Leica M-E Typ 220 vs Samsung NX500: A Hands-On Comparison from a Seasoned Photographer’s Perspective

In over 15 years of intensive camera testing across diverse photography genres, I’ve grown this personal appreciation for gear that not only measures well on paper but holds up in the real world. Today, I'll share my detailed comparison between two very different cameras - Leica’s M-E Typ 220, a classic rangefinder-style full-frame digital camera launched in 2012, and Samsung’s NX500, a more recent 2015 entry-level mirrorless system camera sporting advanced specs and features.

Both cameras allure different shooter profiles and photographic styles, so I’ll unpack their sensor tech, ergonomics, focusing capabilities, image quality, and more - backed by my hands-on experience and rigorous field tests. Whether you’re a devoted street photographer or a budding videographer, this comparison aims to clear away the marketing noise and give you genuine insights to empower your next camera purchase.

First Impressions: Design Philosophy and Handling Contrasts

Right out of the box, these two cameras couldn’t be more dissimilar in ethos and form factor - and that defines a great deal of what follows. The Leica M-E Typ 220 is a direct descendant of the famed Leica M series tradition: minimalist controls, full manual operation, and a pure optical rangefinder viewfinder. It’s a camera for purists who savor slow, deliberate image-making and cherish the tactile joy of focusing manually.

Meanwhile, the Samsung NX500 is a compact, feature-rich mirrorless system camera oriented to enthusiasts craving speed, flexibility, and high-resolution imaging with a modern user interface. It’s packed with an advanced hybrid autofocus, touchscreen, and 4K video capabilities - all in a lighter, smaller body.

Here’s a side-by-side of their physical size and handling profiles:

You can see the Leica’s solid heft (585g) and larger footprint (139x80x37mm) exudes a reassuring, durable feel - though it’s thicker than the NX500 (120x64x43mm, 287g). The Leica's knurled dials and rangefinder window offer a tactile joy unmatched in modern mirrorless, while the NX500’s leaner construction favors portability and everyday carry.

Sensor and Image Quality: Full-Frame Analog Soul vs. APS-C Silicon Powerhouse

The Leica M-E Typ 220 features an 18MP full-frame CCD sensor - notable for its organic, film-like color rendition, very fine tonal gradation, and the classic "Leica look." However, the CCD architecture, while cherished by many for its aesthetic qualities, shows its age by having limited ISO range (80-2500) and reduced high-ISO performance compared to modern CMOS sensors.

In contrast, Samsung’s NX500 wields a 28MP APS-C BSI-CMOS sensor, with a healthy native ISO range of 100-25600 (expandable to 51200), and no anti-aliasing filter. This sensor technology excels in dynamic range, high ISO noise control, and resolution.

Technical scores from DxOMark reveal the score gap:

• Leica M-E Typ 220 achieves a DxO overall of 69, color depth 22.7 bits, dynamic range 11.7 EV.

• Samsung NX500 scores significantly higher, with an 87 overall, 24.8 bits color depth, and 13.9 EV dynamic range.

What this means in real-world shooting: Leica’s sensor excels at skin tones and natural color reproduction in good light, producing distinctly atmospheric images prized by portrait and street photographers. However, it struggles with noise beyond ISO 1600 and lacks flexibility in diverse lighting.

Samsung’s sensor thrives in versatility - great for landscapes and wildlife with excellent detail and wider tonal latitude, plus solid low-light capabilities up to 6400 ISO and beyond. For photographers requiring both resolution and noise robustness, the NX500 is a clear advantage.

Viewing and Composition: Optical Rangefinder vs Electronic Live View

One of the most defining differences lies in how you frame your images. The Leica M-E Typ 220 offers a traditional optical rangefinder with magnification 0.68x, no electronic viewfinder, and no live view mode. This requires skill and attentiveness to manual focusing, parallax correction, and exposure calculations.

By contrast, the Samsung NX500 abandons eyepiece viewfinding entirely in favor of a 3.0-inch tilting touchscreen LCD with 1,036k-dot resolution and a live view feed. Its screen supports touch focus, touch shutter, and intuitive menu navigation, enhancing shooting flexibility - especially at odd angles.

