Leica M10 Monochrom (M10M) Camera Review: I Never Thought I Would Love It So Much

Leica M10 Monochrom (M10M) Camera Review: I Never Thought I Would Love It So Much

Camera Review

Leica M10 Monochrom (M10M) Camera Review: I Never Thought I Would Love It So Much

leica-m10-monochrom-m10m-review-digital-rangefinder-camera-full-frame-m-mount-lenses-black-and-white-bnw-thoughts-experience-look-m10p
Leica M10 Monochrom (M10M) digital rangefinder camera
leica-m10-monochrom-m10m-review-digital-rangefinder-camera-m-mount-lenses-sample-experience-super-elmar-18mm-f3.8-3.8-18mm-ultra-wide-city-cwb
Leica M10 Monochrom, Super Elmar 18mm f/3.8 ASPH, Hong Kong

I bought the M10 Monochrom (M10M) some time ago after spotting one at my local favourite shop. Initially, I just wanted to test how it compared to my Leica M10-P, which I had converted into black and white. The owner of Fotopia suggested I try it with his Nickel Elmar 5cm f/3.5, and after seeing the results, I realised I couldn’t replicate those shots with the M10. If you aren’t particularly interested in monochrome images, this camera might still capture your interest by bringing your black and white visual imagination to life. After watching some videos by Alan Schaller and his Summilux 24mm, I was compelled to try this camera even more. Keep reading, and you might discover something that resonates with you.

leica-m10-monochrom-m10m-review-digital-rangefinder-camera-m-mount-lenses-sample-experience-summicron-35mm-f2-v1-8-element-8ele-yellow-filter-tea-house-kowloon-city
Leica M10 Monochrom, Summicron 35mm f/2 V1 8 element with yellow filter, Hong Kong

Features

  • The camera’s brass top and bottom plate offers a discreet look without paint on the engravings.
  • Sensor: Black and white CMOS chip, active area approx. 24×36 mm, without colour and low-pass filter.
  • Resolution: 40MP (40.89 megapixels)
  • ISO sensitivity range: ISO 160 to ISO 100,000, adjustable in 1/3 ISO increments from ISO 160, with the choice of automatic control or manual setting
  • Approx. 660 g (with battery)
leica-m10-monochrom-m10m-review-digital-rangefinder-camera-full-frame-m-mount-lenses-black-and-white-bnw-thoughts-experience-look-m10p-top-plate-engraving
M10M top plate
leica-m10-monochrom-m10m-review-digital-rangefinder-camera-full-frame-m-mount-lenses-black-and-white-bnw-thoughts-experience-look-m10p-preview
M10M photo preview

Monochrome Sensor

How does it work? Colour sensors read light through different colour channels. Using RGB pixel channels, the signals are interpolated to simulate the colours we see. A Monochrome sensor lacks this Bayer filter, using raw signals to produce a black and white image much closer to its original tone. This reminded me of how my dad used to install power sources or cords to filter and provide “clean” electricity to power his beloved hi-fi speakers. In short, you receive the most original or raw data collected by the camera. From my observations, lights are captured more authentically, and the camera is very adept at distinguishing different types of light sources.

leica-m10-monochrom-m10m-review-digital-rangefinder-camera-m-mount-lenses-sample-experience-elmar-35mm-3.5cm-3.5-f3.5-yellow-filter-uncoated-china-village-burning-wood
Leica M10 Monochrom, Elmar 35mm f/3.5 uncoated with yellow filter, China
leica-m10-monochrom-m10m-review-digital-rangefinder-camera-m-mount-lenses-sample-experience-elmar-35mm-3.5cm-3.5-f3.5-yellow-filter-uncoated-china-village-fishing
Leica M10 Monochrom, Elmar 35mm f/3.5 uncoated with yellow filter, China

Get Latest Update!

Stay up to date with my latest videos, photos, and news updates by following me on Instagram and YouTube. And don’t forget to subscribe to my website’s pop-up form or bottom of the page for exclusive updates and news. Head over to @tahusa on Instagram, subscribe to my YouTube channel, and stay in the loop!

Should I Pick the M9 Monochrom instead of the M10 Monochrom?

