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The M3 was 1954 the first M-Leica. It had a of 0,9-fach and could shining frameworks for objectives with 50, 90 and 135 mm of focal length in-reflect. Objective ones with shorter focal length required either a search up set (then "“eyeglasses mentioned"”) or a separate Aufstecksucher, which is put into the 1958 appeared with the M2 "“abgespeckte"” version of the M3 with smaller (0,7-fach) and shining frameworks for 35, 50 and 90 mm. 1967 appeared those far improved Leica M4. The M5 had not granted a large success, although she those was world-wide first Messsucherkamera with exposure measurement by the objective (TTL measurement). A CdS cell was attached on a swivel arm before the catch curtain, which was only sunk with pressures of the trip into the camera soil. Also it was a technical progress opposite their predecessor inside, but in particular the easily increased extents made it not very popular in photographer and collecting tank circles. Only the M4-2 of 1977 convinced the Leica friends again. The 1984 published Leica M6 exhibited an exposure measurement after the M5 as the second M-Leica in the objective. Over light emitting diodes was indicated to the photographer threatening over or Unterbelichtung. With the M7 appeared 2002 for the first time a M-Leica with automatic timer. Leicas appeared only little later concession to the tradition, as less value was put on modernity by electronic construction units, but but more value on compromiseless and mechanics with the MP. The MP is outward and inside as much as a M3 with exposure measurement.

Beside the models mentioned there were frequently special models. For example the M1 was a version without Messsucher, meant for the use of the mirror reflex essay "“Visoflex"”, of the M6 appeared versions with titanium housing

Current models are the Leica M7 and the Leica MP (conditions: 2004). Historical M-models belong to the classical authors under the cameras and obtain under collecting tanks considerable prices.

In strongly miniaturized form Leica m of models are copied true to scale of the company Minox as Kleinstbild and digital camera version.

Leica M1 (1959-1964)

Differently than the name to assume, was not the M1 leaves not the first model of the series, but a simplified version of the M2, which were intended primarily for scientific purposes or reproduction work as well as for the use with the mirror reflex beginning "“Visoflex"”. Thus it stands in the tradition of the Leica IC or If. Differently than this ordered the M1 however over a Sucher with Parallaxenausgleich and framework for 35 and 50 mm, while without the rangefinder one did. This could be re-tooled however in the work. Altogether about 9,600 cameras were manufactured, which were all together chromium-plated up to a series from 208 pieces for the German German Federal Armed Forces.

Leica MD (1964-1966)

The Leica M1 was replaced from the Leica MD, with which without the Sucher completely one did. Otherwise is completely identical the MD to the M1. Altogether 3,500 copies were built.

Leica MDa (1966-1976)

The MDa is the direct successor of the Leica MD on basis of the Leica M4. It has the and the Schnelladesystem of the M4. Otherwise exist no differences to MD. Of the Leica MDa in ten production years altogether approx. 15000 pieces with brightly chromed housing were built.

Leica MD-2 (1980-1987)

With the MD-2 presented Leitz the last M-camera for technical work. Based on a M4-2 housing corresponds their function range to a large extent to that the earlier MDa up to the standard Mittenkontakt in the Altogether about 2600 exclusively black chromium-plated cameras were built.

Leica M2 (1958-1967)

As inexpensive a riser model to the M3 the Leica M2 was introduced to 1958. It differs outwardly however only in details from the M3 as for instance in a manual speedometer or an easily changed cover cap. Technically it differs mainly by a completely new Messsucherkonstruktion and the smaller from 0,72 opposite 0,91 with the M3. Thus it became possible a shining framework for 35mm objectives to in-reflect, which are to be used to the M3 only with unmanageable But the framework for 135mm of objectives was removed, which was used anyway only rarely however. Also the M2 was predominantly ordered far in chromed execution, while altogether only about 1900 admit black painted copies are. Altogether something over 85000 cameras were manufactured.

