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Leica M Edition 60 unboxing

IkarusJohn

By IkarusJohn
in Leica M (Type 240 / 262)

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IkarusJohn

IkarusJohn

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I thought some might be interested in my first impressions.

 

My background is film (first camera a Canonet rangefinder when I was 10, followed by an FE, FE2, FM, FM2 then F5), and it colours my thinking. Until my F5 was stolen in 2010, my only AF lens was a Nikkor 14-24 AF-S. Fabulous, but never really excited about the feel, the build or lack of control. Film, for me, meant Kodachrome, with it's very narrow dynamic range, relatively slow speed but wonderful colour. I took pictures for pleasure - mostly what was going on around me, and travel.

 

So when my gear was nicked, I looked at the 5D2 (the best option at the time) and thought, meh ... plastic and complicated, big and heavy.

 

I then heard about the M9 and was intrigued. Here was what I was looking for. I loved it. So much, I added more lenses than I probably needed, and then got a Monochrom (persuaded Leica to make mine silver chrome) and a second hand M3. Very happy. When the M(240) came along, I was disappointed - too many options, too much electronics, video, EVF ... just too much. I was happy with the M9 (I got the M9P upgrade, and it was very satisfying) - it felt like I was still using Kodachrome.

 

When the M Edition 60 came along, I loved the concept, and decided to trade my M9 for the new sensor, new viewfinder and losing the LCD - my M9 didn't sell and the whole white gloves, collectors thing put me off (along with many of the comments here). So, I canceled my order (and felt very real regret). Then I discovered my M9 sensor was corroding, and really felt my confidence shaken. I had an idle look on eBay and was surprised to find a new M60, and made an offer. The rest is history.

 

I carry the camera pretty much everywhere (I have it in a cotton bag inside my camera bag so it doesn't get too knocked about by everything else I have rattling round in there). I have the lens shade attached permanently and I use the lens cap from my 28 Summicron.

 

In the hand, it's marginally bigger and marginally heavier than the M9 (probably not a great deal different from the M(240)). It feels natural, and more than a bit luxurious, I have to admit. The ISO dial is just fantastic (I know that sounds really odd) - setting the ISO like on my M3 is just a pleasure, as it's so mechanical, yet natural. The on/off button seems to have slightly different pressures at each setting, so you don't rotate it too far by mistake. The shutter dial has a stronger indent on the A setting, so you know when you've hit it without looking. The optical rangefinder is large, bright and clear, reminiscent of the M3. The lens is way better built than my black 35 Summilux FLE - the aperture ring just feels smoother. The focus ring is a little stiff, but that will loosen up (as all Leica lenses do). Firing the shutter is addictive, compared to the M9. Irrationally, the whole process is so reminiscent of film cameras, and it is all so well made, it brings a smile every time.

 

Images? Well, probably not much different to what many are used to with the M(240). I'm still getting used to the files, and to be honest, I haven't taken as many images as I'd like (slight writer's block, it seems). Despite having used digital cameras for 6 years or so, I still think like I'm using film. I set the ISO, think about what I want to photograph and from where, what the best aperture will be (for depth of field), raise the camera, compose, focus, check the exposure and fire the shutter. I rarely take more than a single image, unless something moves - why take more than one image of the same thing.

 

It also reflects the attitude of a small boy with his Canonet, and Tri-X being told by his father not to waste film, and to think about what he's photographing - manual control, and not chimping is pretty much the essence of that attitude. So, my photo of the gloves above aside, I'm very happy, but learning again how to get what I want.

 

My only reservation about the M60 is Leica's ability to support the sensors and other electronics for as along as the build quality and price warrant. I rather hope they will be able to keep the camera going for as long as I want to use it. The immediate solution is to take lots and lots of pictures.

 

I love the feel of the camera, it's interface, it's manual control and the whole process of taking pictures, and it goes so well with my Monochrom and remaining film cameras. Couldn't be happier.

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Bill Livingston

Bill Livingston

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I have been looking forward to your promised longer write up... This was a great start.

 

"Despite having used digital cameras for 6 years or so, I still think like I'm using film. I set the ISO, think about what I want to photograph and from where, what the best aperture will be (for depth of field), raise the camera, compose, focus, check the exposure and fire the shutter. I rarely take more than a single image, unless something moves - why take more than one image of the same thing.

 

It also reflects the attitude of a small boy with his Canonet, and Tri-X being told by his father not to waste film, and to think about what he's photographing - manual control, and not chimping is pretty much the essence of that attitude. So, my photo of the gloves above aside, I'm very happy, but learning again how to get what I want".

 

This is me. I could have written that.

 

Its also why I said a while back now, if ever a Monochrome M60 style camera comes out, I will buy one... Even if it means selling my M-P to be able to justify it to my wife.

