MP or M Monochrom

[yossarian123]

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I've had the MM for about 2 weeks now. My workhorse has been an M7, I shoot Tri-X, Double-X, and Acros almost exclusively in D76 stock. Even with my M9, I always found myself drifting back to film for that "look". But the MM comes closer than any other digital camera in terms of getting the look that I love. It took about 30 minutes of tinkering with a lightroom preset to get things right. It has the great tones of b&w film along with jaw dropping resolution. I've been shooting with it nonstop and loving every second of it.

 

As far as long term prospects - no, you'll probably not be shooting with the MM in 50 years. But is 10-20 years really so hard to conceive?

[jmr237]

These are all great thoughts. I appreciate everyone's input.

 

A key appeal of Leica and the rangefinder experience is focusing. Obviously it's not to hard to manually focus an SLR, and I am getting by with my Nikon. But my brief experience with the M7 left me very impressed by the bright view and clarity of the focus point. Also, since you're not viewing through the lens, your view is not impeded when using color contrast filters for B&W.

 

The FM3a has a well-implemented approach to metering and shutter speed selection that allows for intuitive shooting in either auto or manual mode. So I think it would take some time for me to adjust to the Leica approach of the LED arrows and dot. But I am interested in moving away from a camera with an auto exposure mode because I want to be forced to take full control over my exposure choice.

 

The MP and MM are appealing for reasons both emotional and rational. The MP seems like the ultimate Leica, and something I would value and cherish for many years. If I went that route, I would want to go 100% and get an a la carte version customized for me. The MM, on the other hand, offers amazing image quality and the benefits of a digital workflow. I like the look of film, but it's not like I am so dead-set on a "film look" that I would regret going back to digital. As one poster mentioned, is it really so bad if I could get 10+ years out of the MM?

 

I can't argue with the logic of trying an M6 for a bit. I might give that a shot--can anyone recommend an inexpensive 50mm lens?

[Stealth3kpl]

I don't think you can go wrong with 50mm Leica lenses. I would assume that you're going to stay with leica whatever, so get the lens you most desire. It won't lose value appreciably. If you're looking for something compact for travelling, the old and new version collapsible Elmar has a lovely classic look but it is f2.8. If you'd like something a little faster, the latest version summicron is excellent value on the used market, typically around £800. The heavier and larger summilux is simply superb, well loved and expensive, but, as I say, you won't lose on it, and you will be very impressed by its sharpness and oof areas. I use the latest summicron (non apo) for travel, and the latest summilux at all other times. I've a trip to Bhutan on the agenda and I think it will be an opportunity to take the Summilux on a trip.

Pete

[Stealth3kpl]

Take a look through this thread for some older lenses (not necessarily cheaper ). Jeffo Jeffo has some lovely exotics, but a couple of posts down is Menos' collapsible summicron. Worth taking a look through:

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-m-lenses/263929-old-lenses-monochrom-post-examples-here.html

 

Pete

[Nick_S]

I also suggest a 50mm Summicron lens, current model if possible. It is good value, a real classic Leica lens and you won't need to upgrade it later, rather you can just supplement it with other focal lengths.

 

Nick

[Guest Ansel_Adams]

As a system you are not really going to improve on your Nikon either way. You will just get different... The costs equal themselves out with either system.

[yossarian123]

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-can anyone recommend an inexpensive 50mm lens?

 

A summicron (I have a v4) is a great choice. Another good option is the new voigtlander Nokton (f/1.5). You gain some ability to gather light and build quality is very good. I've been very happy with mine, happy enough to really consider selling the summicron.

[dfbldwn]

But I am interested in moving away from a camera with an auto exposure mode because I want to be forced to take full control over my exposure choice.

 

I like this approach very much, but want to warn you that in my experience your only choice is the M7.