Each model has its pros and cons. The Leica M9 Monochrom (M9M) produces images that resemble Tri-X but are not exactly the same. The ISO is usable up to 3200, and the noise resembles the grain from Kodak TMAX P3200. However, it lacks live view, and its response time is not as quick as the M10M. The newer model is more reliable in terms of battery life, and with its high ISO capability, you can use up to 100,000 ISO. Overall, the Leica M9 Monochrom is a great camera and feels analog. The dynamic range is slightly better with the M10M, but highlights are not recoverable once they are overexposed. In my opinion, the M9M is more aesthetically pleasing, and the files require less editing to achieve the desired look.

leica-m10-monochrom-m10m-review-digital-rangefinder-camera-m-mount-lenses-sample-experience-summilux-35mm-11726-f1.4-asph-II-hk-night-scene
Leica M10 Monochrom, Summilux 35mm f/1.4 ASPH II (11726), Hong Kong
leica-m10-monochrom-m10m-review-digital-rangefinder-camera-m-mount-lenses-sample-experience-dallmeyer-kinematograph-5cm-f1.9-1.9-50mm-petzval-swirl-moment
Leica M10 Monochrom, Dallmeyer Kinematograph 2" f/1.9 (50mm), Hong Kong

Leica M10-P vs Leica M10 Monochrom

The obvious difference is not just about the discreet look. The Leica M10 Monochrom boasts a much higher resolution of 40.89 megapixels versus the 24MP on the Leica M10-P. A friend of mine, a professional photographer, uses lower resolution cameras for magazines and higher resolution cameras like the Leica SL2 for his editorial fashion shots for campaigns and big brands. Most likely, you are using this as a hobby, but having a higher resolution not only allows your Leica vintage lenses to show focus more clearly, but it also requires a much more stable shutter speed to ensure sharp images. I think the higher resolution of the Monochrom makes sense, as slight movements or lack of sharpness will make it look less obvious and more artistic and vintage lenses when their resolution is not up to the modern standard, black and white are less obvious to tell the difference.

leica-m10-monochrom-m10m-review-digital-rangefinder-camera-m-mount-lenses-sample-experience-dallmeyer-kinematograph-5cm-f1.9-1.9-50mm-nara-japan-cafe
Leica M10 Monochrom, Dallmeyer Kinematograph 2" f/1.9 (50mm), Nara Japan
webstore-reflx-lab-500T-120-medium-format-kodak-vision-3-5219-ecn2-motion-picture-film-negative-color-6x6-review-experience-impression-rolleiflex-2.8f-planar-2
Reflx Lab 500T (120)
air-clicker-tahusa-soft-release-button-leica-rangefinder-camera-shutter-screw-thread-photography-accessory-stainless-titanium-grey-3
Air Clicker Soft Release - Titanium
voigtlander-35mm-f1.5-1.5-35-nokton-asph-vm-aspherical-AA-lens-hood-brass-made-square-style-fit-stylish-design-alternative-replacement-black-paint-leica-m-mount-improved-2
Square Lens Hood for Nokton 35/1.5
voigltander-nokton--28mm-1.5-f1.5-35mm-f1.4-35-40-50-classic-1.4-lens-front-protector-ring-cap-style-no-locking-blcak-2
Front Protector Ring for Nokton 28/35/40/50 and ZM

Available Now!

Cinematic Lightroom Presets: Inspired by Film Masters

Designed for photographers and movie enthusiasts alike, these presets offer not just the look, but the feel of having your work touched by the hands of cinematic giants. Whether capturing quiet moments or vibrant scenes, our presets infuse your images with the professionally tuned colors and narrative power of Wong Kar Wai, Akira Kurosawa, and Andrei Tarkovsky.

