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New Leica M Monochrom


Paulus

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If Leica are going to clutter the future Monochrom variants with liveview, they might as well throw in video. I find the idea of watching some 1.375:1 ratio classic format video material in B/W to be rather appealing.

 

On the other hand, I would rather they just kept making the present version indefinitely, and finish correcting any remaining firmware issues. It is just about what I think of a Leica B/W digital camera being -- focussed on what it does and exquisitely executed.

 

Nick

 

I agree, although I'm a completely Tri-X 'n Rodinal neanderthal. But you see it's the allure of electronics. They're like heroin, or more like crack cocaine; so cheap you almost can't not include the latest and greatest. Users who are in favor of this just tell the naysayers they can turn it off (like leaving the battery out of your MP).

 

Just a bit ago the Nikon world was all in a tizzy about what would be included on the new Df and video was a BIG arguing point. It's amazing what photographers think they just can't live without. Maybe production philosophy says parallel product lines are the kiss of death, so you set one product and load it up with as much stuff as you think you can without driving your customers back down the product line.

 

Leica might be in a good place here because people expect to pay a lot of money for Leica, and that could take some pressure off their decisions. Maybe. On the other hand Nikon and Canon (and Sony, and Fujifilm, and...) are in a fight to the death, and every button or dial (or its absence) is a design element fraught with danger.

 

Leica has already set the norm with its history of "Special Editions", and I'd bet very few are ever sold, so one more will not tarnish any heritage cherished by users like, e.g. me, who see past all that. Somewhere in all the fluff Leica seems to be able to keep their eye on what it means to be a Leica with enough success to keep the doors open. Good on them.

 

As for the Gibson model, red and black? Ugh.

 

s-a

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It is a special edition ordered by Transcontinenta the Dutch importer to celebrate the opening of a Leica store.

There are precedents for that, like the “Colombo 500” M6 commissioned by an Italian dealer and the”Year of the Rooster” M6 by a Taiwanese dealer a few years later, and some more. They never appeared to be synchronized with a production cycle, so no conclusions can be drawn. I’ll try and find the time to drop by the introduction ceremony, as I have been invited and if I make it I’ll report back.

 

Hi Jaap,

 

I also received an invitation for the event next week, so see you there! I was a bit confused by the invitation announcing the opening of a Leica store, as it has been open for a year or so already - in fact I bought my M-E there back in February.

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Hi Jaap,

 

I also received an invitation for the event next week, so see you there! I was a bit confused by the invitation announcing the opening of a Leica store, as it has been open for a year or so already - in fact I bought my M-E there back in February.

I hope I'll make it, Simon, my book appears to be pretty full. I'll be on the late side in any case.

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Oh Peter, you have voiced one of my great frustrations. spot on. I have been wresting with the idea of getting an M240 or MM. I keep asking myself, 'what difference will it make to my photography'. I can't find a darn thing in answer! It is pure lust.

 

I am just completing a book (couple of weeks to go) "12 Month's With a Leica 111f". It has been an exhilarating experience shooting the 111f, which I have had for just on 12 months. I am staggered by the diversity that camera has covered and cannot find one image that would have been improved by an M240 or MM, or any digital. Hmm. However, the photography always has room for improvement. Question: how can I improve? That's the hard part.

 

Edit: the ratio of B&W to colour images I used is about 3:1 in favour of B&W.

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I keep asking myself, 'what difference will it make to my photography'. I can't find a darn thing in answer! It is pure lust.

 

Nothing wrong with lust. The important thing is to stay grounded in the work, and to know the difference. You do; many don't, it seems.

 

I think there's also something to be said for enjoying the shooting experience, whether or not the end result is improved. My prints are rarely better using the M compared to the M8.2, but I like using the M better....sweeter sound, ease and accuracy of focus, less battery drain, etc. And I can use some longer lenses if desired. Improved photos? Not really. But these are aspects I find attractive, and that's enough for me in this case.

 

Jeff

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Primarily the 5cm/f2.0 lens that came with it, but I also used a Canon Serenar 85mm/f1.9 and a Canon Serenar 35mm/f2.8. All of similar vintage to the camera.

 

The book will be available in the new year, after I technically complete the 12 months.

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Hi Jaap,

 

I also received an invitation for the event next week, so see you there! I was a bit confused by the invitation announcing the opening of a Leica store, as it has been open for a year or so already - in fact I bought my M-E there back in February.

 

 

 

Leica Boutique it was, Leica Store it now is.

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