[Leica] Endgadget on the MM

[pswango at att.net (Phil Swango)]

Leica Monochrom test turns up the ISO, doesn't bring the noise

In the case of "why would you pay $8k for a black and white camera,"
exhibit 'A' would surely be the lack of a color filter array corrupting the
image. Without one, the Leica Monochrom -- with a similar CCD to its M9
stablemate --should have less noise. Tests comparing the two cameras on Red
Dot Forum confirm it, with the Monochrom cleaner in glorious black & white
at all ISO's up to the M9's maximum of 2500. Past that, a touch of NR gave
the Monochrom a pleasing film-grain look to our eyes at ISO 5000, but at
ISO 10,000 images started to sparkle and approach the "barely usable"
range. Still, combined with the increased sharpness and resolution, very
well-heeled purists might be tempted.