Leica M12 with IBIS: Major Upgrades for Full-Frame Rangefinder

Key Takeaways

1. The Leica M11, launched in January 2022, features upgrades like a 60MP sensor, optional electronic shutter, and 64GB internal storage.
2. The upcoming Leica M12 may include In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS) for longer handheld exposure times, but this feature is uncertain due to space limitations in compact M bodies.
3. The M12 might have a larger 3.9-inch touchscreen, potentially removing some physical buttons.
4. The dedicated ISO dial could be replaced by a second programmable thumb dial in the M12 design.
5. Speculation about the M12 should be approached cautiously as it’s based on early rumors.

The Leica M11, available from $10,120 on Amazon, was launched in January 2022. This camera features many notable upgrades over the Leica M10, such as a 60MP full-frame sensor, an optional electronic shutter, 64GB of internal storage, and a Leica Visoflex 2 attachable EVF with improved resolution.

Potential Upgrades in the Leica M12

The upcoming Leica M12 may represent a major leap forward. As per the latest updates from LeicaRumors, the company is reportedly testing a prototype that includes IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization). This would allow for longer handheld exposure times without the risk of blurriness. Current IBIS technology, similar to that found in the new Hasselblad X2D II, can enable exposure times lasting several seconds without needing a tripod. However, Leica has previously indicated that their compact M bodies lack the space to accommodate a stabilized sensor. Thus, it remains uncertain if the Leica M12 will indeed feature this technology.

Design Changes to Expect

Earlier speculation suggests that the Leica M12 could include a significantly larger 3.9-inch touchscreen, potentially eliminating some buttons on the camera’s rear. The dedicated ISO dial might vanish in favor of a second programmable thumb dial. This change could be necessitated by the need for extra space for a hybrid viewfinder, which would convert the traditional rangefinder into an electronic viewfinder with a simple button press. As always, such early rumors should be viewed with caution.

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