Mark Pope Posted December 31, 2015 Share #1 Posted December 31, 2015 Advertisement (gone after registration) Well, I wasn't going to do this, but I have just bought a new black M 240. Why did I do it? Simple, really. Yesterday, I was asked to take some family pictures and I dug out my Canon EOS5D Mark II, 24-105 L series lens and flash. When I uploaded the pictures, I referred back to the last time I had used this camera. The answer was 28th December 2014. So the whole outfit had been just gathering dust on the shelf for a year and a day. The only cameras I've used this year have been my M9-P and DLUX-109. So, just out of interest, I emailed Clifton Cameras to find out what my Canon outfit plus M9-P body would be worth against a black M 240. I wasn't expecting to get that much, but I was pleasantly surprised. So much so, that I decided to go for it. As it happens there were initial signs of sensor delamination, which reduced the selling price of the M9 body slightly. So, the battery is charged, a card formatted and a lens fitted. Sadly, it's dark outside and raining really hard (I don't want to put the weatherproofing to the test just yet), so I've been restricted to messing around indoors. My initial thoughts are all positive. I love the shutter release - it's much better that the M9-P - softer, more predictable and I suspect the success rate at slower shutter speeds will be better. And the shutter - it's so much quieter or at least it gives the impression that it is. The display is a huge improvement and I like the live view. In fact the live view became one of the 240's selling points for me. One of the reasons I had been keeping the Canon outfit was the 100mm macro lens, which enabled me to get down to life-size. The prospect of being able to use an R series macro lens and external viewfinder is really attractive. The files look really nice in Lightroom. I think I'd like a grip, though the thumbwheel housing does offer better purchase than you get on a plain M9. It's funny how things evolve. I've gone from around 14 cameras at one point down to just two - the DLUX-109 and M240. The net lens count has also also reduced considerably, having got rid of the Canon lenses today and a number of CV lenses earlier this year. Is there such a thing as negative G.A.S. ? :-) A good end to the year I think! Happy new year to everyone! Mark Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted December 31, 2015 Posted December 31, 2015 Hi Mark Pope, Take a look here New 240 owner :-). I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Peter Kilmister Posted December 31, 2015 Share #2 Posted December 31, 2015 Mark, The M240 is a good choice. I doubt that you'll have any regrets. Enjoy it, have fun, and happy new year. Peter Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmahto Posted December 31, 2015 Share #3 Posted December 31, 2015 Happy New Year... And enjoy your camera. I didn't look back after moving from M9 to M240. It goes with me everywhere. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcespite Posted December 31, 2015 Share #4 Posted December 31, 2015 Congrats, I'm also thinking about getting a 240 or 262. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
photoray Posted December 31, 2015 Share #5 Posted December 31, 2015 I bought a mint pre-owned from Ken Hansen NY last week and couldn't be happier with it! I know you will enjoy yours too ... great camera. Happy New Year All! Nolan Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter H Posted December 31, 2015 Share #6 Posted December 31, 2015 Well done Mark, this sounds like a superb decision. I know we're all different but I've done a similar thing and there's no question that I'm enjoying my photography more and I'm pretty sure it's improved as a result. Good luck, have fun and enjoy the New Year with your new reduced and improved gear. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adam Posted December 31, 2015 Share #7 Posted December 31, 2015 Advertisement (gone after registration) Good decision. I have a MP-240 and a 109. It is a great combo, and unlikely to gather dust. Have fun! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Ricoh Posted January 1, 2016 Share #8 Posted January 1, 2016 I'm in as well since early October 2015. I'm a single camera, single lens (35mm) user and could easily ditch all my other gear. Only thing stopping me is that Japanese cameras, two years old, or older, are almost worthless. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Pope Posted January 1, 2016 Author Share #9 Posted January 1, 2016 I'm in as well since early October 2015. I'm a single camera, single lens (35mm) user and could easily ditch all my other gear. Only thing stopping me is that Japanese cameras, two years old, or older, are almost worthless. Steve, I was quite surprised at what I got for my 5-year (I think) old Canon 5D Mark II and lenses. It's quite liberating clearing out equipment that isn't being used. My view is that you may as well get something for it and get replacement hardware that better suits your needs. 