Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246) (2015–2020)
At 680 grams, it has no color and no compromise, just light and shadow in 24 megapixels of detail.
Overview
The Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246) was announced in April 2015. It is the second generation of Leica's dedicated black-and-white digital rangefinder line, and it succeeds the M Monochrom (Typ 230) with some real refinements. This is not a color camera with the saturation turned down. The sensor has no color filter array, so each photosite captures luminance data with maximum efficiency. The files feel more like developed film than processed RAW - tonally rich, dimensionally deep, and very clean even at high ISO.
The Typ 246 shares its platform with the Leica M (Typ 240), but the similarities are more structural than functional. The Typ 240 was a full-color workhorse aimed at the evolving digital market. The Monochrom (Typ 246) is a niche instrument, a specialist's tool. It tries to do one thing. The 24-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor has no Bayer filter and delivers approximately double the effective light sensitivity per pixel, which means lower noise and finer gradation in shadows and highlights. It suits photographers who think in Ansel Adams zones rather than RGB values.
Despite the purist approach, the Monochrom (Typ 246) isn't stuck in the past. It supports Full HD 1080p video, which few in its audience likely use. The Maestro processor, inherited from the Typ 240, handles image processing with improved burst performance - now three frames per second, a 50% increase over its predecessor. That sounds modest, but on a manual-focus rangefinder it's more than adequate. The 3.0-inch LCD screen isn't touch-sensitive, but it gives a clear, high-contrast preview of the monochrome image for judging exposure and contrast in real time.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Leica |
| Product type | Digital rangefinder camera |
| Sensor resolution | 24 megapixels |
| Sensor type | CMOS |
| Sensor size | 35.8 mm × 23.9 mm (Full Frame) |
| ISO range | 320-25,000 (expandable to 100-25,000) |
| Shutter speed | 60 min to 1/4000 sec |
| Burst performance | three frames per second |
| LCD screen | 3.0 inch |
| Viewfinder magnification | 0.68x |
| Processor | Maestro processor |
| Video capability | Full HD 1080p |
| Storage | SD / SDHC / SDXC card |
| GPS | Optional |
| Battery | Lithium-Ion (BP-SCL2) |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 139 x 42 x 80 mm |
| Weight | Approx. 680 g (with battery) |
Key Features
Monochrome-Only Sensor Without Color Filter Array
The defining feature of the M Monochrom (Typ 246) is that it has no color filter array. Conventional digital sensors use a Bayer pattern to interpolate color. This sensor captures only luminance. Every photon that strikes the surface contributes directly to image brightness, not to color reconstruction. The sensor behaves more like traditional black-and-white film, with finer grain structure, smoother tonal transitions, and greater dynamic range in monochrome. Owners report that shadows retain detail without muddiness, and highlights roll off with a natural compression that digital color sensors often struggle to emulate.
24 Megapixel Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
The sensor is a 35.8 mm × 23.9 mm full-frame CMOS chip, slightly overscanning the classic 36x24mm film frame. At 24 megapixels, it balances resolution and file size - high enough for large prints, but not so dense that noise overwhelms at high ISO. With no color filter, each pixel is more efficient, which effectively increases the sensor's quantum efficiency. That gives cleaner files at ISO 3200 and beyond, where many digital cameras begin to degrade. At base ISO 320, images have a film-like smoothness, with a texture that some describe as closer to Tri-X than digital.
Built on the Leica M (Typ 240) Platform
The Typ 246 uses the engineering of the M (Typ 240), including its body design, shutter mechanism, and electronic architecture. It inherits the Typ 240's 3.0-inch LCD, Maestro processor, and SD card storage system. Firmware and sensor calibration are tuned specifically for monochrome output. The rangefinder patch remains bright and precise, which matters for manual focusing with vintage or modern M-mount lenses. The Typ 240 was sometimes criticized for its early firmware quirks. The Monochrom (Typ 246) launched with more mature software, built on lessons learned during the Typ 240's lifecycle.
Three Frames Per Second Burst Mode
With the Maestro processor's improved throughput, the Monochrom (Typ 246) reaches a burst rate of three frames per second, up from two in the Typ 230. That's modest, but for a manual-focus rangefinder it's a meaningful upgrade. Street photographers report being able to catch fleeting expressions or gestures with more confidence, especially with pre-focused zones. The buffer holds approximately 24 DNG files in a single burst, which is more than sufficient for most use. The mechanical shutter remains silent and smooth, with no perceptible mirror slap or vibration.
Historical Context
The M Monochrom (Typ 246) emerged in April 2015 as a refinement of Leica's bold experiment with the original M Monochrom (Typ 230) from 2012. The Typ 230 proved the market for a digital-only black-and-white camera. The Typ 246 validated it, with higher resolution, better high-ISO performance, and a more refined user experience. In 2020, it was succeeded by the Leica M10 Monochrom, which reduced weight and simplified the interface. The Typ 246 remains prized for its balance of performance and tactile feedback.
Leica also released a limited edition of 150 units to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Leitz's move to Wetzlar. These models, marked "Leitz Wetzlar," are functionally identical but carry added collectible value due to their rarity and commemorative engraving. The Typ 246's production run lasted five years, an unusually long lifespan for a niche digital camera, suggesting steady if limited demand from a dedicated user base.
Collectibility & Value
The M Monochrom (Typ 246) cost approximately $7,450 USD at launch and was never intended for mass adoption. Today it trades in the $2,500 to $3,000 range, depending on condition and shutter count. Collectors note that shutter actuations significantly affect resale value - cameras under 5,000 actuations command a premium, and Leica has not published an official shutter life rating. Some owners argue the Typ 246 is a bargain at 20% of its original retail, especially for photographers who prioritize image quality over color.
No widespread, model-specific failures have been reported in major user forums. As with all digital M cameras, take care with battery contacts and SD card handling. The lack of a color filter array does not make the sensor more fragile, but sensor cleaning requires extra caution because it has no microlenses of the kind that protect color sensors. General maintenance follows standard digital rangefinder practice: regular sensor checks, firmware updates when available, and storage in low-humidity environments.
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