Using Colour filters on the Monochrom

I love using colour filters on my Leica analog film cameras. Yellow and red are my go-to filters, which help increase contrast during sunny days and add a bit of depth to the tone when it’s overcast, ensuring my images aren’t too dull. I attempted to attach different colour filters to the Leica M10-P to see if it would aid my post-editing, but it didn’t end well. With a red filter, which usually requires a 2-stop slower exposure, the Leica M10 camera’s reading gets extremely delayed due to the colour blocking the colour channels and creating slow shutter speeds. However, because I can use different colour filters, I feel like the M10 Monochrom opens up quite a lot of options for me to play around with.

leica-m10-monochrom-m10m-review-digital-rangefinder-camera-m-mount-lenses-sample-experience-summicron-apo-50mm-50-f2-2-asph-color-filter-2
Leica M10 Monochrom, APO-Summicron 50mm f/2 ASPH with red filter, Hong Kong
leica-m10-monochrom-m10m-review-digital-rangefinder-camera-m-mount-lenses-sample-experience-elmar-35mm-3.5cm-3.5-f3.5-yellow-filter-uncoated-china-village
Leica M10 Monochrom, Elmar 35mm f/3.5 uncoated with yellow filter, China
leica-m10-monochrom-m10m-review-digital-rangefinder-camera-m-mount-lenses-sample-experience-elmar-35mm-3.5cm-3.5-f3.5-yellow-filter-uncoated-waterfall
Leica M10 Monochrom, Elmar 35mm f/3.5 uncoated with yellow filter, China

Who is the M10 Monochrom for?

It’s for someone who loves black and white film but wants some flexibility and doesn’t want to deal with airport security checking film rolls which are over ISO 800. And you need to carry a stack of film stock like me, every time carrying 20 rolls plus for a trip. It’s also for someone who enjoys capturing not only street but fine art photography using black and white. It’s also for someone who isn’t concerned about having only black and white images and not being able to convert them back to colour.

leica-m10-monochrom-m10m-review-digital-rangefinder-camera-m-mount-lenses-sample-experience-dallmeyer-kinematograph-5cm-f1.9-1.9-50mm-osaka-reflection-japan
Leica M10 Monochrom, Dallmeyer Kinematograph 2" f/1.9 (50mm), Osaka Japan
leica-m10-monochrom-m10m-review-digital-rangefinder-camera-m-mount-lenses-sample-experience-dallmeyer-kinematograph-5cm-f1.9-1.9-50mm-kyoto-river-side-japan
Leica M10 Monochrom, Dallmeyer Kinematograph 2" f/1.9 (50mm), Kyoto Japan

Thinking in Black and White

So, I had to rethink the origin of what I love about black and white images. Monochrome strips away unnecessary information in the image and preserves the pure expression, patterns, or details that we normally overlook. Secondly, light plays the most pivotal part in your image in bringing out the tones. In colour, you can still use different colours to make it interesting. In the black and white world, when I learn about sketching, you look at the object differently. I focus on the brightest and the darkest point, the direction of the light, and composing the drawing. Trying to understand the shape and simply enjoy how the light orchestrates with the object.

I guess it’s my nature to think in black and white with sensitivity to light. I enjoy visualising a lot even when I am without a camera. Having a black and white camera allows me to bring my own dreams into reality.

leica-m10-monochrom-m10m-review-digital-rangefinder-camera-m-mount-lenses-sample-experience-summicron-35mm-f2-v1-8-element-8ele-yellow-filter-tea-house-kowloon-city-container
Leica M10 Monochrom, Summicron 35mm f/2 V1 8 element with yellow filter, Hong Kong
leica-m10-monochrom-m10m-review-digital-rangefinder-camera-m-mount-lenses-sample-experience-dallmeyer-kinematograph-5cm-f1.9-1.9-50mm-himeji-cafe-breakfast
Leica M10 Monochrom, Dallmeyer Kinematograph 2" f/1.9 (50mm), Himeji Japan

Image Performance and Dynamic Range

The 41MP CMOS sensor produces what I would describe as crisp images, the extended resolution compared to the M10-P helps bring up the definition. The extra depth is subtle, like you get with a good wine with your first sip, looking for the extra layer it offers. My original assumption was that using a sharper lens could make my image look worse. On the contrary, an APO-Summicron 35mm or 50mm gives a different mood to the image when you use f/8. The sharpness makes you feel like you are getting results from a medium format camera, kind of like the well-defined black and white images from Hedi Slimane, he was the creative director for Celine. He uses Phase One or Pentax 645 to create his iconic images, check out his diary.

