The introduction of the Leica M cameras dates back to 1959 when the M1 got released.
Release dates of Leica cameras
| M1 | 1959 |
| M2 | 1957 |
| M3 | 1954 |
| MP | 1956 |
| M4 | 1967 |
| M5 | 1971 |
| M6 | 1984 |
| M7 | 2002 |
| M8 | 2006 |
| M9 | 2009 |
Current Leica M cameras: http://en.leica-camera.com/photography/m_system/
Technical data of current Leica M models (Q1/2010)
| Camera | MP | M7 | M9 |
| Film speed range | ISO 6 to 6400 | ISO 12 to 3200 | ISO 80 to 2500 |
| Image Sensor | --- | --- | 5270 x 3516 pixels (18.5 Megapixel) 24mm x 36mm |
| Storage / Film | 24mm x 36mm | 24mm x 36mm | SD/SDHC card (max. 32 GB) |
| File size | --- | --- | DNG 18MB compressed DNG 36MB uncompressed |
| Automation | |||
| Frames / s | 2 | ||
| Flash synchronisation speed | 1/50s or slower | 1/50s or slower | 1/180s or slower |
| Shutter speeds | 1s to 1/1000s | 32s to 1/1000s | 32s to 1/4000s |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 138mm x 77mm x 38mm | 138mm x 79.5mm x 38mm | 139mm x 80mm x 37mm |
| Weight | 585g | 610g | 585g |
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