looks like there could be a ne MM on the way

[jaapv]

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It's hard to believe that NBC / Comcast, which broadcasts the Tour and is one of the largest global broadcast players, has anything but the best available equipment.

 

The television coverage of the Tour de France is done by Euro Media France, who sell the stuff worldwide as a monopoly. Rather lucrative, it accounts for 60 % of the revenue of the tour. The only thing NBC does is pull out its wallet.

[BerndReini]

It's hard to believe that NBC / Comcast, which broadcasts the Tour and is one of the largest global broadcast players, has anything but the best available equipment.

 

Hahaha, I know it is hard to believe, but I have worked for all of the major networks and believe me, the bottom line counts more than an extra ten per cent of image quality. You would not believe how often I hear the sentence: "Can't we just use a GoPro for this?"

 

A lot of shows use a Canon 5D for additional angles. I'm not saying they don't use some of the best cameras, but not for every single angle on a multi-camera show like the Tour de France. Then you have another factor that plays into it: if they have to broadcast their signal live from the helicopter, a lot of compression will happen in that transmission.

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[Jeff S]

 

I never said here I would not buy a new version of the MM. I said if it is a monochrome version of the M

I find it of no interest, as the two main features of the M, the ability to take M lenses and Video, mentioned by a poster, add little to a B&W camera.

 

It's OK,I recognise the discussion technique. .

 

Remember, according to Leica, an M750 will still be an M.

 

So you see no possibility of a future M…typ # whatever…that may include fewer 'features' rather than more? Or that includes different, new features that you do embrace? Or a special a la carte M with an option to delete features? Or a carbon fiber, lighter version? Or an MM that has certain core aspects of the M….sensor, processor, RF/shutter, etc…but without other features like video? Probably not, but just want you on record.

 

As far as "discussion technique"….it's all just fun, I hope you know. I really don't care about gear others choose…just tools…or toys. Your posts are what make it fun, however, by repeatedly and consistently drawing a line in the sand about what you'll do or not do. And, more often than not, changing your mind. Online entertainment at its best.

 

Jeff

[gpwhite]

The percentage would be very low, I think. What R lenses specifically for B&W? And monochrome video- only for the super-specialist.

 

Jaap, agree that this is not just for B&W, but the Elmarit-R 19mm is awfully nice. I would love to use mine on my MM. There is no M lens equivalent for the 19mm, in large part because 0.7m is RF focus limit.

[Guest obsidian0]

Oh, you mean for one shot? Then what…retreat to another place to release finger?…or lower camera and risk missing next quick shot? Jeff

 

I'm more of a decisive moment shooter, not a next quick shot guy.

 

A quieter capture is my #1 concern in such situations, and any M240 I've borrowed, rented or seen in the wild just doesn't come close to the quiet shutter release of my personal MM. In too many cases, at least when I'm holding the camera, folks notice the full cycle release M240 when it's pointed at their face, they don't the discreet + soft release of the MM.

 

Simply reorienting the camera to another face or object before a recock accomplishes quite a bit from a discretion standpoint, for us regular discreet + soft users. In addition to the MM's quieter release compared to the M240, I suspect the recock after the camera is reoriented provides sleight-of-hand redirection of a sort, that's absolutely another factor in the field.

 

For me, it was a real shame to see Leica remove the discreet release feature from the M240, in favor of a lot of features I personally wouldn't use. Such a hobbled MM, fatter, heavier and with about the same high ISO proposition wouldn't appeal to me. I'd prefer the next MM be based on Leica's successor to the M240, with some of the kinks worked out, industry leading high ISO performance if it's a CMOS (the M240 didn't get there), and some (what I would call dead end) new features abandoned.

Edited August 3, 2014 by obsidian0

[Jeff S]

... folks notice the full cycle release M240 when it's pointed at their face...

 

I guess they're noticing more than that…

 

Jeff

[Guest obsidian0]

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I guess they're noticing more than that…

 

Jeff

 

I've asked, sorry, it's the sound.

[Jeff S]

I've asked, sorry, it's the sound.

 

Very discreet of you.

 

Jeff

[tookaphotoof]

Absolutely not worried by the sound of the M240. Never had a problem with it, though I have to add, I usually shoot outdoors.

The MM keeps my interest (why I still haven't sold my old battery and charger of my dead M8.2), but that has nothing to do with the shutter sound.

Even if someone noticed the sound, I already shot the photo I want.

[thighslapper]

Reason if there is a new one announced in September then I won't be able to get a new one in October. Remember they announced a new M in September and it was a year before they were available

 

I really can't fathom what anyone extra would want in an MM replacement ....... more pixels are unnecessary ...... low light performance is fine .... and anyway the whole beauty of the imges is their 'film like' look and in fact a bit more grain actually improves many images.

 

Apart from a better resolution LCD, faster start up/saving to card/fps....... and longer max epxosure time, I can't think of much that would improve it.......

[dkCambridgeshire]

Jaap, agree that this is not just for B&W, but the Elmarit-R 19mm is awfully nice. I would love to use mine on my MM. There is no M lens equivalent for the 19mm, in large part because 0.7m is RF focus limit.

 

So go for it and use it - no need to focus accurately - I use a Minolta 16mm fisheye on my MM with a Holga finder. There are probably several 20mm finders that could be used with a 19mm lens.

 

dunk

[Nick_S]

I just came across this announcement for a monochrome digital Bolex which suggests there might be some interest in an an M camera capable of native monochrome video recording:

 

The D16M: Native Monochrome | digitalbolex.com

 

"- Kodak native monochrome sensor

- Same resolution options as D16: Super 16mm (2K), 16mm (HD), and Super 8 (720p)

- No OLPF filter to further maximize fine details

- ISO 100, 200, 400, 800

- 500GB Hard Drive"

 

Nick

[BerndReini]

Any advantages of a Monochrom only sensor would be negated by the inferior video quality of the M compared to other camera manufacturers. I hope they leave video recording out of future Monochroms.

[gpwhite]

So go for it and use it - no need to focus accurately - I use a Minolta 16mm fisheye on my MM with a Holga finder. There are probably several 20mm finders that could be used with a 19mm lens.

 

dunk

 

Dunk, I don't know if you have used the Elmarit-R 19mm. Its beauty, for me, is that this lens offers very fine focus and detail in center with Mandleresque dissolve into OOF when used at close focus and wide open aperture. In other words, the hyperfocal approach is quite the opposite of the way I use the 19mm.

 

Personally, I have not been able to get anywhere near the limits of the MM resolution. I really believe one could make excellent 24 x 36 (or 66cm x 99cm) prints from the MM files. So I have no interest in replacing mine, even when the superior OVF/RF is incorporated into the next generation MM.

[timde]

I really can't fathom what anyone extra would want in an MM replacement ....... more pixels are unnecessary ...... low light performance is fine .... and anyway the whole beauty of the imges is their 'film like' look and in fact a bit more grain actually improves many images.

 

Apart from a better resolution LCD, faster start up/saving to card/fps....... and longer max epxosure time, I can't think of much that would improve it.......

 

They could at least improve the price After all its been very successful, so they must have recovered the development costs .. so how about pricing like its sibling the M-E

[Likaleica]

They could at least improve the price After all its been very successful, so they must have recovered the development costs .. so how about pricing like its sibling the M-E

 

Supply and demand.