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On The Meaning And Implications Of No New M At Photokina


johnbuckley

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So, what´s the problem?  I´m still using my M 9 and original MM.  They still work like they did when I first opened the boxes, only the M9 is a bit brassed now (and will need a new sensor after the autumn colours are gone).  No plans to "update" them; my own photographic skills are far more important to update... :huh:

This is basically my opinion too - though I'm on the M-P. Really with the exception of astrophography where the short bulb mode especially in higher ISOs and the mandatory dark frame subtraction get in the way, the M240 platform is sufficient for everything that I want to do. The limit is not the camera but my creativity and skill. Could my photography be better? Yes but really nothing that the camera could do can improve it. It is all down to me.

 

So since the M-P is sufficient for my needs, I'm not waiting with bated breath for a new model.

 

I really don't need more resolution, I can print as large as I want without pixelating.

I don't need more ISO, I can already take pictures in near darkness.

I don't need more features, I like the minimal design.

 

What I would like in the current model is the ability to turn off dark frame subtraction so that I can do better light painting and astrophography and for them to tune the photo review code such that I can scroll back through shots faster.

 

In a new model I would like:

The ability to take the visoflex from the Leica T.

More dynamic range. I'm good at working around ISO limits but DR is something that no amount of technique can overcome and I regularly run into.

 

If Leica goes with a radically new platform I would like something a bit more like the SL in particular:

Get rid of the baseplate and go with the T, S, SL battery style.

I'd prefer the SL like 4 unlabeled programmable buttons with the 5 way vs the 6 buttons beside the LCD. I think they could do some nice UI simplification there without sacrificing usability.

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Operative word is "today". I cannot imagine that they went through all the effort to produce lenses exclusively for other makers to use.

 

People shooting RED cameras tend to have a lot of budget and there's the rental market, too.  The SL's positioned as a video production tool and the M mount cine lenses will work really well with it.

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If focusing solely on the M-240 line-up as a M and not talking about the EVF, then the camera is still very nice.  I like it well enough that I have M-P 240, 246 and a-la carte 246 on the way.

 

That said, I feel the 1.44 MP EVF was "out of date" before the M-240 came to market.  Not being able to move around the magnified view still irks me to no end too.  I'm surprised Leica didn't do a .2 type of update when the M-P 240 and Monochrom 246 came to market, bring a 2.36 MP EVF.  

 

For the M-240 replacement, I don't need an elaborate rethink.  And certainly don't mess it all up just for the sake of change.  An updated M-240 with a 4.41 MP EVF and a moveable magnification area would be great.  More DR, more ISO - sure, why not.  Slightly smaller, a little lighter - that would be nice too.

 

I'd love to see a 2nd version of the M with a 4.41 MP EVF in lieu of the OVF.  I tried the SL for awhile, liked the 4.41 MP EVF, but camera itself crossed my threshold for "too big".

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Other than low light (which I really could have used at very dark wedding dinner last week) - am happy with the 240 (glad I brought a fill flash)

 

I look forward to reading both praise & complaints some time in the future when the Lords of Leica descend with a new version

 

The only question for me will be, buy it right away if its a knock-out IQ wise, or wait 3 yrs for a good used one @ 40% off

 

As the wise man said, "We'll see"

 

(I don't miss the M9, which was plenty great at the time and still is.  We get spoiled quickly)


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I would imagine that Leica is just not in any hurry and wants their signature product to be as close to perfect as possible right out of the gate.

 

What is the current M240 generation really missing?  Some of us are still (happily) in the M9 generation with no real need for an upgrade.

 

The new M will come when it is ready, and might just be another minor tweak on the M240, such as a new sensor and either a hybrid (a la Fuji) built-in EVF or an improved clip on.  I personally could care less about video or live view on a rangefinder camera (I have a DSLR for that), and really would only go for a new M if my old one (M-E and M Monochrom v1) wore out or some new sensor tech gave a much better look.  Better look doesn't mean better specs, 18 MP are more than enough, but clean ISO 6400 (already have it on the MM) and better dynamic range would be appreciated.

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Agreed...if I want to take still photos, I will use a still camera; if I want video, I will use a video camera.  I'm not sure why manufactures continue to put in half baked solutions that would be much better off within their own individual platform.

 

 

If I want video, I want a real video camera, not the stuff Leica is flogging today.

.

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Agreed...if I want to take still photos, I will use a still camera; if I want video, I will use a video camera.  I'm not sure why manufactures continue to put in half baked solutions that would be much better off within their own individual platform.

 

 

Because pros who shoot still have also the increasing need to shoot videos, for example for marketing purposes during their workshops or are demanded for footages by some agencies. Nothing that would justify to carry around a full video camera while still being able to produce some quality footage. 

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Operative word is "today". I cannot imagine that they went through all the effort to produce lenses exclusively for other makers to use.

They have been making cine lenses for a long time and are well established in that niche. Or are they making nonprofessional, reasonably priced cine lenses now? I don't know anyone who owns Leica cine lenses - production companies rent them.

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