Consistent with Leica's passion for classic
designs mixed with contemporary functionality, the M Monochrom (Typ
246) Digital Rangefinder Camera is a unique digital camera dedicated
to producing black and white imagery. Lacking a color filter array, as well as
an optical low pass filter, the M Monochrom's full-frame 24MP CMOS sensor
records solely in luminance values, forgoing the need for color interpolation,
in order to gain the utmost in sharpness, clarity, and resolution.
Complementing the imaging capabilities, the Leica Maestro image processor also
affords a sensitivity range from ISO 320-25000 as well as a 3 fps shooting rate
with a 2GB buffer for recording up to 30 frames in a sequence. Full HD 1080p
video recording is also possible in either 24 or 25 fps frame rates. Unique
among digital cameras, the Typ 246 maintains Leica's preference for a
rangefinder design and incorporates a 0.68x optical viewfinder with split and
superimposed manual focusing, automatic parallax correction, and manual image
field selection. Conversely, the camera also features a 3.0" 921.6k-dot
LCD with sapphire glass covering to maintain the overall durability of the magnesium
alloy and brass body.
As with past M-series cameras, the M Monochrom retains the
ability to utilize the vast network of M-mount lenses from 16mm to 135mm. When
working in live view, and since focusing operation is entirely manual, focus
peaking and 10x live view zoom can be utilized to ensure critical focus. An
ergonomic body design places all of the necessary camera controls within reach
during shooting, including top shutter speed and drive mode dials, as well as
rear menu navigation buttons and selection dial located atop the thumb rest.
The DNG files created by the M Monochrom (Typ 246) are not
currently compatible with Apple's Photos and Aperture applications in Mac OS X
Yosemite (10.10.3 and 10.10.4) and should not be imported into your Photos or
Aperture libraries.
Monochrom
Distinct from most digital camera, the M Monochrom (Typ 246)
is a high-resolution camera dedicated solely to recording black and white
imagery. By omitting a color filter array, as well as an optical low pass
filter, this camera records imagery only in luminance values in order to gain
higher sharpness, as well as increased clarity, depth, and resolution.
Additionally, this design also contributes to reduce noise values when shooting
at higher sensitivities, up to ISO 25000.
24 MP CMOS Sensor and Maestro Processor.
Featuring a full-frame 24 MP B&W CMOS sensor and Maestro
processor, this camera is also characterized by its improved shooting speed and
versatility. A continuous shooting rate of 3 fps is possible and a 2GB buffer
permits recording up to 30 DNG and/or JPEG files in a sequence with instant
review possible. The sensor and processor combination also affords full HD
1080p video recording, in either 24 or 25 fps frame rates. An on-board monaural
microphone can be used for audio recording, in auto, manual, or "Concert"
modulation settings, or an optional external stereo microphone can be used when
paired with a microphone adapter set.
Optical Viewfinder and Rangefinder.
The optical viewfinder is a large, bright-line
0.68x-magnification rangefinder with automatic parallax compensation and
LED-illuminated frame lines, which are set to match the image sensor size at a
focusing distance of 6.6'. On the front of the camera, a viewfinder frame
selector can also be used to manually change the apparent image field to help
visualize the scene with varying focal lengths. The rangefinder mechanism
displays split or superimposed bright field images within the center of the viewfinder
to benefit accurate manual focusing control. The effective rangefinder metering
basis is 47.1mm (mechanical metering basis 69.25 mm x viewfinder magnification
of 0.68x).
3.0" LCD Monitor and Sapphire Crystal Cover
Complementing the optical viewfinder is a 3.0"
921.6k-dot LCD monitor, which is fitted with a scratch-resistant protective
cover made from sapphire crystal glass for added durability. In addition to
image review and menu navigation, this monitor also permits live view
monitoring with the ability to utilize focus peaking and 10x zoom features to
better ensure critical sharpness. Focus peaking highlights bright edges of
contrast when they are in sharp focus, while the zoom control allows you to
home in on fine details within the scene.
Body Design
Reminiscent of classic Leica designs, the M Monochrom
features a black chrome-plated metal body design with a magnesium-alloy
chassis, brass top and bottom plates, and a synthetic leather wrap. This
minimalist and discreet appearance is further maintained by the unobtrusive
Leica engraving on the rear of the body, with no front-facing or top plate
logos. Furthermore, the pared-down, ergonomic design allows direct access
to necessary camera controls, including top shutter speed and drive mode dials and
rear menu navigation controls.
Other Camera Features
Designed to accept all M-mount lenses, Leica R-mount lenses
are also compatible through the use of an optional R to M adapter. A
download version of Adobe Lightroom is made available after purchase, and is
ideally suited to processing of the M Monochrom's DNG RAW image files. An
electronic level display can be used to ensure consistently level horizons and
plumb verticals. After a JPEG is recorded, in-camera toning effects can be
applied to imagery to simulate the look of film-based black and white processes. Language
support: German, English, French, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, traditional
Chinese, simplified Chinese, Russian, and Korean.
