Guest jvansmit Posted June 2, 2015 Share #1 Posted June 2, 2015 Advertisement (gone after registration) .... I did. My friendly dealer offered an almost straight trade for my old M9 and MM...both in 'user condition' and the latter showing some battle scars after being dropped twice onto concrete. While I loved both cameras, wasn't intending to change, and was ever so slightly cynical about the various online reviews, I was very impressed with a few high ISO random shots on a friend's M246 so decided to go for it. I bummed off work today, and spent the day shooting at f8 & ISO 2500 mostly in bright, contrasty sunshine and open shade. My expectations were on the low side but the new M246 has blown me away with the file quality. It's outstanding, and I'm genuinely excited about the potential. I sometimes deliver cold tea to street sleepers & drug users in a deprived part of Hong Kong, and the difficult conditions make photo-taking for a project of mine quite challenging. I need to move quite fast when taking photos in drug-taking environments because of unpredictable behaviour, and dark conditions have meant lowish shutter speeds even with the MM. Today, I was able to shoot quickly at ISO2500 at high shutter speeds, barely stopping to take a photo. What surprised me most was that, subjectively, the M246 image quality at ISO2500 far surpasses ISO1250 with the MM246. I zone focus a lot and like maximum depth of field so being able to shoot at small apertures into late afternoon and early evening is a major benefit to me. The classic metering mode also seems much more dependable. I mostly use 21mm & 24mm, and usually shoot at up to -1EV but didn't need to use any compensation today, and barely suffered any blown highlights. And unlike the MM, the M246 files didn't need much processing, just some tweaks to contrast, structure etc to suit my own style. Sorry to ramble but after years of happily using M8, M9, MM & M240, and also disappointing interludes with a Fuji X-T1 and Sony A7S, I've never ever been so excited about a new camera! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted June 2, 2015 Posted June 2, 2015 Hi Guest jvansmit, Take a look here I wasn't going to but.... I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
algrove Posted June 2, 2015 Share #2 Posted June 2, 2015 Congrats. That's why I also opted for the M246 over the MM1. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BerndReini Posted June 2, 2015 Share #3 Posted June 2, 2015 A new camera always boosts excitements, and I am happy you can capitalize on the advantages the M246 offers you. It is always a good way to get new things by trading in old things. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Winedemonium Posted June 2, 2015 Share #4 Posted June 2, 2015 I think I just bought your 'dropped onto concrete twice' MM, LOL! It seems to have survived, but I will test it a bit. It would seem too much of a coincidence for it not to be the same camera. You may see in other posts that I was thinking of buying the M246. But recently I was looking at some big prints from my old MM and missing that camera. (Perhaps I have long since forgotten my own MM frustrations with poor buffer, fuzzy image rear screen, annoyingly loud buzzy shutter, etc). I just looked at those pictures and thought - I like the rendering.... So today, while pondering the M246, into my friendly dealer's website pops up a somewhat beaten looking MM, "under grade", fairly high shutter count, etc. But a very decent price. I think, why not? Now if you think that's already a coincidence, wait 'til you hear this. I asked my friendly dealer in which country and year it was first registered. He looks it up on his computer, and says "haha, it was your Monochrom, the one you sold in mint low shutter count condition last year!" Yep, I was the original owner of this MM. And now I am its third owner. And if it works out that this was indeed your copy, I am honoured to re-own it, in the knowledge that it has been used (thrashed?!, lol!) by someone whose work I greatly admire. (I'll send you a PM). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avatar Posted June 2, 2015 Share #5 Posted June 2, 2015 Happy for you and my short experience with my new MM246 mirrors your experience. Best of all is that on top of all that you will see the difference as well in the prints. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
thighslapper Posted June 2, 2015 Share #6 Posted June 2, 2015 Ditto ....... and rather strange how the 'real user' experience of those of us who have moved from MM1 to MM2 seems at odds with the technical reviews that imply the improvements are minimal ........ Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wilfredo Posted June 2, 2015 Share #7 Posted June 2, 2015 Advertisement (gone after registration) Very powerful images Jonathan, I look forward to seeing what you produce with your new MM2. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jvansmit Posted June 3, 2015 Share #8 Posted June 3, 2015 Ditto ....... and rather strange how the 'real user' experience of those of us who have moved from MM1 to MM2 seems at odds with the technical reviews that imply the improvements are minimal ........ I wonder if that's because the improvements are more relevant to the actual shooting experience rather than just baseline image quality? Being able to use a higher ISO without compromising image quality means a lot to photographers who want maximum depth of field, photograph a lot at night, or use slower f3.4 lenses. I mostly use a Konica Hexanon Dual 21-35 f3.4-4 but always had to change to a Summicron or Lux as the evening approached. Now I can comfortably use the same lens at night if I want to. Being able to use 1/125 instead of 1/60 or 1/30 on city streets at night is also a major benefit in my view. The very significant difference in image quality (at ISO2500) did take me by surprise though....I even had to grab a beer form the fridge to settle myself down! While the MM1 is an outstanding camera, it now seems like a prototype compared to the MM2. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avatar Posted June 3, 2015 Share #9 Posted June 3, 2015 "The very significant difference in image quality (at ISO2500) did take me by surprise though....I even had to grab a beer form the fridge to settle myself down! While the MM1 is an outstanding camera, it now seems like a prototype compared to the MM2." I am remembering when I first got my MM1 and I was blown away. It was a true game changer for me on all levels. I didn't have anywhere near the same expectations for the MM2 and was wishing for something that Leica won't make, it's been covered by many, lighter, smaller, etc. But the shutter feel and overall speed of the camera combined with significant improvements over what was already fantastic is starting to make me have the same feeling I had when I first used the MM1. I generally don't take many frames, I shoot close to my subject usually..My first shot, if it's a keeper is usually the winner...But a fast double tap with the MM1 was usually not worth doing in some situations..With the MM2, it's like a good habit..fast, quieter and even feels good to do. I got an 28m Elmarit today to reduce weight a bit from my 28mm Summicron...I am thinking of not using the grip to cut down on weight a little..I put some gaffers tape on the body and with the TU, it's feeling pretty good. I think I need a beer now too! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
profus Posted June 3, 2015 Share #10 Posted June 3, 2015 Really great, strong images Jonathan! Looking forward to see the ones you're going to produce with you new toy - congrats! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Philinflash Posted June 3, 2015 Share #11 Posted June 3, 2015 .... My friendly dealer offered an almost straight trade for my old M9 and MM...both in 'user condition' and the latter showing some battle scars after being dropped twice onto concrete. ... Whilst there may have been very little cash involved, it pains me to read your characterization of the transaction as a "straight trade." Commercial reality, though. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Livingston Posted June 3, 2015 Share #12 Posted June 3, 2015 I have really enjoyed this thread... nice to read something positive about something new for a change! Fabulous photographs on the OP's link. Puts the sentiment expressed into meaningful context too... Great post! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
colonel Posted June 3, 2015 Share #13 Posted June 3, 2015 On the other hand I sold my MM ages ago and am thinking about picking up one cheaper as people drop them for the M246 Its worrying about sensor corroding that is putting me off .... On the other hand the M246 has come in cheaper then the MM (cheaper is always a fanciful term when refering to Leica) and it is lovely and tempting. On the other hand I just bought a new valve head phone amp and set of headphones so my GAS is quenched for at least a few days On the other hand I might just hand my plastic over to the dealer for a M246. I mean you only live once right ... I must do something about having 4 hands Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
onaujee Posted June 3, 2015 Share #14 Posted June 3, 2015 Jonathan congrats on your new M246 - you're work is fabulous... Can't wait to see what you have with this new M... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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