Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246)
Announced April 30, 2015
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246) is a specialized rangefinder that excels at capturing high-resolution, detailed black and white imagery. While its manual focus system and monochrome-only sensor create a niche experience, the camera offers significant performance improvements over its predecessor, including better high ISO capabilities and a more responsive build.
Weighted from 12 reviewer scores
Pros
- Excellent image quality with high detail and dynamic range
- Strong performance at high ISO settings
- Solid, rugged build quality and traditional controls
- Bright viewfinder and precise rangefinder focusing
- Versatile lens selection via M-mount
Cons
- High cost and niche monochrome-only limitation
- Manual focus and rangefinder constraints
- Susceptibility to highlight clipping
- High base ISO and potential banding at extreme settings
- Lack of image stabilization
- Launch price $7,450 (USD)
- Sensor 24MP Full-Frame Monochrome CMOS
- Video 1080p 25p
- Stabilization None
- Burst 3 fps mechanical
What the Reviewers Say
All 12 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
Is this product missing a reputable review? Share a link to a review article or YouTube video for consideration.
-
[...] I’m very glad that I got to try this camera, but don’t expect to buy a Leica M Monochrom for myself any time soon. The camera does give excellent black and white results, and using it was a fun experience.
-
Mention the Leica M Monochrom and the question most people ask is, ‘Why would you want to limit yourself to shooting black & white only?’ Well, aside from the personal preference argument, the big advantage comes from doing away with the colour filters.
-
The Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246) will be a welcome update to those who want to shoot in black and white, and uses the Typ 240 camera body to bring all the latest features to the monochrome camera.
-
The manual focus, black and white-only Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246) rangefinder camera isn't for everyone. But if it's for you, you'll love it.
-
The Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246) is specialized and expensive, and its manual rangefinder focusing won't suit everyone. But the quality of the results justifies Leica's brave decision to use a monochrome sensor.
-
The M Monochrom Typ 246 is the manufacturer’s second model to shoot just black and white, but is it more than an expensive gimmick? Find out in our Leica M Monochrom Typ 246 review.
-
The Leica Monochrom is for a niche inside another niche. For those who always output their work in B&W, it can be the perfect camera.
-
You have to LOVE and ADORE the art of B&W shooting to plunk down this kind of cash for a B&W only camera but if you do, you will NOT be disappointed in this new MM.
-
Bottom line: there are no disadvantages to the CMOS-based MM246 Monochrom. Not from an image quality point of view, nor that of usability.
-
[T]his is pretty much the king of digital black and white.
-
The new Leica Monochrom (Typ 246) is a worthy and capable successor to the previous model, and it shows real improvements at every level; it’s faster, quieter, more flexible and has better image quality, especially at high ISO.
-
I definitely know that this camera is for me. This is the M monochrome for me to go with my Q2 monochrome.