Just like with the Leica M9 Monochrom, the dynamic range could be better for the highlights; if your white areas are overexposed, it’s not possible to recover the details.

leica-m10-monochrom-m10m-review-digital-rangefinder-camera-m-mount-lenses-sample-experience-kinoptik-aprochromat-focale-5cm-50mm-f2-2.0-portrait-bokeh
Leica M10 Monochrom, Kinoptik Paris Apochromat Focale 50mm f/2, Hong Kong
leica-m10-monochrom-m10m-review-digital-rangefinder-camera-m-mount-lenses-sample-experience-dallmeyer-kinematograph-5cm-f1.9-1.9-50mm-jeff-portrait-night
Leica M10 Monochrom, Dallmeyer Kinematograph 2" f/1.9 (50mm), Hong Kong

Revitalise your M Lenses

It brings all of my lenses to a different taste. I think using a film camera can tell the best quality of the lens because it is a physical reaction to the film emulsion. And each lens looks different paired with the film character. On the monochrome side, how to put it this way. Imagine you have finished a drawing using a colour pencil, you look at the details and think the composition is right. Someone asks you to draw the same scene or perhaps something similar in black and white. You will use your usual judgment but pay more attention to the details because now you only have grayscales to shape the whole scene. Without colour, the world looks like it eliminated some key elements but on the contrary, it amplifies the parts that colour often ignores. With different vintage glass, the images look different somehow, not a drastic change compared to colour. The glow will be more obvious but less distracting, the contrast of your image really depends on the tonality of your lens. It’s like a preset, where your lens controls the amount of the contrast by default. In your mind, you will think that you are experimenting with a new lens. Something you have never experienced before. It could be positive or negative. Some love monochrome images, some think it’s just difficult to use. It’s very subjective.

leica-m10-monochrom-m10m-review-digital-rangefinder-camera-m-mount-lenses-sample-experience-dallmeyer-kinematograph-5cm-f1.9-1.9-50mm-osaka-train-station-japan
Leica M10 Monochrom, Dallmeyer Kinematograph 2" f/1.9 (50mm), Osaka Japan
leica-m10-monochrom-m10m-review-digital-rangefinder-camera-m-mount-lenses-sample-experience-canon-50mm-50-f0.95-0.95-dream-lens
Leica M10 Monochrom, Canon 50mm f/0.95 M converted, Hong Kong

Forget about ISO Setting - High ISO performance

Whenever I use a digital camera, we are told from all sources that this camera’s usable ISO is up to a certain range. For example, the Leica M9 from my judgment, the ISO is usable up to 800 to 1600 only. Anything over will be quite nasty. With the Leica M10, probably much higher to 6400 or slightly more. So this concept has been around in my mind for quite some time. Using a monochrome unleashed this concept and redefined the concept of usable ISO. I could use this camera up to 100,000 ISO of course it will get a high intensity of digital noise but I won’t be against it because when my image is in black and white I feel like the noise is totally acceptable, it’s like the marks or patterns from my sketching board.

leica-m10-monochrom-m10m-review-digital-rangefinder-camera-m-mount-lenses-sample-experience-voigtlander-nokton-35mm-35-f1.2-1.2-asph-vm-ISO-100000-at-f8
Leica M10 Monochrom at ISO 100,000 at f/8, Voigtlander Nokton 35mm f/1.2 ASPH V1 VM, Hong Kong

There is an exception, keep that in mind with a black and white image, the most important element is light. When the condition is dim or extremely dark, you can still capture images with your M10 but your image will be very flat and you may wonder why it could do the magic. It opens up the possibility of trying different new things and still keep some sort of excitement and unpredictable elements that keep me hooked. Try that and you will be amazed by the power of a monochrome camera.

