Leica M262 review: Should you buy a 9yr old camera?

Should you buy a 9 year old digital camera in 2024? In this article I review the Leica M262 camera that was first announced at the end of 2015. I’ll compare the camera to the Leica M240, Leica M-P 240, Leica M10 plus the earlier Leica M9 and share some of my thoughts and journey along the way. Leica M262 photos (portraits) included.

Quick back story

Before we jump into the details on the Leica M262 that I just bought we should perhaps cover my route to this point. I started my digital Leica journey with the Leica M9, then Leica M8. Next came a Leica M240 and finally the Leica M10. (If we are just talking about Leica M cameras). Let’s quickly cover some of those first so you know why I upgraded.

Replacing my trusty Leica M240

I’ve owned a silver Leica M240 since I part exchanged my Leica M9 towards it back in 2015. My Leica M9 was diagnosed with the corroding sensor and Leica Mayfair offered me a good trade in deal. The Leica M240 has been great but I used it less once I bought the little Leica CL and then the Leica SL (and for a period I used the Leica Q). I still have them all.

Talking of the Leica M9..

I used to love my Leica M9 and those famous Kodak CCD sensor colours are just something magical. The Leica M9 like the M8 and M262 has no LiveView so offers photographers a pure digital rangefinder experience. As much as a love the look of the Leica M9 files I wouldn’t recommend the camera nor buy one as even cameras with replaced sensors still have reports of corrosion issues.

Next came my Leica M10

After a gap of some years I saw an amazing deal on a used Leica M10 so decided to jump at the opportunity and bought a marked up Leica M10 with damaged leatherette. In theory the M10 is a big upgrade compared to my existing Leica M240 and we’ll cover that in this article.

Do I still use Leica M cameras? (Leica SL vs Leica M)

If you are a regular reader you’ll know my most used camera in recent years is my Leica SL. There is no doubt that the Leica SL camera is a fantastic (and very easy) platform for (1) taking portraits (photographing models in my example) and (2) adapting interesting lenses which is also a passion of mine (as I try to make artistic images).

For almost everything else I prefer a Leica M camera for the size, look and feel. For me Leica M cameras are real Leica cameras. The CL, SL and Q are lovely but they are not the famous Leica experience.

80:20 – Leica M cameras for street photography

Portraits covers perhaps 80% of my photos. For the other 20% I do some street photography and travel photography and for this a want a compact camera that is fast to focus and fun to use.

Leica M cameras are king of street photography for me with their optical viewfinder. You can watch subjects walk into your frame and paired with a compact 28mm lens they make a perfect EDC camera (every day carry) for this style of work. Check out the TTArtisan 28mm f5.6 lens for a stunning little Leica-like lens for street (a clone of the Leica Summaron 28mm f5.6 if you didn’t know).

Black Leica M cameras vs silver

After owning my silver Leica M240 for years, one thing that really struck me when I bought the black Leica M10 was I felt more invisible on the street. This is especially true when you pair the camera with a small black rangefinder lens like the TTArtisan 28mm f5.6.

When I then go back to a silver camera I feel there is a neon sign on my head and the glint of the camera just catches people’s attention so much more. This was especially true when I was Teaching Leica workshops in New York recently and I just observed how the public looked at my student with his silver Leica M cameras. (Even people that seemingly know nothing about cameras look and just know 1) it’s a beautiful object and 2) it looks expensive).

Losing my Leica M10

After enjoying my black Leica M10 camera for almost 6 months I had to return it to Leica Germany in Wetzlar for repair (under the shop warranty). The camera shutter was clipping at 1/4000 giving a black band across the images. The Leica customer service is known for not being the fastest and I’ve currently be quoted around 6 months wait time but others thought it might be more like 12 months. I’m not sure I can wait that long without a camera.

The hunt for a black Leica M camera

With my black Leica M camera now away for 6-12 months I wanted to buy a replacement to fill the gap. This is where we now pick up the story of the Leica M262 and how I finally arrived at that exact camera after days and days of reading, research and procrastination.

