The Leica M-D Type 262 has reached the end of the road, according to a report in Leica Rumors. Perhaps we should not read too much into that, however. I suspect it could well be true, but strictly concerning the current iteration rather than the concept as a whole.
I have a feeling that the M-D has indeed been a quiet success for Leica, certainly worth the investment in development and production. Its ethos has always been simplicity, back to the film camera in the purity of its controls. Only Leica would have the guts to produce such a camera and it would be a great pity to see it founder now. I thoroughly enjoyed using the camera, and I would go so far as to say it is probably my favourite digital M of all time.
Mine went when the M10 arrived because I like the design approach to the M10, in particular, the thinner profile and the physical ISO dial. I also suspected that the M-D in its original body could not be long for this world and I was looking to the future. Certainly, I would buy a new, smaller and lighter M-D if there is an opportunity.
I will be stunned if the M-D concept is dead. Indeed, I believe the M10, with its smaller size (and that ISO dial), lends itself to M-D-isation more so than the Typ 262 did. I have been hoping that Leica would introduce a new M-D and the discontinuation of the original model is probably the first step in that direction. Let us hope there will soon be an M10-based M-D. Fingers crossed.
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About the time of M10 introduction I had the good fortune of visiting my favorite camera store at exactly the same time the Leica representative visited the store to show off the features of M10. I had my M7 with me. He was quick to point out how similar the dimensions of M7 and M10. I was impressed with that aspect of the M10. Somehow, I do not remember exactly how, our discussion veered toward my impressions of MD. It all resolved with my expressing it was unlikely to purchase an M10. His final words were "What if Leica were to produce an M10D?" I assured I would be in line for such a camera……Who knows?
I owned (and loved) the M-D for over a year, and like Mike I upgraded to the M10.
I still miss the M-D quite a bit, and I also hope for an M10 version, though I hope if one is produced that it retains the M-D’s and not the M10’s ISO dial.
I love my MD. I do hope it was a success for Leica. If not for any other reason than the affirmation of the minds and courage, at Leica, involved in bringing it to market.
I wholly agree with that sentiment, Wayne
It was a courageous departure from the seemingly inexorable march towards added features, complexity and resolute box ticking. It would be a great pity if it fails on economic grounds.
Use the Leica M 10 case back … and there is no screen! Only good point could be to get a cheaper body without the screen.
With will-power, can you use your M10 as a screen-less M thus obviating the need for a niche model?
Hi David,
The MD and Monochrom concepts are really about creating specialized tools for those who prefer to work that way. Their success shows that there are enough folks out there who appreciate the concept.
Combining the two would be the ultimate camera for me. M-D (Typ 246) or M10-D Monochrom, it with the ISO dial in the center rear like the M-D 262. I found the M10ISO dial inferior in use.
Indeed I can, David. Andreas has a good suggestion — cover the screen. It’s something I appreciate with the LUMIX cameras and some others, to be able to reverse the screen. But Kwesi sums it up better than I can, I think. There is definitely an interest out there in a really simple but high-quality digital camera with the same feel as a film Leica.