The Leica M240 has aged gracefully, even in a world saturated with lightning-fast autofocus systems, sky-high ISO capabilities, and AI-powered enhancements. Released over a decade ago, this digital rangefinder continues to captivate a unique segment of photographers—those who value the deliberate, contemplative process of capturing an image more than the specs on a datasheet. I’ve been using the M240 exclusively for over 18 months, with a single 50mm lens as my only companion. This is my honest experience living with the camera and why I still consider it a viable option in 2025.
The Quiet Charm of Rangefinder Photography
I didn’t arrive at Leica through the path most photographers take—there was no long list of DSLR upgrades, no obsessive comparison charts, no gear acquisition syndrome. My journey began modestly with the Leica D-Lux 109. What drew me initially wasn’t a technical specification, but rather the subtle elegance of its design and the bundled Lightroom license that made the investment feel justifiable at the time.
That simple choice inadvertently unlocked a deeper curiosity. I realized I wasn’t just chasing image quality—I was searching for a different relationship with the process itself. While modern cameras seem determined to do everything for you—predicting focus, anticipating movement, and delivering dozens of frames per second—the experience began to feel clinical. These advancements, though powerful, had created a disconnect between the photographer and the photograph.
When I discovered the Leica M system, everything changed. Using a manual rangefinder camera brought an entirely different rhythm. You don’t react to a moment—you shape it. Focusing becomes a meditative act. Composing through frame lines requires visualization. Every setting must be intentionally chosen. Suddenly, taking a photograph wasn’t just the end result—it was an experience unto itself.
That deliberate pace might frustrate some, but for me, it was liberating. It invited mindfulness, patience, and intuition back into image-making. Instead of relying on automation, I relied on instinct. Instead of speed, I leaned into stillness. And that, more than anything else, is what makes the Leica M series quietly revolutionary.
Why I Chose the M240 Over Other Digital M Cameras
When I set out to find the right digital Leica M, I was driven by both budget and a specific vision for how I wanted to shoot. The M8 was quickly ruled out. While historically significant, its cropped sensor wasn’t suitable for the full-frame look I wanted with a 50mm lens. The M9, with its rich CCD sensor, was tempting due to its renowned color science and unique rendering. But reports of sensor corrosion and concerns over long-term reliability gave me pause.
Then came the Leica M240. At the time, I found a gently used unit priced only slightly higher than the M9, yet with modern upgrades and an essentially new condition. It felt like the best value within the digital M lineup. It offered better high-ISO performance, longer battery life, and useful features like Live View, which, though subtle, expanded how and where I could shoot.
The M240’s design pays homage to the original M3, retaining its rangefinder heritage while seamlessly integrating digital functionality. Its chrome finish is stunning—not flashy, but refined. It doesn’t try to look modern because it doesn’t need to. In a world obsessed with minimal bezels and matte black finishes, the M240 is a sculpted artifact from a different design philosophy—one that prioritizes form, durability, and tradition over trends.
And it goes beyond appearance. Despite its digital nature, the M240 operates with a certain analog soul. Each dial, each click, each movement has weight and intention. Using it feels less like operating a machine and more like handling a crafted instrument—a subtle but profound distinction that never fades.
How the Leica M240 Feels in Real-World Use
The Leica M240 invites you to slow down—but that doesn’t mean it’s sluggish. Once you internalize its quirks and nuances, it becomes surprisingly nimble in the hands. Focusing is manual, yes, but muscle memory develops quickly. Aperture and shutter controls are all external, tactile, and reliable. Unlike digital interfaces that feel abstract, the M240 encourages physical interaction. You don’t scroll through menus to adjust exposure—you feel it with your fingers.
The camera can be set without powering it on, which is a small but meaningful detail. You can prepare your shot long before the sensor even wakes up. When you do power it on, the menus are simple and direct. There’s no overwhelming clutter or buried functions—just the essentials.
