M240 - Things I like

[pedaes]

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Dunno....

 

As for the M240, I don't like its extra weight and thickness, the shutter is still quite noisy, and

 

It isn't any thicker in practice, its only the thumb rest that produces the increased dimension. The increased weight is well justified in the vastly greater battery capacity over the M9/Monochrom.. I would certainly not trade this benefit for a few grams.

[jonoslack]

Thickness?

 

I do like video on cameras, except the M. I do wish I could reprogram the button to something useful.

 

Gordon

 

Hi There

I think that's a great summary Rick. I've been using the camera for just over 2 years now, and I like it better now than I did to start with. So much so that I've recently upgraded one of my bodies to the M-P (which is lovely).

 

Jaap

I quite agree - it's really the only thing I would change - I realise it can't be M6 thick, but it's what I would really like.

 

Gordon

Having been very much involved with the firmware right down the line, you bring up an interesting question.

I moved heaven and earth to try and get the option to disable both video (which I never want) and Live View (which I don't want coming on by mistake when I'm shooting an event).

 

There were long discussions about it - and of course, about allowing the video button to become programmable. The conclusion in the end was that it was a bad idea to have anything with variable functionality; The Essence and all that - I rather agree, the point being that if you accede to one person's excellent idea, then in the blink of an eye you have a menu system like any Japanese camera, and that really isn't what anyone wants

 

On the other hand - pressing either button by mistake can be really bad news, so something needed to be done - hence the idea of being able to disable the options. This has the benefit of allowing those who don't want them to get rid of them. For instance, I always have the video button disabled - usually LV is enabled - but I have one profile which I call 'Event' where that's disabled as well.

 

Mind you - there wouldn't be anything inconsistent about showing the shutter speed in the viewfinder when in M mode (I'd really like that too).

 

My feeling about the firmware is that Leica really have got it right this time - it's easy to navigate and understand, allows a little configuration but nothing unnecessary. So much so that I really hope that the next M has pretty much identical firmware functionality and general layout - it just works so well (but like Jaap, I'd like it thinner, I'd like LV to be faster too).

 

With respect to the Rangefinder - it seems to me to be more accurate - what's more, all those days of sending in lenses and cameras and having them all adjusted together seem to be over - I think the tolerances are much smaller, added to which the rangefinders are now adjusted by machine. They can still go out of tolerance with a biff, but now they seem to come back perfect first time - and work properly with all my lenses.

[timde]

There were long discussions about it - and of course, about allowing the video button to become programmable. The conclusion in the end was that it was a bad idea to have anything with variable functionality; The Essence and all that - I rather agree, the point being that if you accede to one person's excellent idea, then in the blink of an eye you have a menu system like any Japanese camera, and that really isn't what anyone wants

 

Perhaps Leica could then offer "a la carte" buttons so that the single button can have a chance to be useful to everyone. For example, I might like to use it to set White Balance rather than use a Menu. Would be helpful if they ditch the screen on the next version.

 

But the pragmatic German in me thinks that a Menu is a better option ... or at least easier. I would prefer the custom button myself ... classier.

[jonoslack]

Perhaps Leica could then offer "a la carte" buttons so that the single button can have a chance to be useful to everyone. For example, I might like to use it to set White Balance rather than use a Menu. Would be helpful if they ditch the screen on the next version.

 

But the pragmatic German in me thinks that a Menu is a better option ... or at least easier. I would prefer the custom button myself ... classier.

 

I have to say that I'd swap the Delete button on the back for a WB button anyday - it's so rare these days that one actually needs to delete photos in camera.

[Gibbo]

Indeed, it gets used because it's there I suppose rather than it being needed.

[algrove]

Jono

 

Separated by a common language.

 

Do I assume by "biff" you mean a hard hit, drop or anything of the sort?

