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

Input-referred read noise at base ISO: Leica M Monochrom 13.3 e⁻ (ISO 320), Leica M (Typ 262) 13.6 e⁻ (ISO 200).

Leica M Monochrom

The Leica M Monochrom was measured at 17 ISO settings from ISO 160 to ISO 10000. Values are Bill Claff's (Photons to Photos) direct measurements from raw files.

At base ISO (320) read noise is 7.52 DN, or 13.3 electrons at the sensor. From ISO 320 up the camera is effectively ISO-invariant: raising ISO further doesn't meaningfully lower shadow noise. Full well at base ISO is about 28,787 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 560.

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

ISO	Leica M Monochrom	Leica M (Typ 262)
100	–	4.790
160	7.568	–
200	–	4.790
250	–	5.098
320	7.516	6.233
400	9.318	6.727
500	11.713	8.574
640	13.833	10.196
800	17.148	12.817
1000	21.407	16.564
1250	27.284	18.001
1600	34.535	22.627
2000	42.814	28.840
2500	54.569	36.252
3200	69.071	46.206
4000	86.223	58.892
5000	109.896	75.061
6400	139.102	97.681
8000	173.645	–
10000	219.793	–

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