Leica M-Monochrom for Landscape Photography

    Leica M-Monochrom has a score of 40 for Landscape Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Mirrorless Cameras for Landscape Photography list.
    Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
    Very High Resolution Sensor: 18.0MP
    No Live-view
    No Environmental Sealings

    Read the details of how we scored Leica M-Monochrom for Landscape Photography
    Leica M-Monochrom Alternatives
    In this section, we analyse how Leica M-Monochrom compares with other Mirrorless cameras within a similar price range.
    Read a more detailed analysis of Leica M-Monochrom alternatives.

    Popular Comparisons of Leica M-Monochrom

    Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Leica M-Monochrom amongst Camera Decision readers.

    Sony A6000
    Sony A6000
    Compare
    Leica Q
    Leica Q
    Compare
    Leica Q2
    Leica Q2
    Compare
    Leica M8
    Leica M8
    Compare
    Leica M9
    Leica M9
    Compare
    Leica M10
    Leica M10
    Compare
    Leica D-Lux 7
    Leica D-Lux 7
    Compare
    Fujifilm X-Pro2
    Fujifilm X-Pro2
    Compare

    Leica M-Monochrom Alternatives in DSLR Cameras

    It would also be interesting to compare Leica M-Monochrom with DSLR Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked DSLR cameras in Leica M-Monochrom's price range.

    Nikon D850
    Nikon D850
    Compare
    Sony A99 II
    Sony A99 II
    Compare
    Pentax K-1
    Pentax K-1
    Compare
    Nikon D780
    Nikon D780
    Compare
    Nikon D6
    Nikon D6
    Compare
    Pentax K-1 II
    Pentax K-1 II
    Compare
    Nikon D750
    Nikon D750
    Compare
    Canon 1D X III
    Canon 1D X III
    Compare
    Frequently Asked Questions about Leica M-Monochrom
    Does the Leica M-Monochrom have Image Stabilization?
    Does the Leica M-Monochrom have RAW support?
    Does the Leica M-Monochrom have Weather Sealing?
    Does the Leica M-Monochrom have built-in GPS?
    What is the Max ISO of Leica M-Monochrom?
    What is the Sensor Size of Leica M-Monochrom?
    is the Leica M-Monochrom a Full Frame (FF) camera?
    Does the Leica M-Monochrom have Touch Screen?
    Does the Leica M-Monochrom have built-in Wireless?
    What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Leica M-Monochrom?
    What is the Weight of Leica M-Monochrom?
    What are the Dimensions of Leica M-Monochrom?
    Leica M-Monochrom Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand Leica
    Model Leica M-Monochrom
    Announced 2012-05-10
    Body Type Rangefinder-style mirrorless
    Lens
    Manual Focus
    Lens Mount Leica M
    Number of Lenses 60
    Focal Length Multiplier 1×
    Macro Focus Range n/a
    Screen
    Screen Type Fixed Type
    Screen Technology TFT color LCD with a sapphire glass LCD cover
    Screen Size 2.5"
    Screen Resolution 230k dots
    Live View
    Touch Screen
    Viewfinder
    Viewfinder Optical (rangefinder)
    Viewfinder Resolution no electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Coverage Unknown
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.68x
    Photography Features
    Min Shutter Speed 32s
    Max Mechanical Shutter Speed 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 2.0 fps
    Shutter Priority
    Aperture Priority
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Exposure Compensation Yes
    Custom White Balance
    Image Stabilization
    Built-in Flash
    Flash Range no built-in flash
    Max Flash Sync 1/180s
    Flash Modes Front Curtain, Rear Curtain, Slow sync
    External Flash
    AE Bracketing
    WB Bracketing
    Exposure Modes
    Multi-Segment
    Average
    Spot
    Partial
    AF-Area
    Center Weighted
    DxO Sensor Scores
    DxO Overall Score not tested
    DxO Color Depth not tested
    DxO Dynamic Range not tested
    DxO Low Light ISO not tested
    Report a correction

    Sensor
    Sensor Type CCD
    Sensor Size Full frame
    Sensor Dimensions 36 x 24 mm
    Sensor Area 864.00mm2
    Sensor Resolution 18 megapixels
    Max Image Resolution 5212 x 3472
    Max Native ISO 10,000
    Min Native ISO 160
    RAW Support
    Autofocus
    AF Touch
    AF Continuous
    AF Single
    AF Tracking
    AF Selective
    AF Center
    AF Multi Area
    AF Live View
    AF Face Detection
    AF Contrast Detection
    AF Phase Detection
    Video Features
    Max Video Resolution None
    Microphone Port
    Headphone Port
    Connectivity
    Wireless Connectivity None
    HDMI
    USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
    Physical
    Environmental Sealing
    Water Proof
    Dust Proof
    Shock Proof
    Crush Proof
    Freeze Proof
    Weight 600g
    Physical Dimensions 139 x 80 x 37mm
    Battery Life 350 shots
    Battery Type Battery Pack
    Other Features
    Self Timer Yes (2 or 12 sec)
    Timelapse Recording
    GPS None
    Storage Type SD/SDHC card
    Storage Slots 1


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