Take a look at the back LCD interface comparison:

The Leica’s 2.5-inch fixed TFT LCD with 230k-dot resolution is basic and primarily for reviewing shots. The NX500’s touchscreen and live view empower fast focusing and composition, plus provide instant access to exposure settings - features modern photographers expect to burnish creativity and speed.

Autofocus and Focusing Mechanisms: Manual Precision vs Hybrid Autofocus

For me, this is a crucial decision factor depending on photography style.

• Leica M-E Typ 220: No autofocus system exists. It’s purely manual focus with the rangefinder patch, demanding deliberate focus tuning. This slows shooting cadence but rewards with precise control over focal planes, especially with Leica M lenses renowned for optical excellence.

• Samsung NX500: The camera boasts a hybrid autofocus combining phase-detection and contrast-detection points, covering 209 focus points. It supports continuous AF, face detection, selective and multi-area focusing, and tracking.

This impacts practical shooting speed and usability:

• The Leica’s max continuous shooting rate is 2 fps - slow and contemplative. Perfect for portraiture where intentional framing and timing matter more than speed.

• The NX500 can burst at 9 fps, ideal for wildlife, sports, and action photography requiring rapid acquisition and tracking precision.

Samsung’s tracking AF is responsive even in lower light, while Leica’s manual system is better suited for photographers who find joy in slowing down and engaging fully with each frame.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing: Traditional Craftsmanship vs Lightweight Convenience

Leica’s reputation for rugged, enduring craftsmanship is merited here. The M-E Typ 220 body offers milled brass construction, solid mechanical dials, and a classic feel elevating it beyond mere tool status.

Samsung NX500 opts for a polycarbonate shell to minimize weight and cost - a pragmatic choice reflecting its entry-level to enthusiast target market. Neither camera offers formal environmental sealing (dust, shock, or water resistance), limiting their use under extreme or rugged conditions.

Photography Genres Explored: What Works Best Where?

Drawing on my real-world field testing, here’s how these cameras stack up across prevalent photographic disciplines:

Portrait Photography

• Leica M-E Typ 220: The CCD sensor combined with Leica M glass yields exquisite skin tones and creamy bokeh - especially with fast primes like the 50mm f/1.4 Summilux. The experience of manually framing through the rangefinder encourages intimacy and connection with subjects - a boon for deliberate, timeless portraits.

• Samsung NX500: While the NX500 lacks the full-frame “look,” its high resolution and accurate autofocus make it versatile for quick portrait sessions and environmental portraits. Face detection ensures focus lock, but the APS-C crop means slightly deeper depth of field compared to Leica at same apertures.

Landscape Photography

The dynamic range advantage and higher resolution on the NX500 shine here.

• Samsung's file latitude preserves detail in highlights and shadows, useful when shooting landscapes with varied lighting conditions.

• Leica’s vintage rendering can impart a unique mood, but limited ISO and moderate resolution (18MP) may require more deliberate exposure bracketing or careful post-processing.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

These genres demand speed, accurate autofocus tracking, and high burst rates:

• NX500 provides rapid 9fps burst shooting, hybrid AF with tracking, and telephoto compatibility via Samsung NX lenses. Though not a professional sports camera, it can handle casual wildlife or sports shooting well.

• Leica’s 2fps manual approach and no AF mean wildlife or sports shooting are practical challenges - better suited to street or portraiture.

Street Photography

For street shooting, size, discretion, quick AF, and shooting speed matter:

• Leica’s manual focus rangefinder body is discreet but slow, encouraging a slow, thoughtful process. The optical viewfinder is bright in all conditions and silent shutter helps.

• NX500 offers faster autofocus and silent electronic shutter modes, but lacks a built-in viewfinder, which can be limiting under bright sunlight.

Macro and Close-Up

Neither camera has dedicated macro modes or stabilization. Leica’s manual focus precision aids critical focus but no IS is a limitation.

Night and Astro Photography

Here, Samsung’s broader ISO range and dynamic range provide more flexibility. The Leica’s sensor noise performance limits usability at high ISOs.

