[Leica] Leica M (Type 240) Experience

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

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
>