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Suddenly, I find my self considering going from the M9, to the M...


w44neg

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I'm sure there's been threads in the past, (sorry!!!:D) but a lot of the examples I'm finding are from earlier firmware versions of the M 240. More recent threads I've seen, seem to show less evidence of issues, and more evidence of better colours coming from the WB settings etc. Obviously this is promising.

 

So I'm suddenly finding myself considering the move from M9 to M 240. I tried a 240 the other day for an hour or so and I was impressed. However, the M9 still amazes me so I'm still in two minds. The M 240 is just that slight bit more modern in its use, and I feel more functional, but in no way do I dislike the more basic layout of the M9. They each have their own merits.

 

So I wondered if you could offer some input. Have you done the same thing, and what was the outcome if you're being truthful to yourself... good move or bad move?

 

I understand Leicas have their quirks so I'm not too bothered about small issues such as lock-ups. I would be bothered about colours though. That being said, from the hour or so of shooting I managed, it did seem nicely comparable to the M9 in terms of colours at least. I just don't feel an hour or so was long enough to give a really good idea that's all, so experiences from users or people who have tried the same move would be fantastic.

 

Some examples from my trial...

 

15567967583_33aafea603_b.jpgBusiness is slow by Wayne.G, on Flickr

 

16000451330_e37588aa13_b.jpgWalk on by by Wayne.G, on Flickr

 

16001940507_4cfdefd22d_b.jpgOn the phone by Wayne.G, on Flickr

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Went in the autumn of 2013 from M9 and M9-P zu M240. Never looked back.

 

Last December sold my MM for second body (M-P), because my M went on 10-12 week journey to Wetzlar. So far happy M-P user. Hope my M comes back soon, miss the second body, but not really my MM!

 

After acclimatization of the new M, you will not really miss M9/M9-P.

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I will consider a 240 and keeping my M9P.

 

With the long service turnarounds, questionable quality service, I think I need two.

 

Years back, for pros three was the norm, one to use, one to be checked out after repair, one "in the shop."

 

We will have to wait out the permanent fix for the M9 sensor if a new sensor can be offered that fixes the problem, or an upgrade cost subsidized. Either one will cost Leica plenty. Not interested in replacing sensor with same old design so the problem reappears.

 

I still would be pleased if a sensor were offered that required UV/IR filters like the M8.

 

Then there is the issue of sale price now to end of Jan.

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I just made the move after originally thinking I would sit it out. The M is undoubtedly better and more "finished" in about 14 ways and I love it. RickLeica started this thread http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-m-type-240/356158-m240-things-i-like.html the day I brought my M home from the shop, which was very encouraging. I do not disagree with any of the posters.

 

That said I cannot see any meaningful difference between M and M9 files at normal ISOs this early in using it. Maybe they show up in large format printing or under specific subjects and conditions I have not encountered yet. So if you want to stick with your 9 I would not be panicked by the sensor issues -- Leica have stood tall in the matter, that's enough for me.

 

What triggered the move in my case was the attractive January sale price, a good trade-in valuation and a loving spouse who actually suggested my patience should be rewarded. A nod was as good as a wink for me! ;)

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I was very unimpressed with the M240 to begin with and did not contemplate upgrading from the M9. The only things about the 9 that bothered me was the spectre of spontaneous sensor glass cracks, and the fact I had to shoot DNG because the jpegs sucked. I found a demo M240 for $1000 under new and bought it on impulse. I instantly loved that I can now shoot jpegs exclusively and not bother with PP, as I have done with Canon for years. Sold the M9. Now with the sensor corrosion issue I'm not sorry. In fact I just bought a second M240, certified pre-owned for $1100 less than that demo cost me. This is the first time I have owned 2 M digital bodies. I'm all set at least until the next version is 2-3 years into production and demos/pre-owneds are readily available. Sure there are things I wish were different on the M240. The LED framelines they can stick up their butt, they're too bright and there was nothing wrong with the old way. I wish it were thinner and lighter. But these are minor issues.

