Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2013/06/01
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]I think you hit on it John. When trying focus peeking I had the lenses wide open (f/1 & f/2). Probably not enough contrast to work vs stopping down. Bob Sent from my iPad On Jun 1, 2013, at 7:15 PM, John McMaster <john at mcmaster.co.nz> wrote: > Just been playing with focus confirmation, 35mm Summilux asph at 70cm, you > can see the red lines for focus move as you change aperture and the LV > stays about the same brightness throughout. > > john > >> -----Original Message----- >> >> I would not disagree with those findings, I ordered mine when there was a >> lot of worry about what the images would look like. I decided that I did >> not >> like using DSLRs these days and it would cost a lot of money to try and >> find >> lenses that are worthy of the D800E, amusingly on getdpi there are people >> using Leica 19mm v2, 28mm and 50mm Summicron lenses over anything else >> ;-) So I sold my D800E with <200 shots for what I paid for it and knew I >> could >> use the M for the same things (macro, longer lenses) that I didn't use the >> D800E for if I preferred the M9. >> >> I have found the M images comparable to M9 as taken but with far more >> malleability. I have found the focus aid OK to use with static objects on >> the >> rear screen (no EVF yet) with both M and R lenses, but it is unlikely to >> be as >> good as an R body for the latter. If buying a first camera I would go for >> the M, >> probably will pick it up in preference to the M9, but unless it does >> something >> the M9 doesn't (LV, higher dynamic range, more lens choice, more >> responsive etc there is not a huge reason to upgrade IMO. My batteries are >> only on their second charge but their life has not wowed me with minimal >> LV. >> I have seen people complain of the EV settings, however I always use >> manual >> exposure so cannot help. >> >> There is a button on the front face (just under the top cover) that >> brings in >> magnified LV if wanted. I have had the focus peaking work on many subjects >> (inc yesterday's flower) but cannot yet say how an EVF works on it..... >> >> john >> >>> -----Original Message----- >>> >>> On Friday I went to Samy's in Los Angeles where they had just received >>> their demo M. I was able to play with it for about 1-1/2 hours using >>> my lenses and SD card, but just inside the store in the Leica section. >>> What I >> noted was: >>> >>> Good: >>> 1. The smoothness of the shutter is wonderful. No "kick" back on my >>> finger, like in the M8 and to a lesser degree the M9. Buttery, quiet >>> and no noticeable lag. EXTREMELY impressed! >>> 2. The averaging (matrix) metering mode works very well. I had it on >>> the >>> classic mode for some shots and the highlights were blown because >>> there was a lot of black wall which metered gray. On the new >>> "Advanced" mode it figured this out and I got a decent histogram. >>> 3. The rangefinder is crisp and accurate. Lines were white for mine and >>> easy to see/use. >>> 4. The files are bigger (duh) >>> 5. The shutter response time, when not using live view/focus peaking, >>> seemed faster than the M9. It was certainly noticeably quieter. >>> 6. With live view, when you turn the lens to focus, the live view goes >>> to >>> the same magnification level (0, 5X or 10X) that you last used. >>> 7. Live view, through the EVF, does show depth of field. >>> 8. Nice LCD screen on the back, though I would not use it except to see >>> the histogram... >>> 9. The camera feels very nice in your hands. Definitely a Leica M. The >>> thumb ridge is great. >>> 10. Base plate is much sturdier; not tinny as on the M9. >>> >>> Not so good: >>> 1. Focus peaking did not work for me on eyes. For portraits of non >>> moving >>> folks, you can use live view to see your focus on the eyes, >>> etc.(especially magnified 5 or 10X) and also see your DOF, but no >>> focus peeking indicators showed where the focus was. >>> 2. Live view does not magnify after turning the lens until after a very >>> noticeable pause; my guess is about 1 second. A real delay... >>> 3. There is a noticeable shutter release lag when using live view. VERY >>> noticeable. From what I've read, the shutter is open for live view and >>> must close and then fire. In rangefinder mode, as noted above, there >>> is absolutely no lag. >>> 4. ISO above 1600 (even 1/2 stop more at 2000) is not useful. Just a >>> really big difference between 1600 and 2000 to the dark areas showing >>> large blotches. >>> 5. I had trouble finding how to set EV (I usually shoot at -1/3 just to >>> ensure I don't blow highlights). Probably my lack of knowledge of the >>> menu system (which has changed), so most likely not the camera's fault... >>> >>> Conclusion: This camera is every bit an M with minor improvements FOR >>> ME over the M9, the biggest of which is the sensor size. Live view >>> seems to be made for movie making (which I did not test and would not >>> use) or landscapes. Not for street/family shooting. The shutter is >>> sweet. The ISO performance minimally improved. Though I was excited >>> about the camera, especially using Live View with focus peeking to >>> shoot my family and street work, it basically is not usable, IMO, for >>> that. The larger sensor does nothing for me as this is not my >>> landscape camera. Most likely when my number comes up on various >> dealers' lists to buy the M, I won't. >>> >>> Of course I have specific uses for my Ms. For my needs, the >>> improvements I saw did not warrant the cost of a replacement for my M9. >>> >>> Then I tested a Monochrom... I'm trying not to think about what I >>> experienced to save my marriage... >>> >>> Just thought I'd pass this along. Happy to answer any questions. >>> Bob >>> >>> -- >>> Bob Adler > > _______________________________________________ > Leica Users Group. > See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information