Let’s quickly recap

So to recap, I own a silver Leica M240 (so I don’t want to buy another M240 in black) and the black Leica M10 (so again I don’t want to double up). I wanted to see what other options were available at an affordable(ish) price. It is Leica after all so it’s not going to be cheap. I’m happy with my Leica SL but I feel a Leica M compliments that camera and is better suited for my travel.

I blame my Leica workshop students!

Most of my Leica workshop students (both those flying into London from the US to meet me or those based in Europe) turn up with black Leica M11-P cameras and they look absolutely stunning. Since then I’ve been completely obsessed with the no red Leica dot on the front of the camera and the beautifully engraved Leica script on the top plate. Can I find something similar for a lot less money?

Discovering the lesser known Leica M-P 240

One Leica camera that has never really been on my radar is the Leica M-P typ 240. This came up in my research as it has a similar design to the Leica M11-P cameras mentioned above. No red dot and Leica script on the top plate. How does a Leica M-P camera compare to a basic Leica M240?

Leica M-P 240 vs Leica M240

The Leica M-P 240 (aka Leica M-P Typ 240) is similar in many ways to my existing Leica M240 (aka Leica M Typ 240). The digital Leica M-P camera is not to be confused with Leica MP film cameras that have a similar name.

Leica M-P cameras like other Leica P models are an updated release of the original Leica camera (Leica M240 in this example) with a few added features. The main visual difference is the lack of red dot and the engraved Leica script on the top plate which is typical of P models. This is the aesthetics I’m after so perhaps this is my camera.

Benefits of a Leica M-P 240 vs Leica M240

A Leica M-P offers most of the same features as the basic Leica M240 model (and more features than the Leica M262 that we’ll cover shortly).

Black paint Leica M cameras

After being all set to buy a Leica M-P Typ 240 camera I noticed that black Leica M-P cameras are black paint finish (the same as black Leica M240 cameras). This is different to the later black chrome Leica M cameras such as my Leica M10 the Leica M11. If you are looking to buy either a Leica M240 or Leica M-P 240 the colour options are black paint or silver chrome.

Why I didn’t buy the Leica M-P 240

Black paint Leica cameras wear over time to show brassing which some people love. For me black paint Leica M cameras look older faster (and show my finger prints much more). I love the overall aesthetics of the Leica M-P camera and to me it offers a great affordable alternative to a Leica M10-P or Leica M11-P (if it’s the “P” look you are going for).

Sadly all the used black M-P 240 Leica cameras I found had too many marks so I decided to skip the Leica M-P idea and look at other Leica M camera options. I prefer to buy cameras in clean condition as I plan to keep them and look after them.

Discovering the Leica M262 camera

As my reading continued it was then that I discovered another Leica M camera that had somehow escaped my attention. The Leica M262 is very similar to my Leica M240 but it lacks the LiveView and video features (plus more differences that we will cover below).

The 24MP CMOS sensor in the Leica M262 is identical to that found in the Leica M240 and Leica M-P 240 models so you get the same nice colours from all 3 cameras.

Benefits of Leica M262 vs Leica M240

As mentioned the Leica M262 offers less features compared to the Leica M240 but some benefits also –

• Quieter (and nicer) shutter sound
• Lighter weight – 600g vs 680g (with battery)
• Longer battery life (as no LiveView)
• Better weather sealing (as fewer ports)
• Black chrome top plate not black paint – Looks newer longer

Pros of Leica M240 vs Leica M262

The original Leica M240 offers more features including –

• LiveView – Many advantages (see below)
• Optional EVF attachment (which requires LiveView)
• Video mode
• Brass top plate if you enjoy brassing

Why is LiveView so useful?

The LiveView option found in the Leica M240 and most Leica models that camera after (with a few exceptions) offers many benefits. For completeness, some of the cameras without LiveView include Leica M8, Leica M9, Leica M-E, Leica M262 and all Leica MD models. Reasons to buy a camera with LiveView include –

• WYSIWYG – Similar to the Leica SL, CL or Q cameras
• Exposure preview (in real time)
• Depth of field preview
• Exact framing preview
• Precise focusing preview (10x magnification option)
• Ability to compose any lens (from <10mm to 200mm+
• Focus ALL lenses (not only rangefinder lenses)
• Can utilise an EVF viewfinder attachment
• EVF let’s you use the camera at eye level or top down

Less is more

It sounds strange to want a camera with fewer features but sometimes less is more and fewer options leads to a more simple camera which can be a joy to use. Some photographs like to work within constraints and Leica are good are offering this.