 

I saw an M60 in Mayfair the other day. It really is was one of the most beautiful objects I have ever seen... when I looked into the case and saw it in the flesh for the first time... well, it was one of those memorable moments.

 

It needs to stay as a limited edition, just so those who actually use one can be recognised for having made the commitment... so I wouldn't want to see any derivation come too close to the appearance of yours, but as close as possible would be fine.

 

(That same colour with the Leica script on top would be perfect!:D).

 

A wonderful purchase. You should be congratulated for having the confidence of your convictions and I wish you years of joy using it...

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Winedemonium

Winedemonium

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I have pulled the trigger and bought one. Double gulp.

 

Incidentally, my dealer has already sold 3 of them. 2 went to the same buyer, who intends to use the second one as his back up for the first one! As he didn't need 2 of the 35 Lux he sold one of the M60 lenses - it got more than half the original total cost. Such is the way with rare Leica lenses! The 3rd camera was sold to someone who it seems will never use it.

 

My dealer thinks the buyers are about 50/50 users and collectors.

 

The only thing I'm not sure about is the leather case. I think I might get a different one made for it.

 

This is a big indulgence... I hope I really do get a lot of use out of it.

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IkarusJohn

IkarusJohn

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I have pulled the trigger and bought one. Double gulp.

 

Incidentally, my dealer has already sold 3 of them. 2 went to the same buyer, who intends to use the second one as his back up for the first one! As he didn't need 2 of the 35 Lux he sold one of the M60 lenses - it got more than half the original total cost. Such is the way with rare Leica lenses! The 3rd camera was sold to someone who it seems will never use it.

 

My dealer thinks the buyers are about 50/50 users and collectors.

 

The only thing I'm not sure about is the leather case. I think I might get a different one made for it.

 

This is a big indulgence... I hope I really do get a lot of use out of it.

 

I hope it works well for you.

 

I took mine out this morning for a ride on my motorbike, and I stopped by North Head (will post the images later).

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Winedemonium

Winedemonium

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I hope it works well for you.

 

I took mine out this morning for a ride on my motorbike, and I stopped by North Head (will post the images later).

 

Lovely ride.

 

I was in Auckland, Hawkes Bay and Central Otago over Xmas / New Year. One of the best runs of fine weather I have known in NZ over that period. It was hard to leave!

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Jeff S

Jeff S

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…. (I have it in a cotton bag inside my camera bag so it doesn't get too knocked about by everything else I have rattling round in there)….

 

... and to be honest, I haven't taken as many images as I'd like (slight writer's block, it seems).

 

Ironic, given the ultimate purpose.

 

I'd much rather handle and use my camera without over-protection and inhibition, yet still enjoy the tactile and picture making experience. For me, the M does just that, and I'm still able to deliberately shoot a pic at a time…an approach that has never waned despite transitioning from film M to digital M.

 

Different cups of tea….

 

Hope you 'loosen up' ...and get many years of enjoyment. It is quite attractive, too.

 

Jeff

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IkarusJohn

IkarusJohn

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I have a 2012 tiger explorer 1200 kitted out for long distance with GPS, Touratech panniers etc . We have great mountain passes here and in summer I go for 1000k day rides. Had lots of recalls on the triumph and am sorry I didn't buy a GS.

 

One of our riders on our recent North Island tour was on the original Tiger (1000?). He had ridden it through the Czech Republic when it was new. The load of his gear broke the subframe.

 

My original list was the Tiger SE, the GS and the KTM. I'd pretty much settled on the new water cooled GS when forum member Karl told me to check out the Ducati first. His comment was that the GS was well made, capable, but boring. I agreed with him once I tried the bikes.

 

To be fair, I've had a couple of recall issues, and the rear brake isn't the Ducati's strong point, but in terms of agility and sheer pleasure, the Ducati wins hands down. After 6,000 km, I believe (hope) I have the niggles ironed out and the bike sorted the way I want it.

 

Nothing more appealing than loading my panniers, filling the tank, and heading over the horizon ...

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Jeff S

Jeff S

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(I guess this happens with the M(240) too?)

 

The M keeps the VF unobstructed and conserves battery capacity by letting the user decide if and when to check card or battery capacity…it's easily accessed on something called the screen…extremely useful. ;):)

 

Jeff

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Ecaton

Ecaton

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M60: feels solid with excellent finish, until one discovers the plastic bottom plate pin. As mine is a user, I will see whether that plastic thing will break soon. A little disappointing if design compromises quality to such an extent. Anyway, it`s a great camera otherwise and I enjoy the unique shooting experience. The lens mount is quite tight, requiring more force than what I have experienced with any of my other Ms. I`ll see whether it needs some breaking in and will smoothen after time.

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