Leica M12 reportedly getting brand new operating concept, larger touchscreen and hybrid viewfinder

The Leica M series is, alongside the Pixii, the only rangefinder camera on the market. It is likely to be several years before the next Leica M generation is launched: the Leica M (Typ 240) came onto the market in September 2012, the Leica M10 in January 2017 and the Leica M11 in January 2022. Given these five-year intervals, the Leica M12 is not expected to be launched for around three years.

Nevertheless, LeicaRumors has been able to gather initial details about the Leica M12, although these should still be viewed with caution given the timing: even if the rumors reflect Leica's current plans, these may still change before the camera is launched. However, if LeicaRumors is correct, Leica is planning extensive changes to the camera, as the dedicated ISO sensitivity dial on the sensor is to be removed, while Leica is to introduce a second programmable thumbwheel behind the shutter release.

According to LeicaRumors, the touchscreen is larger with a diagonal of 3.9 inches (instead of 2.95), but some buttons on the back will be omitted to make room for the larger display. This would make the operating concept much more reminiscent of the Leica TL than the Leica M11. The body is 3 mm smaller, and the classic rangefinder is to be expanded to include a display, which means that, similar to the hybrid viewfinder in the Fujifilm X100 series, users will be able to display an electronic viewfinder if desired. This would not only allow for the previewing of exposure and depth of field, but should also make focusing telephoto lenses easier.