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Leica M Edition 60 unboxing


IkarusJohn

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I don't think they're making them to order. I contacted Stefan Daniel over a month ago to ask if I could have a threaded shutter release retrofitted.

 

His response is so unashamedly unhelpful it frankly astonishes me. Retrofittng a threaded release is the kind of thing Leica would have been only too happy to do a few years ago. Pride in the products they make and a willingness to go out of the way to keep their customers (spending a pretty penny) happy. It is quite telling about where Leica are today that Stefan Daniel would think his response either sufficient or appropriate. Amazing.

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...Ah, but you see I don't have an M(240)...

 

And just in case you think it's just my being snarky…

 

From the Leica site, describing the edition…

 

"Not reinvented, reimagined…(snip)...The exclusive set comprises a digital Leica M (Type 240) camera and a fast, Leica Summilux-M 35 mm f/1.4 ASPH. lens."

 

Like it or not.

 

Jeff

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Just as an aside, Stefan Daniel's comment "I am sorry to say that the project on R&D side is closed now" could be reasonably interpreted to mean that there is no prospect of a 'regular' edition of the M60 coming any time soon. Anyone wanting a screenless M digital might need to look again at the m60 itself (even without a threaded cable release:D) rather than wait for the next Photokina.

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His response is so unashamedly unhelpful it frankly astonishes me. Retrofittng a threaded release is the kind of thing Leica would have been only too happy to do a few years ago. Pride in the products they make and a willingness to go out of the way to keep their customers (spending a pretty penny) happy. It is quite telling about where Leica are today that Stefan Daniel would think his response either sufficient or appropriate. Amazing.

 

To be fair to Stefan, I doubt they ever imagined anyone would buy one of these to actually use! Maybe he thinks the request was a joke, or someone wants 'one over' on all the other collectors.

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The smooth-topped shutter release seems to be in keeping with the rest of the design. It is utterly minimalistic. The camera doesn't even have strap lugs. The stripped-down to essentials look is the key selling point of the camera -- what makes it a collector's item. That's what they promised, and that's what they delivered. So it's not at all surprising that a request to retrofit a different shutter release is declined.

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Just as an aside, Stefan Daniel's comment "I am sorry to say that the project on R&D side is closed now" could be reasonably interpreted to mean that there is no prospect of a 'regular' edition of the M60 coming any time soon. Anyone wanting a screenless M digital might need to look again at the m60 itself (even without a threaded cable release:D) rather than wait for the next Photokina.

 

I think this is a fair assumption. Much as I like the idea, I have never thought this would make serial production - hence my revisiting my decision not to purchase one. As Windemonium (I don't understand that username) observes, there seem to be plenty selling at a discount. So, even though B&H stopped taking orders back in November, and the entire production was apparently sold out (NZ didn't get any), there isn't the demand the HK suppliers banked on, and they're dumping them.

 

That suggests to me, insufficient demand to fill the 600 limited edition (even at the reasonable price offered, compared to the M9 Titanium and the Hermes M(240)), and therefore not enough demand to warrant a production model. This is a shame, but it's the way it goes I guess. If B&H, or one of the Leica Boutiques can gather enough demand, there is always the possibility of a special run (the Vienna Shop and Ginza Boutique have done this in the past).

 

In relation to Stefan Daniel, I think you're being a little harsh. When I originally ordered the camera, he was quite happy to make a special camera for me with the threaded shutter release, but I canceled. When I went back to him, he didn't say flat no, just that it would be easier if I didn't ask them to do it. I think that is reasonable - I didn't push the point. I may go back to them if it proves to be an issue for me.

 

On another note, my M9P is "beyond economic repair" ...

