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M Monochrom vs M9 DNG files


jonoslack

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And the funny thing is quite a few users find the M8 better for B&W than the M9.

 

Like me. (And like you, according to comments you've made here.)

 

Which is why is didn't buy the M9, and why I won't buy the MM. In the 3 years I've had my M8.2, my b/w has gotten significantly better by continual improvements in LR, improvements in my workflow and technique, changes to my papers and profiles, etc, etc. Next purchase, if any, may be for a dedicated b/w printer with 7 shades of black/grey.

 

No need (for me) to spend a bunch on a new camera for marginal benefit, let alone one with potentially offsetting negative consequences. And because the number of fabulous b/w pics I'll likely make, or even attempt, in darker conditions than I'm now able are few and far between...ASA 400 worked for a long time.

 

But if a weather sealed M system ever emerges, well, now we're talking.:)

 

Jeff

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Guest malland
Sorry about this but I'm going to be brutally frank here. I think you all need to take a reality check.

 

Try and be honest with yourselves. There is no real-world difference between the images. To be reduced to pixel peeping and after much trawling, declare that 'there is more detail in the fine ribbing of a small part of the rear tyre' ?

 

I wager that any discernable difference between the images, is more down to manufacturing tolerances than actual product capability.

 

In the realms of pure hard cash, how much difference are you really looking at ?

"One swallow doesn't make a summer". Looking at one picture doesn't tell the whole story. Having worked with a batch of the M-Monochrom DNGs graciously provided by Jono Slack has convinced me to get this camera, because I can see that processing these files takes me much more easily than working with M8 or M9 files — and it also takes to a different place. I am convinced I can get the look that I want out of the M-Monochrom that I haven't been able to get with the M8 or the M9. Incidentally, looking over my M8 and M9 files I see that my B&W was somewhat better with the M8 than with the M9, although some of that may be because I never got enough experience with the M9 files.

 

—Mitch/Manila

Scratching the Surface

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Sorry about this but I'm going to be brutally frank here. I think you all need to take a reality check.

 

Try and be honest with yourselves. There is no real-world difference between the images. To be reduced to pixel peeping and after much trawling, declare that 'there is more detail in the fine ribbing of a small part of the rear tyre' ?

 

I wager that any discernable difference between the images, is more down to manufacturing tolerances than actual product capability.

 

In the realms of pure hard cash, how much difference are you really looking at ?

 

I agree with you. While I think some people may really have a need for an MM, some are simply trying to talk themselves into justifying owning one... assuming the cost is not a problem.

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And to think that a few years ago this is what Jono had to say about the possibility of a monochrome M8.:)

 

Just happened stumble on this when searching a monochrome issue. Funny to read comments by various members in light of recent discussions.

 

Jeff

 

HI Jeff

Excellent! - I can hear my voice in those words.

It would be unseemly to try and defend myself - so I won't!

 

all the best

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thanks very much, Jono

before I got your images, I was 80% convinced to get the M9M, now I am 95% convinced :)

 

In October 2009 I posted in a Leica forum, if the M9 would be monochrome, I would by it.

My main concern was, that I would have to use filters again on the Leica glass, with I hate!

As I like landscapes, I used your picture for my test.

 

Here is it.

The first image is LR 4.1 and the second is Nik Silver Efex with some Upoint on the sky.

I did not remove the dirt on the sensor : )

dierk

7338137184_dafcb418a8_b.jpg

 

7338139616_da6f1fd9fd_b.jpg

lightbox

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I get that there was a time before the advent of color film, but at the risk of coming off as narrow-minded, I have to admit I just never cared or will care for landscape shots in black-and-white. I "get" black-and-white for things like jazz bars and such. So I guess a camera like the M-Monochrom would be overkill in my case. Would I really see any advantage over M9 conversion assuming what I want is to simulate the Tri-X/D76 look?

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Would I really see any advantage over M9 conversion assuming what I want is to simulate the Tri-X/D76 look?

 

Probably not.

 

The issue for me is not emulating a film, but taking the new medium for what it is, on its own terms. I think it is interesting enough not to be limited to what film has achieved.

 

Time will tell.

 

Cheers

John

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thanks very much, Jono

before I got your images, I was 80% convinced to get the M9M, now I am 95% convinced :)

 

In October 2009 I posted in a Leica forum, if the M9 would be monochrome, I would by it.

My main concern was, that I would have to use filters again on the Leica glass, with I hate!

As I like landscapes, I used your picture for my test.

 

Here is it.

The first image is LR 4.1 and the second is Nik Silver Efex with some Upoint on the sky.

I did not remove the dirt on the sensor : ]

 

hi there

You've done that very nicely, and also proved the point that including silver Efex pro is an excellent idea.

 

Ive also found that there is enough in the files to allow you to emulate most filter effects.

 

I also agree with John. If all you want to do is emulate tri-x there's no point in an MM (you might even try using :eek: tri-x itself!

 

I'd prefer to think of the MM as a different medium, and explore its possibilities from that starting point rather than using it to emulate something else.

 

All the best

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