Designed in Russia, made in... Germany? It's the Zenit M
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Leica is clearly in the mood for partnerships: A day after the company announced it was teaming up with Panasonic and Sigma on the L mount, Zenit took the wraps off the 'M', a Zenit-designed, Leica manufactured rangefinder camera which has (cough cough) rather a lot in common with Leica's last-generation M Typ 240.
Designed in Russia, made in... Germany? It's the Zenit M
Leica and Zenit aren't necessarily names that you'd immediately associate, but hey, in the words of one Leica executive I talked to, "that's globalization for you!" In the latest sign that this ain't your Großvater's Leica, it is currently assembling the 24MP full-frame Zenit M rangefinder alongside the M10 at its Wetzlar plant in Germany.
As far as division of labor is concerned, I'm told that Zenit was responsible for the external design, and everything else is done at Wetzlar.
Designed in Russia, made in... Germany? It's the Zenit M
I must say, I rather like Zenit's design touches. Somewhat more slab-sided than the Typ. 240, the Zenit M actually looks pretty cool to my eyes, and the asymmetrical curve of the top-plate acts as an optical illusion, making the M look slightly slimmer than the 'original' Leica.
Rather wonderfully, just like a Leica, the Zenit M has the model name and serial number engraved into the hotshoe assembly.
Designed in Russia, made in... Germany? It's the Zenit M
So far, so Leica. From the rear, the Zenit M is almost indistinguishable from the Typ 240. Only the 'DESIGNED IN KRAGSNOGORSK' gives it away. With my eye to the viewfinder, there's no discernible difference in use, either.
Designed in Russia, made in... Germany? It's the Zenit M
At the heart of the Zenit M is the same full-frame 24MP CMOS sensor as - you guessed it - the Leica Typ 240. It also offers live view and HD movie recording.
Designed in Russia, made in... Germany? It's the Zenit M
The battery and memory card are accessed in the same way, too, via the removable baseplate.
Designed in Russia, made in... Germany? It's the Zenit M
The Zenit M will be available in a black or chrome finish, and will be shipping later this year or early 2019 for 'between 4-5,000 Euros' kitted with the Zenitar 35mm F1.0.
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