Blending a minimalist approach to digital imaging, the Edition "Leica 60" of the Leica M (Typ 240) is a digital full-frame rangefinder camera designed with an emphasis on the four basic elements of photography: shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and focus. With each of these controls manually adjustable, the Edition 60 omits digitally-conventional elements of design for a pared-down approach to shooting. No rear LCD monitor and no menu system avail a clear and direct method of working, with the only means of recording being an uncompressed DNG raw still image file. Offered in a special limited edition of only 600 units, and paired with a unique Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH lens, custom camera cover, and a handmade presentation box, the Leica Edition 60 serves as an apt summation of the founding principles of the Leica M system, and the basic elements of photography as well.

Behind the uniquely stripped-down, limited edition design lies a 24MP full-frame Leica Max CMOS sensor and Maestro image processor, which contribute to rich image quality and low noise. A top sensitivity of ISO 6400 is accessible via the rear selection dial and shutter speeds between 1/4000 to 8 seconds and bulb, are adjustable on the top dial. The processor and sensor enable a continuous shooting rate of 3 fps, with the maximum number of frames being limited only by the capacity of the memory card. Beyond purely manual exposure control, an aperture priority mode serves as the only automated shooting means and utilizes a center-weighted in-camera meter for accurate results. All image files are recorded as uncompressed DNG files, with auto white balance settings, which can then be processed using the included Adobe Photoshop Lightroom software.

Precise manual focusing control is afforded using the built rangefinder focusing mechanism, and clear compositional viewing is possible with the 0.68x-magnification optical viewfinder. This viewfinder incorporates a bright line viewing aid, which displays the image frame area corresponding to the mounted lens.

Included with the camera body is a stainless steel-clad Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH lens; a prime wide-angle M-mount lens designed to deliver edge-to-edge sharpness and clarity. It incorporates one aspherical element into its optical design to control aberrations and distortions and a minimum focusing distance of 2.3' permits working with a broad array of subject matter. Additionally, also included within this edition is a leather and steel camera protector that serves to enhance the durability and appearance of the camera and lens together.

Edition "Leica 60" - Simplicity in Design

Based upon the M (Typ 240) digital rangefinder, this Edition 60 version incorporates the essential imaging components of the M within a newly designed, minimalist structure. Removing nearly all automated functions from the M's design, this limited edition allows you to focus on the four founding elements of photography: shutter speed, aperture, ISO sensitivity, and focusing.

In place of a rear LCD monitor, the camera features a simple ISO selection wheel. And instead of your choice of images sizes and formats, each exposure is only recorded as an uncompressed 24MP DNG file, within the Adobe RGB color space, with automated white balance settings. By eliminating many of the utilities of a standard digital camera, the Leica M Edition 60 forces you to devote your attention to the most basic of controls of which to affect your photographs.

Rounding out the Leica 60 distinction, this camera is limited to just 600 units and features a unique stainless steel body design with cowhide leather accents. The conventional "red dot" has been omitted from the design, too, in favor or top plate engravings of "Leica 60" and "Leica Camera Wetzlar" texts, along with a "Made in Germany" engraved seal.

Included with the camera body itself are a host of additional special edition components, including a Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH lens, camera protector made from leather and steel, and a handmade presentation box.

Leica Max CMOS Sensor and Maestro Image Processor

Benefitting the pared-down philosophy of the Edition 60 is a high-resolution full-frame 24MP Leica Max CMOS sensor and Maestro image processor, which combine to deliver vivid image quality with minimal noise, smooth color and tonal gradations, and exceptional clarity. The combination of both these technologies avails a continuous shooting rate of 3 fps, and the expanded buffer permits un-buffered shooting for the capacity of the SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card.

Utilizing the analog dials on the back and top of the camera, sensitivity can be adjusted, in 1/3 EV steps, from ISO 200 to 6400, and shutter speeds from 1/4000 to 8 seconds plus bulb for up to 1 minute, can be controlled. Aperture control is available on any attached M-mount lens, and an aperture priority setting can be utilized along with the in-camera center-weighted exposure meter.

Optical Viewfinder and Rangefinder Focusing Mechanism

Unique among digital cameras, the M Edition 60 maintains Leica's preference for a rangefinder design and incorporates a 0.68x optical viewfinder with split and superimposed manual focusing and automatic parallax correction. The rangefinder bright lines automatically match the image sensor sizes at all distances up to 6.6'-away, and the frame lines can be illuminated by LEDs for greater framing accuracy in dim lighting conditions. Additional LED symbols are visible within the viewfinder to indicate exposure settings and flash readiness.

Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH Stainless Steel Lens

Included with this special edition is a Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH lens; a prime wide-angle lens ideal for working in a wide variety of shooting conditions. Like the camera body, this lens features a unique Audi-designed stainless steel barrel with black and blue scale engravings in both meters and feet. The optical design incorporates one aspherical element to minimize chromatic aberrations and distortions and the aperture dial affords selection adjustment between f/1.4 to f/16 in 1/2 EV stops. A dedicated, matching round lens hood is included, along with a thread protection ring and stainless steel lens caps.

Other Camera Features

• Optional external flashes can be mounted via the hot shoe, with center and TTL control contacts, and flash synchronization is offered at speeds up to 1/180 sec.
• A license for Adobe Photoshop Lightroom is included, which can be used for post-processing the camera's DNG image files.
• Leica M-mount rangefinder lenses are supported, with 6-bit coding, ranging in focal lengths from 16mm to 135mm