Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2013/06/01
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Ok. It did not work for my Nocti nor my 75/2. Sent from my iPad On Jun 1, 2013, at 9:30 PM, John McMaster <john at mcmaster.co.nz> wrote: > 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 >>> > > _______________________________________________ > Leica Users Group. > See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information