Leica M-S or M-E2 to replace M-E rangefinder at Photokina 2014

Leica will announce a replacement for the M-E full frame rangefinder camera at Photokina 2014 in September. The new device is rumored to be called M-S or M-E2 and to feature a CCD image sensor.

Leica launched new M-mount cameras roughly two years ago. The Photokina 2012 brought us the Leica M and the M-E, the latter being an entry-level rangefinder that is packing lower-end specifications when compared to the former’s features list.

The camera has been around since then, but it has not managed to become extremely popular among photographers. Nevertheless, this is not Leica’s goal as the company is selling few units at exquisite prices and seems to be happier this way.

In order to prove that it is not going too far away from its mantra, a new M-mount model is in the works and it is likely to be unveiled at the Photokina 2014. We are talking about the Leica M-E replacement, of course, which is rumored to be sold under the name of M-S or M-E2.

Leica M-E camera is rumored to be replaced by a new rangefinder camera called Leica M-S or M-E2 at the Photokina 2014.

Leica M-S or M-E2 rumored to succeed the M-E rangefinder camera at Photokina 2014

Although Leica does not release very many cameras these days, when it does launch a new device the product does not come packed with a lot of improvements. Such is the case of the M-E successor, according to inside sources.

The latest report is claiming that the Leica M-S or M-E2 will feature an identical 18-megapixel CCD full frame image sensor as its predecessor, while the new additions will consist of a battery and the LCD screen.

The LCD screen will probably have a higher resolution than its heir, while the battery will be bigger and borrowed from the higher-end Leica M rangefinder camera.

Other than that, the Leica M-S or M-E2 is still unlikely to feature a frame selection lever, a system that would allow users to simulate the field of view of a specific lens without mounting the lens in question.

Meanwhile, the Leica M-E is available for purchase at Amazon for a price around $5,300, down from the original price of around $5,450.

New Leica S medium format camera could also be launched this fall

Leica has more surprises in tow for the Photokina 2014. People familiar with the matter have reported that the Germany-based company is working on a new Leica S medium format camera.

The device will sport a Sony-made 50-megapixel CMOS image sensor that can also be found in the Phase One IQ250, Hasselblad H5D-50c, and the Pentax 645Z.

Leica’s upcoming medium format camera is also said to be capable of recording videos at 4K resolution. As usual, take these reports with a pinch of salt and stay tuned for more details!