snooper Posted December 13, 2014 Share #41 Posted December 13, 2014 Advertisement (gone after registration) You won't believe how many great pictures you won't capture with the current MM just because you've been waiting for the next one... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted December 13, 2014 Posted December 13, 2014 Hi snooper, Take a look here New Monochrom ?? [merged]. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Jeff S Posted December 13, 2014 Share #42 Posted December 13, 2014 Given today's response by Leica regarding a permanent solution for the CCD issues, should we be expecting an updated Monochrom in the next year or so? Stefan Daniel implied that one was likely, long before any talk about sensor problems, as I noted in this similar recent thread. Nobody knows (or won't say if they do) the timing, but seems inevitable. I wouldn't be surprised if this year. Jeff Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
platypus Posted December 14, 2014 Share #43 Posted December 14, 2014 Some people (it would seem) are just never satisfied.....why do we need a "new" MM? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff S Posted December 14, 2014 Share #44 Posted December 14, 2014 Some people (it would seem) are just never satisfied.....why do we need a "new" MM? Not about need as much as Leica's evolving product line, without which they'd eventually disappear. Without this approach, Leica would have stopped with the M9 and never produced the M240. People aren't forced to buy either….aren't choices good? I, for one, think the M240 platform is much improved over the M9... as a 'traditional' RF machine, not considering added features. It's better built, quieter, smoother shutter release, better battery, faster processing, better sealed, better RF, better frame lines (2m and illuminated)….and so far doesn't have any major issues (sensor cracks, cover glass issues, SD card problems, etc). And the files are superb IMO, despite the CCD/CMOS debaters. We'll see what the future holds. In the meantime, all of these cameras are plenty good enough IQ-wise as part of a disciplined workflow to produce terrific prints….even the M8. It never was all about 'need'. Jeff Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnbuckley Posted December 14, 2014 Share #45 Posted December 14, 2014 I agree with Jeff. I love my Monochrom, and my M. After 2.5 years with the Monochrom, if they updated the concept along the lines of the M, I would buy it. Leica has certain product release rhythms. In 2012, the Monochrom was announced in May, available in September a week or two after the M was announced. It is quite possible 2015 works the same way. Save your money for what could be an expensive 2015. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted December 14, 2014 Share #46 Posted December 14, 2014 Except that Leica stated at introduction that they were considering turning it from a one-off into a product line if sufficiently successful - which it seems to be- with a longer product cycle. We shall see. Unless the sensor problem has changed their ideas, which it well may have, I would not expect a new iteration before 2017, based on the upcoming M model. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
snooper Posted December 14, 2014 Share #47 Posted December 14, 2014 Advertisement (gone after registration) I might go way too far with the following, but there is also another dimension to this "camera turnover". I sold my M9 - as I bought a MM the day it came on the market - to a young talented photographer who definitely could not afford a brand new Leica gear. The second - and third and fourth etc. - cycle of life of a Leica is part of the brand’s history. So yes, you should go for the current MM if you like it and can afford it. In 2 or 3 years from now, not only you will have accumulated fantastic shots, but as you will gain access to the new MM you have been waiting for, you might also allow a less fortunate artist to buy back a used and cherished camera. And who knows... it might be your / our biggest contribution to Art Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted December 14, 2014 Share #48 Posted December 14, 2014 Some people (it would seem) are just never satisfied.....why do we need a "new" MM? We don't in many cases but Leica do. Leica have to make profits ,it's the main reason to be in business and all these free sensor changed for M9 and refunds have to be paid for. A bit synical I agree buts that's how it is. BrianP Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
erlingmm Posted December 14, 2014 Share #49 Posted December 14, 2014 I am sorry to say that I just sold my MM. I had sworn this was a camera for eternity and would never sell. Last summer I even had money in my bank account for a possible sale, but could not part with it and returned the money. My MM functioned perfectly, but I think this is the final trigger for Leica to release a new version of the MM (which i did not believe much in, before these problems), and I would not like to sit on a possible lemon while a new improved version is on the street. I feel sorry about this, but I am just awaiting the press release... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted December 14, 2014 Share #50 Posted December 14, 2014 I am sorry to say that I just sold my MM. I had sworn this was a camera for eternity and would never sell. Last summer I even had money in my bank account for a possible sale, but could not part with it and returned the money. My MM functioned perfectly, but I think this is the final trigger for Leica to release a new version of the MM (which i did not believe much in, before these problems), and I would not like to sit on a possible lemon while a new improved version is on the street. I feel sorry about this, but I am just awaiting the press release... Don't be offended, but I put a question mark by the wisdom of this decision. There is no indication that a CMOS monochrome sensor will give more pleasing results than a CCD. And calling the MM a lemon in the light of Leica's support is not really realistic. Unless, of course, you are into black and white video... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
