AZPenviceroy Posted September 14, 2016 Share #1 Posted September 14, 2016 Advertisement (gone after registration) So maybe the wrong forum to be asking this in, but does anyone have any suggestions that are a good alternative to the 240? I love shooting with it, but Ive been out of it for months now in repair and Im concerned that I dont know when Ill get it back. This coupled with the fact that if I do need service on it again, I dont want to wait more months for the repair. I love the feel and look of the 240 and LOVE the images it renders especially shooting with the .95 Noct. So am I pretty much dusted? Or is there an alternative that fellow leica owners enjoy shooting with? Thanks for your help! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted September 14, 2016 Posted September 14, 2016 Hi AZPenviceroy, Take a look here Alternative to Leica M240? +Noctilux?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
rpittal Posted September 15, 2016 Share #2 Posted September 15, 2016 Hello AZ: I also use a monochrome (246) with my MP(240), as another option, but can also serve as backup if needed. You may want to consider a used monochrome (ver 1 or 2, depending on how dependent you are on live view), or a used M9. Film is another (and less costly) option, including the MP or ME, or for much less cost, and M6 (or M2 or M3). Long list and probably not much help. Dependent on your resources and if you want to compliment or backup your 240. I have never enjoyed my Sonys or Fujis after the use of my Leica. Regards, Bob Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
FrozenInTime Posted September 15, 2016 Share #3 Posted September 15, 2016 If you are already in deep enough to own a Noctilux, a second M body, either film or digital , seems like a good idea. When your M.240 comes back - carrying two bodies saves time; the chances of sensor dust or worse dropping a lens by reducing changes. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheGodParticle/Hari Posted September 15, 2016 Share #4 Posted September 15, 2016 Get an SL body Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZPenviceroy Posted September 15, 2016 Author Share #5 Posted September 15, 2016 Hello AZ: I also use a monochrome (246) with my MP(240), as another option, but can also serve as backup if needed. You may want to consider a used monochrome (ver 1 or 2, depending on how dependent you are on live view), or a used M9. Film is another (and less costly) option, including the MP or ME, or for much less cost, and M6 (or M2 or M3). Long list and probably not much help. Dependent on your resources and if you want to compliment or backup your 240. I have never enjoyed my Sonys or Fujis after the use of my Leica. Regards, Bob If you are already in deep enough to own a Noctilux, a second M body, either film or digital , seems like a good idea. When your M.240 comes back - carrying two bodies saves time; the chances of sensor dust or worse dropping a lens by reducing changes. Thanks Guys... I guess I should have been more specific... Im trying to move away from Leica completely. I didnt want this to turn into a complaint thread, but after my latest dealings with the NJ center (which are still on going) I want to find an alternative. I love how the Noct and the 240 shoots, but their lack of customer service has turned me off that much. I really hate it because I love shooting with it. But I just need to find something else. I waited 2 months to get a hold of someone after calling a dozen times, just for them to let me know that it will be a few more months to fix my camera. And the worst part? When I sent it in, the woman said it would be 2 weeks. Anyway, I really didnt want to rant... But this my dilemma. If there is nothing that compares, than I just need to decide if I can deal with the terrible after service and move on my life. But Im hoping there is another solution. Thanks! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZPenviceroy Posted September 15, 2016 Author Share #6 Posted September 15, 2016 Get an SL body Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Why would you suggest that? Just for something different? Or is there a specific reason? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted September 15, 2016 Share #7 Posted September 15, 2016 Advertisement (gone after registration) Some members are happy using Sony A7R bodies. With adapters nowadays you can find any number of cameras that accept Leica M lenses. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheGodParticle/Hari Posted September 15, 2016 Share #8 Posted September 15, 2016 Some reasons that made me decide for the SL while keeping my M's: 1. EVF. Big gorgeous EVF. You won't believe how easy it is to nail focus on the 0.95 2. 1/16,000 shutter speed. No more ND filters and muddy colors. I can finally shoot all my fast lenses wide open in broad daylight 3. Dual SD card slot - good to know the files are being backed up as they are being shot 4. Excellent sensor 5. Option to mount lenses if you want AF/zoom Other benefits like GPS, touch screen, wifi connectivity to iPad are also very nice The ability to see the shot before actually taking it is just brilliant It's a good way of using the M lenses on the M's when you want to use a RF and simply mount on to the SL when you want the benefits the SL brings to the table Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