My Camera Settings

Unlike how I use my Leica M10-P in fully manual mode with a specific ISO range to avoid the noise or sometimes aperture priority. With the Leica M10 Monochrom, I will set ISO auto, shutter speed auto, and only change the aperture to get the depth of field I want. Inside the menu, I will make sure the minimum shutter speed is around 1/125 to avoid any annoying flickering and stable shots. When there is time I need some motion blur, I will switch the shutter dial to the speed I desire.

leica-m10-monochrom-m10m-review-digital-rangefinder-camera-full-frame-m-mount-lenses-black-and-white-bnw-thoughts-experience-look-m10p-canon-50mm-0.95-f0.95-m
M10 Monochrom with Canon 50mm f/0.95 M converted
leica-m10-monochrom-m10m-review-digital-rangefinder-camera-m-mount-lenses-sample-experience-elmar-35mm-3.5cm-3.5-f3.5-yellow-filter-uncoated-reflection-bridge
Leica M10 Monochrom, Elmar 35mm f/3.5 uncoated with yellow filter, China

Leica M11 Monochrom Upgrade?

With M11 giving me extra resolution means I need bigger space on my laptop or storage and higher processing power. I don’t think there is an immediate need to try it. I will focus on the M10M first. But I wonder how vintage lenses will perform on that high resolution sensor.

leica-m10-monochrom-m10m-review-digital-rangefinder-camera-m-mount-lenses-sample-experience-voigtlander-nokton-35mm-35-f1.5-asph-kyoto-sakura
Leica M10 Monochrom, Voigtlander Nokton 35mm f/1.5 ASPH VM, Kyoto Japan

Final Thoughts

Overall, I have a very positive feeling about this camera and it boosts my creativity and forget about which lens you are trying. I love it even more than my Leica M10-P. I haven’t felt that excitement for so long. It feels like a photography camera, what you need to do is to focus on the photo and capture things that you like. I had a blast last time bringing only a M10 Monochrom in Kyoto and Osaka with my gang. At first, I was worried about bringing only a black and white digital camera because it was my first time and I feel like I need some adventure to break that creative barrier. It turns out to be the best decision made. I had fun with the M10M and I took some images that I will never forget. Those scenes in colour forever preserved in my mind but the digital copy in black and white will be something I will hold onto so that I can recall my memory. When I go to a museum, I look at the painting trying to get the message the artist wants to deliver, study the medium they use. Using the M10 Monochrom made me feel that way, looking at my black and white image and studying what I have captured and how things transformed in that monochrome scene. There is no better joy than using this camera.

All images have been resized to optimize webpage loading speed. For the highest resolution images, please refer to my Flickr account.

leica-m10-monochrom-m10m-review-digital-rangefinder-camera-m-mount-lenses-sample-experience-foca-oplarex-5cm-50mm-1.9-f1.9-portrait-bokeh
Leica M10 Monochrom, Foca Oplarex 5cm f/1.9, Hong Kong
leica-m10-monochrom-m10m-review-digital-rangefinder-camera-m-mount-lenses-sample-experience-voigtlander-nokton-35mm-35-f1.2-1.2-asph-vm-bokeh
Leica M10 Monochrom, Voigtlander Nokton 35mm f/1.2 ASPH V1 VM, Hong Kong

Gear & Photography Chat

Wherever you are, let's connect! Book a time with me for a casual GAS chat where we can swap stories and reviews. Struggling on what gear to buy next? You've got a friend in me!

New to Film Photography?

If you have any questions related to film photography and you would like to source any cameras and gears, feel free to email me or SUBSCRIBE for free photography tips below. Follow me on Facebook, Youtube and Instagram for latest updates!

Support this Community

Buy Me a Coffee

Recent Posts

tahusa-movie-inspired-film-lightroom-presets-color-editing-post-processing-wkw-wong-kar-wai-cinematic-andrei-tarkovsky-akira-kurosawa-product-image
Prev New Release: Cinematic LR Presets Inspired by Legendary Film Directors
Next Norita 66 Camera Review: A Medium Format Noctilux
norita-66-6x6-noritar-medium-format-camera-120-film-photography-graflex-80mm-f2-noctilux-fast-lens-brass-black-paint-body-shutter-5

5 Comments

  1. Great review!
    I’m an M10P user. I was interested in the M10M, so the comparison was very helpful. Thank you.

  2. One of those cameras you instantly ‘get’ the first time you review an image on the back screen. Until then you just can’t comprehend it.

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.