Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2013/06/01
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Odd, maybe the subject it was focussing on? I have tried lenses from 15mm to 180mm and all have worked.... john > -----Original Message----- > > 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 > >>>