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 (Bob Adler)
Date: Sat, 1 Jun 2013 22:04:48 -0700
References: <CAAsXt4NC4i7yKoWwQ9HqsAyYG8B6uPNqWu001f=Bwj6AXcUKZQ@mail.gmail.com> <80F9701439F20347874CE5E4E03C22E9C558A75D@WhizzMAIL01.whizz.org> <B96BEC80-35F7-4B6E-A9BC-B48C987B4D2D@gmail.com> <80F9701439F20347874CE5E4E03C22E9C558B2B4@WhizzMAIL01.whizz.org>

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
>>> 
> 
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Replies: Reply from john at mcmaster.co.nz (John McMaster) ([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 john at mcmaster.co.nz (John McMaster) ([Leica] Leica M (Type 240) Experience)
Message from rgacpa at gmail.com (Bob Adler) ([Leica] Leica M (Type 240) Experience)
Message from john at mcmaster.co.nz (John McMaster) ([Leica] Leica M (Type 240) Experience)