The Leica M-D thread - merged.

[IkarusJohn]

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There's no bulb setting.

 

With the M60, you turn the on switch past the first setting, then press the function button and shutter release at the same time, then you can clean the sensor. I assume it's the same with the MD. 

[DezFoto]

Which M lens is suitable for studio work? What about the inaccurate framelines? Where do you insert the flash cord? It's not impossible to shoot studio with it but it's not the right tool. That's why you have DSLR, and the Leica S and SL.

 

I used to use my M9 for studio work, and now I use the M-P (240). They work just fine, but to address your questions:

 

Framelines: I have a pretty good feel for the frame, regardless of the inaccuracy of the framelines but either way I do what I do with MF film, shoot my compositions a little loose so I have room to crop in post. 

 

Flash Sync Cord: I use a wireless trigger.  

 

Lenses: The ones the get the most work in my studio are the 50 lux ASPH, 75 Cron APO and 90 Elmarit-M. I would consider any Leica lenses of those focal lengths perfectly appropriate for portrait work. If you're doing product or macro work in the studio, there are bellows systems for the M that work well with Live View on the M240. 

 

With the multi-function grip, tethering via a USB cable works quite well, though where the cord comes out of the grip is kind of annoying. Overall the biggest limitation for me with studio portraits and the M240 is that I'm not fond of how it renders skin colour but then again, Leaf is the only digital brand that gives skin tones that I actually like, so you can take that last bit with a grain of salt. 

[colonel]

 

Cheers

John

 

 

John, dumb question

 

i presume there is no way of setting the lens manually with an uncoded lens on the M60 ?

[-Lss-]

Why would you not want the ability to check or not?

In what context? And what should I sacrifice for the ability?

[IkarusJohn]

John, dumb question

 

i presume there is no way of setting the lens manually with an uncoded lens on the M60 ?

 

No. 

[geotrupede]

Parler juste pour parler,

 

The dial on the back (not ISO, the other one on the right) is an unnecessary element if purity of design is paramount. Not to mention the function button on the top.

 

The only function of the wheel and button are to adjust the clock and to change the exposure compensation.

 

Exposure compensation could be done with a slightly different design of the ISO dial. Like in previous classic M implementations. 

 

Setting the clock with a complex sequence of hold / push of a button (like a fridge or a kitchen clock) is not that alluring... 

Much easier with a USB connection (or even better wirelessly) and using a standard interface on a computer.

And to keep things old school, this could be also a command line interface, opening up customisation and of course simple GUIs.

 

Thus an USB connection would allow to remove the dial and the function button. Remove two unnecessary controls with a single connector. Is less truly more?

 

Regarding the form factor, an M6 with digital sensor and analog controls would be perfect, the M without a screen is an M without a screen. Big without an apparent reason. Is it because of costs for R&D? Well, the camera is not that cheap after all.

 

Whilst in early 2000 we would have lover something like this, it makes little sense to remove a feature from a design that was born around the presence of the same feature.

 

G.

[jaapv]

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Well, the camera  is not big without a reason. Removing the LCD removes preciously little on the inside. See the image of the inside of an M(Typ240) rear bodyshell....

 

 

 

 

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The thickness of digital Ms stems from the sensor array/motherboard.

 

 

 

 

[Exodies]

The clock could be a radio clock which picks up the broadcasts from one of the atomic clocks. Consumes very little power and works without intervention.

As for EV adjustment - that only makes sense if you have a lightmeter built in; throw it away.

[ECohen]

Another important point is horses for courses. Removing the LCD from the S would be suicide. Removing it from the SL is technically impossible since it's a LV based camera. But somehow removing it from the M feels less objectionable. I'm not sure how many use the M for studio work, but that is absolutely not the right tool for the job. For the applications that the M is right for, having or not having an LCD won't make a huge difference. This said, I never said I don't need the LCD, to warrant the nasty replies. I personally think I do need it for my style of shooting, but I find the idea of the M-D interesting and I fully understand the reasoning behind it and why some photographers would rather not have it. And out of 6 variations of the current M, there is one without LCD, so I don't understand the panic it's generating. If you have no interest in an LCD-less camera, just move on, you still got 5 M models to choose from. Don't get too emotional about it.

 

 

Pocket wizard works great. I don't think I have used a PC cord since going digital? 

