The Leica Type M240 is my first digital M camera which I bought when It was first launched in 2012. It is still my go-to digital M camera till today which I heart dearly. The no-frills M240 is equipped with 24 megapixels CMOS sensor, ISO range of 200 to 6400, 1080p video mode ( in fact the only M camera with video function ), built-in live view with focus peaking and shutter speed up to 1/4000s

Back then, the improvement of the M240 was leaps and bounds ahead of the CCD equipped M9 however moving forward 9 yrs, is this camera still relevant/competent till today with the new M10, M10p and M10-R which is way more advanced? Here is my take on this.

PROs

1. Huge battery - 1800 mAh. This battery just keeps working! I brought this camera to the Everest Base Camp with just two fully charged battery and there ware no charging point along the way. In 3 days at -10 deg Celcius, I only use up only 3/4 of one battery which is pretty amazing! From my experience, most of the battery would die off rather quickly due to the extreme weather. I guess due to the video function, the engineers created a much larger capacity battery which is a major plus point.

2. Black paint instead of black chrome - I am a huge huge fan of black paint as it ages really well. The paint will wear off over time and reveal the golden bronze patina which I love. Think Lenny Kravitz Leica M-P ( click image HERE )

3. Video - Given the fact that not many M users use the video mode but I feel it’s a good function to have when necessary. Even though it does not have image stabilization hence the video could be a little shaky at times but it’s quite good to have sometimes.

CONs

1. Limited ISO range - given the fact that this is a 9 yr old camera, the ISO performance is certainly hard to compete with the newer M models. The useable range of ISO is 2000 at max. Given the fact that I am used to shooting with film M all these while, hence I am pretty comfortable with it still.

2. It’s Size - The M240 is relatively larger and heavier than the newer M in comparison.

3. I secretly wish it comes with a touch screen. Having used the more advanced M10-R recently, I am totally in love with the touch screen functions as you can zoom in to your image instantly as well as to check your focus peaking accuracy.

Despite its age, the camera still renders image flawlessly. Below are some samples of photos taken with the Leica M240 + 50mm f1.4 Summilux ASPH.