Leica M10-R
Announced July 16, 2020
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-R features a 40-megapixel sensor that delivers exceptional image quality and dynamic range within a classic, compact rangefinder body. Although it provides a unique and rewarding shooting experience for purists, the camera remains a costly, specialized tool that lacks modern conveniences like autofocus and video support.
Weighted from 14 reviewer scores
Pros
- High-resolution 40MP sensor with excellent dynamic range and low-light performance
- Compact, durable, and classic rangefinder design
- Intuitive, minimalist controls for a pure photographic experience
- Nearly silent mechanical shutter
- Bright optical viewfinder and rangefinder focusing system
Cons
- Manual focus and manual-only operation
- Very high price point for both the body and lenses
- Slow buffer clearing and limited UHS-I card slot speeds
- Lack of modern features like video support and IBIS
- Short battery life
- Launch price $8,295 (USD)
- Sensor 40.89MP Full-Frame CMOS
- Stabilization None
What the Reviewers Say
All 14 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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What's really unique about this Leica M10-R however is that [...] that's where this new camera really shines. It's gonna unleash a lot of that potential that you have not been seeing on your Leica M glass.
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Ultimately, though, the M10-R really is an anachronism, especially in the age of full-frame mirrorless where we can buy small, discreet bodies with excellent image quality elsewhere.
- WIRED 4/10
The M10-R is a beautiful device. It's thoughtfully designed, and it produces incredible photos. I just can’t recommend it.
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For us, the Leica M10-R is all about the company finding that ‘sweet spot’ where a large full frame sensor – uniquely designed for this model – finds a fit with a comparatively svelte body.
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The M10-R also happens to feature some of the latest digital technology to produce image quality to challenge any other full frame camera, and a shooting experience that remains unique.
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The Leica M10-R puts a brand-new, 40MP image sensor into an absolutely classic body design, resulting in a compelling camera for rangefinder devotees.
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The M10-R is still essentially a prestige camera for the purists or somebody who simply likes to do things differently, but it is also now right in the mix in terms of the image quality standards being set by the leaders in mirrorless cameras.
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This is a real photographer’s camera – in my opinion, it has the best image quality of any M camera ever made, and it’s a pleasure to use.
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None of this is to say the Leica M10-R is perfect, but to me it is absolutely the pinnacle of digital M's thus far.
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The resolution bump is a welcome addition, and the fact that we're getting 70% more pixels without sacrificing low-light performance or dynamic range seems a win-win proposition all around.
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All right, so my final thoughts about the Leica M10-R, I am of course impressed with the sensor that this camera has. It is a 40 megapixel sensor, so you're going to get very high quality images, and I would hope so for a $6,500 camera body.
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I enjoyed every moment with the Leica M10-R and the results are fabulous.
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This one has to go back to the Leica store for the opening of the store Monday morning and I think that new sensor is terrific.
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The M10 has a beautiful look, but with the Leica M10-R files, I'm able to get a little more punch, color, and just overall feel that I go for. I'm able to push that a lot further with the Leica M10-R that I can't really describe it other than just like as I'm editing I feel it.
