Leica M10-D
Announced October 24, 2018
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 M10-D is a screenless digital rangefinder designed to mimic the tactile experience of analog film photography. While it excels at encouraging a more deliberate and patient shooting process, its reliance on a buggy app and limited battery life makes it a highly niche tool.
Weighted from 14 reviewer scores
Pros
- Refined build quality and ergonomics
- Quiet and discreet shutter operation
- Excellent color rendition and image quality
- Compact and portable form factor
- Encourages a more thoughtful and present shooting experience
Cons
- Cumbersome and unreliable wireless connectivity
- Very expensive and exclusive niche appeal
- Poor battery life and high power consumption
- Lack of modern features like autofocus or video
- Difficult to review or verify focus without a screen
- Launch price $7,995 (USD)
- Sensor 24MP Full-Frame
What the Reviewers Say
All 14 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.
- PetaPixel 8.5/10
This camera has everything you need and exactly nothing you don’t.
-
As we’ve seen before with the Leica M and the M10-P, the M10-D is a beautiful camera, which is likely to appeal to Leica aficionados.
-
Leica continues its LCD-free rangefinder camera series with the M10-D, which adds a faux film advance lever to completely sell its retro look.
-
I absolutely adore this camera. At the same time, I'm not completely obsessing over it while I'm ready to shoot.
-
The answer depends on how you use the camera and this makes the Leica M10-D very interesting. You can use it like a real analog camera, you do not need a screen, you see your subject, take the picture, done.
-
I have already said it all but if you want to go back to your Analog M6 or M7 glory days, this is as close as you are going to get to it in digital form. No film required, just an SD card and a passion to shoot.
-
Backing away from nitpicking at the design, it’s important to note plainly that the M10-D is a total joy to use. If you’ve ever shot with an M camera of any kind, and assuming you enjoy rangefinder cameras, then the M10-D doesn’t disappoint.
-
Whatever the arguments about its functionality, the camera is a beautiful object, a pleasure to hold and a pleasure to shoot with.
-
The camera is doing precisely what it is supposed to do, that is, get out of the way, except if the battery dies too soon.
-
Regardless of the screen, I really liked using this camera. This is a lot of fun and this harks back to my film shooting days, which I still do by the way, and I really love it.
-
This is for a thoughtful and patient photographer, someone that wants to capture moments, someone that wants to capture stories, and someone that needs those limitations to bring out the best of them creatively.
-
It's this beautiful kind of middle ground, so that's honestly the first reason I bought it, and I think that's the most compelling reason.
-
[I]t is not a gimmick.
-
I could just use my R5, but the experience of the Leica M10-D is very much a unique one and one that I think is very much worth it for me personally.
