Leica M review

The M 240 is a significant step forward for Leica. In this model the company embraces the expectations and advancements of modern photography while successfully maintaining the traditions that have become important to the brand.

It's a great relief, as without these steps the brand would become old fashioned and stuck in the past, instead of one that simply reflects and respects its own heritage. The change has been simple really – a new screen, a new processor and a new sensor, but in human terms that adds up to a new heart, a new brain and a new face. Only the body is much the same.

Of course, the M isn't perfect, and I'd like to see some little touches to improve the handling, such as allowing the levelling tool to be seen in Live View, and faster menu navigation.

I haven't enjoyed using a Leica so much since the M7 in 2002. That makes me sound old, but actually it has been Leica that has been old and behind the times. Now though the magic has returned, and the Leica name once again stands for excellent image quality and a delightful experience, as well as a solidly built camera that costs of lot of money.

The M 240 does, still, cost a lot of money, but now I can say that it is actually worth the price. That isn't the same as saying the camera is affordable, but it does mean that if you do buy one you will appreciate why you had to pay almost £5,000 for it, and you won't just feel you've been a bit robbed.

We liked

The Leica M 240 is an inspiring camera to use, from the design of the body to the feel of its controls. With its new sensor and processor it also performs extremely well, and produces images that match the body for quality.

We disliked

Although handling is much improved in the M 240 over previous models, Leica could still make its menu system slicker to use, and improve the action of the exposure compensation button. There's also a slightly limited ISO range that doesn't fully include ISO 100 for fast lenses in daylight, or sensitivity settings beyond 6400 for very low light.

Verdict

The Leica M 240 offers beautiful image quality, with files that are full of detail and flexibility, from a camera that is a pleasure to use. The introduction of modern technology makes all the difference.

M9 users might find upgrading to the M 240 a little painful as they won't have had their current camera for long, but the difference in the new body really does make it a worthwhile move. The higher resolution sensor alone justifies the switch, but all the little extras add up to making the M 240 a completely different experience. Those using the M8 and M8.2 will see the benefits immediately.

Perhaps a new group of users might be those who have been considering the premium CSC models on the market – such as the Sony A7, Fuji X-Pro1, Olympus OM-D and Panasonic GX-7. While a giant step away in pricing, the M 240 provides the same benefits as these small cameras, but with an established lens range and a full frame sensor.