 

Cheers

John

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As Windemonium (I don't understand that username) observes

 

Winedemonium = wine / pandemonium. I think I may have imbibed a little too much of it when I came up with that. :roll eyes:

 

There are a lot of Leica dealers in Hong Kong as there is a strong local support, but also a lot of visitors from the mainland who buy luxury goods while here. Many of the dealers are clustered in certain locations, so it was easy for me to look out for the M60. Yesterday I counted 3 in 3 shops all within 50 metres of one another, and I have seen 3 others sitting on display for sale. But a lot of this sort of gear gets sold in "upstairs shops" where there is a central wholesale broker, and numerous business offering Leica at very low margins at short notice (which is how I bought mine).

 

Sometimes these items were always Hong Kong ordered, but in addition to the 'official' Leica products imported via Schmidt Marketing (HK's agent), quite a lot gets brought in through the grey market (one could argue Hong Kong is a grey market), often bought from local dealers in other markets at low margin.

 

The price also reflects true demand. Leica products are sold above or below list price by these "upstairs shops" depending on supply and demand. 3 or 4 years ago most were sold above list price - a reflection of high demand and waiting lists through the official channel. Now supply is plentiful and prices have dropped in the grey market.

 

The 50 APO is a good example. I couldn't get one anywhere. The US price increased, and in the end that's what I paid (while many patient waiting list customers in the US and elsewhere got the original price honoured). Right now in Hong Kong you can get a 50 APO anywhere, and for about 10% - 15% below list. Most Leica products in good, normal supply, are about 20% below list.

 

The HKD is fixed to the USD, so there is also the exchange rate effect here of a falling Euro / strengthening dollar.

 

But it did surprise me that the M60 is not only widely available but also discounted.

 

 

Really sorry to hear about your M9-P John.

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Really sorry to hear about your M9-P John.

 

Yeah, considering it was only 4 years old with low actuations on the new sensor. But, that's life. The failing sensor is one of the reasons I switched to the M60.

 

Wine pandemonium ... my favourite tipple is pinot noir, though at the moment I'm enjoying aromatic whites (particularly viognier) and syrah (largely from the Hawkes Bay, for their restrained style).

 

Cheers

John

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I always subscribed to the view expressed by Thorsten Overgaard that it was best to get the most accurate settings at the time of exposure, rather than making such fundamental adjustments in post.

 

Interesting post considering your M60 choice (I quoted from your OT discussion with Jono in the CCD thread). This philosophy can obviously be implemented well on digital cameras with screens.

 

Without the LCD, of course more work on the computer screen. Pick your poison.

 

But, to answer your question for Jono, LR is non-destructive and you can make (or undo) multiple adjustments, in varying ways, without worry…as well as make countless virtual copies if desired. Thorsten likes to keep PP simple and he has an aversion to making use of LR's potential through its many controls….nothing wrong with that; his workflow choice, including his preference for using LR3. But his style shouldn't be confused with LR's capability for making adjustments, if that's your choice.

 

If you haven't already, I suggest looking at Julianne Kost's free video tutorials. Or books from Scott Kelby or Martin Evening.

 

Jeff

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Thanks, Jeff. Not really what I was asking, but thanks for posting.

 

You asked about artefacts, which my post clarifies…none. It also offers an explanation for Thorten's preference that you quoted for Jono….nothing to do with artefacts, etc.

 

Jeff

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You asked about artefacts, which my post clarifies…none. It also offers an explanation for Thorten's preference that you quoted for Jono….nothing to do with artefacts, etc.

 

Jeff

 

 

Jeff, that is correct - artefacts in the finished image. You told me that in LR the original image is preserved and adjustments can be undone. All very true. My question was how to get a desirable FINISHED image without artefacts. I'm sorry I didn't make my question more clear.

 

In the same way that there's a limit to how far you can adjust exposure in post, I assumed there was a limit in WB. It seems not. That's logical.

 

I like fixed values, and I would prefer it if the WB values attached to the raw file were set at Daylight or 5500K. As I can't, I can easily live with making the WB adjustment in LR. So far, a brilliant camera.

 

Very happy indeed (nice in the hands with the halfcase too).

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