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Here are results from an initial side-by-side comparison of the M10-P vs. the M10 Monochrom (hereafter referred to as M10P vs. M10M). M10P firmware = 2.7.5.0 M10M firmware = 2.12.8.0 Test conditions: Leica 75/1.25 Noctilux @ f/5.6, which together with the 50 APO @ f/5.6 offers the highest MTF performance of any Leica M lens at any aperture (according to Leica's data) M10P ISO: 100, 400, 1600, 6400, 12500, 25000, 50000 M10M ISO: 160, 400, 1600, 6400, 12500, 25000, 50000, 100000 Auto shutter speed 2-second delay before capture (to eliminate tripod shake) Both cameras were mounted to the same tripod and aimed at the same spot on the subject. Live view at 100% was used to confirm that the optimal focus setting of the lens was the same for both cameras. All DNG files were imported into Capture One 20, desaturated, processed with identical settings, then highest quality JPGs of each image were exported. You can download all the files (JPGs, DNGs, 100% enlargement matrixes) here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/fcjvrupm9d2cl2s/AABvi7z2QJZ1sAWU9hwb24-7a?dl=0 Summary: as expected, for monochrome images the M10M handily beats the M10P in terms of much lower noise AND much more detail. In terms of background noise, after scaling the M10P or M10M images up or down to the same size (41 MP or 24 MP), I see about a 1.5-stop noise advantage for the M10M. In terms of "usable" high-ISO image quality for monochrome images, I would set my personal threshold around ISO 18,000 for the M10P, and around 50,000 for the M10M (also a 1.5-stop advantage for the M10M). But the surprise, for me, was that in terms of capturing subject detail, the combination of higher resolution, lack of a Bayer CFA, and (my guess) a better sensor even on a per-unit-area basis together resulted in the M10M at ISO 25,000 capturing as much or more detail in the subject than the M10P did at any ISO. Of course, if you are shooting street photography, kids running, dreamy portraits, etc. the subject detail capture level difference probably won't matter. But if your goal is to capture subject detail and black and white is acceptable, this is the most capable M body to date in my opinion. Attached to this post is a 100% crop matrix from ISO 400 to ISO 50,000 of the M10P. Click on the image to see it at approximately full size. I'll attach the analogous matrix for the M10M to the next post.

Hi, I've just bought my very first leica a few days ago and have been exploring & testing the functions, and reading many of the threads on this forum which has been very helpful. The image quality is wonderful, although I'm still getting used to the focussing. I bought (from 2 different leica dealers) a mint cond. M8 (less than 300 shots taken & the dealer said that the sensor tested fine) & Summicron 28mm f/2 (6 bit). However, I've found marks in some of the images, and am not sure if it is the lens or the sensor, which makes it a little tricky when I bought them from independent dealers. Samples are posted at MobileMe Gallery and these were taken after cleaning the lens with a leica lens cloth. Can anyone determine whether it is the sensor or lens? Also, the white balance was fine until I started playing with it. Now it seems a little inconsistent, giving images a slight blue tinge. The sensor/lens tests shown were taken on white paper, auto white balance, but have turned out very grey. The last image was taken with manual white balance - and certainly better, but still a little grey. Is this something to be concerned about? Thanks, Julie