Leica M10-R: 40.8 MP Rangefinder Revealed
With the ‘R’ standing for ‘resolution’ the Leica M10-R has been designed for photographers who are looking for high resolution without limiting dynamic range or low light capabilities. Fitted with a freshly designed 40.8-megapixel sensor, the M10-R could be the answer to many Leica users prayers who want higher resolution without switching to the Leica SL2.
Revealed in an online press launch today, the M10-R’s design has largely remained the same as its counterpart – the M10. It does, however, boast some additional features such as a touchscreen and quieter shutter that was seen on the M10-P.
Overall the M10-R has been designed to offer similar or better features with little compromise. One of the biggest jumps in the M10-R’s tech is the increase of the long exposure time from 4 to a whopping 16 minutes. This will certainly attract the attention of many a stargazer in the astrophotography world.
Leica M10-R features
- Full-frame 40.8 Megapixel Sensor
- DNG & Jpeg file formats
- Buffer memory: 2GB / 10 pictures in series
- Storage – SD cards up to 2GB/SDHC cards up to 32GB/SDXC cards up to 2TB
- ISO 100 to ISO 50000
- Touchscreen
- Quiet Shutter
- Leica MAESTRO II Image Processor
During the launch, Leica Ambassador Lucy Laucht gave us an insight into using the M10-R having previously worked with the M10-P for her personal and professional work. When asking her about editing the larger files from the M10-R, she explained that she had found editing the RAW files [DNG] quite simple. She explained that, “This is great as higher resolution cameras can lose dynamic range and pulling highlights or shadows can result in banding, making editing a tad tricky.” She explained that she had used Jpeg’s from time to time but her main reason for doing so was to be able to share her images through social media or to send to a client during a shoot.
Leica M10-R Black Front View 
Leica M10-R Black Top View 
Leica M10-R Black Rear View 
Leica M10-R Silver Front View 
Leica M10-R Silver Top View 
Leica M10-R Silver Rear View
In terms of the performance, Lucy noted no noticeable difference in performance even with the larger file sizes generated from the new sensor. A good sign as the buffer memory dropped from 22 images down to 10. So seeing no lag from the M10-R from general shooting means it won’t slow down the user and hinder them in their work. Overall Lucy said she could see herself using the M10-R more in her client/paid work as opposed to other high-resolution cameras [assuming] she was previously using. Check out her work below to see the images she captured on the new Leica M10-R.
Photo by Lucy Laucht from her Cornwall Project 
Image of the Cornwall Beach by Lucy Lauch 
Photo by Lucy Lauch 
Photo of an Evening at Cornwall beach by Lucy Lauch
Thoughts
Leica has done a great job in covering most bases with the M10 family, so why add a 4th? As highlighted, the resolution plays a role in which camera people will choose for their specific application. Many won’t want to switch from the slim-lined range finder to the chunky SLR-styled SL2 simply to get a higher resolution sensor. By designing a brand new image processor than can fit in an M10 body, we anticipate the M10-R attracting some attention from professional photographers.
Pricing and availability
The Leica M10-R will start shipping on the 20th of July 2020 at a price of £7100 – See more at Leica’s website.
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