M10 and GPS function

[ErikP]

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Hi,

 

Anyone now experience how the GPS function works and having the possibility to comment and elaborate about this?

 

Many Thanks Erik

 

 

[steppenw0lf]

Assuming it is the same as in the SL it works flawlessly, simply great, never had the slightest problem. The only difference, in the SL it is built-in, while it is part of the external EVF in the M10. So it blocks the hot-shoe, a problem if you need a flash at the same time. But on the other hand you can remove it if you don't need it, that's added flexibility.  

 

You can only switch it on or off. Accordingly the coordinates are added to the EXIF or not. (No diploma needed for this.)

 

I found a GPS thread in the T forum, but the entries are from 2014. No newer entries that were reporting problems. So it is probably safe to assume it is also working fine.

Edited January 21, 2017 by steppenw0lf

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[LocalHero1953]

A better comparison would be with the T/TL, since I understand the GPS is built into the same Visoflex 020 used for T/TL and M10.

But I don't have the T/TL so can't answer. I agree it works well on the SL, but there were problems with the GPS in the MF grip for the M240, so Leica has been through a learning curve on this.

[ErikP]

Assuming it is the same as in the SL it works flawlessly, simply great, never had the slightest problem. The only difference, in the SL it is built-in, while it is part of the external EVF in the M10. So it blocks the hot-shoe, a problem if you need a flash at the same time. But on the other hand you can remove it if you don't need it, that's added flexibility.  

 

You can only switch it on or off. Accordingly the coordinates are added to the EXIF or not. (No diploma needed for this.)

 

I found a GPS thread in the T forum, but the entries are from 2014. No newer entries that were reporting problems. So it is probably safe to assume it is also working fine.

 

Ok - thanks for your input. I have been a bit addicted to this with a D700 and a none brand GPS. Today I am still an M8 shooter! and this is definitely something very convenient and interests me. The M (240) in the handgrip is somehow more my style but maybe a EVF built in is not so bad.

 

Really looking forward to hear some news from people now gearing up with this and learn from someone getting hands on experience.

 

Just as background - my D700 and a 50$ solution is just fantastic - so my expectations for the EVF and functionality is of course high due to the price level  Never the less it is time for an type 240 or an M10 why my interest is high to follow this topic. Thanks for your help.

Edited January 21, 2017 by ErikP

[jonoslack]

Okay - well, it isn't the same as the SL, it's the GPS from the T, and I think the sensor is a little less vigorous!

I've been using it a lot, and if it's important, then it's better to turn off the auto-sleep mode as it sometimes takes a few seconds to get a fix.

[waterlenz]

Okay - well, it isn't the same as the SL, it's the GPS from the T, and I think the sensor is a little less vigorous!

I've been using it a lot, and if it's important, then it's better to turn off the auto-sleep mode as it sometimes takes a few seconds to get a fix.

How much of a battery drainer is it? This is an issue with some other cameras especially if GPS stays on after the camera is shut down.

[ErikP]

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Okay - well, it isn't the same as the SL, it's the GPS from the T, and I think the sensor is a little less vigorous!

I've been using it a lot, and if it's important, then it's better to turn off the auto-sleep mode as it sometimes takes a few seconds to get a fix.

 

 

Sounds like you have seen improvements here too. Quite a good ting to combine GPS and EVF actually - the more I think about it. Will try to go to one of the Leica stores to check this out.

 

Since I do believe you also have experience of the handgrip with gps - what solution works best according to you?

 

Thanks Erik

[cmod]

It's also good to remember that another option is: sync your camera clock and smartphone clock, and run a gps tracker on your phone (I run Moves.app constantly in the background, 24hrs a day). You can then pretty easily sync up your gpx file and your photos in Lightroom. 

 

It's obviously a bit more work (and probably more accurate), but another option if you're concerned about battery drain / addons for your camera. 

[steppenw0lf]

Or use another camera to provide the info. My M246 has no GPS but my SL. So I always take a few shots with the SL and use that info afterwards also for the M.  (Sounds silly, but it works  ).

[steamboat]

Okay so the EVF finder is plugged in for GPS. That GPS function has to be turned on in camera. Can you turn off the EVF function? What I'm asking is does the GPS work regardless of whether EVF is on?

[mjh]

What I'm asking is does the GPS work regardless of whether EVF is on?

Sure it does. The EVF and the GPS unit just happen to be components of the same accessory.

[steamboat]

Thanks, Michael.

[jmahto]

Or use another camera to provide the info. My M246 has no GPS but my SL. So I always take a few shots with the SL and use that info afterwards also for the M. (Sounds silly, but it works ).

You can do the same with your iPhone shots. More accurate too.

[SP0]

You can do the same with your iPhone shots. More accurate too.

It is indeed - the iPhone uses a database of wifi locations to fill in the gaps when it can't get an accurate line of sight to the gps satellites - plus an iPhone provides GPS data when indoors which the Leica GPS (at least as implemented in the SL) does not. So sometimes a quick iPhone shot for reference can be helpful. Or as stated above run a tracker (I have been experimenting with Gaia GPS) on the iPhone and join the photos to the track using Lightroom.

[steppenw0lf]

You can do the same with your iPhone shots. More accurate too.

 

I do not like phones - at least not as much as my cameras. So I try to "forget" it at home. I do not like to be reachable.

Especially when I am in the mood for b/w images (with the M246).

So using the phone is really an awful idea for me.

Just as awful as joining facebook for finding infos about the M10. Leica how could you do that !?!

Edited January 27, 2017 by steppenw0lf

[Peter H]

GPS can't always identify where my car is on remote local roads but I assume that's because the roads aren't mapped rather than the satellites' inability to find the car. In remote areas.

 

Am I right to assume that GPS works absolutely anywhere? And how about indoors: can it lose signal?

[steppenw0lf]

If you are "in the shadow" of high buildings or in the mountains, the signal can get lost. Or in the basement of a tall building or a strongroom of a bank. Or in a tunnel.

For precision the GPS unit has to have access to several sources - at least 3 or 4. So it works best in wide open areas.

Edited January 27, 2017 by steppenw0lf

[steamboat]

iPhone solution sounds great. I have a trip planned to Asia and would like something reliable. The 020 sounds as though it as limits. One additional question. If the GPS in EVF is not able to hook up with some satellites is there an indicator light or something that alerts the user that GPS is out of range?

[rfunnell]

I have the purchased the new Visoflex viewfinder today and have had similar results to the M240 implementation with the grip   which were patchy at best.

 

I need to try it more to see but I had hoped it would be as well implemented as my SL but sadly doesn't appear to be.

 

Ive only given it two tests so far but both times it was very slow to acquire the GPS symbol some 10 - 15 minuteslike the previous M240 grip unit was for me.

 

Then the symbol had an exclamation point through it  which I understands has acquired a signal within the past 24 hours but not working.

 

It did work for several images inside but walking around with a clear sky and in an area the SL works it didn't acquire a gps signal.

 

Visoflex is workable for 18mm and 21mm lens but I may return the unit  as so far Im disappointed.

 

The M10 is fantastic simply love it.

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[Guest]

Just as awful as joining facebook for finding infos about the M10. Leica how could you do that !?!

 

I can certainly agree with you over that!