Leica M3 (1954-1966)

Thus it does not appear amazingly that Leitz with the M3 in the year 1954 a completely new model was introduced, which had nearly nothing more together with the past Leicas. Begun with the Messsucher, that the picture almost in life size illustrated (0,91x) over the bayonet connection up to alternatively in-mirrorable shining frameworks for 50, 90 and 135mm was characterised the Leica particularly by a completely again arranged catch. Still two catch cloths run horizontal over the film level, but all Verschlusszeiten from 1s to 1/1000s on a wheel at the top side were for the first time summarized. Also the catch was clearly quieter than those the Schraubleicas. With smaller modifications from the Leica M3 to 1966 in approximately 227000 copies were manufactured, by which the by far largest part was chromium-plated supplied, while only about 3000 pieces black and 144 pieces of olive colors were painted.

Leica M4 (1967-1975)

On basis of the Leica M2 1967 the Leica M4 with shining frameworks for four focal lengths was introduced. For the first time the was replaced by a diagonally attached crank and a new Schnelladesystem was used, which should make the film change possible also under less favourable conditions. Furthermore the form of the Schnellschalthebels was changed. Altogether scarcely 60,000 cameras were manufactured, by which about 9,000 pieces black were nevertheless painted and chromium-plated later also black. The remaining edition was brightly chromium-plated delivered.

Leica M4-2 (1978-1980)

After the failure with the Leica M5 the Leica M manufacturing was completely adjusted 1975. Due to the demand for Leica M cameras, still existing, 1978 were introduced on initiative execution of the M4 simplified of walter Kluck, director/conductor of the Canadian Leitz address into Midland, the M4-2 as. In the comparison to the M4 the and some details at the housing are missing were simplified. But the M4-2 was according to standard equipped with a Mittenkontakt in the lightning shoe and a preparation for engine employment. The Leica M4-2 was manufactured nearly without exception in Canada, where in only two production years nevertheless over 17.000 cameras could be delivered, of which 16,000 black chromium-plated and about 1,000 copies were gilded. Also some few cameras with bright chromium plating emerged.

Leica M4-P (1981-1987)

Constructing on the relative success of the Leica M4-2 the successor M4-P was presented to 1981. It essentially differs by two additional shining frameworks for 28 mm and 75 mm of objectives. The camera was available both in bright and in black chromium plating. The total production amounts to altogether about 22,400 pieces, by which about 18,000 was brightly chromium-plated black and about 4,400.

Leica M5 (1971-1975)

The arising competition at mirror reflex cameras with integrated TTL exposure measurement led with Leitz to the development of a Messsucherkamera with integrated exposure measurement. In addition a completely new model clearly larger in relation to the predecessor models was designed, which made an exposure measurement possible in the film level by means of a Messzelle at a tiltable lever. The Sucher and the catch mechanism corresponded to a large extent the Leica M4. The Leica M5 was only badly taken up by the market. The principal reason for it lay in the unusually dimensioned housing, which became verschrien partly even than ugly. In addition came with some few objectives, which were to due to the construction of the tiltable exposure measuring cell. Altogether only 34,000 cameras were manufactured, chromium-plated of it 11,000 brightly and 24,000 black.

Leica CL (1973-1976)

When entrance model became below the M5 1973 the Leica CL presented, which was meant for serious amateurs primarily, who looked for a compact camera. The housing is its own construction with vertical expiration of catch and a new Messsucherkonstruktion with smaller measuring basis. For the CL two special objectives were introduced, which were optimized on the new Messsucher. The exposure measurement corresponds to the structure of the M5 from the principle. Of cost reasons the CL for Leitz of Minolta in Japan was made and driven out there also as Leitz Minolta CL. Of the Leica CL (without Minolta license reproductions) there are 65,000 exclusively black chromium-plated copies. After production end of the Leica CL a camera under the designation Minolta CLE, further developed by Minolta, was driven out.

Leica M6 (1984-1998) Leica M6 TTL (1998-2002)

With the Leica M6 for the first time the integration of an TTL exposure measurement succeeded into the housing of a Leica M4-P. This is reached by a white point on the front catch curtain, which reflects incident light on a Messzelle under the bayonet ring. The result of measurement is signaled in the Sucher by means of two light emitting diodes, adjusted manually on the basis those the correct exposure. The M6 reflects the frameworks for 28, 35, 50, 75, 90 and 135mm focal lengths with an enlargement of 0,72 in the Sucher in. The catch time range of the camera lies between 1s and 1/1000s with a lightning synchronisation time of 1/50s.