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I have just embarked on this journey myself, having picked up the camera this afternoon. Unboxing is complete and the battery is on charge.

 

I took advantage of an experience session run by the Leica Akademie in Mayfair and while I did not find there to be much difference in the look of the files compared to the M9, there are a number of improvements to make the upgrade worthwhile. Not that there was never much wrong with the M9's files at low ISOs, so I can understand Leica not wanting to change anything there. A good trade-in price and the current promotion clinched the deal.

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I suggest you look at what dissatisfied you about the M9 then look to see if the M240 sorts them. Everyone has their own irritation points and a good reason for changing for one person will not necessarily be relevant to you.

 

In my case, I disliked the M9 shutter sound, found the LCD screen terrible, and wanted LV to help check lens & body focus calibration, and to use the OUFRO, some W/A lenses and some non-Leica lenses. I also found the ISO performance too limiting. The M240 addressed all these problems, while removing only one feature that I often used: the USB connector.

 

I can think of nothing that would drive me to buy a future next M, but :D, I'm only human and easily seduced.

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Try getting use to the framelines in red. Strange at first, but much nicer in the long run.

 

I tried and I can hardly see them at all. The white framelines in every M camera I had were fine. If there is an automatic dimming feature to the LED frame lines it doesn't work very well. It would be fine with me if in the next firmware update they put in a menu item to set it incrementally manually, like there is for LCD brightness. About 25-30% dimmer would be perfect.

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In my case, I disliked the M9 shutter sound

 

Oh yeah, I totally forgot about the shutter sound! I knew there were at least 3 things about the M240 I like better. Yes the shutter sound of the M8 and M9 I always thought was ridiculous. Louder than a $400 entry-level DSLR with a flapping mirror.

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I tried and I can hardly see them at all. The white framelines in every M camera I had were fine. If there is an automatic dimming feature to the LED frame lines it doesn't work very well. It would be fine with me if in the next firmware update they put in a menu item to set it incrementally manually, like there is for LCD brightness. About 25-30% dimmer would be perfect.

 

Interesting. I see them quite clearly and just the right brightness. Probably our eyes respond differently to red.

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Interesting. I see them quite clearly and just the right brightness. Probably our eyes respond differently to red.

 

Usually it makes me paw the ground with my foot, snort, and then charge at it. :p

 

I know, I know. That sounds like bull :D

Edited by bocaburger
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Hi,

 

I've bought M-P for 3 weeks ago after I sold my M9-P. Never looked back.

Do not miss a single ting from M9 ( which I liked, too ):

 

1. Everything just works with M-P

2. High(er) ISO - well you know it - I can now shoot in almost any

light. Up to ISO 3200 looks great with preserved, rich colors

3. Shutter sound - a huge difference!

4. Easier ( at least for me! ) to focus with M-P's rangefinder. Have no

idea if Leica changed anything, but that's definitely how I feel...

5. EVF-2. I didn't think, I would use it all, but actually I find it very

useful in some situations ( I use Olympus' one )

6. Have zero issues with wb - had much more problems with M9 wb (

specially with skin colors )

7. "Out of box" .jpg files quite good and useful - though I still shoot .dng

to get maximum out of my files

 

CCD vs. CMOS? Different look? I think that diskussion is (over)exaggerated and I find differences at native ISO to be minor ( in PP I feel I easily can create the same look ). Above native ISO - there's no competition - M-P wins hands down

 

To begin with I didn't intend to upgrade from M9. But after I get a chance to play with M240 for 3-4 days, I was sold

Very happy with my M-P

 

Hope this helps.

Regards / Alex

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I made the move from ME to M240 last month, happy that I did on the whole.

 

The good

The M240 feels like a much more finished and modern camera

Live view is great

It has a better shutter sound, does sound like a clockwork device

Screen is much better

 

The Bad

It feels fatter and heavier

While photo quality is technically improved, in some way it has lost character and photos look a little more generic than those from M9

 

I am happy with the upgrade

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