Leica CL vs Leica M (Typ 262): read noise comparison

Input-referred read noise at base ISO: Leica CL 3.9 e⁻ (ISO 100), Leica M (Typ 262) 13.6 e⁻ (ISO 200).

Leica CL

The Leica CL was measured at 10 ISO settings from ISO 100 to ISO 51200. Values are Bill Claff's (Photons to Photos) direct measurements from raw files.

At base ISO (100) read noise is 1.46 DN, or 3.9 electrons at the sensor. From ISO 1600 up the camera is effectively ISO-invariant: raising ISO further doesn't meaningfully lower shadow noise. Settings above ISO 6400 don't change analog gain (digital push). Full well at base ISO is about 41,726 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 260.

Leica M (Typ 262)

The Leica M (Typ 262) was measured at 17 ISO settings from ISO 100 to ISO 6400. Values are Bill Claff's (Photons to Photos) direct measurements from raw files.

At base ISO (200) read noise is 4.79 DN, or 13.6 electrons at the sensor. From ISO 640 up the camera is effectively ISO-invariant: raising ISO further doesn't meaningfully lower shadow noise. Full well at base ISO is about 46,199 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 570.

Leica CL vs Leica M (Typ 262) read noise table

ISO	Leica CL	Leica M (Typ 262)
100	1.464	4.790
200	2.585	4.790
250	–	5.098
320	–	6.233
400	2.042	6.727
500	–	8.574
640	–	10.196
800	3.758	12.817
1000	–	16.564
1250	–	18.001
1600	6.821	22.627
2000	–	28.840
2500	–	36.252
3200	12.906	46.206
4000	–	58.892
5000	–	75.061
6400	24.590	97.681
12800	47.505	–
25600	93.701	–
51200	181.019	–

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