2015 was quite a year as far as moving equipment on... Out in 2015 Canon G9 Canon EOS5DMkII Canon 17-40 f4 L Canon 24-105 f4 L Canon 70-200 f4 L Canon 1.4x converter Canon 100mm f2.8 Macro Canon 50mm f1.8 Canon 580EX flash Canon Macrolite MR14 Canon STE-3 Canon 10-22mm EFS Voigtlander 50mm f1.1 Nokton Voigtlander 21mm f4 Voigtlander 15mm Voigtlander 12mm Elinchrom 250 flash head & background kit Leica M9-P Fuji X100 In: Leica DLUX-109 Leica M (240) Zeiss 21mm f2.8 ZM Leica 90mm Macro-Elmar kit Leica 28-35-50mm Tri-Elmar A Net loss of 2 cameras and 7 lenses and a net gain of quite a bit of cupboard and shelf space :-). Now all I need to do is get the Tri-Elmar coded and I think I'm good. The icing on the cake would be a 60mm Macro Elmar R series lens and an M-R adaptor (and EVF) though It's entirely possible that the 90mm Macro-Elmar will suit the bill. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
brill64 Posted January 1, 2016 Share #10 Posted January 1, 2016 wise choices & keep motivated. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wda Posted January 1, 2016 Share #11 Posted January 1, 2016 Mark, Happy New Year! I do recommend buying the Leica handgrip. It is superbly designed, with a flat face for your finger-tips. Remember how good the DL109 is for close photography. Together with you 90mm macro lens,you might have all you need in that department. Happy shooting! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Pope Posted January 1, 2016 Author Share #12 Posted January 1, 2016 Thanks David - I'm trying to get hold of a grip - they do seem to be a little like hen's teeth at the moment. I one on the M9 and I find that when I reach into my bag to grab the M240, I flounder around trying to feel for the non-existant grip! Tell me, does the M grip replace the base-plate or screw into the tripod socket? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Kilmister Posted January 1, 2016 Share #13 Posted January 1, 2016 I have a multi function hand grip which I used to like. These days I find it too bulky. To fit it meant removing the base plate and then screwing into the tripod socket. One advantage is the ability to plug in a cable to download pictures instead of having to remove the SD card and insert it into a card reader. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luke_Miller Posted January 1, 2016 Share #14 Posted January 1, 2016 I use the non-multi-function version of the Leica hand grip, which is slightly less bulky. Since I often have my SF-58 in the hot shoe - a grip is essential in my view. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wda Posted January 1, 2016 Share #15 Posted January 1, 2016 Mark, the grip replaces the base plate and feels like an integral part of the body. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Pope Posted January 2, 2016 Author Share #16 Posted January 2, 2016 Yesterday, I ordered a grip from Leica Manchester. I'm in two minds about the EVF at the moment. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Exodies Posted January 2, 2016 Share #17 Posted January 2, 2016 Here's my story about the EVF: I bought one to help focus 90mm in low light. It worked but is very annoying - need to unmount it before bagging the camera. I then bought a 21mm. Focus with the optical RF, frame with the EVF and the artificial horizon. It is still very annoying but I now love the little bastard darling. Two reasons - I can't get used to how wide 21mm is so RF frame guessing won't work and getting the camera level makes a world of difference to the feel of the picture. So, with the right inducements the EVF is wonderful; make sure you have sufficient reason to want it to overcome the usability bump. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JonathanP Posted January 2, 2016 Share #18 Posted January 2, 2016 I'm in two minds about the EVF at the moment. If you do buy an EVF, worth looking out for a used Olympus VF-2 on eBay; you should be able to pick one up for around £80. No point in paying several hundred just for it to say Leica on the front, especially if its just for odd use. Jonathan Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Kilmister Posted January 2, 2016 Share #19 Posted January 2, 2016 I completely agree with Jonathan's advice. Just make sure it is the VF-2 and not a different version. One other piece of advice about your M240; make sure you install the firmware updates ... they make a big difference. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Pope Posted January 2, 2016 Author Share #20 Posted January 2, 2016 Thank you all for your advice concerning the EVF. As it happens, I found one on Ebay for £80! It's been bought and I'll have it in a few days. Exodies, I'm fortunate in that I have an optical viewfinder (the Leica 21-24-28mm) that I can use with my 21mm lens, although I can see the benefit of the EVF for accurate framing. The main reason for wanting the EVF is for close-up photography. Peter, I haven't looked at firmware yet. Mine's got 2.0.2.5 on it at the moment. I love it when a plan starts to come together :-) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.