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erwing puts comparison analog / M9 is up


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The color artifacts confirm what I see in many of my M9 shots. In winter, snow-covered tree branches without foliage definitely are not ideal subjects for the M9 (in color). Either that, or I haven't quite figured out yet how to get rid of those anomalies in post.

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Puts compares the M9 files with black and white ISO 100 film, and I think it is a bit unfair.

 

Well, Puts is comparing the best cases for both systems, and that is interesting.

 

The point should be the M9 surpasses any ISO 160 color film in terms of resolution, and you have to go to low or very low ISO black and white film for getting better resolution.

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His most recent blog, on his 5 Ms, is interesting. He says he has the first M9 sold worldwide to a buyer. Not sure if that's based on serial # or if Leica sold it to him directly. Surprised he didn't get one free for testing.

 

Sorry for the digression.

 

Jeff

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At least this had more comprehensible writing and illustrations than some of Ewin's other recent posts. A reasonable, if limited, test with reasonable conclusions.

 

All very well to compare the M9 against a film that probably 0.1% of those photographers still using film actually use (Spur Orthopan UR - obviously an extremely good hi-rez film if one can shoot ISO 16-25 and only needs B&W), but how about:

 

M9 vs. Tri-X @ 200/400/800

M9 vs. Fujichrome 400x @ 400/800/1600

M9 vs. the last of the K64 (for old times sake)

M9 vs. whatever the concensus says is the "best" ISO 400 color neg film @ 400

M9 vs. Ektar 100

M9 vs. Delta/Tmax 3200 @ 1600/2500

M9 vs. Superia 1600 @ 1600

 

- otherwise using the same workflows (traditional chemical enlarging and hand-processing).

 

I've done a few of those comparisons, but only with scanned film, and will be the first to admit that scanning is - different - from a fully analog approach, with its own pluses and minuses regarding grain, resolution and tonality.

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Andy, your question is really the relevant one, and I think scanned film is the comparison that is relevant to 90% of those who choose between film and M8/9 for a project. When Sean Reid published his first reviews of the M8 in 2006, his claim was that the M8, used with skill, and perhaps in good light, equaled the results of scanned MF film for his black and white style of shooting.

 

Recently, I have been alternating between HP5+ or FP4 in 120 format, using a tripod, cable release, and a certain amount of ceremony, and shooting informally with an M9, for indoor portraits. So the differences are more than just resolution and tonality. I like what I am getting with this film shooting style, but I expect I could do the same with the M9 and further experimentation, post processing, etc.

 

Who else is now shooting both film and the M9, and why?

 

scott

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Well, Puts is comparing the best cases for both systems, and that is interesting.

 

The point should be the M9 surpasses any ISO 160 color film in terms of resolution, and you have to go to low or very low ISO black and white film for getting better resolution.

 

He also says

The results shown here will not be feasible when handheld shooting under dynamic conditions is required. And in those situations the M9 can play some of its stronger cards.

In other words, the best modern Leica lenses are of unnecessarily high quality for most traditional RF photography. Discuss.

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He also says

In other words, the best modern Leica lenses are of unnecessarily high quality for most traditional RF photography. Discuss.

 

Handheld at f/1.4 with the best modern Leica lens (50/1.4 Summilux Asph) and ambient light:

 

2522593165_4c31f38b37_b.jpg

 

Necessary? Probably not. But I don't aspire to adequacy.

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He also says

The results shown here will not be feasible when handheld shooting under dynamic conditions is required. And in those situations the M9 can play some of its stronger cards.

In other words, the best modern Leica lenses are of unnecessarily high quality for most traditional RF photography. Discuss.

If one link in the chain of production of an image is weaker than the rest, it will influence the end result, that is right. However, if one weakens a second link in addition, it will deteriorate the image quality even more. In other words, all factors are interdependent and the effects are cumulative.

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The color artifacts confirm what I see in many of my M9 shots. In winter, snow-covered tree branches without foliage definitely are not ideal subjects for the M9 (in color). Either that, or I haven't quite figured out yet how to get rid of those anomalies in post.

You could try CaptureOne Pro 5. It solved for me those anomalies.

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A very interesting comparison indeed. Thanks to E. Puts. I was wondering the same for a long time, just because of curiosity though. The results are not surprising either.

 

I still use film sometimes, but that is only to continue the hobby. But I have to use a scanner. That makes a lot of difference.. It's not a film photo any more.

 

I have Nikon 9000 scanner, which is supposed to be one of the best. When scanning the film, a lot is lost, not only resolution. So for practical purposes, a digital photo is better in more aspects than a scanned photo.

 

It's a pity that I don't have a darkroom any more. I just miss the B+W enlargements.

 

Seyhun

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I think many here are missing the point of Mr Puts' review.

 

He's made it quite clear that the M9 produces files that are practically the equal of the best film, and will do so up to the 320/400 ISO range. However, if you want more resolution with an M, then you currently have to go the film route regardless of the film ISO.

 

There is no doubt technical films have a much higher resolution, but you really do have to be careful in order to extract that resolution. With regards to colour, I think Kodak Ektar 100 scanned with an X5 at 8,000 dpi (for the sake of comparison) then scaled down to the M9 resolution easily gives as much detail as the M9, perhaps a little more. However, the detail looks different, less edge sharpness, but more nuanced tones. Like comparing handwriting with print - print is much easier to read, sharper, cleaner, but handwriting has more subtlety for sure.

 

Regardless, it's great to know Leica glass can resolve such fine detail when necessary.

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2.0/85mm Russian 50$ Jupiter lens on 2004 6mpix camera (Epson RD1).

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Thanks Markus - but I am still confused. I have used the following workflow since the 1960s;

- B&W chemistry, Leica equipment, Ilford Galerie paper prints up to 24x30 cm 200 ASA films

- Started to scan negatives with Nikon 4000ED, used Fuji 200 ASA film, ink jet printer

- My first digital SLR Nikon D70, total digital workflow

- Full frame Leica M9

For every step forward in the processes above - I can very easily see a clear quality improvement - now doubt. Even when I compare a scanned neg and ink jet printed image with the same Ilford Galerie print - the ink jet is far superior. With image quality I do not only mean sharpness - it´s the "total" impression.

But when I read Irwin´s reviews I should go back to silver technology to improve my print quality?? I would never do this - my M9 gives me the best images I have ever seen!

 

Thanks,

/Anders

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His most recent blog, on his 5 Ms, is interesting. He says he has the first M9 sold worldwide to a buyer. Not sure if that's based on serial # or if Leica sold it to him directly. Surprised he didn't get one free for testing.

 

Sorry for the digression.

 

Jeff

 

Hi Jeff, I was told that too by my dealer a few weeks ago. Mr Puts & I use the same camera shop, and that's what he told them.

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Hi Jeff, I was told that too by my dealer a few weeks ago. Mr Puts & I use the same camera shop, and that's what he told them.

 

Thanks, Nicole. Hope you get special treatment at that shop, too.:)

 

I feel badly for my local shop today. This is the last weekend to capture much needed sales before Xmas and we're in the middle of a snowstorm expected to dump 2 feet or more, with heavy winds. Yikes.:eek:

 

Can't wait to get out for some pics, though...if my front door isn't drifted in.

 

Jeff

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