Leica announces Leica M10-P: The quietest M
Leica Camera AG, the company behind the Leica M series rangefinder cameras, has announced an P-version of the current Leica M10. The “P” moniker was first used on the Leica MP in 1956. It resurfaced commercially with the introduction of the Leica M4-P in 1980, as the successor to the M4-2, to denote the new model was intended for “Professional” use. At least that was the inference. As then, updates to the current M10 are relatively minor, mainly cosmetic. However, Leica claim the M10-P has the quietest shutter of all M-series models to date. This is no mean feat, considering the film models used a horizontal-running, rubberized-cloth type shutter. Today’s digital M-series adopt a variation of the R8 vertical metal-shutter, so the quieter version in the new M10-P is very welcome.
While a quieter shutter is a nod to the attributes of Leica’s film-based M-series, the M10-P also breaks with tradition and uses a touchscreen LCD. Not only can it be used to swipe through previews but it can be used to check focus quickly – in both preview- and live-view modes. As for the previously mentioned cosmetic updates, the M10-P has had the conspicuous red-dot removed from the front, while the upper surface of the top plate has the now familiar engraved Leica script instead. In all other respects the Leica M10-P is the same as the M10 – it features the same 24MP CMOS sensor, image processor and identical 2GB buffer.
The Leica M10-P is available from today and is offered in the usual silver chrome but the expected black-paint finish, as used on the earlier Leica M-P, has been supplanted with the matte, ‘black chrome’ finish.
Check for prices and availability:
Official press release from Leica UK:
Press information
Leica M10-P: a new level of understatement
Wetzlar, 21 August 2018. With the Leica M10-P, Leica Camera AG presents a further model in the Leica rangefinder camera range. Based on the M10, the M10-P offers all the technical advantages of the Leica M rangefinder system and, in details, focuses on the characteristic core features that are particularly appreciated by M-photographers. Exceptionally discreet and concentrating entirely on the most essential camera functions, the Leica M10-P embodies the essence of the M-philosophy and retains the celebrated understatement of previous incarnations.
The new and outstanding features of the Leica M10-P include the extremely low noise level of its shutter, the quietest shutter release of all M-cameras. This makes it the first digital M-camera that is even more discreet than its analogue predecessors. The almost inaudible sound of its shutter release makes it the ideal tool for capturing authentic photographs from the heart of life itself – especially in situations where quiet is essential. In addition, the design of the Leica M10-P is as minimalist as the camera’s functionality itself. The camera has no Leica red dot logo on the front and features only discreet Leica lettering on its top plate.
The Leica M10-P fulfils everything that discerning photographers expect from a Leica M and, through the concentration on essential functions, follows the lead of all past and present Leica M-cameras. A new addition is the touch-function that enables faster checking of the plane of focus in Live-View and Review mode, more convenient browsing in Review mode and faster access to all the most important functions. The M10-P also has an integrated spirit level that enables perfect orientation of the camera and avoids the need for laborious corrections in post processing.
All other features, functions, construction materials and the finishing of the Leica M10- P correspond to the same high standards as those of its sister model, the Leica M10.
The Leica M10-P is available from today from authorised Leica UK stores and authorised Leica dealers and is offered in a choice of black chrome and silver chrome finishes for £6,500 including VAT.
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