Choosing between the Leica M-P Typ 240 and the Leica M10 in 2025 is no longer just about buying the newer model. It has become a choice between two distinct philosophies of digital rangefinder photography. The M-P Typ 240, released in 2014, represents the peak of Leica's multifunctional era, while the M10, which arrived in 2017, marked a return to the essential slimness of analog film bodies. Today, as the used market for these icons stabilizes, the decision rests on whether you value a rugged, long-lasting workhorse or a refined, purist tool that mimics the feel of an M6.
Legendary Build Quality And The Sapphire Glass Edge
When you hold the Leica M-P Typ 240, the first thing you notice is its density. It feels like a solid block of brass and magnesium, weighing approximately 680g with the battery. The P in M-P stands for professional, and this is reflected in the omission of the red Leica dot for a more discreet look and the inclusion of a sapphire crystal glass cover for the rear LCD. In my years of field testing, this sapphire glass has proven virtually scratch-proof, allowing me to carry the camera without a screen protector through crowded streets and harsh environments.
The M10, on the other hand, prioritizes elegance and ergonomics over sheer bulk. It is roughly 4mm thinner than the Typ 240, bringing its dimensions almost exactly in line with the classic Leica M7 film camera. While 4mm sounds negligible on paper, the tactile difference is immense. The M10 wraps around your hand with a grace that the chunkier M-P Typ 240 lacks. However, the M10 does not feature the sapphire glass as standard unless you opt for the much more expensive M10-P variant. For those who prioritize a camera that can take a beating without a scratch, the M-P Typ 240 still holds a unique charm.
Sensor Texture And The CMOS Generation Gap
Both cameras utilize 24MP full frame CMOS sensors, but they render light in noticeably different ways. The Leica M-P Typ 240 uses a CMOS sensor developed by CMOSIS, which many enthusiasts claim has a more organic, film-like color transition, especially in the skin tones. It has a base ISO of 200, though it can be pulled to 100, and a maximum native ISO of 6400. In practice, the files from the Typ 240 are thick and rich at lower sensitivities, but you will begin to see digital noise and slight color shifts once you push past ISO 3200.
The M10 introduced the Maestro II processor and a new sensor architecture that pushed the native ISO range up to 50,000. If your photography often takes you into dimly lit jazz clubs or late-night street corners, the M10 is the clear winner. The high ISO performance on the M10 is roughly two stops better than the Typ 240. Where the Typ 240 starts to struggle at 3200, the M10 remains remarkably clean at 6400 and even 12500. The M10 files are also more flexible in post-processing, offering better shadow recovery without the banding issues that occasionally plague the Typ 240 in extreme underexposure scenarios.
Viewfinder Clarity And The Joy Of Manual Focus
As a rangefinder, the viewfinder is the heart of the experience. The M-P Typ 240 features a 0.68x magnification finder, which is excellent but can feel a bit cramped when using wide-angle lenses like a 28mm Elmarit. The M10 completely overhauled this experience by increasing the field of view by 30% and bumping the magnification to 0.73x. This makes the M10 viewfinder significantly larger and brighter, allowing for faster and more accurate focus acquisition.
If you rely on Live View (the ability to see the image on the rear screen or through an electronic viewfinder), both cameras offer this feature, but with different levels of success. The Typ 240 uses an older, slower EVF (the Leica EVF2 or the Olympus VF-2 equivalent) that feels quite dated by 2025 standards, with noticeable lag and lower resolution. The M10 supports the Visoflex (Typ 020), which is much sharper and includes built-in GPS. However, the M10 removed the video recording capability entirely to focus on still photography. If you occasionally need to record a short clip, the Typ 240 is your only option between these two.
Battery Endurance And Real World Reliability
One of the biggest trade-offs for the M10's slim body was the battery size. The M10 uses the BP-SCL5 battery, which has a capacity of 1100mAh. In heavy use, especially if you keep the screen on, you will be lucky to get 300 to 400 shots. During long day trips, I always find myself carrying at least two spares for the M10. It is a camera that demands mindful power management.
The Leica M-P Typ 240 is a marathon runner by comparison. Its larger BP-SCL2 battery boasts 1800mAh, often providing 800 to 1000 shots on a single charge. This makes the Typ 240 a superior choice for travel where charging opportunities might be scarce. Furthermore, because the Typ 240 has been on the market longer, finding affordable third-party batteries and accessories is much easier. In 2025, the M-P Typ 240 remains one of the most reliable digital M bodies ever made in terms of power consistency.
Ergonomic Refinement And The ISO Dial
The M10 introduced a physical ISO dial on the top plate, located where the film rewind knob used to be on analog Ms. This allows you to check and change your ISO even when the camera is turned off. It is a tactile delight that enhances the purist shooting experience. The M-P Typ 240 requires you to hold an ISO button on the back and turn a thumbwheel, which is efficient but lacks the mechanical soul of the M10's dedicated dial.
Menu navigation also saw a massive improvement with the M10. The interface is simplified into a single Favorites page, reducing the need to dive through multiple tabs. The Typ 240's menu system is deeper and can feel a bit sluggish when you are in a rush. That said, the Typ 240 includes a frame line selector lever, a classic feature that Leica briefly removed on the standard M240 but brought back for the M-P version. This lever allows you to preview different focal lengths without changing lenses, a tool that seasoned rangefinder users find indispensable.
Market Value Trends And Purchasing Guidance
As of late 2025, the used market for these cameras has reached a fascinating point. A clean Leica M-P Typ 240 can typically be found for around 2,800 to 3,200 USD depending on the condition and whether the original box is included. The Leica M10 currently commands a higher price, usually sitting between 4,200 and 4,800 USD. Prices for both models fluctuate based on the global supply and the popularity of the latest M11 series, but they have generally held their value better than most modern mirrorless cameras.
If you are a first-time Leica buyer on a budget, the M-P Typ 240 offers about 90% of the Leica experience for a significantly lower price. The savings can be put toward a high-quality lens like a 35mm Summicron, which will have a bigger impact on your final images than the camera body itself. However, if the slimness of the body and high ISO performance are deal-breakers for you, the 1,500 USD premium for the M10 is a justified investment for long-term satisfaction.
Optimal Accessories And Maintenance Essentials
Regardless of which model you choose, proper maintenance is key to keeping a digital rangefinder functional. Sensor cleaning is a task you must learn, as the M-series lacks an internal ultrasonic cleaner. I recommend using a high-quality sensor loupe and specialized swabs for the full-frame CMOS. For memory cards, sticking to SanDisk Extreme Pro cards with a capacity of 32GB or 64GB ensures the best write speeds and compatibility, especially for the older buffer in the Typ 240.
For the M-P Typ 240, adding a Thumbs Up grip can help mitigate the extra thickness and provide a more secure hold. For the M10, a half-case is often a good idea not just for protection, but to add a slight bit of grip to the thinner body. Always ensure your firmware is updated to the latest version (v2.1.0.2 for the M-P Typ 240 and v3.22.11.52 for the M10) to fix known bugs and improve overall system stability.
Final Thoughts On The Digital Rangefinder Choice
The Leica M-P Typ 240 is the ultimate practical choice for those who love the process of photography and want a camera that lasts all day. It is a tank with a beautiful sensor that rewards those who shoot in good light. The Leica M10 is the emotional choice, a camera that disappears in your hand and lets you focus entirely on the moment, regardless of the lighting conditions. Both are masterpieces of German engineering that will continue to produce stunning images for years to come.