LEICA has been creating incremental updates of their digital M cameras since the M8.2 added a sapphire crystal rear display, different framelines and a quieter shutter in 2009. Of course, there have also been many limited-edition cameras, but they haven’t normally had any technical changes.
The M9 existed in four models:
• M9, September 2009
• M9-P, June 2011 Established the ‘P’ version with a sapphire glass LCD, classic Leica script on the top plate, and a screw in lieu of the red dot.
• M Monochrom, may 2012 All the features of the M9-P but with a revolutionary monochrome sensor.
• M-E, September 2012 A reduced cost model in anthracite grey, which eliminated the frameline selector and USB port.
The M (Typ 240) added more variants:
• M (Typ 240), September 2012 Base model. Announced at Photokina (alongside the M-E) but not delivered until 2013.
• M-P (Typ 240), August 2014 Larger buffer and sapphire glass screen. Larger screw replaces the red dot, and once again the classic Leica script logo is featured on the top plate.
• The M (Typ 262), December 2015. Reduced cost model (the equivalent of the M-E). Eliminated video and introduced an aluminum top plate to reduce the weight.
• M-D (Typ 262), April 2016. Inspired by the success of a limited edition camera (the M ‘Edition 60’ from 2014) without a rear LCD. The camera’s rear screen was replaced by an ISO dial.
• M Monochrom (Typ 246), April 2015 All the features of the M-P240 but with a B&W sensor.