How does M262 range/viewfinder and overall IQ compare?

[NZDavid]

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I like the concept of the M262 as a stripped down rangefinder for those who do not need or want live view and video. For those who have used the M262, three questions:

 

1) How does the range/viewfinder compare with the M9, M240, and film Ms for clarity and ease of focusing?

 

2) How does dynamic range compare vs M9 and 240?

 

3) How does white balance compare?

 

Thank you in advance.

 

 

 

[Jeff S]

I don't own it, but despite some apparent minor technical differences in the sensor, I don't see why the M262 would perform any differently than an M240 in the aspects you cite.  It is, after all, an M240, with LV/video removed, an aluminum top plate and a new shutter re-cock system (quieter than the M240).

 

But I'll be interested if anyone detects otherwise.

 

Jeff

[jim0266]

I like the concept of the M262 as a stripped down rangefinder for those who do not need or want live view and video. For those who have used the M262, three questions:

 

1) How does the range/viewfinder compare with the M9, M240, and film Ms for clarity and ease of focusing?

 

Can't compare it to the M240. No experience. To my eyes the M262 range/viewfinder is as good as it gets, compared to the M-E, film MP, M6 with viewfinder upgrade and M2-R.

 

2) How does dynamic range compare vs M9 and 240?

 

You can download a bunch of RAW files comparing the M-E and 262 files on my site. I would like to see 240 v 262 files head-to-head myself.

 

3) How does white balance compare?

 

262 WB much improved over the M-E.

 

Thank you in advance.

[Paulus]

I like the concept of the M262 as a stripped down rangefinder for those who do not need or want live view and video. For those who have used the M262, three questions:

 

1) How does the range/viewfinder compare with the M9, M240, and film Ms for clarity and ease of focusing?

 

2) How does dynamic range compare vs M9 and 240?

 

3) How does white balance compare?

 

Thank you in advance.

I tried the leica M262 for half about 40 minutes and shot some captures with it. I cannot notice a diffenence in viewfinder compared to the M 240 that  I already have for years; it's great.

 

Compared to the M9, the M 262 is like a M 240. So read all the compairissons between them and you have 99% .

 

The feeling of the M9 compaired to the M 262 is roughly the same. Exept when you take a picture. The feeling of recocking the shutter is totally different en way much better and softer and more " natural sounding "  than the M 9.

 

Whitebalance I did not alter, but it being the same as the M 240 it's pretty allright.

 

In compairisson with the M 240 I really do like the shuttersound/rewinding sound. What I do not like is the red dot. It's smaller but feels different from a M6 TTL . A pity that you cannot get it in chrome...

[ThePioneer]

I like the concept of the M262 as a stripped down rangefinder for those who do not need or want live view and video. For those who have used the M262, three questions:

 

1) How does the range/viewfinder compare with the M9, M240, and film Ms for clarity and ease of focusing?

 

2) How does dynamic range compare vs M9 and 240?

 

3) How does white balance compare?

 

Thank you in advance.

Compared to the M9 I prefer the new LED brightlines. As for clarity and ease of focus I see no differences between the M262 and M9

 

I am presently struggling a little with dynamic range. A lot of my work has recently been done outdoors under snow conditions but I am still coming to terms with how this sensor responds. As things stand right now I am coming up with blown highlights and blocked shadows both at the same time, even under overcast conditions. But it is still early so I am not certain this isn't a bit the photographer's fault.

 

Auto white balance is pretty good. The only way to better it is to establish a custom white balance with a grey card.

[NZDavid]

Seems there are differing views of whether the M262/240 is easier to focus than an M9. I wonder if there is a difference in either very low or very bright light?

 

I reckon even if dynamic range is increased some scenes are simply impossible to record perfectly, especially in ultra contrasty light -- which we have here most of the time. HDR or some form of blending exposures may help but can look artificial and is time consuming in any case. Coming from a film background, I always like to get the exposure as accurate as possible to start off with. A handheld meter can make a difference. That said, a sensor that records more shadow and highlight detail is a true advantage.

[simonr]

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It seems people are not sure about whether or not the rangefinder is the 'better' 240 job or the the same one as was in the old M9.

At least I haven't so far found a definitive answer.

[jaapv]

The whole camera is technically the same as the M240, so there is no difference between the two regarding rangefinder or sensor.

[edwardkaraa]

I'm pretty sure the 262 has a different color profile than the 240, so the colors are not exactly the same. The high ISO is cleaner with much less banding.