Leica Monochrom cameras are limited to B&W only (plus the benefits that these cameras offer). Leica D model cameras have no rear LCD so it’s more like an analogue experience. For those trying to ween themselves off focusing with the EVF, buy a Leica M262 and then you have to focus via the rangefinder. You have no choice!

Reasons to buy a Leica M262

For me, the reduced camera weight and the better wearing lightweight top plate were enough for me to buy a used Leica M262 instead of the planned Leica M-P 240.

Is a Leica M camera good for portraits?

Are Leica cameras good for portraits? For street portraits and environmental portraits I would say yes 100%. What about model photography? As a guy that teaches model photography and portrait workshops I’d say that Leica SL series cameras are much better suited for portraits.

Leica SL vs Leica M advantages

Leica SL series cameras let you use the Light Lens Lab L-M helicoid adapter to close focus any rangefinder lens (Leica M and LTM via an adapter). As with all mirrorless cameras, you have a WYSIWYG view so it’s much easier to react on the fly and adjust accordingly. If you shoot into the light you can see lens flare, depth, bokeh etc and make micro adjustments to use these characteristics in your final image. With a rangefinder camera you don’t see the results until you review the final image.

Different look from Leica sensors

It’s easier to capture great portraits with a Leica SL series camera but sometimes it’s nice to take a more challenging route. The look from Leica M camera sensors are different enough to other Leica sensors to make it worth trying Leica M cameras for portraits and model photography. I’m proof that is it very much possible to use these cameras for fast paced model shoots, even with ultra fast glass.

Fast lenses with Leica M cameras

My favourite focal lengths for flattering Leica portraits are fast aperture 50mm, 75mm or 90mm lenses. (I’m mostly a 50mm guy). You need to be spot on with your focusing if shooting wide open via the rangefinder (the only option with the M262) but if you have a camera with LiveView that will give you something closer to the Leica SL series camera experience where WYSIWYG.

With a little practice you can shoot fast glass all day long, wide open and only use the rangefinder, and still nail your focus 98% of the time.

Get more Leica M photos in focus

There is a hack that I use. I’ve always preferred to fit a 1.4x viewfinder magnifier when using 50mm lenses or longer on a Leica M camera. In the past I used the Leica branded viewfinder magnifiers but now Light Lens Lab make a combined 1.4x magnifier with +3/-3 diopter. I much prefer this so I’m fully converted. (They are much more affordable too which is a bonus!)

Examples – Leica M262 portraits

Here are a selection of Leica M262 portraits captured in RAW and edited with my new MrLeica M262 presets. I love the colours from this sensor! Photos just seem to have more pop and saturation compared to the Leica M10 and Leica SL files I’m used to.

New Leica M262 presets for Lightroom

Since buying my Leica M240 almost 10 years ago my editing style has changed (and Lightroom now has more features too). I wanted to develop new Leica M262 presets for Lightroom that give me the look I want in a single click and for both colour and black and white images.

Lightroom presets to suit different lenses

Each lens has a different look so I developed both high and low contrast look presets to suit different glass or conditions. All photos here are Leica M262 DNG (RAW) files with a preset applied. These presets are developed around the 24MP CMOS sensor found in Leica M 240, Leica M-P and Leica M262 cameras but I’ll try applying them to other camera files too.

What is a Leica M-D 262? (vs M262)

When I posted my Leica M262 YouTube video a number of viewers commented to say get the Leica M-D 262. What is a Leica M-D (Typ 262)? It’s basically a Leica M262 without a rear LCD display and menu buttons.

The styling of the Leica M-D camera back is similar to that of a Leica M film camera with an ISO dial (similar to the Leica M6 and Leica MP). You set your ISO on the back of the camera, the shutter speed on the top as normal and aperture on the lens and you are all set.

