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In defence of the CCD sensor in the Leica M Cameras


mikeleng

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Just to keep the M9 images rolling, here are another three, all with 75mm Cron, shot in the Goreme Valley, Capadocia, Turkey, last October.

 

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I might be without my favorite camera for brief periods every couple of years

 

:D Good one.

Hopefully the situation will improve but the current wait time for Monochrom sensor replacement is three months and that's just a vague hope on Leica's part, not a promise.

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I don't explain. I look at my M9 and M240 shots.... I find very little to prefer one over the other based on sensor technology.

Peripherals - the different Bayer filters, the difference in resolution, in noise behaviour, OK. But not the basic capture of the photons.

I've used lots of cameras with CMOS sensors and do prefer the output from the CCD in the M9 probably because of its "peripherals' - noise, ability to pull shadows more easily, and such like. M9 noise actually feels far more analogue to me than any CMOS noise that I've worked with

 

I'm not sure what 'basic capture of the photons' means - there were lots of different film which all used a similar technology but which had substantially different output, The M8 and M9 are quirky and certainly produce quite different files from other cameras which I happen to like.

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I've used lots of cameras with CMOS sensors and do prefer the output from the CCD in the M9 probably because of its "peripherals' - noise, ability to pull shadows more easily, and such like. M9 noise actually feels far more analogue to me than any CMOS noise that I've worked with

 

I'm not sure what 'basic capture of the photons' means - there were lots of different film which all used a similar technology but which had substantially different output, The M8 and M9 are quirky and certainly produce quite different files from other cameras which I happen to like.

I absolutely agree with you about the quality of the M9 noise. I equate it to 'good' film grain and almost never try to elininate it from my high ISO pics.

 

Now that my M9 is in for sensor replacement, I have returned to my M8's. Strangely, even though I claim the M9 as a superior camera, I actually prefer the colour output of the M8, I just realized.

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I've used lots of cameras with CMOS sensors and do prefer the output from the CCD in the M9 probably because of its "peripherals' - noise, ability to pull shadows more easily, and such like. M9 noise actually feels far more analogue to me than any CMOS noise that I've worked with.

 

The CMOS sensor outputs digital, oversamples the pixels, and does on-chip signal averaging. Noise is "instantaneous" and gets averaged over two samples. The CMOS has a lower native saturation, but again over-sampling extends the dynamic range. The CCD- analog output from the sensor, you rely on low dark-current, higher saturation count native to the chip. The differences are subtle in the final image, but some people seem to pick it up.

 

M9, ISO 2500, 50/1.1 Nokton wide-open. 1/60th and 1/90th respectively. It was dark, and the subject kept moving.

 

14656772922_d6ed62b692_b.jpgSkating- M9 and 50/1.1Nokton

 

14657146385_12549b34c8_b.jpgSkating- M9 and 50/1.1Nokton

 

I use Tiffen "Hot Mirror" filters over the 50/1.1 and 35/1.2 Noktons, unless using them on the M Monochrom. Not quite as strong as the B&W and Leica UV/IR cut filters.

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..... I actually prefer the colour output of the M8, I just realized.

Funny you should say that, and I'd actually go further and say that the M8 with certain lenses (the 21mm f/3.4 super angulon for example) and in some colour situations (especially where there is a lot of dominant blue and cyan) can produce a look which can be very impressive and very difficult to reproduce otherwise. On the other hand some foliage is a nightmare on the M8 (UVIR fitted or not). The M8 - a quirky camera with its own distinctive colour personality;).

 

And FWIW the old Fuji S2Pro dSLR was another colourwise too - I had one and found it to be a 'love some shots/hate some shots camera' but never boring to use. In today's world where technical 'perfection' is apparently prized above much else, I actually prefer to use tools which make me think:eek:.

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M9 + 35mm Summicron-M Asph.

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Prague at twilight with M9 and 18 Super Elmar...

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And one M9 + Noctilux

 

And one M9 + 35 Summilux FLE

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M9 + 35mm Summicron-M Asph.

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The CMOS sensor outputs digital, oversamples the pixels, and does on-chip signal averaging. Noise is "instantaneous" and gets averaged over two samples. The CMOS has a lower native saturation, but again over-sampling extends the dynamic range. The CCD- analog output from the sensor, you rely on low dark-current, higher saturation count native to the chip. The differences are subtle in the final image, but some people seem to pick it up.

 

M9, ISO 2500, 50/1.1 Nokton wide-open. 1/60th and 1/90th respectively. It was dark, and the subject kept moving.

 

I use Tiffen "Hot Mirror" filters over the 50/1.1 and 35/1.2 Noktons, unless using them on the M Monochrom. Not quite as strong as the B&W and Leica UV/IR cut filters.

 

Great post, TY so much.

 

This one right out of the camera, DNG, today:

16026790256_63f2d92625_b.jpg

Randolf by unoh7, 50 cron WO

 

15829248557_7ff0213184_b.jpg

L1025527 by unoh7, 50 cron WO

 

The whole thing about how the M9 has an ISO problem, or can't do low light. I don't get it. My A7 has major crispness loss by 1k. After some time with the M9 I realized I can take it anywhere.

 

15854597627_bfde78efe1_b.jpg

Poser by unoh7, CV50/1.1 WO

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I too am hesitant on abandoning my good old CCD. I love the look I get from it and am scared of moving on.

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I find it so easy to operate as well... this one is shot just after sunset from horse back pointing backward and zone focusing (easy with 28 cron) :)

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Btw I would need a new iMac for the 24Mp files, which I do not need for the M9 or M8.

I must say that I was a little disappointed sometimes with my M9 after M8, but the change from M9 to M240 seems a quantum leap to me

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I love the M9 because of its CCD sensor, but it could be only in my imagination, as some people say that M has the same rendering with higher dynamics.

Anyway, this is with M9 and Summilux 50.

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I love the M9 because of its CCD sensor, but it could be only in my imagination, as some people say that M has the same rendering with higher dynamics.

Anyway, this is with M9 and Summilux 50.

 

I have now enough experience to compare the two. I will say that in *base* ISO there is practically *no* difference (except few more pixels) for sensor output. It can go head to head with any sensor.

 

Higher dynamics also helps with only few pictures. It doesn't save us from incorrect exposure. Printed paper is limited to 6 stops and computer screen limited to 10 and M9 DR is plenty enough.

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I love the organic look of the CCD, especially in its stripped down form, in the M Monochrom. Here are a few of mine, shot in Glasgow, where I live. The first three were on the M Monochrom, and the shot of the tower blocks at the end was on the M9 I used to own.

 

Best wishes all,

 

Colin

I recognize those images Colin ; )

 

David S

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