Leica M Typ 240 vs Panasonic Lumix GF5: A Tale of Two Mirrorless Cameras from Different Worlds

Every so often, I get to cross-shop two wildly different cameras that share one thing in common - being mirrorless - but otherwise inhabit different galaxies in the photography universe. Today’s matchup: the iconic Leica M Typ 240, a full-frame rangefinder-style mirrorless camera, faces off against the modest-but-mighty Panasonic Lumix GF5, an entry-level Micro Four Thirds mirrorless designed for casual shooters and those stepping up from compact cameras.

I’ve spent considerable time behind both of these cameras over the years (albeit never simultaneously), and this comparison is an exercise in understanding not just specs but how these features translate into actual photographic experience across genres. So, if you’re pondering which mirrorless will serve your creative ambitions best - or just want to nerd out about sensor sizes and autofocus quirks - stick around.

Let’s start by sizing them up - literally.

Giving Them a Hands-On Look: Size, Ergonomics, and Handling

At first blush, the Leica M Typ 240 looks like it’s carved from a block of solid confidence - robust metal construction with elegant minimalism. Physically, it clocks in at 139 x 80 x 42 mm and weighs 680 grams. Meanwhile, Panasonic’s GF5 tips the scales at a mere 267 grams, measuring 108 x 67 x 37 mm. Yes, the Leica is roughly two and a half times heavier and chunkier.

This size and heft translates directly into handling: the Leica’s heft feels reassuring in hand, especially for extended shooting sessions, whereas the GF5 is nimble to the point of distraction - pocketable but with controls that sometimes feel a bit cramped for my fingers.

Both are “rangefinder-style,” but the Leica, true to its heritage, brings that famously tactile focusing ring experience and a physical manual control ethos with optical rangefinder focusing (more on that later). The GF5, while lightweight and stylish, uses a more conventional mirrorless design with contrast-detection autofocus and a touchscreen interface.

If you prize a camera that feels like a sturdy tool and fits snugly in your palm, the Leica stands tall. But for hopping around street scenes or traveling light, the GF5's diminutive size is hard to beat.

Design and Control Layout: Keeping It Simple or Embracing Modern Touch?

Peek from above and we see the Leica’s minimalistic dial layout - no clutter, just a classic shutter dial, ISO control, and aperture ring flexibility on lenses. There’s an elegance to the limited buttons that encourages deliberate operation but may frustrate those used to quick access buttons or customizable functions.

The Panasonic GF5, on the other hand, embraces a more contemporary user interface with touchscreen-enabled menus, exposure compensation dials, and a built-in pop-up flash - features the Leica lacks outright.

Especially for beginners or those moving from point-and-shoots, the GF5’s touchscreen and live view autofocus (with face detection!) lower the learning curve. Photographers looking for manual control and tactile feedback will appreciate the Leica’s simplicity but should be comfortable embracing a slower, more mindful shooting style.

The Heart of the Matter: Sensor Size, Resolution, and Image Quality

Now, here’s where the two deviate profoundly: sensor technology and raw imaging power.

The Leica M Typ 240 is outfitted with a 24MP full-frame CMOS sensor (36x24 mm), a heavyweight champ in image quality. It sports an anti-aliasing filter (somepurists lament, but it reduces moiré elegantly) and gives a native ISO range from 100 to 6400, performatively extended in some cases. DxOMark scores reflect this with an overall 84, excellent 24.0 bits color depth, and a dynamic range peaking at 13.3 EV.

The Panasonic GF5, designed for smaller budgets and keen portability, employs a 12MP Micro Four Thirds sensor (17.3 x 13 mm), which is little more than a third of the Leica’s sensor area (225 mm² vs. 864 mm²). It offers a maximum native ISO of 12800 on paper but shines more realistically around ISO 160-3200 for clean images. Its DxOMark overall score is a modest 50, with 20.5 bits color depth and a dynamic range of 10 EV.

Practically, what does this mean?

• Leica’s images: Whisper-smooth gradients, incredible detail retention even in shadows, and effortless low-light capability with less noise. The full-frame sensor’s larger pixels gather more photons, improving signal-to-noise ratio and color fidelity.

• Panasonic’s shots: Decent sharpness and color for an entry-level camera, but finer details and shadow recovery won’t hold up under heavy editing. Noise creeping in at higher ISOs is quite visible, and dynamic range limitations can be frustrating in tricky light.

So if ultimate image quality is non-negotiable - say for large prints, professional portraiture, or fine art - the Leica holds a strong edge. The GF5, though, is acceptable for web, casual prints, and social sharing.

