Jump to content

Does it make sense to buy a m240 now prior to photokina?


Jaymuc

Recommended Posts

Advertisement (gone after registration)

As the m is already close to 2 years on the market ... Does it still make sense to buy one now or is something interesting rumored for the photokina (i.e. A 240 monochrome or a 36mp m)?

 

My old d5 version 1 just broke down and I am down to 1 camera, a samsung nx 300 mirrorless ... The leica bug got to me last year and I am lusting after one (but as I am no pro it is more lust than necessity).

 

Any words of wisdom ... Advice appreciated.

 

Jay.

Link to post
Share on other sites

  • Replies 51
  • Created
  • Last Reply

The first Ms actually arrived in late February 2013, so it's really only 15 months old... But yes, I get your question.

 

Since 2006, Leica has been on a three-year refresh cycle for the Ms. The big difference between the M-240 and the M8 and M9 was that it took so much longer - an extra three to six months - between the announcement and the first delivery.

 

Even as a Leica has ramped up both production and new models, I would bet that a new M isn't announced until 2015, and doesn't arrive until late that year or early 2016. It's possible that they have ramped up sufficiently that a new model could be announced at photokina, but I think you are safe to get an M now as it's replacement likely won't be available until the winter of 2015/2016.

Link to post
Share on other sites

 

Even as a Leica has ramped up both production and new models, I would bet that a new M isn't announced until 2015, and doesn't arrive until late that year or early 2016.

 

I believe with the new factory in place, the next version delivery process would be much better.

The other thing is, I don't see any big improvements in the sensor technology at the moment. Hence, get the current M. With the new one, I assume you'd only get a tiny better camera, and maybe only better in the parts that won't be relevant for your photography. Of course it all depends on your expectations. For me, the current M is almost perfect.

 

Personally, I'll skip the next version, and hope the 3rd generation of CMOS or some other technology would bring more dynamic range, and even better ISO capabilities. If this doesn't happen I might even wait for one more iteration.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Jay, you have got to dive in at some point and I believe this is a great time. I doubt if any of us think Photokina is bringing a new M. By the way, you'll love the M and won't regret it.

 

Rick

Link to post
Share on other sites

I have a similar problem which boils down to buy a M240 now or wait for the next version. I can probably only afford one M in my life time (or at least justify one ...).

 

Starting to think about a second hand M-E (or MM) on the basis that:

 

1. They seem to not have the problems of the M9 (?)

2. M240 will loose 2-3k in value between now and the next version, while I see second hand M-E's listed for under 3k.

3. The next M (or MM) might get some interesting carryover from the T.

 

The M-E looks nice enough to me :)

Link to post
Share on other sites

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I have a similar problem which boils down to buy a M240 now or wait for the next version. I can probably only afford one M in my life time (or at least justify one ...).

 

Starting to think about a second hand M-E (or MM) on the basis that:

 

1. They seem to not have the problems of the M9 (?).... :)

I think only the very early M9 bodies had problems, but they were remedied by Leica. Late models were mature.

Link to post
Share on other sites

The M240 was a quantum leap forward compared to the M9; there are always things that can be fine tuned, but all in all, the M240 is a damn fine camera. It's going to be tough for Leica to make significant improvements on it, at least in the near future.

 

With no new digital M camera on the horizon, I acquired an M240 in early April rather than wait to see what Photokina would bring. If a new M is dropped on us at Photokina, I will not weep; my M240 will not suddenly become obsolete or get worse. It will be the same outstanding camera that it is today.

 

Regarding the hoped for 36mp M successor to the M240, IMO 36mp is not truly a must have unless you intend to make life sized prints of houses or automobiles. Most people don't even print these days; given that, 36mp would seem to be overkill for uses not involving the making of exhibition prints of normal size.

 

YMMV.

Link to post
Share on other sites

I bought an M9-P the day the M240 was announced. I'd been in the market and finally took the plunge not liking the physical look of the new camera.

 

I ended up upgrading a few months ago, but it took me nearly 18 months (due to availability mostly) to get a 240 and I'm pretty happy with the photos I took in the intervening time.

Link to post
Share on other sites

As the m is already close to 2 years on the market ... Does it still make sense to buy one now or is something interesting rumored for the photokina (i.e. A 240 monochrome or a 36mp m)?

 

<snip>

 

Jay.

 

It sure made sense to me one month ago when I bought mine. Still makes sense today. Tomorrow? Who knows. ;-)

Link to post
Share on other sites

Word of wisdom? If you need a rangefinder, the next M will be marginally better, if any, than the M240 so there is no serious reason to wait. But if you need an EVIL in the first place, the M240 is outdated i'm afraid compared to modern mirrorless cameras.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Does it still make sense to buy one now

Yes, it does.

 

is something interesting rumored for the photokina (i.e. A 240 monochrome or a 36mp m)?

No (as far as I know).

Link to post
Share on other sites

Word of wisdom? If you need a rangefinder, the next M will be marginally better, if any, than the M240 so there is no serious reason to wait. But if you need an EVIL in the first place, the M240 is outdated i'm afraid compared to modern mirrorless cameras.

 

Perfect answer !

 

Looking back at Leica releases (and canon 1 series pro bodies seem to follow a similar 3yr cycle) the M is in the middle of its update cycle.

But that doesnt matter - if you buy an M now, it will continue to be a good camera, even after the next one is released. Sure it may be frustrating to buy a new camera, and have the new one released a few weeks later, but that is unlikely to happen any time soon.

 

As LCT said, if you want an electronic VF interchangeable lens camera, the M is probably the wrong choice, but if you want to use the mechanically coupled optical rangefinder, there is nothing better on the market (and personally, i think its the best way to focus a camera)

Link to post
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...
Guest Nick932

Based on my brief experience, M "seems" outdated to other cameras except in IQ, ergonomics, usability and productivity. For the same type usage beats any other 35mm camera on the market. Whatever functionality/feature is not there when comparing to other cameras more likely is not needed or would be a nice to have. Definitely is worth buying an M, I am considering purchasing an M9 too.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Based on my brief experience, M "seems" outdated to other cameras except in IQ, ergonomics, usability and productivity. For the same type usage beats any other 35mm camera on the market. Whatever functionality/feature is not there when comparing to other cameras more likely is not needed or would be a nice to have. Definitely is worth buying an M, I am considering purchasing an M9 too.

 

You know, up until I bought my M240 I was using a Sony A7R, arguably in many ways a better camera with 37MP, a crackling good built in high definition EV and so many bells and whistles it made my head spin. Moving back to Leica M 'old technology' I can't say I miss any of them, indeed it's a relief not to be burdened all that clever stuff.

Link to post
Share on other sites

I think the M+ will have the same "iPad" like controls as the T and it is really slick.

 

Maybe they will do something to solve the required factory or service trip to remap a bad pixel that causes a red line. No other camera does this.

 

I for one will not buy another until the issue is repaired.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Like others, I don't expect to see any major revision to the M Typ 240, still less replacement, but Leica may offer some new cosmetics in the same way the M9-P was a change to the M9. Leica's focus will be on the T since that is where the business growth will come from.

 

I'm sure we will see the 28mm Summilux-M and it will doubtless be paraded as the best thing since sliced bread...

 

The biggest issue with the M Typ 240 is that you are buying into old EVF technology and Leica do not appear to have a way forwards. That for me, alone, would stop me buying an M Typ 240. Sad to say, it's old iron already because Leica has, again, forgotten to future-proof it.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...