Battery life is impressive for a camera of its age. In my experience, I easily get over 600 frames on a full charge. While mirrorless cameras often struggle in this department, the M240 quietly endures. Live View and video do draw more power, but when used sparingly, the battery remains reliable even on long shooting days. I also appreciated that I could charge it using my iPhone or MacBook charger, eliminating the need for extra bulk while traveling.
The weight is noticeable, especially paired with a 50mm lens. But it’s not burdensome—it feels solid, not clunky. Carrying it all day is doable, and the balance in hand is excellent. It’s a tool built to last, not a disposable gadget.
The shutter is mechanical, lacking an electronic option, but the sound is muted—discreet enough for candid street photography or quiet indoor moments. While some mirrorless cameras are whisper-quiet, they lack the M240’s satisfying mechanical feedback, which creates a deeper connection between you and the shot.
Navigating Manual Focus and Exposure with Confidence
Mastering the M240 requires learning how to meter and focus manually—something many modern shooters may not be accustomed to. But this challenge is what makes the experience rewarding. Once you understand the logic behind its system, shooting becomes second nature.
Exposure is indicated by simple LED arrows in the viewfinder. If the arrow points left, your image is overexposed—rotate either the shutter speed dial or aperture ring to the left. Right arrow means underexposed. It’s minimal but effective, and I developed a quick mnemonic to remember the corrections. It’s a fluid, muscle-memory-driven process that encourages awareness over automation.
The viewfinder displays a central focusing patch where you align a split image. When both halves merge seamlessly, the subject is in focus. At first, it’s tricky. But with practice, it becomes instinctual. There’s a sense of satisfaction that comes with nailing focus manually—something autofocus systems can’t replicate.
For quicker shooting, especially on the street, I often use zone focusing. I set the aperture to f/8 or f/11, pre-focus to about five meters, and shoot without thinking. It’s liberating. You’re no longer reacting—you’re anticipating.
The Role of Live View in a Manual World
While purists might ignore it, Live View on the M240 is surprisingly practical. It gives you a digital window into your exposure settings and allows precise framing for tricky angles or compositions. When shooting from low or unconventional perspectives, Live View becomes essential. It’s also incredibly useful for checking focus when you’re shooting wide open or in complex lighting.
Though the M240 lacks a built-in electronic viewfinder, an optional EVF can be attached. Personally, I choose not to use it. The EVF makes the M240 feel more like a standard mirrorless camera, and in my opinion, undermines the tactile essence of a rangefinder. Instead, I let Live View support me only when absolutely necessary.
What makes the optical viewfinder unique is that it shows more than just the frame lines—you see what’s happening around your composition. That extra space is invaluable when photographing dynamic scenes. It gives you context and lets you time your shots with greater anticipation.
Shooting Preferences and Everyday Settings
Over time, I’ve developed a simple but effective setup for most daylight conditions. I usually keep the aperture at f/8, ISO at 800, and then adjust the shutter speed depending on light. This setup offers a wide enough depth of field to accommodate some focus flexibility and keeps the camera fast enough to freeze motion in natural light.
If the light drops and I can’t maintain 1/180s or faster, I increase the ISO. At night, I shoot wide open and embrace higher ISOs, accepting a little grain if it means preserving detail. The M240’s noise profile is reasonable even by today’s standards—well-textured, not overly processed.
With a fixed 50mm lens, I’ve learned to adapt my movement to match the composition I want. Need a wider scene? I step back. Want more intimacy? I move in. This constraint, while inconvenient to some, forces a higher degree of spatial awareness. You become more involved in framing—not just behind the viewfinder, but physically present in the environment.
Is the Leica M240 Still a Worthy Investment in 2025?
In a market dominated by high-speed mirrorless cameras and AI-driven image enhancements, the Leica M240 remains stubbornly analog in spirit. And yet, that’s exactly why it remains relevant. It doesn’t try to be everything—it focuses on doing one thing exceptionally well: encouraging meaningful image-making.
