Survey: Your opinion about the new LEICA M MONOCHROM

[admin]

What do you think about the new LEICA M MONOCHROM?

Vote and tell us your opinion in this thread!

[Timmyjoe]

I shoot on average, 50% of my images with a Leica M2-S and Tri-X. On the surface, the M9 Monochrom seems interesting. But then when I looked at the samples on Leica's web page, the one issue that has always concerned me with a digital B&W camera looks like it's not been solved.

I use color filters with my M2-S to get particular effects in a shot. I know how Tri-X responds to each of my filters. I've never been convinced that a digital sensor would react the same way.

As an example, here is a shot from Leica's web page of examples of the M9 Monochrom, where they used an orange filter to add dramatic effect to the sky. It is of a cathedral against a blue, cloud filled sky:

M9MCloud.jpg

And here is an example from one of my Tri-X shots of a similar situation where I used a similar filter to get a dramatic sky effect:

TriXCloud.jpg

While the orange filter in the M9 Monochrom shot darkened the blue sky, it also darkened and muddied up the white clouds. With Tri-X film, the filter darkened the blue sky but left the white clouds a puffy bright white.

[henning]

If this camera had come out 6 months or more ago, I would have immediately gone out and ordered it. Now, with the M10 of (mostly) unknown specification looming, I'm inclined to wait 4 months. I may still get one, but I'll make a decision later.

Henning

[sdai]

Originally Posted by henning

I'm inclined to wait 4 months. I may still get one, but I'll make a decision later.

Not exactly 4 months because the M9M will only be available on Aug.28 according to B&H but ... the M10 could make us wait longer even if it's announced at the Kina'12.

[enchong]

too expensive for just a B&W output i'd rather stay with my M9 as it is more flexible

[wentbackward]

To me it seems a wonderful idea but really need to try it first with a bunch of filters. What worries me most is that it could be like deciding to only ever use one film in my M6 and never ever change ... what if I don't like that film! I think this point prevents a mindless purchase (M9 is a mindless purchase, if you can, just get one), I couldn't order an M9M until I actually use it. So all the collectors will get their orders in and it would probably take me 12 months from now to get my hands on one.

Processing in Silver Efex ... well part of the film simulation is spectral response that is estimated from the colour data, so of course that cannot be achieved, leaves only the grain and overall contrast.

Phase One made a mono back, probably the only point of comparison until we can get hold of a test unit.

At least we have physical confirmation that Leica is working with True Image or whatever Kodak is now called.

[01af]

The weirdest thing about the M Monochrome is the name—everyone except Leica Camera AG feels the natural name for it would have been 'M9-M' ...

[pico]

Originally Posted by Timmyjoe

While the orange filter in the M9 Monochrom shot darkened the blue sky, it also darkened and muddied up the white clouds. With Tri-X film, the filter darkened the blue sky but left the white clouds a puffy bright white.

You did not use an orange filter as evinced by the contrast, and you also overexposed.

ADMIN: Vote and tell us your opinion in this thread!

With respect, there should be a more gentle transition from #1 to #3. #1 seem rather maniacal.

[peterkinchington]

I would love to get hold of this camera. I can treat the sensor as if it were black and white film and use the appropriate colour filters over the lens e.g. Red filter to intensify skies and delineate clouds. I used a phase one achromatic back on my V series hasselblads and found this great. A M leica equivalent would be fantastic because of the portability of the leicas and the quality of their lenses.

[Printmaker]

I want one and I'll get one. But the purchase may have to wait until it shows up on the used market at around $5,000. Until then, I'll be converting my M9 files.

As for the 50 Summicron APO ASPH... well all of a sudden my old 50 Summicron looks good and the previously "absolutely perfect" 50 Summilux looks like a bargain.

[CalArts 99]

The juxtaposition of Notre Dame Cathedral with Disneyland's Cinderella Castle is culturally interesting and equally disturbing.......

[Timmyjoe]

Originally Posted by pico

You did not use an orange filter as evinced by the contrast, and you also overexposed.

