[Leica] Leica M (Type 240) Experience

[john at mcmaster.co.nz (John McMaster)]

That is not what I meant, I can focus peek the Noctilux wide open even in 
some very dark areas I would struggle to use the rangefinder. Some subjects 
do not seem to bring the focus aids out, what I meant was I could see the 
DoF increase as I stopped down...

john

> -----Original Message-----
> 
> 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
> >