Leica announces M10 Monochrom

Leica has quietly added a new variant to the Leica M10 range - the M10 Monochrom.

The $13,500 black and white only camera isn't just the result of Leica turning off the ability to take colour photos either, instead it features a new sensor developed 'from the ground up' to handle black and white photography.

The fact that no color filter arrays are required means that there are fewer glass and filter layers to 'impede the transmission of light' or cause deflections. According to Leica, this results in decreased, finer-grained image noise.

The new sensor also features a lower base ISO (from 320 to 160), and an improvement in dynamic range.

The Leica M10 Monochrom is 'the epitome of discretion' (according to Leica, that is) with the omission of the familiar red dot. The “Leica M10 Monochrom” inscription on the top plate is also considerably more subtle. The camera shutter is also quieter, according to the company. 

Otherwise, there's few changes over the M10-P, with the M10 Monochrom featuring the same 40-megapixel resolution. The camera is also capable of transmitting images via Wi-Fi and Leica's Fotos app.

You can see a great video with street photographer Alan Schaller using the M10 Monochrom below.

The M10 Monochrom is available now for $13,500 from the Leica Store.