Its value today lies in its longevity, character, and the unique experience it offers. Unlike some digital cameras that feel dated within a few years, the M240 holds its own through timeless design and a user-driven workflow that has little dependence on software updates or trendy features. If you buy one today in good condition, it will likely serve you well for years to come.
Of course, this camera isn’t for everyone. If you rely heavily on autofocus, need rapid burst rates, or shoot fast-paced sports and wildlife, there are better tools for the job. But if you’re looking to develop your skills, deepen your understanding of exposure and composition, and engage in a more thoughtful photographic process, the Leica M240 is a powerful creative companion.
It can absolutely serve as your only camera—provided you accept its limitations and embrace its strengths. For me, paired with a smartphone for casual video work, it’s everything I need. It keeps me focused, slows me down, and reconnects me to the essence of image-making. And in a fast-paced digital world, that kind of clarity is more valuable than ever.
How the Leica M240 Integrates Seamlessly Into Daily Use
The Leica M240 has earned a consistent place in my everyday carry, not because it outperforms more modern systems on paper, but because it encourages a distinct way of seeing. Unlike many digital cameras that demand attention through touchscreen swipes, menu-diving, and battery optimization, the M240 operates with an elegant kind of restraint. It’s an instrument designed for the tactile photographer.
Every essential control—shutter speed, aperture, and focus—is mechanical. You can configure exposure settings even while the camera is powered off. This isn’t just convenient—it’s symbolic. You’re given the autonomy to pre-visualize, to prepare mentally, and to begin composing before the camera ever engages electronically. The camera responds to intuition, not automation.
Underneath the M240’s solid, timeless exterior lies a thoughtful arrangement of digital components. The SD card and battery reside under a removable bottom plate—a feature carried over from film-era M bodies. While this design may appear archaic to newcomers, it’s a purposeful homage to heritage. More importantly, it shields the internals from accidental dislodging, reinforcing the tool’s durability.
Battery performance is robust. With moderate use, including Live View and short clips of video, I often surpass 600 exposures per charge. On long travel days, I appreciate that the battery charger can be used with standard USB-C MacBook or iPhone bricks. It reduces cable clutter and simplifies my packing list—small comforts that matter when photography becomes part of daily life.
The M240 doesn’t scream for attention. Its low-profile shutter sound, modest footprint, and ergonomic balance make it an unobtrusive companion for city walks, portraits, and ambient storytelling. It’s a deliberate camera that aligns perfectly with a considered photographic lifestyle.
Where the M240 Stands on Video Capability
Technically speaking, the Leica M240 does offer video recording—but it’s clear this function was never its primary mission. It records in full HD at 25 frames per second, lacking the flourish of modern hybrid shooters. There’s no 4K, no image stabilization, and not even a mic input or headphone jack. Flat color profiles, zebras, and peaking are absent too.
What this leaves you with is a very raw, very stripped-back video experience. If you’re used to working with feature-rich video rigs, you’ll find this limiting. But in a strange way, those very constraints offer a creative purity. I’ve used the video mode for impromptu moments, casual documentation, and cinematic shallow-focus clips that benefit from the manual focusing mechanism.
Without in-body stabilization, handheld shooting demands care. The internal microphone is rudimentary and best reserved for syncing ambient reference audio. Yet for a camera not designed to film, the M240's output carries a particular analog character, especially when paired with Leica glass. There's a nostalgic softness and warmth to its digital video—an imperfect, unpolished aesthetic that can be artistically desirable when used intentionally.
But make no mistake: this is still a stills-first tool. Leica included video more as a convenience than a core function. While it’s commendable that it’s present, it’s best seen as a secondary bonus rather than a selling point.
Becoming Fluent with Manual Exposure and ISO Behavior
Adjusting settings manually on the M240 may feel jarring to those raised on auto-everything cameras. The ISO is controlled via a top-plate button combined with the rear dial—a layout that prioritizes compactness over intuitive design. But once your fingers know where to go, the motion becomes second nature.