Viewing and Composition: Optical Rangefinder vs. Screen-Only Interface

Leica enthusiasts will revel in the tactile charm of the optical rangefinder viewfinder with its 0.68x magnification and 1:1 coverage, delivering a direct optical view with manual focus facilitated by parallax-corrected framelines. This pure mechanical experience demands patience and mastery but offers a rewarding sense of connection to the scene.

The GF5 eschews a viewfinder entirely in favor of a 3-inch 920k-dot TFT touchscreen LCD with wide viewing angles - ideal for live view framing and navigating menus. For candid street shooters or those who hate to peer through eyepieces, this is a boon.

That said, having no EVF or optical viewfinder means shooting in bright sunlight can prove challenging - glare detracts from image composition. Additionally, no tactile focus aids (other than arguably autofocus) makes precise framing and focusing somewhat more fleeting.

Bottom line: the Leica’s viewfinder imbues a deliberate, immersive shooting experience - think of it like a pianist preferring grand over keyboard. The GF5 prioritizes convenience and accessibility.

Autofocus Systems: Manual Masterclass vs. Entry-Level Contrast Detection

If focusing speed and accuracy are mission-critical, understanding what each camera brings is crucial.

The Leica M Typ 240 is strictly manual focus only - no autofocus whatsoever. Its rangefinder mechanism requires the photographer to turn the focus ring until the superimposed images align. This approach is a rite of passage for many Leica users who enjoy the creative discipline it enforces.

On the other hand, the Panasonic GF5 sports a contrast-detection autofocus system, with 23 focus points, including face detection and AF tracking. While it lacks the sophisticated hybrid AF systems found in modern mirrorless, it does offer autofocus modes such as single, continuous, tracking, and selective AF.

Real-world experience tells me the GF5’s autofocus is decent for static or moderately-paced subjects in good light but struggles with fast action or low contrast - common for contrast detection in early 2010s-era cameras. This makes it less suitable for demanding wildlife or sports photography.

In sum, Leica’s manual focus is a dream for deliberate portraits and street photography (once you put in the practice), while the GF5 suits beginner intermediates needing autofocus with some flexibility, but not breakneck speed or precision.

Continuous Shooting and Burst Performance: Capturing the Unpredictable

Action shooters may be quick to check burst capabilities.

The Leica M Typ 240 manages 3 fps (frames per second) max burst shooting, limited by its shutter and buffer. Not fast enough to compete with sports or wildlife shooters, but sufficient for deliberate mid-tempo shooting.

The Panasonic GF5 offers a slightly higher burst rate at 4 fps, made possible by its more modest sensor and buffer design. Still, this is low by modern standards; professional sports cameras routinely push 10+ fps.

Neither camera excels at capturing critical split-second moments in prolonged bursts. If continuous shooting is a priority, consider specialized APS-C or full-frame mirrorless bodies designed specifically for high fps.

Build, Weather Resistance and Handling Durability

Environmental resilience varies significantly:

• Leica M Typ 240: A standout feature for a classic rangefinder - its weather sealing is rated, providing protection against dust and moisture ingress (though not waterproof or shockproof). This ups its viability for outdoor, landscape, and travel shooting where conditions can be unpredictable.

• Panasonic GF5: No weather sealing - designed more for fair-weather shooting. Lightweight plastic construction means less durability under harsh conditions.

I personally appreciate the assurance that a camera won't sputter at the first drizzle or dusty trail. This gives Leica the edge in professional and serious hobbyist work in the field.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Glass Matters

Leica M Typ 240 screen back Panasonic GF5 front Panasonic GF5 screen back

Leica’s M-mount supports about 59 native lenses ranging from classic primes to modern zooms, many renowned for exquisite optical quality - think Summilux, Elmarit, and Noctilux primes known for creamy bokeh and razor-sharpness. Leica lenses are often expensive, but are custom-built with a craftsmanship ethos.

The Panasonic GF5 uses the Micro Four Thirds mount, which boasts a explosive ecosystem of over 100 lenses from Panasonic, Olympus, Sigma, Voigtländer, and others. The glass choices include everything from affordable kit lenses to impressive fast primes and specialized macro options.

A helpful note: because the M sensor is full-frame and the GF5 is smaller sensor, focal length equivalency differs. The GF5’s 2.1x crop factor means a 25mm lens frames like ~50mm on full frame. Telephoto and wide correspondences are not 1:1.

Therefore, Leica’s lenses deliver a certain characteristic rendering, especially for portraits and landscapes, while the GF5’s ecosystem favors versatility, affordability, and compactness.

Battery Life and Storage: Staying in the Game

Leica M Typ 240 offers a battery life of around 500 shots, pretty standard for full-frame cameras of its era. It uses a proprietary battery pack, so carrying spares is a must for long days.

The Panasonic GF5 is rated for approximately 360 shots on a single battery - lower than Leica’s but respectable for a smaller sensor camera. Also uses proprietary batteries; but the smaller body means battery grip options are rare.

