Jager Posted September 5, 2012 Share #1 Posted September 5, 2012 Advertisement (gone after registration) Like many here, I was disappointed on May 10th. After three superlative years with the M9 – far and away the best camera I have ever owned - I was waiting for the M10. Alas. The M Monochrome? Well, that was an intriguing bit of news. But not exactly what I wanted or expected. Still, if you’re a fan of Leica – something I’m more than happy to acknowledge - you pay attention. As the days and weeks slowly rolled by, the reviews and the comments by the folks who had given the MM a test drive continued to pique my interest. Like others, I was (and am) very pleased with the black and white output from my M9. When the folks putting together the Life of Medgar Evers exhibition in Jackson, Mississippi called a couple months ago and asked if they could use one of my images I was more than happy to oblige. Robust and resilient, I knew the file would hold up to printing exceptionally well. Any consideration of the M Monochrom must start from an understanding that the M9 is already a very powerful black and white tool. How much better could the MM be? The high-ISO capability was a given, of course. When I bought my D3 some years back, the word that kept coming to mind was ‘transformative.’ Being able to get clean images at 6400 was a luxury I could not have imagined before that breakthrough camera arrived. Ever since I have wondered how amazing it would be to have the same capability in a Leica M. Suddenly it’s there. But even with that bright gift, I was given to pause. The internet is a poor vehicle for representing nuance and subtlety. Notwithstanding the consistently positive feedback from those who had actually used the MM, rising to the level of lyricism at times, the images they presented didn’t look that much different. And I was still fixated on the M10. I’m a lock for that camera, whenever it arrives. I’m first in line at my local dealer. And I have every expectation that whatever qualitative advantages the M Monochrom holds – being able to wring every last ounce of performance out of the new 50 APO Summicron, for instance – the M10 will likewise bring to the table. I also wasn’t bought in to the whole ‘purity’ notion that the MM espoused. For years now I have happily glommed to the digital hybrid of having both color and black and white imagery available at the click of a mouse. Go take pictures. Figure out the rest later. I confess to very much liking the ability to apply filter effects – and an infinite variety of them, at that - in post, long after the shot has been taken. And yet even as I thought those things, nodding my head at the seductive convenience, a voice in the back of my head was whispering. Back in 2010, for six months, I shot my M9 not just with a single lens, but also at a single f-stop. The Noctilux never came off my camera. For half a year I viewed the world at f1. That was a contrived exercise, of course. A bit of artifice. But what it taught me was that imposing limits can bring a clarity that is otherwise difficult to find. There is a peculiar strength that arises out of simplicity. Photography is a demanding, hard mistress. It imposes upon us – even the best among us - numerous failures for every success it allows. A temptress, it will break your heart. And then, just when we’ve concluded that this all sucks and we might as well take up quantum physics as a hobby, it serves up something special. A seductive glimpse into a place we can hardly imagine. And so on we go. When I thought about my photographic journey across the years, I was reminded that the vast majority of those images that I have liked best, those special ones that give me that little rush, were pre-visualized. They weren’t luck. They weren’t serendipity. I saw them in my mind’s eye before I ever raised the camera. Walk out the door with an M3 and a roll of Tri-X and you see the world in a different way. Without an exposure meter, you’re forced to really look at light. To see it in a very different way. Likewise, back in the day, those of us who shot black and white film exclusively, or nearly so, had to learn to visualize in a different way. We had to learn to see tone, not color; luminance, not contrast. It made me wonder. Despite a strong bias towards black and white imagery, I realized that shooting with modern digital cameras has made me lazy. When I walk out the door with my beloved M9, even though my previews are set to black and white - I’m mostly, really, seeing the world in color. I do that even as I know there will be a predisposition for my images to end up in monochrome. That long ago shooter who would routinely imagine the world the way Tri-X sees it had gone missing. And so it was I began to wonder what images I might have ceded to the mists of time. There is that breathtaking cost, of course. Those who want a rationale not to buy the MM have plenty of reasons they can bring to bear, that first and foremost. And yet I would point out that those of us in the Leica world already live in a place of diminishing