It’s like a film camera loaded with a digital SD card. As with film you can’t review your photos until you get home.

Why I need a rear LCD display

As a model photographer a rear LCD display is a must have for my main digital camera. During a photoshoot I work closely with my models and show them the photos I am taking. Involving a model in your creative process is very easy way to boost their confidence, self esteem and output.

Just one tip from over 1000 points shared in my new eBook coming soon! If you want to improve your portraits skills download the free eBook and the full eBook will be out next month (latest).

Comparing the Leica M262 to other M cameras

If you are on the fence trying to decide what might be the best Leica M camera for you, let’s compare the Leica M262 to both older and newer Leica M cameras. The sensor before the Leica M262 was the M9 and the sensor that camera after was the Leica M10. Let’s cover both of those next.

Benefits of a Leica M262 vs Leica M9

I would recommend the Leica M262 over a Leica M9 for all except the die hard M9 fans. The Leica M262 vs Leica M9 offers multiple benefits –

• Larger battery so improved battery life
• Same pure Leica M rangefinder experience
• More modern so faster with less lag
• Better useable high ISO (ISO 2000 vs ISO 1000 approx)
• 24MP CMOS sensor vs 18MP CCD
• Higher resolution rear LCD screen to review images

The drawbacks of the Leica M262 is it is fatter and 15g heavier and lacks the famous CCD sensor. For full info on the Leica M9 check out my original M9 video.

Pros of a Leica M10 vs Leica M262

Some of the main advantages for me of the Leica M10 verses the M262 include –

• Better high ISO (6400 vs ISO 2000 approx)
• Slimmer camera design
• Quieter shutter (especially the M10-P)
• Black chrome top and bottom plates
• Larger viewfinder window
• 0.73x vs 0.68x VF magnification
• LiveView (+ all related benefits)
• Less lag vs M240 models
• Dedicated ISO dial on the top plate
• Simple on/off button (Not S/C/timer/off)
• Higher res rear LCD display (to review images)
• Improved dynamic range/ image quality)

Is there an argument to buy the older M262?

The biggest advantage of any camera with the colour Leica M240 sensor (M, M-P and M262) is these cameras are now around 10 years old so the price is around 33% cheaper than a Leica M10 and 66% less than a Leica M11. The beauty is all M cameras give the same enjoyable Leica M camera experience so there are cameras to suit all budgets.

Benefits of a Leica M262 vs Leica M10

If you don’t need the technological advantages of the Leica M10 such as better high ISO and a quieter shutter you can save some cash and look at the older Leica models. Benefits of the Leica M262 vs Leica M10 include –

• Longer battery life (2x longer?)
• Lower weight (600g vs 660g)
• Nicer colours out of camera
• Lower price tag

Is the Leica M10-P my dream camera?

My dream Leica M camera is probably the Leica M10-P combined with the low weight of the black Leica M11-P. I like the M11 battery and USB-C charging options too but for everything else the M10-P is great. If I ever get the Leica M11-P I plan to use it at 18MP not 60MP. That’s still plenty for my needs. Time will tell!

Buying a Leica M10-P

If you’ve not already seen the video I actually bought the Leica M10-P before the Leica M262. After side by side testing I was happy enough with the M262 so I reluctantly returned the M10-P.

To be continued..

The story ends here for now with me loving the new Leica M262 and the Leica M10 still in Germany for repair. I have plans for my Leica M10 so a future video and blog post to come once I can show you that. Excited! Subscribe to be notified of any updates (cameras, lenses, presets, etc).

Fuji user? How does a Leica M compare?

I know some Leica users enjoy Fuji cameras too (and vice versa). Here you see me shooting the Fuji X100V against my Leica M262 during a recent Leica workshop! (My Fuji presets for Lightroom should be out in the coming weeks if you’ve been asking).

Don’t miss the big comparison!

If you are looking to buy your first digital Leica M camera or perhaps upgrade to a newer model, feel free to subscribe to the blog as I am working on a big comparison article similar to what I did for Leica M film cameras. It will become the go to resource if trying to compare different Leica M cameras.