Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2013/06/02

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Subject: [Leica] Leica M (Type 240) Experience
From: kanner at acm.org (Herbert Kanner)
Date: Sun, 2 Jun 2013 08:33:50 -0700
References: <CAAsXt4NC4i7yKoWwQ9HqsAyYG8B6uPNqWu001f=Bwj6AXcUKZQ@mail.gmail.com>

It would be interesting to see a comparison of the same picture done a) with 
a Monochrome and b) with an M9 and converted to B&W with the best software, 
which I assume is probably not LR.

Herbert Kanner
kanner at acm.org
650-326-8204

Question authority and the authorities will question you.




On Jun 1, 2013, at 4:06 PM, Robert Adler <rgacpa at gmail.com> wrote:

> 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



Replies: Reply from john at mcmaster.co.nz (John McMaster) ([Leica] Leica M (Type 240) Experience)
Reply from images at comporium.net (Tina Manley) ([Leica] Leica M (Type 240) Experience)
In reply to: Message from rgacpa at gmail.com (Robert Adler) ([Leica] Leica M (Type 240) Experience)