returns. A thousand-dollar DSLR and a hundred-dollar prime lens will get you 90% of what is available from current 35mm photographic practice. Those of us who buy Leica don’t do so because of the value proposition. No, we pay that premium for nuance and subtlety. In the hope that the aggregation of small advantages will occasionally make a difference. The last bit of serendipity, of shocking luck, was the simple phone call to my dealer. More out of simple curiosity than purposefulness. “I understand the first batch of Leica Monochrom’s are shipping. I don’t suppose you have any in stock?” “Well,” came the reply, pausing for just a moment. “I think we might have one. Hold on.” And so there it was, wholly unexpected. I was stunned. Sixty seconds to come to some sort of conclusion. A single minute to choose what might end up being, in retrospect, a very meaningful fork in the road. The voice came back on the line. “Yes, we do have one.” A quick drawn breath, held for the space of a heartbeat, and then one more. “Okay, hold it for me, will you? I’ll be there in an hour.” Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Other photographers, far better than me, will demonstrate over the weeks and months to come what this camera can do. What I can say is, after just a few days and a few dozen initial images, my impressions are very positive. As I expected, the high-ISO capability is to die for. It is freeing in a way that is hard to describe. Image quality is exactly what all those reviewers gushed about in the weeks after the camera’s introduction. Yes, the difference between MM and M9 images at full resolution is subtle rather than dramatic. It is, however, always, consistently there. And zooming deep into the DNG files in Lightroom reveals a level of detail and acuity I’ve not seen before. M9 files have always been robust. MM files take that to a whole new level. Metering does seem to be a bit different from the M9. For a given subject, the Monochrom seems to overexpose more than its color predecessor, albeit not to the point that highlight clipping is a problem. I’ll be exploring MM metering patterns more in coming weeks. And last night I went and dug out the old camera bag that did yeoman duty when I was shooting daily with my M6 and M7. Searching through its pockets, I found the handful of yellow, yellow-orange, and red filters that sat there unused for years. I didn’t use them a lot back then, and don’t expect to now, but it’ll be interesting to see how they work on the MM. Ten days ago, not knowing I’d soon be exploring the virtues of the Leica M Monochrom, I went online and ordered a brick of Tri-X and a few rolls of Delta 3200. It had been too long. With Kodak looking to sell its film division, a lot of us are wondering what lies in store for those film stocks we have long loved. Somehow, perversely, and in the midst of all that uncertainty, I’m glad that in the MM we perhaps have another option to help keep alive that black and white ethos that has brought so much joy, for so long, to so many of us. Purity, indeed. Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Other photographers, far better than me, will demonstrate over the weeks and months to come what this camera can do. What I can say is, after just a few days and a few dozen initial images, my impressions are very positive. As I expected, the high-ISO capability is to die for. It is freeing in a way that is hard to describe. Image quality is exactly what all those reviewers gushed about in the weeks after the camera’s introduction. Yes, the difference between MM and M9 images at full resolution is subtle rather than dramatic. It is, however, always, consistently there. And zooming deep into the DNG files in Lightroom reveals a level of detail and acuity I’ve not seen before. M9 files have always been robust. MM files take that to a whole new level. Metering does seem to be a bit different from the M9. For a given subject, the Monochrom seems to overexpose more than its color predecessor, albeit not to the point that highlight clipping is a problem. I’ll be exploring MM metering patterns more in coming weeks. And last night I went and dug out the old camera bag that did yeoman duty when I was shooting daily with my M6 and M7. Searching through its pockets, I found the handful of yellow, yellow-orange, and red filters that sat there unused for years. I didn’t use them a lot back then, and don’t expect to now, but it’ll be interesting to see how they work on the MM. Ten days ago, not knowing I’d soon be exploring the virtues of the Leica M Monochrom, I went online and ordered a brick of Tri-X and a few rolls of Delta 3200. It had been too long. With Kodak looking to sell its film division, a lot of us are wondering what lies in store for those film stocks we have long loved. Somehow, perversely, and in the midst of all that uncertainty, I’m glad that in the MM we perhaps have another option to help keep alive that black and white ethos that has brought so much joy, for so long, to so many of us. Purity, indeed. ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/187327-musings-on-the-m-monochrome/?do=findComment&comment=2106115'>More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted September 5, 2012 Posted September 5, 2012 Hi Jager, Take a look here Musings on the M Monochrome. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