 

I agree   "removing it from the M feels less objectionable"

 

But like someone already said

I'd like to know if I have a hunk of dirt on my sensor before I ruin all my 4 weeks of vacation photos.

I would hate to spend the next month fixing that error in PS.

Just because I bought a cool camera without a screen

[ECohen]

In what context? And what should I sacrifice for the ability?

 

 

What do you mean.....

You give up nothing. Not size, weight,ergonomics .....What does it cost to be sure and check at the right time?

 

Again to have an LCD and not use it is better than not having the option.

It's only a neat idea as a knockaroung when it doesn't matter....just for fun

And I guess thats the point... We all buy Leica because that are darn fun to use.

 

To answer you question, look how much you sacrifice by not having it .....insurance for shots that are important...to you

 

But this thread is right its not for me and there are 4 other M's to choose from.

[edwardkaraa]

By the way, I like Erick's suggestion of an EVF based M without the LCD. That's basically how I'm shooting the SL. LCD off. Image review off. I can see exactly what I'm shooting with the EVF, so I don't need image review or chimping anymore

[-Lss-]

What do you mean.....

You give up nothing. Not size, weight,ergonomics .....What does it cost to be sure and check at the right time?

But I do give up in usability. Is this not pretty basic UI design we are discussing here?

[Alberti]

Well, the camera  is not big without a reason. Removing the LCD removes preciously little on the inside. See the image of the inside of an M(Typ240) rear bodyshell....

 

20160502_1680.jpg

 

The thickness of digital Ms stems from the sensor array/motherboard.

 

I too did think this camera would be slimmer - an SLK model ( 'knipoog' to the other SLK, slim, light, Klein). That the housing of the back is like you show indeed means you only save the plastic thickness of the screen and placing the dial to the right then does not help in making it more than a mm slimmer (and maybe 50g lighter). On the contrary, less plastic implies more metal. 

albert

[ECohen]

...

Edited May 2, 2016 by ECohen

[Steve Ricoh]

I wonder if anyone at Leica reads this stuff, if so they must surely think 'why do we bother?'.

[jaapv]

Oh yes, this forum is read - and taken seriously, although I must admit I suspect a tolerant smile from time to time.

[Peter H]

By the way, I like Erick's suggestion of an EVF based M without the LCD. That's basically how I'm shooting the SL. LCD off. Image review off. I can see exactly what I'm shooting with the EVF, so I don't need image review or chimping anymore

 

 

But, what is the problem with having an LCD with an optical viewfinder, thereby having the best of both viewing methods available? I can't see what penalty there is in having something that can be so useful.

 

I don't mind Leica making money from our diversity. I grit my teeth at the idea of the A La Carte programme just as I do with the M-D. Fine, and I'm happy for those who like it and can now have it, and I know I should stop there, but there's something about the logic that still escapes me and therefore troubles me. I'll grow out of it I'm sure.

[edwardkaraa]

But, what is the problem with having an LCD with an optical viewfinder, thereby having the best of both viewing methods available? I can't see what penalty there is in having something that can be so useful.

 

I don't mind Leica making money from our diversity. I grit my teeth at the idea of the A La Carte programme just as I do with the M-D. Fine, and I'm happy for those who like it and can now have it, and I know I should stop there, but there's something about the logic that still escapes me and therefore troubles me. I'll grow out of it I'm sure.

You answered your own question, Peter

[AAK]

But, what is the problem with having an LCD with an optical viewfinder, thereby having the best of both viewing methods available? I can't see what penalty there is in having something that can be so useful.

 

I believe you're describing the M240/M262!

 

I could better understand the M-D if it had an EVF that allowed for review of photos on the fly without having to download from the SD card. 

 

Separately, I think a good EVF would also dispense with the need for a rangefinder, heretical as that might seem to some M shooters.

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[colonel]

I wonder if anyone at Leica reads this stuff, if so they must surely think 'why do we bother?'.

Worth remembering that Leica sees one thing we don't

 

Sales of each model, per month, per location, over their entire life

 

It's likely and possible that a model which is picked apart on this form still sells well. Again well is whatever Leica define

 

I can't see any point of no screen as it removes the ability to use telephoto, test lenses and code non-Leica lenses.

 

On the other hand I can see the attraction and fun nature of this model. Personally I am glad Leica makes loads of niche and quirky products in a bottom denominator world.