Video Capabilities

Samsung NX500 leads hands down with 4K UHD video at 30p and full HD at 60p, plus time-lapse recording.

Leica M-E Typ 220 has no video capabilities - strictly a still camera.

Travel and General Purpose

Samsung’s weight, size, versatile lens lineup, built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth give it a practical edge.

Leica’s rugged build and timeless design appeal to those who shoot as an art form, carrying a camera for years.

Ergonomics and User Interface: Classic Minimalism vs Tech-Savvy Control

The Leica offers minimal physical buttons and dials: aperture priority, manual shutter speed, exposure compensation, and ISO controlled by physical dials. No touchscreen, no menus - the interface is stripped back.

Samsung NX500 sports a touchscreen with responsive menus, touch focus, exposure compensation dials, and customizable buttons for quick access. It feels modern and familiar for DSLR shooters migrating to mirrorless.

Here’s the comparison of top control layouts:

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

• Leica M-E uses the iconic Leica M mount, supporting over 59 legendary prime and zoom lenses, many optically outstanding yet expensive.

• Samsung NX mount supports 32 lenses including recent options and third-party glass, reasonably priced and catering well to APS-C format.

Lens choice dramatically affects image quality and shooting style - Leica users often value vintage or manual lenses for unique character, Samsung users benefit from autofocus zooms and primes for versatility.

Battery Life and Storage

• Leica M-E Typ 220 battery data is unspecified but ranges around 350-400 shots typical for Leica M line; uses single SD/SDHC card.

• Samsung NX500 rated for 370 shots nominal, also single SD/SDHC/SDXC slot.

Connectivity and Extras

Samsung has built-in wireless (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC), HDMI output, USB 2.0 - enabling fast file transfer and remote control.

Leica M-E offers no connectivity options, reflecting its philosophy as a pure photographic tool.

Real-World Sample Images

After extensive field testing - from the textured skin of street musicians in Berlin to sunrise over Yosemite’s granite cliffs - the character of these cameras stood out.

Leica M E Typ 220 front Leica M E Typ 220 screen back Samsung NX500 front Samsung NX500 screen back

Overall Performance Ratings and Genre-Specific Scores

Here’s my synthesis of performance based on technical metrics, handling, and field experience:

In Summary: Which Camera for Whom?

Leica M-E Typ 220 is perfect if you:

• Value classic rangefinder design and manual craftmanship.
• Are a portrait or street photography purist who treasures skin tone fidelity and the Leica optical experience.
• Prefer slow, contemplative shooting and timeless aesthetics.
• Have the budget and patience to invest in premium Leica M lenses.
• Don’t require autofocus, video, or connectivity.

Samsung NX500 suits you better if you:

• Want a versatile, affordable APS-C mirrorless with excellent autofocus.
• Shoot a broad range from landscapes and wildlife to casual video.
• Appreciate touchscreen control, live view, and connectivity features.
• Need higher burst rates and flexible ISO for low light.
• Are transitioning from compact cameras or DSLRs.
• Desire 4K video recording without buying separate gear.

Final Thoughts – My Personal Take

I still enjoy moments with the Leica M-E Typ 220 for their meditative quality: manual focus, optical viewfinder, and rich color renditions remind me why analog film remains beloved. This camera is not about speed - it’s about soul and intimacy in your craft.

Yet for most practical applications, especially in today’s fast-changing photographic contexts, the Samsung NX500 provides far more “bang for the buck.” Its sensor tech, autofocus, video, and connectivity keep pace with modern demands for hybrid shooters who juggle stills and video, quick responses, and casual travel.

Choosing between these two cameras boils down to one question: Do you want a tool to make images like art, or a flexible, capable digital partner for every photographic adventure? Both can be rewarding, but only you can decide which speaks to your artistic voice and workflow.

I hope this comparison illuminated the many facets of these two distinct cameras. As always, I recommend you test cameras yourself whenever possible, as handling and personal shooting style weigh heavily on satisfaction. Feel free to reach out with questions or experiences of your own - I’m always eager to learn and share in this photographic journey with fellow enthusiasts.

Safe trails and happy shooting!