The highly anticipated camera enters a new dimension of innovation in the world of monochrome photography
January 17, 2020 – Leica Camera continues to be a trailblazer in the world of black-and-white photography with the announcement of the new Leica M10 Monochrom. Photographers are now able to explore their subjects in vivid tones of monochrome due to the omission of a color filter, resulting in an unparalleled black-and-white photography experience. The newly developed 40-megapixel true black-and-white sensor, new Wi-Fi capabilities, and expanded ISO range make room for added creativity with light and contrast, bringing photographers back to the basics with the most up-to-date technology.
Black-and-white photography lends itself to establishing emotional connections between the photographer and the subject matter being conveyed. With the absence of color, a photograph conveys intense, vulnerable and timeless messages that speak to the foundation of a scene without the distractions of color.
The ultra-high-resolution black-and-white sensor of the M10 Monochrom delivers images with impeccable sharpness and unrivaled resolution of details in all lighting conditions. While reaching these new feats of resolving prowess, the new M10 Monochrom is even more versatile than its black-and-white forebears, with a broadened sensitivity range at both extremes, now achieving ISO 160 to ISO 100,000 – ensuring that its unmatched imaging strengths can be used in new avenues, from the brightest of days to uncovering light in the darkest of nights. Images captured at all ISO settings offer a fine-grained rendition of details with a more analog look and feel than a typical color camera set to black-and-white mode. As is the case with all Leica M-Cameras, the new black-and-white sensor pairs perfectly with the full breadth of Leica M-Lenses, showcasing their contrast, resolution, and rendition of the finest details. With this combination, photographers can rest assured that the exceptional quality of the monochrome images they capture holds true to the luminance of their subject.
Based on the Leica M10-P, the M10 Monochrom now benefits from a bevy of newfound abilities for the Monochrom line, including a slimmer body, dedicated ISO dial, touchscreen controls, the quietest mechanical shutter of all Leica M rangefinders – analog or digital – and built-in Wi-Fi for wireless connectivity to the Leica FOTOS app on iOS, iPadOS, and Android. For the first time in the history of Leica M Monochrom cameras, users can utilize a mobile workflow that gives them direct access to authentic black-and-white images straight from the camera to their favored social media platform – no digital filters required. The FOTOS 2.0 app helps bring Leica users from the decisive moment of taking the picture to the creative moment of processing and sharing the finished photo as seamlessly as possible. This new freedom ensures no boundaries when it comes to capturing and sharing photographs with a Leica camera.
The design of the M10 Monochrom camera body is as loyal to the strict adherence to the black-and-white aesthetic as the image sensor that lives within it. The camera has no Leica red dot logo on the front and all of the usual bold red engravings found on most M cameras have been desaturated to a neutral gray, creating a sleek monochromatic contrast against its bright white engraved numbers. A subtle black-on-black logotype of “Leica M10 Monochrom” on the top plate gives the camera the most minimal branding to avoid distractions. The black-and-white design details combined with the newly blacked-out shutter button and lens release make the M10 Monochrom the stealthiest serial production camera yet from Leica, emphasizing its focus on blending into the heart of the action and capturing the decisive moment.
The M10 Monochrom is built to the highest quality standards expected of a Leica M camera, made almost entirely by hand through the passionate labor of experienced specialists in Wetzlar, Germany with the finest materials, ensuring it can bear even the toughest conditions of use in its stride. The new Leica M10 Monochrom promises to be a long-term companion that delivers an unparalleled experience and impeccable image quality, as timeless as the classic black-and-white photos it creates.
I've been exploring B&W photography with film lately, Hasselblad 501 CM and Yashicha Mat 124G.....and have an interest in it.
This blurb mentioned one of the driving points of this monochrome camera was the "omission of a color filter'....can someone explain this to me and what it means different shooting on this camera vs a normal full spectrum modern camera sensor?
I thought it was just a sensor picking up photons and translating them. Is there some sort of optical color filter in front of the sensor or coating or something?
I"m just wanting to get a sense in the digital world, what would be the difference of shooting regular color on modern sensors vs this sensor?
Thanks in advance!!
cayenne
Here's a short description of the difference between a monochrome sensor and the color filter arrays (Bayer, Xtrans) used on most full color digital cameras:
https://www.red.com/red-101/color-monochrome-camera-sensors
And something else you might find interesting for dedicated B&W work:
Monochrome conversion of Sony mirrorless cameras
See? Another reason for 2 cards!
Thank you that'll give me some good light lunch reading.
:)
Whist I'm pondering the information on these links.....how does one go about getting good, sharp focus on these types of rangefinder cameras, where you aren't looking through the lens to see what focus is like throughout the picture?
Good guesses?
I've never shot a rangefinder before and am curious....
Again, thanks in advance,
C
Rangefinder focusing cameras like the Leica M cameras have a bright patch in the center of the view finder - there is a double image when out of focus and as you turn the focusing ring on the lens barrel in the correct direction the two images will come together. When they have been joined completely together to form a single image - you are in focus (assuming the rangefinder is properly aligned, of course!).
Oh...that's interesting!! I wonder how that works with it not going through the lens?
C
If a bit skilled, by owner (quite easy, but a little time-consuming), if not, by service. Since no AF, no AFMA, of course.
PS: The M lenses from 35 mm focal length can be used with great results on the R or RP cameras...but not the wider angle lenses (magenta cast on sides of picture).
Actually, 199 ... I changed my mind !!
But for people with an extra $20,000 for bodies and lenses, I wish them plenty of satisfaction.