MM body material texture

[gpwhite]

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My MM arrived late last week, and I am very much enjoying the process of really getting to know the camera. I appreciate the advice on the forum for a proper monitor and Canson Bayrta Photographique, both of which help reveal the unrivaled capability of the MM.

 

But I have a silly, really typical Leica-nut question (despite my disagreements with other Leica-nuts on this forum, I have been one since my M2 days in 1970's). Please comment on your findings about the material Leica uses to enrobe the metal body. The LensRentals MM I used for a week (which insisted on hanging up for minutes at a time) had the most unusual, sensuous material that was soft and almost clingy to the touch. Really exotic feeling for a camera body, and in a positive way. The material on my MM, which I believe is from current production (43469xx), looks the same but has the hard and lifeless feel of the material on my M240 and previous M9.

 

Does the material on an MM break in a bit and then become soft and clingy, or I am just experiencing the broad production variation of the particular "synthetic leather covering" Leica uses? My images are great (important), but the touch is a disappointment.

 

BTW, after becoming accustomed to the M240 LCD, it is really striking how poor the dynamic range and sharpness of the MM LCD is. Oh well...

 

Peter

[jaapv]

It is textile-based synthetic leather.

[wattsy]

What you describe sounds more like the 'leather' on my M9P. This was replaced earlier in the year (during sensor replacement work) with the latest version of the 'vulcanite' covering and this has a very soft, almost sticky texture. My Monochrom has a different covering which, though similar in appearance, has a different feel.

[MichaelRabern]

It is textile-based synthetic leather.

 

Was it always so?

[jaapv]

I have replaced the covering on M8,M9 and Monochrom. The material on the Monochrom is quite different from the M8 and M9 and I can only describe it as having a more textile-like base. The M8 and M9 stuff stretches when you pull it off, the Monochrom material is more inclined to tear. I would say that it will not mellow to the texture you like.

[skinnfell]

My MM, snr 4343xxx has a rubber-like material that looks kind of like lizard skin but feels like real soft leather. It is very easy to grip, and gives a secure hold.

It is very similar to what canon uses on their pro bodies, but softer.

In comparison, my M9 had the original course, but shiny "vulcanite" which was quite slippery, especially when moist.

 

The "vulcanite" was prettier to look at, but the "lizard" skin is much better in use. I also think the shiny vulcanite cover would be wrong with the overall stealthiness of the monochrom.

 

PS. The reason the LCD is crappy, is to make you refrain from judging photos on the screen immedeately after exposure. ;-)

 

And, for your viewing pleasure, here is a glamour shot of the two models.

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[elgenper]

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Something seems to have happened recently to Leica´s synthetic cow suppliers... When my M9 (delivered Feb 2010) had its loose strap lug fixed recently, Leica warned that

 

"...Please be advised that the current cover differs slightly in texture from the previously used leather which is no longer available. By commissioning this repair you also consent to the application of the new leatherette version..."

 

And, sure enough, it came back with a softer, more leather-like skin; my first reaction was ":eek:". Beauty being more than skin-deep, however, I quickly adjusted, and now I really don´t worry about it. It doesn´t seem to affect the images a lot...

[gpwhite]

My MM, snr 4343xxx has a rubber-like material that looks kind of like lizard skin but feels like real soft leather. It is very easy to grip, and gives a secure hold.

 

PS. The reason the LCD is crappy, is to make you refrain from judging photos on the screen immedeately after exposure. ;-)

 

And, for your viewing pleasure, here is a glamour shot of the two models.

 

Skinnfell, so it seems that the rental MM that bit me, which had a sn in the range with your MM, did have the softer material you and Jaap describe from earlier MM production. My loss, I guess. I also notice that the left-front bottom edge of my textile-based-leather-like covering is flared out from the base plate. I do not remember seeing this slight imperfection on a new M before, and I am somewhat embarrassed by how many I have owned.

 

Re, LCD, I have accepted it on color M's, but trying to judge on MM where the abyss black is or precision of focus with temperamental lenses (35 FLE) is nigh impossible. So just bracket both variables more.

 

I like your team shot . I use a chrome 18mm VF on a black body too. It was the results from my 18 SEM on the rental MM that pushed me off the cliff.

 

Peter

[250swb]

 

Re, LCD, I have accepted it on color M's, but trying to judge on MM where the abyss black is

 

You don't need to look at the actual picture in the LCD, only the histogram. Even more important than with the M9 really, since unlike the M9 where the histogram is a product of the generated thumbnail JPEG in the MM the histogram is directly calculated from the .dng file. So while you would know that there was always some leeway between the thumbnail and the .dng and a little bit of clipping wouldn't make any difference with the M9, when the MM clips it really means it.

 

Steve

[gpwhite]

You don't need to look at the actual picture in the LCD, only the histogram. Even more important than with the M9 really, since unlike the M9 where the histogram is a product of the generated thumbnail JPEG in the MM the histogram is directly calculated from the .dng file. So while you would know that there was always some leeway between the thumbnail and the .dng and a little bit of clipping wouldn't make any difference with the M9, when the MM clips it really means it.

 

Steve

 

Yes, Steve, I think you are correct. I have set my clipping at 1% and 99% so I can try to expose to the left, according to the histogram. I am just learning how to make use of the sensitivity of the MM sensor, but it does seem best to get the histogram distribution so it is surely touching the "1" value and then boost shadows or levels in ACR, as needed.

 

Peter

[Rick]

I quickly adjusted, and now I really don´t worry about it. It doesn´t seem to affect the images a lot...

 

Too funny - one of your better ones.

[Rick]

By the way, I found my M8 to be slippery. I replaced the cover with GripTac from Camera Leathers. cameraleather.com Leica M series This has been discussed many times before and it can be searched here on the forum. I like some of his other textures as well. Too bad the texture on my new M is so good. I think it is the best yet of the modern digital bodies from Leica. It doesn't leave me with a desire to peel it off and replace it.