The native ISO starts at 200. While perfectly usable, I found that ISO 400 tends to deliver better tonal range and smoother transitions in both highlights and shadows. That aligns with the opinions of several respected Leica shooters who note a richer character around that setting. The grain is minimal and film-like, adding texture rather than digital harshness at moderate levels.
Exposure feedback is given through a basic but functional system inside the optical viewfinder: a left-pointing arrow means you’re overexposed, a right-pointing arrow means underexposed, and a central dot indicates a balanced exposure. No histogram, no zebras—just a quiet prompt. To remember the adjustments quickly, I follow a personal shortcut: rotate aperture or shutter dials in the direction of the arrow. It’s intuitive, fast, and easy to remember in fast-moving scenes.
Metering is center-weighted and quite accurate, though not always forgiving. It teaches you to observe light ratios more critically and respond manually, rather than rely on exposure compensation buttons or touch-driven metering adjustments. In dim lighting, a quick flip to Live View helps confirm exposure—an elegant bridge between analog feel and digital convenience.
Precision Focusing: A Manual Experience with Soul
Focusing on the Leica M240 is entirely manual, and it’s one of the most defining characteristics of the system. There is no autofocus mechanism, no peaking in the optical viewfinder, and no assistive prompts. You are responsible for every focus decision—and that’s a beautiful responsibility.
The rangefinder focusing system works through a split-image patch in the center of the frame. When the ghosted images align, the subject is sharp. It’s a dance of patience, particularly at wider apertures, but it becomes second nature over time. Your hands begin to anticipate subject distance before your eyes confirm it.
One technique I use frequently is zone focusing. By stopping down to f/8 or f/11 and pre-focusing to a specific distance—typically around five meters—I can photograph with near-instant readiness. Street photography, in particular, benefits from this method. The lens markings tell you exactly what depth of field you’re working with, transforming the camera into a high-precision point-and-shoot when needed.
Leica lenses further enhance this process. Their short focus throws, ergonomic tabs, and precise mechanical feedback make critical focusing not just doable, but enjoyable. Each lens becomes more than a tool—it becomes a trusted collaborator.
Making the Most of Live View Without Breaking the Rangefinder Spirit
Live View on the M240 is one of the most subtle but powerful additions to the classic Leica experience. While many purists scoff at using a screen to compose, I find it essential in specific situations. Whether I’m composing from a low angle, fine-tuning a focus at f/1.4, or confirming exposure in difficult lighting, Live View provides flexibility without compromise.
It activates instantly with a dedicated button, showing a faithful representation of the frame and settings. Though not as fast or sharp as modern mirrorless displays, it’s sufficient and dependable. The lack of focus peaking requires a bit of finesse, but with experience, you learn to trust what you see.
What I avoid is attaching an electronic viewfinder. While it enhances accuracy, it shifts the Leica M experience toward mirrorless territory. Part of what makes rangefinder shooting unique is its peripherally-aware framing. You’re not tunnel-visioned into the scene—you’re witnessing life around it. And that makes you a more attentive photographer.
Live View becomes a silent partner—there when needed, invisible when not. It complements rather than replaces the traditional experience, offering just enough digital help to improve workflow while preserving the rangefinder's essence.
Practical Daily Settings for Street, Travel, and Portraits
Over the past year and a half, I’ve settled into a daily configuration that balances speed and flexibility. I often keep my aperture at f/8 for generous depth of field and visual sharpness across most of the frame. ISO 800 gives me the headroom to adjust shutter speeds freely in varying light without compromising image quality.
In bright conditions, I can shoot fast-moving subjects with 1/1000s or faster. If shadows dominate, I drop down to 1/180s and raise the ISO when necessary. Nighttime shooting calls for a wide-open aperture and ISO between 1600 and 3200. Grain becomes more prominent, but never overwhelming. It resembles the fine grit of 35mm film—more a stylistic signature than a flaw.