johnbuckley Posted September 6, 2012 Share #2 Posted September 6, 2012 Aw, Jeff, so happy for you. That is just great. And the pictures are great. (And the news about the Medgar Evers exhibit is wonderful.) Let's hear it for serendipity, as opposed to the long wait for something you ordered. I completely hear you on the strange wonder of, once again, being forced to "think" in black and white. It has been a long time for me. Having the ability to shoot in monochrome again is a wonderful revelation, and a delight. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tina Manley Posted September 6, 2012 Share #3 Posted September 6, 2012 Aw, Jeff, so happy for you. That is just great. And the pictures are great. (And the news about the Medgar Evers exhibit is wonderful.) Let's hear it for serendipity, as opposed to the long wait for something you ordered. I completely hear you on the strange wonder of, once again, being forced to "think" in black and white. It has been a long time for me. Having the ability to shoot in monochrome again is a wonderful revelation, and a delight. +1 I agree 100%. I am very excited about this camera and about getting back to carrying two M cameras - one for color and one for B&W! Tina Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Photoskeptic Posted September 6, 2012 Share #4 Posted September 6, 2012 Tina, I used to carry an M8 and M3 on straps, one longer than the other, around my neck at the same time. It was a nice combo. I kinda miss it, but, alas, time stands still for no one, especially a photographer today! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkP Posted September 6, 2012 Share #5 Posted September 6, 2012 You have beautifully described why I wanted an MM. I'm patiently waiting but it's due soon? You have also confirmed that I've made the right decision ordering one. Thanks:) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
La Morte Posted September 6, 2012 Share #6 Posted September 6, 2012 Wonderfully written and explained. All the same reasons for me for wanting one. How-ever once it is here in SA the exchange rate drives the price as high as a car! And then we are all waiting for the M10, - something I think we are all hoping for to "get what we want" from it. If Leica are watching all the buzz about the possible M10 then they must know that here is a oilfield waiting to be mined. Love the first image, will print and hang that on a wall! Streamlight Photography Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dwbell Posted September 6, 2012 Share #7 Posted September 6, 2012 Advertisement (gone after registration) Nicely written post. Thanks. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
arminw Posted September 6, 2012 Share #8 Posted September 6, 2012 Jeff what a nice write up ! Finally something worth reading and with such pleasure too . I wish you great light and lots of stimulating subject matter to explore and photograph. All the best with you MM Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gjames9142 Posted September 6, 2012 Share #9 Posted September 6, 2012 I think the absolute bottom line is that if you are shooting black and white, you have to see in black and white. It's not something you can fiddle about with later in PP later, wondering which way to go. You are right, Jeff, that digital can make a photographer lazy. This is the reason I am getting an MM -- to make the commitment to seeing in black and white. I particularly liked the shot of the shed. Anyway, I will be doing in digital what I did in film for decades. It is going to be exciting. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
j. borger Posted September 6, 2012 Share #10 Posted September 6, 2012 I agree that seeing in B&W is mandatory for good B&W work. But that does not mean you need an MM. I worked in a complete B&W workflow with my R-D1 and M8. Setting the screen to B&W and import/convert in Capture One without seeing any colorversions. Since switching 100% back to film 2-3 years ago i still have a complete B&W workflow of course The MM is very tempting, especially if you are commited to B&W and prefer digital to film for practical or esthetical reasons , but i read a lot of non-arguments to get one ....... I see people embrace all kinds of contrast filters and adding ND filters to get to less clean higher iso or to be able to shoot wide open .... wonder if that are the same people who made such an argument against the M8 because of the need for a IR blocking filter Fortunately for me the MM is not available in the shops anytime soon. I read about waiting times of at least 6 months at Meister camera website (to be expected because of HUGE demand). So there is no risk for an impulse buy.... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill W Posted September 6, 2012 Share #11 Posted September 6, 2012 Very well put Jeff. I had a "dark room" for several yars and printed B&W. The problem was that I had to set it up in my bathroom every time I want to use it. I finally quit and years later gave away all of the equipment. I not print digitally but miss the actual B&W experience which the MM will bring back. Who knows when mine will arrive. No more laziness......!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Doug Posted September 6, 2012 Share #12 Posted September 6, 2012 Thanks for that Jeff. Very cool read...and it appears you and I think alike. My wife tells me that my spontaneity with expensive purchases will ultimately be my downfall some day. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill W Posted September 6, 2012 Share #13 Posted September 6, 2012 I always tell the wife I am selling this or that to buy this or that and the actual $ never come up. It seems to be ok as long as I sell something.....!!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Doug Posted September 6, 2012 Share #14 Posted September 6, 2012 I always tell the wife I am selling this or that to buy this or that and the actual $ never come up. It seems to be ok as long as I sell something.....!!! ...or SAY you sold something. The only time that didn't work for me was when I was going to sell my old Land Rover to buy a new BMW. Both are still in the driveway...more than a year later. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill W Posted September 6, 2012 Share #15 Posted September 6, 2012 ...or SAY you sold something. The only time that didn't work for me was when I was going to sell my old Land Rover to buy a new BMW. Both are still in the driveway...more than a year later. Well Doug all I can say is it is a lot easier to hide a new M lens that a new M series BMW. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ivan Muller Posted September 7, 2012 Share #16 Posted September 7, 2012 Aaaaah Jeff, an MM owner who bought it for what it can do, and goes out and does it...nice....! Less, it would seem in your case, is certainly more....It gives me great pleasure to see someone that can afford these fine toys, actually try and use them to their limit.... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom0511 Posted September 7, 2012 Share #17 Posted September 7, 2012 Hi Jeff, this is a good read for me in in many points I feel the same like you. I depated with myself for some time now wether to get an MM or not. IQ reasons are only part of my decision. I havent shot that much b&W the last years but I am very motivated to do so and to learn (and I know I need to learn a lot about b&W). The simplicity as well as the b&W-only thinking is a pleasure for me. First attemps on day 1 with the MM. Kind Regards, Tom http://www.pbase.com/tstreng/image/145892926/original.jpg Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
philipus Posted September 7, 2012 Share #18 Posted September 7, 2012 A temptress, it will break your heart. Or/and your bank. Thanks for the post, an interesting read. I'm happy you still stick with film as well, though. Having read a number of threads, reviews, articles about the M Monochrom, and having started the thread in May about it being a failure, wherein I stated that I might - in the end - consider it as my first digital M, I am now swinging around to not wanting one. Money isn't the issue; it's the look of the images, extreme high-ISO performance notwithstanding. I just don't care for digital images, I guess. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
skimmel Posted September 7, 2012 Share #19 Posted September 7, 2012 Hi Jeff,this is a good read for me in in many points I feel the same like you. I depated with myself for some time now wether to get an MM or not. IQ reasons are only part of my decision. I havent shot that much b&W the last years but I am very motivated to do so and to learn (and I know I need to learn a lot about b&W). The simplicity as well as the b&W-only thinking is a pleasure for me. First attemps on day 1 with the MM. Kind Regards, Tom http://www.pbase.com/tstreng/image/145892926/original.jpg Wow, love that image! You have some very nice B&Ws on your pbase website. Will be interested to hear about how you're liking the MM vs. converting color to B&W (if that's what you did on those other images). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Messsucherkamera Posted September 7, 2012 Share #20 Posted September 7, 2012 @Jeff - Congratulations on your new M/M; serendipity was indeed good to you! Your images are great, by the way. Keep up the good work. The M/M is an interesting camera - it's really the only digital camera I have found tempting. If karma sees fit to drop an "extra " $8000USD in my life that is not needed for other more pressing matters, I will (probably) spring for one. Until then my MP and M4-P will soldier on, keeping Kodak's Tri -X coating machines running ( I hope). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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