Strapping the Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95 ASPH lens onto its front, we set out to see if the Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246) produced images as sharp as Leica has been claiming.
You can judge for yourself by taking a look through our comprehensive Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246) sample image gallery above. Click to see the images full-screen, and feel free to download them for a closer inspection.
This model is based on the latest M-P (Typ240), which uses a 24MP full-frame CMOS sensor, and carries an identical body design.
The key difference of courses the lack of a colour filter array, which as you can see above results in exceptionally sharp monochrome images.
This also allows more light to reach the sensor and therefore increases the camera’s sensitivity range, which is ISO 320 to 25,000.
The M Monochrom also offers Full HD movie recording, and can carry an additional microphone via an adapter that slips into the accessory shoe. This shoe can also be used to support the optional EVF-2 viewfinder (meaning, naturally, that you can’t use both simultaneously).
It will go on sale in mid-May, priced £5,750. Bear in mind that if you want to replicate the combination we made here with the Leica 50mm f/0.95 Noctilux-M ASPH you’ll have to shell out another £7,000 or so. Better start saving now then.