With only one lens—a 50mm—I’ve trained myself to think in fixed focal lengths. Framing becomes a spatial exercise. Instead of relying on zoom, I move. This reinforces composition, sharpens instinct, and encourages an immersive connection with the scene.
For portraits, the 50mm offers natural perspective and pleasing background separation. For environmental shots, I step back and include context. It’s not a perfect solution for everything, but the simplicity it enforces has made me more adaptive and creative.
Does the Leica M240 Still Belong in 2025?
The Leica M240 stands as a quiet counterpoint to today’s fast, feature-rich, algorithm-driven cameras. It doesn’t chase trends. It remains grounded in the fundamentals of photography—light, time, and focus. That’s why it continues to resonate with a specific kind of shooter in 2025.
Yes, it’s not the lightest. It lacks autofocus, modern video specs, or computational tricks. But it offers something rarer: a deeper engagement with the moment, a sense of intentionality in every image. You don’t just capture with the M240—you create.
Its build quality ensures longevity. Its sensor still delivers timeless files. And its operational simplicity means you’re more present behind the lens, less distracted by screens or settings. For anyone seeking a soulful, disciplined photographic tool, the M240 remains an extraordinary choice.
If you're looking for a camera that will grow with you, challenge you, and offer lasting satisfaction, the Leica M240 remains as compelling now as it was the day it was released.
Live View: The Secret Weapon
The M240 includes a Live View mode, activated by a dedicated button. I use this far more than expected—not to compose every shot, but to fine-tune exposure, especially in challenging lighting. It also helps when composing at low angles where the rangefinder becomes impractical.
Some users attach an EVF to the hot shoe, but I personally avoid that. Using a rangefinder is about embracing limitation, and Live View strikes the right balance between utility and authenticity. Another unique benefit of the optical viewfinder is that you can see beyond the frame lines, allowing for more dynamic composition by anticipating movement into your frame.
Strengths and Weaknesses of the Leica M240
Evaluating the Leica M240 means assessing more than just technical performance. It’s not a conventional tool built to out-spec its competitors—it’s a photographic instrument that lives and breathes by a philosophy rooted in restraint, precision, and craftsmanship. Even in 2025, this rangefinder camera remains relevant, especially for those who prioritize the act of image-making over spec-chasing.
Is the Leica M240 a Smart Purchase in 2025?
Despite being introduced over a decade ago, the Leica M240 remains a compelling option in today’s camera market. While other manufacturers release new iterations almost annually, Leica’s philosophy is different. Its cameras are built to last, not just physically, but in terms of relevance.
The M240 occupies a unique position in the Leica lineup. It bridges the gap between the M9's classic CCD rendering and the M10’s compact refinement. It features a modern CMOS sensor with reliable low-light performance, significantly improved battery life, and Live View functionality that adds practical flexibility without compromising the rangefinder essence.
Compared to newer models, it lacks some digital conveniences—faster frame rates, higher ISO ceilings, and slimmer dimensions—but it also costs substantially less. For those looking to enter the Leica M system without investing in the latest model, the M240 is a pragmatic and enjoyable starting point.
Its construction is nearly indestructible. The shutter is tested for over 150,000 actuations. The battery remains relevant in performance. And the files it produces still stand up well to contemporary sensors in terms of color accuracy, tonal depth, and natural rendering. If you can find a clean, well-maintained unit with a shutter count under 20,000, it will likely provide many more years of faithful service.
Is the M240 a Realistic Daily Driver in 2025?
Yes—and it depends entirely on how you approach photography. If you expect a camera to operate like a smartphone, anticipating your needs and correcting your errors, the M240 will likely frustrate you. But if you view photography as a mindful, intentional act, the M240 excels as a primary tool.
In my daily routine, I use the M240 for street photography, candid portraiture, and even landscape compositions. It’s become my primary stills camera, with my phone reserved for video or spontaneous content. Its full-frame sensor delivers excellent detail and dynamic range, even in challenging conditions. And its stripped-back interface ensures I stay focused on the scene, not the screen.