I'm sorry Pico, were you standing next to me when I made that shot.

No. I thought not. Then your apology is accepted.

For your RUDE information, I used a B+W #22 Red-Orange filter on that shot to be exact (Leica does not mention what orange filter they used) and I don't consider my shot overexposed. It is exposed exactly as I wanted it to be. If you look at the walls of the cathedral and the walls of the castle, the exposure is quite close as both were shot in direct sunlight.

While a red-orange filter can be considered darker than a straight orange filter (if that is truly what Leica used on their shot) then that just emphasizes my point more-so. If a lighter filter took out the whiteness of the clouds that much, then I would think the darker red-orange filter would darken and muddy them up even worse.

Leica makes mention in their press material that the M9 Monochrom's B&W digital sensor does a great job at measuring luminance, because that's it's main function. And while B&W film also records luminance, anyone who knows photography knows that B&W film has a specific sensitivity to the different colors of light. My concern, as expressed above, is that the color filters we used with B&W film to get specific results, (by knowing what the sensitivity of different colors of light are to B&W film), will have a different effect when used with a B&W digital sensor. As demonstrated by the images above.

In the future Pico, let's try to be a bit less dismissive of other people's posts, shall we?

[lct]

I miss a 6th option: Wait and see till next September.

[janrzm]

Originally Posted by henning

If this camera had come out 6 months or more ago, I would have immediately gone out and ordered it. Now, with the M10 of (mostly) unknown specification looming, I'm inclined to wait 4 months. I may still get one, but I'll make a decision later.

Henning

I'm in the same place...wait and see what the M10 offers first, I won't be getting both...

[swamiji]

For me the MM is more appealing than the M10. For the most part the M9 does everything I need. What the MM does for me is allow me to retire my M7, and go completely digital. Sorry conversions don't make it for me, not enough DR.

[robert_parker]

I think this is a hugely attractive camera.

The things I like about it, just from reading:

1). The performance that is implied by the new sensor, given the claims about detail and tonal range are correct

2). The high ISO range

3). The innovation of the idea, which is very Leica

As someone who normally only works in colour, this could draw me into B&W (or possibly B&H but I don't think I can afford it..) as the promise of high performance introduces a range of creative possibilities and thoughts that I just don't find when using conversions or B&W film.

The only thing I don't like about it is the camera's appearance, which is too dull, IMHO. For me, something with this level of performance and innovation should be trumpeting its prescence, at least with a nice bit of titanium and something to make it stand out just a little from the crowd

[pico]

Originally Posted by Timmyjoe

I'm sorry Pico, were you standing next to me when I made that shot.

No. I thought not. Then your apology is accepted.

For your RUDE information, I used a B+W #22 Red-Orange filter on that shot to be exact (Leica does not mention what orange filter they used) and I don't consider my shot overexposed. It is exposed exactly as I wanted it to be. If you look at the walls of the cathedral and the walls of the castle, the exposure is quite close as both were shot in direct sunlight.

Red-orange is not orange, and by the image posted, it is indeed over-exposed by my standard. So you like bleached or blown highlights. That's okay by me.

As to the rest, if you find my post rude, then me thinks it is your problem.

[davidbaddley]

I want one. Curious, though, I noticed in the specs that the native colorspace is sRGB. Why would a monochrome camera use RGB? Without the Bayer filter, wouldn't all 3 channels be identical? Is this just to support the toning options in JPEG?

[davidbaddley]

Originally Posted by robert_parker

3). The innovation of the idea, which is very Leica

I love the idea too. Leica can't claim it, however. Kodak/Nikon offered a monochrome/digital many years ago.

[Timmyjoe]

Originally Posted by pico

Red-orange is not orange, and by the image posted, it is indeed over-exposed by my standard. So you like bleached or blown highlights. That's okay by me.

As to the rest, if you find my post rude, then me thinks it is your problem.

Apology accepted, have a nice evening.