[drdannn]

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Rick, Thanks.... Finally a thread about the good stuff we like about the M240. Refreshing for sure and deservedly so for this great camera and lens system. One thing I really like that was missing on the m8 and 9 is the distinctive "click" on the shutter speed dial when it clicks to the "A" mode. Now I do not have to look; I just spin the dial when I want to go back to the A mode and I can feel it click in.

 

I also like being able to press the info button and see lots of information. I especially like that I can see an exposure scale at the bottom of the screen.

 

I have the EVF and only use it when taking BW in Jpeg. I am very used to the RF focusing system, hyper and zone focusing. I love the extended ISO range as with a 1.4 or 2.0 lens and ISO 3200, I'm a happy guy. I like the TAV feature that Pentax cameras sport. I can set the ISO to auto, but limit it so that it does not go higher than 500 during the day, or 2500 at night ( or other limits that pertain to the environment). I do not often use auto ISO, but when I do the ability to limit is fantastic.

 

Also, something I do not think was mentioned in this thread, is the beautiful Jpegs this camera produces. I often do not have the time to process every RAW file, and for the heck of it I will shoot Jpeg in color and BW and use the in-camera processing features that I cannot use with RAW. I get some terrific results and it is fun to use the in-camera variations.

 

Again, Rick, thanks for starting a "positive" thread.

 

Best, Dan

[jmahto]

Somehow I like the manual switching to LV in the EVF. I simply use the right thumb to switch it on/off. If it had been based on the eye sensor then I had to use the left thumb to switch between LV on/off which is less convenient.

 

(I am not mentioning the LV delay issue, because the thread is about what you like)

[Rick]

Somehow I like the manual switching to LV in the EVF. I simply use the right thumb to switch it on/off. If it had been based on the eye sensor then I had to use the left thumb to switch between LV on/off which is less convenient.

 

(I am not mentioning the LV delay issue, because the thread is about what you like)

 

I appreciate you not mentioning the LV delay here on the "Like" my M240, all warm and fuzzy thread. I have spent plenty of time bitching about that until jaapv pointed out that other cameras just freeze the image (which he pointed out how to do it on the M). So, other cameras seem to be better. But, they are not.

 

I compared the LV delay to my RX1: The delay-to-shot is pretty much the same but, the shot-to-shot delay is much slower on the RX1. So, I guess I could add it here that I "like"... that the slow LV delay isn't as blessed slow as my RX1.

[Jeff S]

Jono

 

Separated by a common language.

 

Do I assume by "biff" you mean a hard hit, drop or anything of the sort?

 

Common enough to be in Merriam-Webster.

 

Jeff

[Likaleica]

HCB said it best, and I think it pertains to the current M more than other models:

 

"Shooting with a Leica is like a long, tender kiss."

[Jon Warwick]

Hi There

 

With respect to the Rangefinder - it seems to me to be more accurate - what's more, all those days of sending in lenses and cameras and having them all adjusted together seem to be over - I think the tolerances are much smaller, added to which the rangefinders are now adjusted by machine.

 

I totally agree! I'm a long time user of a (bought new) M7 and (used) M4P. Also tested a MM and M9 extensively at Leica Mayfair. Oh, also a long time user of a Mamiya 7.

 

Without ANY doubt - the M240 focusing is the most accurate that I've ever used. With a 50mm lens at 0.7 metres away, it just seems to "lock" onto the eyeball like no other rangefinder camera has achieved. I chatted to the guys at one London dealer .... their theory is that maybe the new electronic frame lines also help to improve the contrast of the rangefinder patch, making the focus point more accurate due to less stray light.

 

Whatever it is, something seems different when it comes to focusing the M240 compared to prior cameras -- and, in my view, it is quite brilliant. One reason in itself why I chose a new M240 over a used M9 in fact.

[drdannn]

I remembered one more thing I like: The frame line brightness adjusts automatically. I remember with the m9, sometimes in dimly lit places it was a little hard to see the frame lines.

