Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2013/06/01

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Subject: [Leica] Leica M (Type 240) Experience
From: rgacpa at gmail.com (Robert Adler)
Date: Sat, 1 Jun 2013 16:25:22 -0700
References: <CAAsXt4NC4i7yKoWwQ9HqsAyYG8B6uPNqWu001f=Bwj6AXcUKZQ@mail.gmail.com> <CA+yJO1BzaVCsLojONP4RCC8mUzBZKcZKOQHYVVe1Yy+DngzoAg@mail.gmail.com>

Understood. As I have no R lenses, this aspect is not relative to my needs.


On Sat, Jun 1, 2013 at 4:14 PM, Tina Manley <images at comporium.net> wrote:

> That's all very helpful, Bob.  My main reason to get a 240 would be to use
> my R lenses with focus peaking.  If that is not possible, I will stick with
> my M9 and MM and use the R lenses on my DMR until my eyes completely give
> out. I could use the extra money for a new computer.
>
> Thanks!!
>
> Tina
>
>
> On Sat, Jun 1, 2013 at 7:06 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
> >
> >
>
>
> --
> Tina Manley
> http://tina-manley.artistwebsites.com
>
> _______________________________________________
> Leica Users Group.
> See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information
>



-- 
Bob Adler


Replies: Reply from vick.ko at sympatico.ca (Vick Ko) ([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 images at comporium.net (Tina Manley) ([Leica] Leica M (Type 240) Experience)