Leica M10 Monochrom Review
We've aggregated 17 high-signal reviews and 1 live retailer price below.
Our editorial take on the Leica M10 Monochrom
The Leica M10 Monochrom is a 41-megapixel full-frame rangefinder built around a sensor with no color filter array, producing black-and-white images exclusively. Reviewers consistently praise the tonal rendering, detail, and dynamic range as exceptional, noting that the lack of a Bayer filter delivers cleaner high ISO performance and finer texture than converted color files. The rangefinder experience, paired with manual-focus M-mount lenses, appeals to photographers who want a deliberate, tactile workflow. Build quality and the optical viewfinder are universally lauded.
The limitations are significant and intentional. There is no video, no autofocus, and no ability to shoot color without an external filter. Reviewers note the rangefinder focusing takes practice and can be challenging in low light or with close subjects. The 1.04-megapixel rear screen is adequate but not class-leading, and the single SD card slot and modest 4.5 fps burst rate reflect the M10 Monochrom's emphasis on craft over speed. The $8,295 price puts it squarely in the luxury tier, and several reviewers acknowledge that the cost is steep even for Leica.
Those who invest in the M10 Monochrom are rewarded with image quality that reviewers describe as unmatched in monochrome photography. It is a tool for committed purists who value the rangefinder discipline and the unique rendering of a true black-and-white sensor.
- Exceptional monochrome image quality with outstanding tonal range and detail
- Clean high ISO performance thanks to the lack of a color filter array
- Premium build with brass top and bottom plates and light weather sealing
- Classic rangefinder shooting experience with excellent optical viewfinder
- Manual focus with M-mount lenses encourages deliberate, tactile workflow
- No video recording capability whatsoever
- No autofocus; rangefinder manual focusing can be difficult in low light or at close distances
- $8,295 price is very high even by Leica standards
- Single SD card slot and modest 4.5 fps burst limit versatility
Synthesized by Geared editors from aggregated expert reviews.
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Editorial reviews
The new Leica M10 Monochrom promises to be a long-term companion that delivers an unparalleled experience and impeccable image quality, as ...
Exactly like the first miraculous LEICA cameras crafted over 100 years ago, this new LEICA M10 Monochrom shoots only in black-and-white.
Discover the unexpected joys of the Leica M10 Monochrom in this detailed review. Explore how this camera simplifies the process versus my ...
The Leica M9 Monochrom is a great camera and feels analog. The dynamic range is slightly better with the M10M, but highlights are not recoverable once they are ...
Overall, the Leica M9 Monochrom is a great camera and feels analog. The dynamic range is slightly better with the M10M, but highlights are not ...
The Leica M9 Monochrom is a great camera and feels analog. The dynamic range is slightly better with the M10M, but highlights are not recoverable once they are ...
There is terrific levels of detail, contrast and sharpness. It does render the image a little cooler , I suspect due to the coatings on the lens ...
Overall, the Leica M9 Monochrom is a great camera and feels analog. The dynamic range is slightly better with the M10M, but highlights are not ...
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Specs
- Battery
- BP-SCL5, 7.4V, 1300 mAh
- Weight Grams
- 660 g (with battery)
- Dimensions Mm
- 139 x 80 x 38.5 mm
- Build Material
- Brass top and bottom plates, magnesium alloy chassis
- Weather Sealing
- Yes, light rain and dust sealing
- Bit Depth
- No video
- Raw Video
- No
- Log Profiles
- No video
- Internal Codecs
- No video
- Max Frame Rate 4k
- No video
- Max Frame Rate Hd
- No video
- Max Video Bitrate
- No video
- Max Recording Time
- No video
- Max Video Resolution
- No video
- Hot Shoe
- Yes
- Self Timer
- 2 s, 12 s
- Aspect Ratio
- 3:2
- Focus Peaking
- Yes, in live view
- Exposure Modes
- Aperture Priority, Manual
- Metering Range
- -2 to 19 EV
- Buffer Capacity
- 2GB integrated buffer
- Metering Method
- Center-weighted average
- Flash Sync Speed
- 1/180 s
- Rangefinder Base
- 50.6 mm effective
- Compatible Lenses
- Leica M-mount, Leica R-mount with adapter
- Color Filter Array
- None, monochrome only sensor
- Flash Compensation
- -3 to +3 EV (1/3 EV steps)
- Image File Formats
- DNG, JPEG
- Visoflex Compatible
- Yes
- Viewfinder Frame Lines
- 35/135mm, 28/90mm, 50/75mm pairs
- Sensor Size
- Full-frame (36 x 24 mm)
- Sensor Type
- CMOS
- Image Processor
- Leica Maestro II
- Low Pass Filter
- No
- Effective Megapixels
- 40.89 MP
- Release Date
- Not specified
- Announced Date
- January 2020
- Launch Price Usd
- Not specified
- Dual Native Iso
- No
- Iso Range Video
- No video
- Iso Range Stills
- ISO 160-100000
- Continuous Shooting
- 4.5 fps for up to 10 frames
- Shutter Speed Electronic
- None
- Shutter Speed Mechanical
- 1/4000 to 8 s, up to 960 s in Aperture Priority
- Viewfinder
- Optical rangefinder, 0.73x magnification
- Rear Screen
- 3.0 inch, 1,036,800 dot, fixed touchscreen LCD, Gorilla Glass
- Touchscreen
- Yes
- Lens Mount
- Leica M
- Crop Factor
- 1.0x
- Usb
- Not specified
- Hdmi
- None
- Audio Io
- None
- Wireless
- Wi-Fi
- Card Slots
- 1x SD/SDHC/SDXC
- Ibis
- No
- Af Points
- Manual focus only
- Af System
- Manual focus only
- Af Low Light
- Manual focus only
- Subject Detection
- None
Where to buy
Live prices from retailers. We earn a small commission when you click through - never affects ranking.
- B&H Photonew● In stock$8,995Buy
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