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

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Subject: [Leica] Leica M (Type 240) Experience
From: images at comporium.net (Tina Manley)
Date: Sun, 2 Jun 2013 12:55:55 -0400
References: <CAAsXt4NC4i7yKoWwQ9HqsAyYG8B6uPNqWu001f=Bwj6AXcUKZQ@mail.gmail.com> <5EF98569-14CA-4D12-9DA2-4216510AA0AC@acm.org> <CA+yJO1BU6GEp1GQFtFV-UztC-ouYa8q2axjd9+3OY=O+g7UKpw@mail.gmail.com>

What do you think?

Tina


On Sun, Jun 2, 2013 at 11:50 AM, Tina Manley <images at comporium.net> wrote:

> I did that:
>
> http://www.pbase.com/tinamanley/image/146447879
>
> Converted with Silver Efex from
> http://www.pbase.com/tinamanley/image/146427043
>
> Compared to MM
>
> http://www.pbase.com/tinamanley/image/146427044
>
> I prefer the MM.
>
> Tina
>
>
> On Sun, Jun 2, 2013 at 11:33 AM, Herbert Kanner <kanner at acm.org> wrote:
>
>> 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
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Leica Users Group.
>> See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information
>>
>>
>
>
> --
> Tina Manley
> http://tina-manley.artistwebsites.com
>



-- 
Tina Manley
http://tina-manley.artistwebsites.com


Replies: Reply from dstella1 at ameritech.net (Dante Stella) ([Leica] Leica M (Type 240) Experience)
Reply from tcharara at mac.com (Tarek Charara) ([Leica] Leica M (Type 240) Experience)
In reply to: Message from rgacpa at gmail.com (Robert Adler) ([Leica] Leica M (Type 240) Experience)
Message from kanner at acm.org (Herbert Kanner) ([Leica] Leica M (Type 240) Experience)
Message from images at comporium.net (Tina Manley) ([Leica] Leica M (Type 240) Experience)