To 1988 something over 30.000 pieces in the Leitz work in Wetzlar, manufactured since 1988 the M6 in Solms was manufactured. In the year 1986 the bright chromium plating was introduced as alternative to the black chromium plating. Approximately 3,000 Leica M6 were manufactured 1998 with a of 0,85 (opposite 0,72 with the standard model). The framework for 28mm-Objektive is missing with it, however it is characterised by a larger Sucherbild, which makes a more precise focusing possible. Apart from both the standard version in black and chrome gave it also countless special models with special surfaces in gold, platinum and titanium. Production numbers are not well-known, however might exist from the M6 about 100.000-150.000 pieces.

In the year 1998 a changed M6 under the name M6 TTL was introduced. Outstanding feature of the new camera was the TTL lightning exposure measurement as well as the choice between three (0,58; 0,72; 0,85). Roughly 40,000 Leica M6 TTL were built.

Leica M7 (2002 - today)

As a successor of the Leica M6 TTL in the M7 in a Leica M an automatic timer was realized for the first time. In addition the catch was modified, which electronically forms now all times up to 1/50 and 1/125s. Thus the M7 is at the same time the first Leica M, which is dependent on batteries to a large extent. A few years ago also the Messsucher was slightly improved, in order to turn the inclination off to overthrow distortions.

Leica MP (1956-1957)

Derived from the M3 also about 450 Leica MP were built, which was appropriate for the enterprise with the high-speed elevator Leicavit. The MP was thereby for the professional market designed, commercially however was it a miss, because many occupation photographers did not want to do without the framework for 35mm of objectives, which was missing with the M3 and the MP. Today the Leica MP is a very much looked for piece of collecting tank, because only very few copies are received in collect-worthy condition.

Leica M2 (1958-1967)

As inexpensive a riser model to the M3 the Leica M2 was introduced to 1958. It differs outwardly however only in details from the M3 as for instance in a manual speedometer or an easily changed cover cap. Technically it differs mainly by a completely new Messsucherkonstruktion and the smaller from 0,72 opposite 0,91 with the M3. Thus it became possible a shining framework for 35mm objectives to in-reflect, which are to be used to the M3 only with unmanageable But the framework for 135mm of objectives was removed, which was used anyway only rarely however. Also the M2 was predominantly ordered far in chromed execution, while altogether only about 1,900 black painted copies admits are. Altogether something over 85.000 cameras were manufactured.

Leica MP2 (1958/59)

Of the M2 became a professional version with electrical motor drive, which sampled so-called MP2. Two series and altogether only 27 copies were manufactured, No. 935501 to 935512 and No. 952001 to 952015. 21 cameras were supplied in brightly chromed execution, six copies in black painted (No. 935506 to 935512). The electrical Leitz Wetzlar engine to the MP2 was set at the lower surface of the camera in place of the bearing cup and drew already 3,5 pictures up per second. The MP2 was a series of pure sample cameras, which served only testing and attained therefore never commercial meaning. The MP2 engine was in approximately parallel developed and later Leitz New York engine (to the M2-M), manufactured in series, constructionally superior. Leitz decided due to the opinion on the occasion of sampling included American photo journalists for the M2-M solution, since the battery case was generally regarded with this variant as handier. Besides conventional M2 cameras with the engine clutch for the New York engine could be completed, about which one expected larger sales chances. The MP2 counts to the rarest and on the collecting tank market today most valuable Leicas of the M-series. About 15 cameras are world-wide today well-known, about which into approximately half from it completely with that original MP2 electric motor is received. Of Ernst Leitz Wetzlar GmbH (today Leica Camera AG) published "“list of the camera serial numbers"” exhibits one among experts generally admitted editorship errors, according to which the first series of the MP2 already began not at the No. 935501, but at 935001. It is partly called therefore in the literature to today the number of 527 MP2 cameras. It actually concerns with the cameras No. 935001 to 935500 regular M2.

Leica MP (2002 - today)

As mechanical alternative to the Leica M7 the Leica MP was introduced to 2002. This essentially corresponds from the function range the Leica M6, whereby however electronics was substantially improved and the mechanics were overhauled. Outwardly the Leica leans MP strongly against the Leica M3.