Leica M-E Typ 220 Camera
The Leica M-E Typ 220 is a 18MP full-frame mirrorless camera — known for its 18MP Full-Frame CCD Sensor and Optical Rangefinder Viewfinder. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Leica M-E Typ 220 Camera
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Leica 19301 CL Mirrorless 24.2MP Digital Camera Body Black (Type 7323)
Camera Overview — Leica M-E Typ 220
Key Features — Leica M-E Typ 220
18MP Full-Frame CCD Sensor: Delivers a maximum resolution of 5212x3472 pixels with the smooth tonal rendering characteristic of the Leica/Kodak custom CCD pipeline.
Optical Rangefinder Viewfinder: Lag-free, bright optical viewfinder with rangefinder patch for precise manual focus confirmation in the traditional Leica style.
Manual Focus Only: No autofocus system of any kind — designed for photographers who want complete, deliberate control over focus using Leica M-mount lenses.
Leica M-Mount Compatibility: Accepts the full range of Leica M-mount lenses, including decades of vintage and modern glass from Leica and third-party manufacturers.
Brass and Magnesium Body: Brass top and bottom plates over a magnesium alloy chassis give the camera a solid, premium feel with a classic Leica fit and finish.
ISO 80–2500 Range: Native sensitivity range suits well-lit environments and deliberate, low-ISO shooting typical of the rangefinder workflow.
Camera Specifications — Leica M-E Typ 220
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Documentary, Travel |
| Type | Rangefinder |
| Sensor | Full Frame (35mm) |
| Resolution | 18MP |
| Processor | MAESTRO (Kodak/Leica custom CCD pipeline) |
| ISO Range | 80 – 2500 |
| AF System | Manual Focus Only |
| AF Points | Not applicable (manual focus only) |
| Max Photo Resolution | 5212x3472 |
| Burst Rate | 2 fps |
| Bit Depth | Not supported |
| Image Stabilization | None |
Description — Leica M-E Typ 220
The Leica M-E Typ 220 is a full-frame digital rangefinder built for photographers who value deliberate, manual shooting. At its core is an 18MP full-frame sensor processed through the MAESTRO image processor using a Kodak/Leica custom CCD pipeline, capturing stills at up to 5212x3472 pixels. The camera is manual focus only, relying on its optical rangefinder viewfinder — a system with no autofocus, no eye tracking, and no subject tracking.
ISO sensitivity spans 80 to 2500, and burst shooting is available at up to 2 fps. The body itself is built with brass top and bottom plates and a magnesium alloy chassis, coming in at 139 x 80 x 37mm and 585g. The rear 2.5-inch TFT LCD displays at 230,000 dots.
Storage uses SD and SDHC cards, flash requires an external hot shoe attachment, and the Leica BC-SCL1 battery is rated for approximately 550 shots under CIPA testing. Note that video recording is not supported, and there is no image stabilization, no Wi-Fi, and no Bluetooth.
Pros — Leica M-E Typ 220
- ✓Full-frame 18MP sensor delivers a maximum resolution of 5212x3472 pixels
- ✓Optical rangefinder viewfinder provides a traditional, lag-free shooting experience
- ✓Premium brass top and bottom plates with magnesium alloy chassis construction
Cons — Leica M-E Typ 220
- ✗No video recording capability — video specs are entirely unsupported
- ✗ISO range tops out at 2500, which is limited for low-light shooting
- ✗No image stabilization of any kind — neither in-body nor digital
Videos — Leica M-E Typ 220
A Leica ME (Leica M9) Review in 2022 — tim riddick