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Leica M and M-E


TheBogart

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While the new Leica M looks like it will be great, it’s clear the Leica designers were not really anticipating the new 36MP sensors of the D800/D800E/A99. Though resolution isn’t everything in a camera system, of the Leica M sensor can’t resolve more than 81% of the D800, and it’s a modest 14% increase in resolution over the M9. That’s not enough of an increase in resolution for me to justify upgrading my M9P to an M to compliment my D800E.

 

Numbers don't literally translate to a better deal. Looking at the d800 and the M9 side by side the difference is not that great. Look beyond the marketing of numbers.

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Well done Leica!

 

I really can't wait to see the IQ of the camera. I will be adding myself to the waiting list today. The actual camera translates better than all the rumours. The Maestro Processor is for me, worth the upgrade alone. Leica Max Sensor looks like a really solid upgrade and I really can't wait to see some sample images. The brochure you can download from the Leica site has a very good write up of the sensor - we'lll see how it translates for the actual thing. The new grip is excellent and takes care of the hotshoe situation really well. I've always wanted a bigger camera too because of the size of my hands. LED viewfinder is excellent.

 

I think they've really succeeded in created a truly modular camera. The majority of extras are bolt on, if you don't want them then you don't have to have them. I think the camera stays true to M. I think the naming is a brilliant too, it's brave and bold. The whole things looks really well considered and conceived whilst not deviating from the original design much at all.

 

Very excited to see a slew of new lenses taking advantage of the the new viewfinder. Could we even see an M sized zoom lens?

 

I had trouble finding the John Dooley video that has been talked about. A quick google search reveals it. It's a great walk through of the camera - that new shutter sounds amazing. A got a sense of excitement looking at the video.

 

I really can't wait to get a hold of one it ticks all the boxes for me. I would have liked a higher pixel count but I am happy. Seems they've sorted out tether capabilities too with talks of direct computer transfer which was top of my wish list. The new iteration seems to take the camera into robust pro quality and I really look forward to seeing how it translates.

 

ME looks like a great move. I agree on the colour though - Awful. It looks heavy and dated. The Paul Smith X2 is woeful. I thought that was a DIY when the leak appeared! like that pinkenta video! Looks more Rasta than Paul Smith.

 

Really well done Leica. It's truly commendable.

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The reality is that this is probably the best that Leica can do right now within their limitations of resources. I am not knocking this product but it is unreasonable to expect them to compete in electronic technology and engineering with the likes of the much bigger firms such as Sony, Canon, Nikon, Panasonic, and Samsung.

 

They don't make sensors let alone have an anti-shake full frame sensor mechanism. And of course IS in their lenses is not in the cards for now. This may be a very good sensor (I have no way of knowing) but considering the reported design of the microlens may be their best solution. And the EVF may be ok for some and not for others. But there is the possibility of a better one in the future... since they have to get that unit elsewhere too.

 

Leica is simply making a better more useful M, not trying to outdo or even meet all the technology and features found in other cameras. That may not be enough for some of course but it seems like it will work for a lot of people.

 

This seems to me the risk for Leica as it relates to their user versus collector customer base. At the end of the day, when the shutter opens, imaging is still simply a function of the lens and the light recording medium.

 

Until the digital era Leica was on a level playing field in terms of and had no responsibility for providing the light recording medium (film) and could excel and continues to in terms of its optics.

 

Now it must deliver both and is severely limited in its sensor options I suspect. It needs a special micro lens design to accommodate its M lenses and it's purchase quantities are still relatively small, requiring it to work with a niche vendor who may or may not (likely not) be able to even nearly match Sony (or Canon) sensor performance.

 

It is like having an M7 body that couldn't use Kodak or Ilford film, only some off brand.

 

That I think is the risk for Leica: stunning (and stunningly expensive) optics married to increasingly marginal quality sensors relative to the market leader(s) especially in terms of sensitivity and dynamic range.

 

That is why, I suspect, Sony seems to be beginning to target Leica's lucrative niche market rather than teaming with them.

 

PS: if you go to the DxOMark site and compare the M9 and D800E sensor scores side by side, it is quite arresting. I suspect that the M versus RX1 sensor performance will be even more divergent. Sony has already indicated as much for their 24.3 MP sensor. Can CMOSIS really compete?

 

We will find out soon enough.

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exciting news & i'm happy.

 

the use of an 18mpx ccd in the ME surely means that this sensor is planned to be around for much longer than previously thought & stockpiles are stable. significant for the M9/M9-P because apart from anything else, it inspires confidence that these cameras will remain useable & repairable by Leica for a long time into the future. the bonus is that 2nd hand markets for M9/M9-P will <<REMAIN STRONG..!!>> :-)))

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About DxO. They measure camera raw output, not sensor output. This includes all in-camera processing of the file. Leica has the philosophy to leave the processing to the user and produce as unadulterated a file as possible, other brands strive to provide a polished file. Thus these tests are of very limited value. Even Canon and Nikon are difficult to compare, as these companies use very different algorithms (and thus compromises) in their firmware.

I am not aware of anybody providing a true sensor-output comparison.

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The M's sensor will probably be better than the whole competition in solving the color shift issues of the M9 as it has special microlenses if i undestand well. Color rendition per se is another story though. I have a house in Normandy not far from the sites shot by Jean Gaumy and the colors i'm seeing on the Leica brochure look somewhat blueish to me. May come from WB though...

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Anyone know if the internal (CPU, processing power, RAM bufffer, etc.) on the M-E is really the same like within the M9?

Or did they improved (maybe) some parts (which might lead to quicker review/ playback mode, etc.)?

And what about the dimensions of the M-E?

Some claim it is exactly like the "old" M9, others stated that it is the same like the "new" M (M10), so in other words a few millimeter thicker?

 

Thanks!

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I have been reading through the specs but may have missed some things. Is there no longer a sapphire screen on the M-E like there is on the M9-P? And is the 'Corning® Gorilla® glass screen protector' on the M as good as a sapphire screen?

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Frans

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