Leica M-E (2012)
A digital rangefinder camera built on the M9 platform, stripped of select features to offer a lower-priced alternative in anthracite grey.
Overview
The Leica M-E is a digital rangefinder camera introduced in September 2012 at Photokina. It is a cost-reduced variant of the Leica M9, made by Leica. It shares the M9's core imaging system and mechanical design, but it leaves out the USB port and the viewfinder frame preselector lever. Experienced users were considered unlikely to need either one. The finish is anthracite grey (dark grey metallic). The idea was to give you the full M9 shooting experience at a lower price, without touching the official pricing of the flagship M9 and M9-P. It takes all lenses with the M bayonet mount. It sits in Leica's line of digital rangefinders alongside the M8, M9, M Monochrom, and M Type 240.
Specifications
| Type | Digital rangefinder camera |
| Film Format | Not applicable (digital) |
| Years Produced | 2012 |
| Lens Mount | M bayonet |
| Sensor Type | CCD |
| Shutter Type | Metal electronic |
| Shutter Speed Range | 1/4000 – 32 s |
| Flash Sync Speed | 1/180 s |
| Viewfinder Magnification | 0.68× |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 138 × 80 × 37 mm |
| Weight (with battery and card) | 593 g |
| Power Source | Dedicated rechargeable battery |
Design
The M-E uses the same body and internal layout as the Leica M9, finished in anthracite grey metallic. It has a CCD sensor and a metal electronic shutter, and it runs on a dedicated rechargeable battery. The M9's USB port and viewfinder frame preselector lever are gone. That simplifies the design and cuts production cost.
Context
Leica announced the M-E in 2012 as a cheaper way into its digital M-series, one that would not undercut the M9's premium positioning. Leica dropped features that many professional users rarely used. What was left kept the core image quality and handling of the M9. It was sold alongside the M8, M9-P, and M Monochrom, and pitched as "the same M9, minus the needless USB socket and preview lever."
Market
The Leica M-E had an original price of $5,500 USD at launch in November 2012. Photographers such as Ken Rockwell recommended it for anyone who wanted M9 performance for less money, and noted that the omitted features were not missed in practice. One user reported buying a used example "for a steal of a price," which points to early shifts in the secondary market.
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