Sure, I’ve missed shots—due to slow focusing or slightly off exposure—but I’ve also taken better photographs because I was fully engaged in the moment. That’s not a trade-off. That’s a transformation in approach.
Who the Leica M240 is Perfect For
The M240 isn’t for everyone—and that’s part of its magic. This is a camera that demands commitment, which in turn fosters growth. It suits visual storytellers who appreciate timeless aesthetics and the challenge of manual precision.
If you’re an artist, documentary shooter, street observer, or simply someone looking to become more thoughtful with your frames, the M240 offers an environment that cultivates discipline and depth. It’s equally well-suited for seasoned photographers who want to strip away the noise of modern tech and reconnect with the craft.
Even as your skills grow, the M240 remains relevant. Its constraints become tools of refinement, and its build ensures it ages gracefully. It’s not a camera you’ll outgrow—it’s one that grows with you.
Lens Choices and Image Rendering with the M240
Another key strength of the M240 is how it interacts with Leica's M-mount lenses. These optics aren’t just well-built—they produce images with a distinctive signature: painterly bokeh, sharp micro-contrast, and subtle tonal transitions. Paired with the M240’s sensor, even older Leica or third-party lenses produce files with dimensionality and soul.
Using a 50mm lens, I’ve captured compelling environmental portraits, close-up details, and quiet cityscapes. The 35mm f/2 is another favorite, especially for travel. What’s striking is how each lens feels like a different brush in an artist’s kit—not just a change in field of view, but a shift in visual language.
The M240 allows you to explore these changes without software trickery or digital presets. What you see through the viewfinder is what you get. This fidelity builds trust between eye and tool—something rare in the current camera landscape.
The Enduring Allure of a Slower Process
Using the Leica M240 forces you to slow down, but it doesn’t slow you down arbitrarily—it slows you down purposefully. It demands presence. Every frame you shoot is one you’ve measured, composed, and committed to. And that transforms your relationship with photography.
In 2025, most cameras are chasing immediacy: instant sharing, instant editing, instant everything. The M240 opts for permanence instead. It helps you build images worth keeping—not just ones worth posting. The joy it offers is cumulative. The more you use it, the more rewarding it becomes.
This camera won’t flatter you. It won’t correct your mistakes. But it will teach you. And in doing so, it may remind you why you picked up a camera in the first place.
Final Thoughts:
In a time where cameras are judged by how quickly they focus, how cleanly they shoot at ISO 12800, or how many AI-assisted features they can pack into their menus, the Leica M240 is an intentional outlier. It doesn’t chase trends. It doesn’t apologize for its limitations. And in many ways, that’s exactly what makes it enduringly special—even in 2025.
The M240 invites you into a slower, more mindful approach to photography. It forces you to understand your settings, observe your environment more closely, and compose with forethought. It doesn’t coddle you with automation, and because of that, it demands something in return—your attention, your patience, and most of all, your commitment. But when you meet those demands, the reward is deeply satisfying.
Despite being over a decade old, the M240 is still a capable full-frame digital camera. Its files are rich, with pleasing color science and a subtle character that doesn’t feel overly processed. The camera’s build is rugged, crafted with precision, and exudes an old-world charm that modern designs often miss. It’s not just a tool—it feels like an artifact, something to be used and passed down.
Sure, it has its shortcomings. It’s not light. It’s not fast. It has no autofocus, and its video features are more of an afterthought than a headline feature. But to judge the M240 on those terms is to miss the point entirely. This isn’t a camera built to do everything—it’s a camera built to do one thing exceptionally well: take compelling, intentional photographs.
If you're someone who values the process as much as the result, and you're comfortable learning the nuances of manual focus and exposure, then the Leica M240 is still a worthwhile investment in 2025. It may not be the most practical choice for everyone, but it remains a powerful creative companion for those who seek depth over convenience, and soul over specs.
Whether it’s your first Leica or a step deeper into the M system, the M240 still holds its place in the photographic landscape—as both a tool and a teacher.