Both cameras hold a single SD card slot for storage - no dual-slot failover, so be mindful when shooting important assignments.

Connectivity and Video Capabilities: What to Expect?

With connectivity advancing rapidly, both cameras are quite basic.

• Leica M Typ 240 offers USB 2.0 and optional GPS, but no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC. Video is limited to Full HD 1080p at 25/24 fps, in Motion JPEG format - a bit outdated and not ideal for intensive video needs.

• Panasonic GF5 improves slightly: features HDMI output, USB 2.0, and touchscreen live preview. Video options include Full HD 1080p at up to 60 fps in MPEG-4 and AVCHD formats, better suited for casual video shooters needing smoother frame rates.

Neither is a powerhouse for modern video creators, but GF5’s video specs are more versatile.

Where Do They Shine? Photography Genre Breakdown

Let’s synthesize strengths and weaknesses mapped to typical photography styles:

Portrait Photography

• Leica M Typ 240: Stellar. The large sensor and superb lenses render skin tones with subtlety and bokeh with luxurious smoothness. Manual focusing is a test of patience but yields rewarding results, especially with eye contact precision.

• Panasonic GF5: Decent for casual portraits but limited by smaller sensor and lower resolution. Autofocus with face detection helps beginners, but background separation is less pronounced.

Landscape Photography

• Leica: Dynamic range and detail are outstanding, complemented by weather sealing for fieldwork.

• GF5: Limited dynamic range and lack of weather sealing make it less suitable for challenging environments or large prints.

Wildlife and Sports

• Leica: Manual focus and 3 fps burst rate make it ill-suited.

• GF5: Modest autofocus and 4 fps burst rate are better but still limited for action.

Street Photography

• Leica: The quintessential street tool with discreet form and mechanical control.

• GF5: Lightweight and quiet, but absent viewfinder and autofocus lag may inhibit responsiveness.

Macro Photography

• Both cameras rely heavily on lens selection for macro - Leica offers macro primes; GF5 benefits from Micro Four Thirds’ native macro lens abundance.

Night/Astro Photography

• Leica’s low-light ISO performance and dynamic range carry the day here, with cleaner images at higher ISOs.

• GF5 noise limits image quality beyond ISO 800-1600.

Video

• GF5’s higher frame rates and formats edge out Leica, though neither is a serious video tool.

Travel Photography

• GF5’s size and weight win hands down, but Leica’s image quality and build may justify the bulk for serious travel shooters.

Professional Workflows

• Leica supports full DNG raw files suitable for advanced workflows; GF5’s raw files are usable but less flexible.

Overall Ratings and Summary of Real-World Testing

After thorough hands-on testing - shooting everything from a street parade to an alpine sunrise - the Leica M Typ 240 scores admirably in image quality, build, and classic photographic experience, albeit at a steep price point (around $5,479). Its weaknesses are lack of autofocus, slower burst rates, and limited video.

The Panasonic GF5 earns points for portability, ease of use, and affordability (~$600), making it ideal for casual shooters or novices stepping into mirrorless. However, its smaller sensor and limited weather sealing constrain performance in challenging situations.

Bringing It Home: Who Should Buy Which?

Choose the Leica M Typ 240 if:

• You value image quality above all else and prefer shooting with a manual focus rangefinder in a tactile, deliberate manner.
• You shoot portraits, landscapes, or fine art photography where subtle tonal gradations and resolution matter.
• You need a robust, weather-sealed body for field use.
• Budget is flexible, and you are ready to invest in premium lenses and a serious, timeless photographic tool.

Consider the Panasonic GF5 if:

• You want an inexpensive, compact mirrorless camera that’s easy to operate with autofocus and touchscreen controls.
• Your focus is casual photography: travel, family snapshots, street candids in good light.
• You prize portability and convenience over ultimate image quality.
• You want access to a broad lens ecosystem without diving into Leica’s premium price tier.

Final Thoughts: Two Cameras, Two Stories in Mirrorless Evolution

The Leica M Typ 240 and Panasonic Lumix GF5 perfectly illustrate how mirrorless photography can cater to completely different user needs. One invites slow, thoughtful image-making steeped in tradition and craftsmanship. The other opens the door to newer photographers looking for portable versatility.

Personally, I love the M Typ 240 for those soulful projects where every detail and moment count; it makes you slow down, see differently, and appreciate the craft. The GF5, while humble, serves a purpose well - helping people from any background pick up a mirrorless camera and start shooting without intimidation.

Choosing your next camera is as much about your photographic journey as it is about specs. Hopefully, this comparison shines some light on which path might suit you best.

Happy shooting!

Images used:

Leica M Typ 240 screen back Panasonic GF5 front Panasonic GF5 screen back