[algrove]

While using the EVF with LV I like to be able to cycle through the viewing options available by hitting the Info center button. The option I use most is where exposure info is positioned at the bottom of the EVF where one can see over/under exposure. I find this especially useful when shooting sunrises/sunsets where I often prefer to under expose and this option shows me precisely where my exposure is set during continually changing lighting situations.

 

Also forgot to mention when using R lenses with the Leica adapter, the camera remembers the last R lens used so that scrolling through the manual list of 20 plus R lenses is not necessary if using one R lens during a specific shoot.

[AlanJW]

I don't have much to add to Rick's list. There is a comfort level I have (gestalt) with the M that is not there with my other cameras.

 

I also agree with almost all of Jono's comments. The one I disagree with is the video button. It is terrific that they allowed it to be turned off. But allowing it to be repurposed solely as the focus magnifier/peaking button seems a natural. I'm not saying allow anything as that does lead to a sony Nex kind of system where things change on the fly and there are too many menus.

[Rick]

This "like" is for you Edward: One nice function, EV Control with the thumbwheel is an option in the menu. It was difficult to press the front button and turn the thumbwheel. Now, a more direct and easier way to simply change EV is allowed. Works really well and I know a lot of members have written that this was a big one. (I don't use EV comp, but that is for another discussion). Really nice response from Leica to a much requested and logical request. Thanks again, Leica.

 

Rick

[Rick]

A few things I can add to the list.

 

1. In live view I really like the implementation of the image boost. Nice and bright for focusing and then to see the actual exposure just touch the shutter. Great.

 

 

Gordon

 

Gordon,

 

I agree. The image boost you talk about is nice. It is part of the The Permanent Exposure Simulation, which is new. Now the LCD can display the exposure all the time "Permanent" without having to half press the shutter release. Nice for video and for all around use. This new feature works all the way down to 1/30 of a second.

 

If, you want to see the exposure bellow 1/30 second, then you will have to use the choice of "Release button half pressed," which is what you like. I've switched to this as my default mode.

 

Thanks for the "like."

 

Rick

[jmahto]

... and all this can go into your jacket pocket... with 40mm summicron-c lens.

 

Actually it also goes into my dress pant's pocket but then it makes other men jealous...

[chris_tribble]

Oh well - why not join the fun. It's nearly Christmas. Thanks for starting this Rick - and I agree with pretty well everything said above. The one thing I'd add is that I've found video invaluable as I'm now often asked to add talking-head interview footage to documentary shoots, and being able to do this (especially after the FW improvements) to broadcast quality with lenses like the 50 lux asph or 90 apo and a simple long cable attached to the Oly tie-clip mike has proved to be invaluable. I now don't need to carry the Canon system with me when I'm doing this kind of work, a massive saving for me on weight and bulk when travelling.

I'd also like to add how much I'm starting to enjoy using the R 80-200 f4 as an alternative to carrying the Canon 70-200 IS. Of course, it's not a replacement when it comes to rapid movement, low light work (as with theatre) - mainly because if EVF lag, though auto-focus does help . However, for a lot of the work I do it's proved invaluable.

So - after more than two years with 2 M240s I've found them to be rock solid reliable (the one problem I had with lockup was battery rather than camera related), fully capable of delivering for my needs and those of my clients, and, essential for me, a pleasure to use.

Improvements? I suppose making the EVF more usable will be the next big thing, but I don't feel any need for much else, and, if I had to, could very happily stay with the M-240 until I hand in my cards.

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[wda]

... The one thing I'd add is that I've found video invaluable as I'm now often asked to add talking-head interview footage to documentary shoots, and being able to do this (especially after the FW improvements) to broadcast quality with lenses like the 50 lux asph or 90 apo and a simple long cable attached to the Oly tie-clip mike has proved to be invaluable.... .

I have always been disappointed with inbuilt camera microphones., admittedly on older Leica models. Could you expand on how your use of the Olympus tie-clip mike is attached to the camera and the extension length? I have no knowledge or experience of such accessories so cannot imagine what I would be looking for. Does it work with the basic body or does it require the Multi-function hand-grip?