erlingmm Posted December 14, 2014 Share #51 Posted December 14, 2014 Don't be offended, but I put a question mark by the wisdom of this decision. There is no indication that a CMOS monochrome sensor will give more pleasing results than a CCD. And calling the MM a lemon in the light of Leica's support is not really realistic.Unless, of course, you are into black and white video... Not offended at all, but my MM was in Solms for 3 months (!) this summer, for a shutter problem, I can't live with these service cycles, especially not if I expect there to be a problem showing up eventually. I don't expect a CMOS M to be signifcantly better in resolution, but hopefully more stable. Wise or not, I know myself, I would be looking for spots on the MM every day... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wattsy Posted December 14, 2014 Share #52 Posted December 14, 2014 I can't live with these service cycles At a risk of repeating myself too often, this is the real problem, not the sensor cover corrosion. It's only when I read threads like these that I actually remember I own a Monochrom and I imagine by the time I get the camera back from Wetzlar I will have moved on from it completely. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdg1371 Posted December 14, 2014 Share #53 Posted December 14, 2014 I, for one, think the M240 platform is much improved over the M9... as a 'traditional' RF machine, not considering added features. It's better built, quieter, smoother shutter release, better battery, faster processing, better sealed, better RF, better frame lines (2m and illuminated)….and so far doesn't have any major issues (sensor cracks, cover glass issues, SD card problems, etc). And the files are superb IMO, despite the CCD/CMOS debaters. We'll see what the future holds. In the meantime, all of these cameras are plenty good enough IQ-wise as part of a disciplined workflow to produce terrific prints….even the M8. It never was all about 'need'. Jeff Exactly my stance in my original post-- I owned an M9, and wasn't happy with the body itself. The M240 has been (to my hands) a giant leap forward. I love having and EVF for the occasional fine tuning focus with a noctilux or 75 Summilux. Not to mention the better RF, or the quieter shutter. It isn't that I'm anticipating the latest and greatest at the expense of photos now, it's that the current MM body isn't enough for me to justify the expense, even used. I've already started a fund for a successor, and will pounce the moment one should be announced. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
platypus Posted December 15, 2014 Share #54 Posted December 15, 2014 Thanks to those of you who have kindly taken the time to explain to me just why we are going to need a "new" MM. I can see the realities of the situation, particularly Leica's need to keep producing the new, the exciting and the very, very tempting.... I guess I just love the comparatively minimalistic MM just as it is. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff S Posted December 17, 2014 Share #55 Posted December 17, 2014 I guess I just love the comparatively minimalistic MM just as it is. The new M firmware allows me to disable movie and LV modes, essentially turning my M into just a more robust RF machine, like my old M8.2, only better built, smoother and quieter. And without a frame line lever, one could even call it more "minimalistic". Nice to know, though, that if I want to quickly determine if camera/lens focus is correctly calibrated, or if I want to stick on a longer or wider lens, the LV option is there….with a simple menu change. Or not. I also like not having to be on constant guard for sensor issues….if 'minimalism' is desired, I'd rather have minimal maintenance. Jeff Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjh Posted December 17, 2014 Share #56 Posted December 17, 2014 I feel sorry about this, but I am just awaiting the press release... While I am still fairly confident that a CMOS-based successor to the M Monochrom will come some day, I have no idea when that will be and what the camera will look like. And I guess that if a press release was imminent then I would know by this time. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
newnew Posted December 17, 2014 Share #57 Posted December 17, 2014 Given the fact that the MM is addressing a more "purist" line of customers, wouldn't the next one be without the back screen ? Adapted on the M9 or M240 MM platform, this feature would help reduce the costs and boost the sales for this unique camera. In that case the new MM would not come before , about 18 months , the time for Leica to complete the industrialization of the concept from Audi design. I would personally buy a more affordable MM without the back screen- I also understand there is no auto white balance which may be perfect for B&W. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mmradman Posted December 17, 2014 Share #58 Posted December 17, 2014 Given the fact that the MM is addressing a more "purist" line of customers, wouldn't the next one be without the back screen ?Adapted on the M9 or M240 MM platform, this feature would help reduce the costs and boost the sales for this unique camera. In that case the new MM would not come before , about 18 months , the time for Leica to complete the industrialization of the concept from Audi design. I would personally buy a more affordable MM without the back screen- I also understand there is no auto white balance which may be perfect for B&W. Ommision of rear LCD or EVF port wouldn't necessarily make camera cheaper. MM cost more than M9 and it can't even photograph colour Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjh Posted December 17, 2014 Share #59 Posted December 17, 2014 Given the fact that the MM is addressing a more "purist" line of customers, wouldn't the next one be without the back screen ? I don’t think so (and neither do I hope so). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
newnew Posted December 17, 2014 Share #60 Posted December 17, 2014 I don’t think so (and neither do I hope so). Well, the marketing folks in Leica are playing with these "less is more" concepts and proposing a B&W only with the "no screen" feature reinforces each other, and makes the MM even more limited to the "pure" essentials. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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