markdavisleica Posted January 21, 2015 Share #1 Posted January 21, 2015 Advertisement (gone after registration) I got into Leica through the M9 and loved it for a while, but sold it last year as I was increasingly frustrated by the shutter noise and the primitive lcd screen. I kept my Leica lenses and now use them occasionally on my M2 and more often on a Sony A7. Whilst the A7 does a good job producing high quality images with 35mm and above lenses, I now miss the true digital rangefinder experience and have been thinking for some months now about getting the M240 or the MM. I convert 95% of my images to B&W and so the MM might make a lot of sense: users seem to have a religious zeal for it, and certainly the images are unique in terms of contrast, and grain. However, I remain concerned that as it is the same architecture as the M9, it will still feel clunky in operation and out of date. So, my questions are, in view of the huge financial outlay - should an owner of some beautiful Leica lenses without a Leica body buy: (a) the Leica M (still discounted new in the UK); or ( the current M Monochrom (second hand); or © hold out for a new M Monochrom built on an M240 platform? Also, any updates on when this might be released? And do you think the likely improvements (Live View, better screen, higher ISO) could be outweighed by drawbacks (e.g. heavier, less classic, more cluttered)? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted January 21, 2015 Posted January 21, 2015 Hi markdavisleica, Take a look here Hold out for new MM?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
2wk Posted January 21, 2015 Share #2 Posted January 21, 2015 The MM has the same shutter sound and screen as the M9. So if those things annoyed you enough to sell the camera, I don't think the MM is for you. I personally only use the screen on my mono to check the histogram and change the ISO. The sound is only really noticeable when the camera is pressed up against your head. I notice in discrete mode I can barely hear it re-cock when I lower it an arms length away. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff S Posted January 21, 2015 Share #3 Posted January 21, 2015 Welcome to the forum. Some related threads worth perusing…. http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-m9-forum/331303-monochrom-vs-m240-benefits-more-than.html http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-m-type-240/278545-harder-m240-vs-mm-questions.html http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-m-type-240/273047-m240-monochrom-b-w-personal-perspective.html http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/digital-post-processing-forum/325193-m240-black-white-conversions.html As pointed out, the current MM is based on the M9 platform. I trust that in addition to your M9 frustrations, you are aware of the recent issues with M9/MM/M-E sensor glass delamination… http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-m9-forum/356487-ccd-sensor-information-leica-camera.html And of course only you can determine if you want to shoot color or just b/w…..that's probably your first issue. Jeff Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teski Posted January 21, 2015 Share #4 Posted January 21, 2015 I actually just pulled the trigger on a "new" Monochrom this weekend. My local Leica store got a silver QM2 stock MM in, and I couldn't resist. For those who don't know, QM2 devices are models that Leica had to send back for something (sometimes an RF adjustment) and they tend to have some very minor blemish on them. I've looked at this unit many times and can't find anything up with it, and I was able to get it for $5650 after the $750 instant rebate on the cameras, and it has the full 2-year warranty like a brand new unit would. I also have an M-P 240 and yes I have to carry different batteries and such now, but I love the output of the current MM and at that price, how could I pass it up. I get to shoot with an MM now, and I'm sure the new one will be at least $8K if not more given the prices of the M-P 240. So far, I'm really happy with it but I will say that shutter is really clunky compared to the new M. :-) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teski Posted January 21, 2015 Share #5 Posted January 21, 2015 BTW, rumors are that the new MM would announce in Feb/March with availability in Summer/Fall. I would imagine it'll have the same body and new tech features of the M/M-P 240. Besides the great advice above, you have to think if the cost of the brand new body are enough to justify the new features. Only you can decide that. :-) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wattsy Posted January 21, 2015 Share #6 Posted January 21, 2015 should an owner of some beautiful Leica lenses without a Leica body buy: (a) the Leica M (still discounted new in the UK); or ( the current M Monochrom (second hand); or © hold out for a new M Monochrom built on an M240 platform? If you don't need a new camera now you might as well wait a few months to see if anything transpires. If a new Monochrom is announced there will be plenty of deals around to buy the current model Monochrom. As 2WK states, if you didn't like the mechanics of the M9, you will find the Monochrom just as irritating. This irritation will double if, after having bought a Monochrom, a new M240 platform Monochrom is launched. I wouldn't bother with (a) unless you really want a new digital M now because you'll only later wish you'd bought a Monochrom (current or future) if, as it sounds, your heart is set on one. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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