 

When I take

full control

I need a quick idea of the exposure range of my subject. Sweeping through the important parts of the scene with my M7 on AUTO I can see the range of shutter speeds from Min to Max. I then do a simple calculation in my head and set the shutter knob to the desired shutter speed. Manually setting the shutter speed is faster for me than going back and trying to find the desired shutter speed, then locking it with the shutter button.

 

The M6 and MP aren't even close to this fast & accurate functionality. The only thing that comes close is the Bessa Voigtlander R3M, but its display is limited to +/- 2xstops.

 

A new M7 will have the MP viewfinder update and, in my experience, will have a brighter crisper viewfinder than any used Leica-M. Sad, but true, their viewfinders just get dimmer with time, no matter how often you get a CLA.

[Guest]

Now contemplating the MM. What interests me by digital workflow is no messy chemicals, but I agree I don't want to swap that for even more hours at the computer. I guess you have a point, that at the beginning one will spend more time at the computer until one has a workflow set up.

 

Thanks for sharing that insight.

 

I did the step from my own darkroom to the Monochrom with digital printing. My experience is that I get better results from the digital workflow with less effort. The downside for me is that I spend more time in front of the computer, especially at the beginning. But the results and the fact that I can make a print any time without making a mess with the whole apartement (kitchen: mixing chemicals; toilet: enlarging and developing; bathroom: rinsing; living room: driying) are worth the change for me!

[dkCambridgeshire]

Another digital camera which produces 'film like' B&W images is the Nikon D2Hs which has a mere 4.1 megapixel sensor - but is still in demand and holds its price. Jonathan Eastland rates it highly for its B&W files - and referred to it in his BJP review of the MM.

 

dunk

[jmr237]

Interesting (if perhaps overly opinionated) comparison of similar shots on Tri-X vs. Monochrom:

 

A Leica M6 and Tri-X v. the Leica Monochrom | Leicaphilia

[schmolinski]

Well, to be honest, when looking back the years of digital cameras. My first digital was a canon 10D.

And it is still alive and works fine. Now it is almost 11 years old. So why do anyone think that a Leica MM doesn't last a mere 10 years?

 

Well I would say if there is no technical issue with the sensor the camera can work even 30 years or more.

[asiafish]

The FM3a has a well-implemented approach to metering and shutter speed selection that allows for intuitive shooting in either auto or manual mode. So I think it would take some time for me to adjust to the Leica approach of the LED arrows and dot. But I am interested in moving away from a camera with an auto exposure mode because I want to be forced to take full control over my exposure choice.

 

 

If you like the match needle metering and shutter speed visible in the finder than what you really want is a Leica M5.

 

The M Monochrom is my main camera and the M5 is for when I'm just feeling rebellious or want color (not too often, its usually loaded with Tri-X or Pan F). The M5 is a delight in every way, with the same hand-made Wetzlar build quality as the M3 and its ilk, combined with handling and a meter designed to compete with the SLRs of its time (early 1970s), which were arguably the best ever.

 

Your Nikon FM3a actually uses the same meter scale an overlapping needle concept as the Nikkormat EL of 1975. The M5 is just as fast, though lacks the shutter speed labels along the scale (has a readout next to it). Even better than Nikon or newer Leica meters, the M5 has a semi-spy meter that covers some 8% of the screen, with clear indicators for the metering area.

 

They aren't cheap anymore now that collectors are on to them, but in my opinion there is no better film M, or 35mm film camera for that matter.

 

For what its worth I'm more than a little biased having bought my M5 (1973 3-lug) directly from Sherry Krauter fully serviced. Its actually cleaner than my Monochrom.

[asiafish]

I also suggest a 50mm Summicron lens, current model if possible. It is good value, a real classic Leica lens and you won't need to upgrade it later, rather you can just supplement it with other focal lengths.

 

Nick

 

+1 on the 50 cron. It was my first new Leica lens, and even now that I have four (35 Summarit, 24 Elmar ASPH and 90 Summarit) it is still my most used and favorite lens on both the M5 and M Monochom.