anickpick Posted September 15, 2016 Share #9 Posted September 15, 2016 Get an SL body Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk + 1 The SL body is the best option for the Noctilux, better than the M. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
FrozenInTime Posted September 15, 2016 Share #10 Posted September 15, 2016 Thanks Guys... I guess I should have been more specific... Im trying to move away from Leica completely. I didnt want this to turn into a complaint thread, but after my latest dealings with the NJ center (which are still on going) I want to find an alternative. I love how the Noct and the 240 shoots, but their lack of customer service has turned me off that much. I really hate it because I love shooting with it. But I just need to find something else. I waited 2 months to get a hold of someone after calling a dozen times, just for them to let me know that it will be a few more months to fix my camera. And the worst part? When I sent it in, the woman said it would be 2 weeks. Anyway, I really didnt want to rant... But this my dilemma. If there is nothing that compares, than I just need to decide if I can deal with the terrible after service and move on my life. But Im hoping there is another solution. Thanks! You think Sony is going to be any better ? .... http://petapixel.com/2016/03/14/photographer-matt-granger-ditching-sony/ Leica service has always taken forever ... two weeks was never going to happen. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jto555 Posted September 15, 2016 Share #11 Posted September 15, 2016 Could you deal with Germany directly? Or would customs in both directions make it a nightmare? Customer service directly with Germany is very good. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom0511 Posted September 15, 2016 Share #12 Posted September 15, 2016 Thanks Guys... I guess I should have been more specific... Im trying to move away from Leica completely. I didnt want this to turn into a complaint thread, but after my latest dealings with the NJ center (which are still on going) I want to find an alternative. I love how the Noct and the 240 shoots, but their lack of customer service has turned me off that much. I really hate it because I love shooting with it. But I just need to find something else. I waited 2 months to get a hold of someone after calling a dozen times, just for them to let me know that it will be a few more months to fix my camera. And the worst part? When I sent it in, the woman said it would be 2 weeks. Anyway, I really didnt want to rant... But this my dilemma. If there is nothing that compares, than I just need to decide if I can deal with the terrible after service and move on my life. But Im hoping there is another solution. Thanks! I dont think there is a solution which offers you things like a Noctilux. Fuji X-Pro 2 with some primes might be closest in feel and user interface to Leica M, but I think IQ is not up to the M. If you have invested so much why not add backup body? By the way I find the idea with the SL not bad. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Belle123 Posted September 15, 2016 Share #13 Posted September 15, 2016 I guess I must be extremely lucky or baby my M cameras. Never ever needed service in over 20 years! I would stick with Leica and be more patient and maybe handle them a little more careful. From everything I have read, Sony is not the answer. And if you have so soured on the M, then suggestion to go SL is worth trying. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dpitt Posted September 15, 2016 Share #14 Posted September 15, 2016 Depends on what you are looking for. Move away from Leica... IMO what is unique about the set you have: - one of the smallest high quality FF bodies around, weight and size wise - one of the best manual focussing systems (rangefinder) even in low light situations - sense of being in the scene and not observing it through a tube - every pixel counts... even FF sensors with twice the amount of MP will not be as sharp - a brand that is commited to keeping your body serviceable for 10 years, and will repair any production fault for free during that period (so beyond the normal 1 or 2 year warranty period) e.g. I had my M9 sensor replaced for free 6 years after production. Would Nikon or Canon do that? - holds its value about 2-3 times as long as other brands. e.G. bought my M8 second hand for 1550 Euro in 2009. I would get 1000 Euro now, 7 years later, so it effectively costed me 80 Euro's a year. - ability to use a vast range of lenses going back 80 years without compromise or adaptation, just like when they came on the market In all these points above, I did not find anything that comes close to the Leica M or Leica in general. So if any of these points matters to you, I am afraid you are stuck with Leica. If you decide to stay with Leica, a M9 as backup would do nicely. Preferable one with a newly designed sensor if you want to avoid the hassle about sensor corrosion. Yes it is true there are some issues with some Leica camera's. In part this is caused by the longevity of the camera. My M9 came on the market together with the Nikon D300. How many of them are still really in use? Most owners will long have upgraded. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Ricoh Posted September 15, 2016 Share #15 Posted September 15, 2016 So maybe the wrong forum to be asking this in, but does anyone have any suggestions that are a good alternative to the 240? I love shooting with it, but Ive been out of it for months now in repair and Im concerned that I dont know when Ill get it back. This coupled with the fact that if I do need service on it again, I dont want to wait more months for the repair. I love the feel and look of the 240 and LOVE the images it renders especially shooting with the .95 Noct. So am I pretty much dusted? Or is there an alternative that fellow leica owners enjoy shooting with? Thanks for your help! What's the issue with the camera? Being away for months, so that's two or more. It's digraceful it has taken so long, and still no camera! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LocalHero1953 Posted September 15, 2016 Share #16 Posted September 15, 2016 If you value the size and simplicity of the M240 and the unique characteristics of the Noctilux, then there is no alternative. Tell us which elements of your experience you value and those you don't, and we can suggest some alternatives. But if the only element you don't like is Leica NY service (and you're not prepared to move to Europe) then you're stuffed! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZPenviceroy Posted September 15, 2016 Author Share #17 Posted September 15, 2016 Some reasons that made me decide for the SL while keeping my M's: 1. EVF. Big gorgeous EVF. You won't believe how easy it is to nail focus on the 0.95 2. 1/16,000 shutter speed. No more ND filters and muddy colors. I can finally shoot all my fast lenses wide open in broad daylight 3. Dual SD card slot - good to know the files are being backed up as they are being shot 4. Excellent sensor 5. Option to mount lenses if you want AF/zoom Other benefits like GPS, touch screen, wifi connectivity to iPad are also very nice The ability to see the shot before actually taking it is just brilliant It's a good way of using the M lenses on the M's when you want to use a RF and simply mount on to the SL when you want the benefits the SL brings to the table Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Great, thank you. Maybe I will do that. And as Jto555 said, Maybe Ill just send it to Germany.... Could you deal with Germany directly? Or would customs in both directions make it a nightmare? Customer service directly with Germany is very good. Thanks, customs can't be worse than what Im going through now for sure. I deal with that every day, so maybe I will do that. I guess I must be extremely lucky or baby my M cameras. Never ever needed service in over 20 years! I would stick with Leica and be more patient and maybe handle them a little more careful. From everything I have read, Sony is not the answer. And if you have so soured on the M, then suggestion to go SL is worth trying. Yeah, Im not upset its taking so long. Its the lack communication and incorrect information I've received that really bothers me. If its going to take months. Fine, just tell me that. Depends on what you are looking for. Move away from Leica... IMO what is unique about the set you have: - one of the smallest high quality FF bodies around, weight and size wise - one of the best manual focussing systems (rangefinder) even in low light situations - sense of being in the scene and not observing it through a tube - every pixel counts... even FF sensors with twice the amount of MP will not be as sharp - a brand that is commited to keeping your body serviceable for 10 years, and will repair any production fault for free during that period (so beyond the normal 1 or 2 year warranty period) e.g. I had my M9 sensor replaced for free 6 years after production. Would Nikon or Canon do that? - holds its value about 2-3 times as long as other brands. e.G. bought my M8 second hand for 1550 Euro in 2009. I would get 1000 Euro now, 7 years later, so it effectively costed me 80 Euro's a year. - ability to use a vast range of lenses going back 80 years without compromise or adaptation, just like when they came on the market In all these points above, I did not find anything that comes close to the Leica M or Leica in general. So if any of these points matters to you, I am afraid you are stuck with Leica. If you decide to stay with Leica, a M9 as backup would do nicely. Preferable one with a newly designed sensor if you want to avoid the hassle about sensor corrosion. Yes it is true there are some issues with some Leica camera's. In part this is caused by the longevity of the camera. My M9 came on the market together with the Nikon D300. How many of them are still really in use? Most owners will long have upgraded. Yeah, all your reasons above is why I decided go with Leica in the first place. And Im Ok with issues from time to time honestly. Things happen. I just want to be in the loop, thats all. What's the issue with the camera? Being away for months, so that's two or more. It's digraceful it has taken so long, and still no camera! It had an error that said SD and would not take pictures or do anything... I thought it was an SD card issue, but after trying many things, I had to send it in. If you value the size and simplicity of the M240 and the unique characteristics of the Noctilux, then there is no alternative. Tell us which elements of your experience you value and those you don't, and we can suggest some alternatives. But if the only element you don't like is Leica NY service (and you're not prepared to move to Europe) then you're stuffed! Thats what I was afraid of. Ok, thanks everyone! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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