Leica M-E Typ 220 - CCD Sensor Analog Madness

For me, the Leica M-E, and especially its CCD sensor, changed my photography life.

Two years ago, I stepped away from Leica and photography altogether. I had lost interest in many things and wanted to quit. Waking up and getting things done was a struggle; I lost the willpower to create art for myself and to enjoy it. I knew I had been severely ill for many years, and it was intensifying more and more. This gradual decline dramatically changed my life over the past ten years—but that’s a story for another blog post.

As I looked back at what I had created over the years, especially with Leica—the art hanging on my walls—I realized what my heart was craving: photography and the process of creating art by observing the world around me.

In May 2024, I couldn’t resist any longer. I looked at the pictures on my wall and made a decision. I wanted a camera that I could take with me to capture images for myself. As a student of cybersecurity pursuing expensive certifications, I didn’t have much money, so a Leica M10 or even an M240 wasn’t an option. Seeking inspiration on Instagram, I stumbled upon the profile of Marcus Lloyd, an amazing lifestyle photographer who used a Leica M8 for a significant part of his career. I was captivated by his colors and remembered the CCD sensor in earlier Leica cameras like the M8, M9, and M-E from Kodak. It was the first sensor in a Leica M after transitioning from the analog age of the M6 and M7 to the digital age with the M8 (an APS-C sensor). The camera had some quirks and a smaller sensor but was known for its “analog-like” colors because of its Kodak-made sensor. While I knew Marcus could achieve his colors with any camera, the CCD sensor (which I had never tried before) stuck in my mind.

The CCD sensors in early Leicas had a problem with corrosion. Most of the sensors were replaced, but you have to be careful to check the ID before buying. It could ruin your camera forever, and replacements are no longer available.

Having used full-frame cameras most of my life, I preferred them over APS-C cameras and really liked the lightweight nature of the M9 or M-E. I wanted an M9 in silver, but it was insanely expensive. Frustrated, I buried the idea of owning a Leica once again.

A few days later, as if destiny was telling me something (or perhaps due to good ad targeting algorithms), I was directed to MPB.com and found an M-E for under 1,800 Euros. It was a bit worn, but thanks to the brass material and the amazing industrial anthracite grey paint finish, the dents looked like gold. There was no information about whether the sensor had been replaced, so it was a kind of “luck” purchase—like Russian roulette. But I couldn’t resist the price.

When it arrived, it was a beauty of a camera. I’ve always liked Leica cameras for their simplicity and aesthetics, and the Leica M-E Typ 220 was no exception. It closely resembles an analog Leica from days gone by. I called Leica and asked about the camera’s history; they told me the sensor had been replaced (which I also checked in the camera’s service menu beforehand). I couldn’t have been happier.

First Shooting Experience

The first time I shot with the Leica M-E, I used my trusty Chinese 7Artisans 35mm f/1.4 WEN lens, which I mainly used for portraits because of its swirly bokeh. I had used it on my Leica M10 and Leica SL2-S years ago and had a mental comparison of the colors and behavior. I shot some portraits at a meetup on the beach in my hometown and noticed how slow the camera was (which wasn’t an issue for me; I really like the slow shooting vibe). The shutter re-cocking sound and the camera’s slowness transport you directly into an analog feeling (which can be a bit distracting because people ask you about your “analog” camera). But when I returned and looked at the files in Lightroom, I instantly saw what the sensor and colors were all about. I had never produced such “analog-like” colors with any camera in my life—not with Fuji, Nikon, or even other Leicas.

From that moment on, I knew the Leica M-E was the perfect camera for me: lightweight, beautifully slow, and with superior colors. No live view, no video, no need for large SD cards.

Summicron 35mm f/2 V4

Fast forward to the end of the year, I sold some equipment and invested in an old Leica Summicron 35mm f/2 V4. (mainly because of the lesser weight and handling.) I got it used from MPB; it was broken but still usable. With its nice micro-contrast and “old colors,” it’s a perfect companion for the CCD sensor. The combination helped me focus more on seeing the light and slowed me down to frame properly. All of the photos from my Mallorca III trip in November 2024 were made with it. The light and colors of this island are kind of special, and the warm November weather was perfect. Looking back, I would say that my Mallorca photos really improved with each stay—not only because of my personal growth and recovery from surgery in September this year but also because of the right tool I found for my personal photography journey.

Sometimes I catch myself looking at this aesthetic beauty and just smiling.

Btw.. What is the difference between the Leica M-E and M9 and M-E Typ 220 vs 240?

The Leica M-E Typ 220 came in 2012 after the M9 as an “entry level” M camera, without the USB port and the frameline selector lever as in the M9, making it the lightest full frame digital m camera ever. The M-E Typ 240 is a CMOS like the M240 released later. So if you want a CCD Sensor and cheaper price, go for the Leica M-E Typ 220.

Conclusion

If you want to benefit from a slow camera experience, the M-E or M9 is your choice. If you’re after amazing colors from an old sensor, the M-E or M9 is your choice. If you can live with a truly special camera that rewards you, go for it.

Pros

• CCD sensor (if replaced)

• Rangefinder

• Superior picture quality

• Lightest Leica M camera

• Built like a tank

• Awesome re-cocking shutter sound

• Beautiful industrial anthracite color

• Cheapest Leica M camera

• Good battery life

Cons

• Early CCD sensors suffer from corrosion

• Slow operation time

• Frame lines are a bit dark

• Viewfinder and field of view limitations

• Still expensive, even as the cheapest Leica M camera

• Limited ISO performance

Pictures made with the Leica M-E (Typ 220)