Companion camera to the Monochrom

[James S]

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So, I have a monochrom 2 which I love and adore, but... there are times, dare I say it, (usually when travelling) when I fancy a bit of colour.

 

Maybe I should have gone for an M240, but at the time I was attracted to the B&W purity (possibly due to a pesky cancerous thing) and still am... But occasionally I feel I am limited. And, while I do have access to a 5DMk3, it has nothing like the portability of the M.

 

So what do others have as a companion to their monochrom? Should I get an M240 P? (that way there's a chance it wouldn't be noticed) and 2nd hand prices aren't too bad now. But then there's also the Sony option - a lot cheaper for a more occasional camera. And I do have an M6 I could just load up with slide film.

 

Appreciate that this is pretty high on the 1st world issue list, but wondering what others thought.

[a.noctilux]

M(type 262) for lightness and sharing same battery/charger as your M246.

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[IkarusJohn]

I have the v1 Monochrom, and to accompany it an M-A (but I use B&W film for that too).

 

I realised some time ago that the heart of a system is the lenses, rather than the camera - so my M lenses are the heart of my system.

 

To accompany the Monochrom, I use an SL.  My reasoning was I didn't like the Heath Robinson approach of the M(240); if I was going to shoot colour digital, then I wanted something that was properly resolved and well integrated, yet still Leica.  The M lenses work perfectly with the SL, and the addition of the two AF zooms just increases my options.  I don't have any other system.

 

Your situation seems slightly different, and clearly there are advantages to the M form factor and also to having the same batteries and chargers for both cameras.  That would suggest an M(240) based camera, tempting as the M10 would be.  Actually, I would probably go the M10 route, but as you have a v2 Monochrom, that might not be the best choice for you.

 

In the M(240) stable, I'd go with the M-D.  I had an M Edition 60, and couldn't justify keeping it (too much gear), but I loved using it.

 

First World choices, as you say.

 

Cheers

John

[mmradman]

Similar to Ikarus, M246 as main lightweight camera, replaced M240 with SL601 to use with M and R optics, option to add AF lenses at later date. And a film M (MP) for those rare occasions when film takes my fancy.

[james.liam]

A Ricoh GR sits in a pocket. 

[Jager]

Just like back in the days of film, I find carrying two bodies - one for color, one for black and white - works great.  More often than not they're stored in a motorbike tank bag and retrieved as desired.  But they work equally well with one hanging from your shoulder, one in-hand.

 

This past week I paired the M246 with the M10.  But it could as easily have been an M240 or M9.  I don't find carrying different kinds of batteries any problem at all.  The need for different Arca-Swiss style plates and/or EVF's is slightly more bother.  But certainly manageable. 

 

 

 

 

 

[Luke_Miller]

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When I am shooting for clients I will often use two Nikon bodies with different lenses to avoid lens changes (and missed shots). It is important the two bodies have identical controls so I don't have to remember which one is in my hand. With my personal (Leica) photography should I choose to carry a B&W and color body at the same time I think I would also want the same control layout for the same reason.  So in my case I would pair my M-240 with my M-246.  Now if I were to carry a single body the choice of which color body to take becomes wide open.  The one thing I would not do is try to use my Leica wide angle glass glass on a third party body.  So should I go with a Sony A7 or A9 I would put Sony (or Zeiss) E-Mount glass on it.

Edited May 24, 2017 by Luke_Miller

[Wayne]

This may be off base, but you did not stipulate "digital:"  it may be a great opportunity to give color film a try...or retry. Good M film cameras can be had for fairly decent prices and are, generally, not to hard to sell if you decide they are not your cup of tea. Aside from the wait associated with film processing, the results can be enjoyed in the same way as a digital file, as you will normally receive a digital file containing a scan of the film negative.

 

I own a MM1, and always have some variant of a film M in tow when I use it. The fact is, use of the film Ms, and Barnacks, has pulled me further and further away from digital. It is more like the MM1 is in tow.......................I was not, in any respect, a film crusader before this transition started.

 

I also own an M-D. Once I got used to the fact that there is no real manipulation normally associated with digital capture, it started to dawn, and grow on me, simplicity can be an enjoyable blessing. If you have not already done so, and have the opportunity, give the M-D a try.

 

One of the greatest things about the film Leicas is the fact that, especially as a second camera, it is just a matter of putting the thing in your bag and forgetting it until the situation arises when you need it. No need for concern about battery drain or carrying around extra batteries. Heck, you can even put it under the seat of your car; as long as the lens cap is in place, there is virtually nothing to worry about. I have a fairly worn, but fully functional  M5 in the car right now. It lives there.  I think I paid $400.00 for it.

Edited May 24, 2017 by Wayne

[James S]

Wayne, well spotted - I didn't stipulate digital! (but badly spotted, I did point out I do already have an M6 (TTL) to put some film through) and that I suppose is what I should do. After all £3k+ is an awful lot of developing and scanning (even at the current prices). Oh - and I do have to worry about battery drain - I keep forgetting to put the shutter to B to turn off the meter!

[taosantamonica]

I carry a SL along with my MM1.  For me it's a good combination with the ease of use and the evf of the SL and when i see the light, form or texture of the B/W thought process......and the ability to use M lenses on both.  i would prefer the M10 over the M240 if a rangefinder was the direction i wanted to go and didn't want video. I gave my M240P to a cousin since I got the SL and I don't miss it. I still have my M9P (with replaced sensor) and use that instead of the SL occasionally too. 

I'll look closely at it if a M10M comes along. 

Edited May 26, 2017 by taosantamonica

[Bill Livingston]

When I am shooting for clients I will often use two Nikon bodies with different lenses to avoid lens changes (and missed shots). It is important the two bodies have identical controls so I don't have to remember which one is in my hand. With my personal (Leica) photography should I choose to carry a B&W and color body at the same time I think I would also want the same control layout for the same reason.  So in my case I would pair my M-240 with my M-246.  Now if I were to carry a single body the choice of which color body to take becomes wide open.  The one thing I would not do is try to use my Leica wide angle glass glass on a third party body.  So should I go with a Sony A7 or A9 I would put Sony (or Zeiss) E-Mount glass on it.

 

 

I was going to answer this question and then saw Luke's answer.

 

Exactly the same as I was going to write.

 

I used to use two film bodies years ago, sometimes with B&W in one and Colour in the other... often B&W in both...  fitted with different lenses obviously... for all the same reasons Luke has already mentioned.

 

The idea of having even slightly different cameras to use as a pair is beyond my comprehension... you must be able to move from camera to camera with everything falling to place and controlled in precisely the same way... 

 

Which is why I am holding onto my M240P and waiting for the M10-P when its released and then hoping for an additional M camera with a built in EVF of a similar (or above) standard to the SL (to use with wider than 24 and fast 75mm+) but with precisely the layout of an M10.

 

Otherwise I'm keeping the M240P... because the above scenario is the only upgrade worthwhile for me...

[fotografr]

A lightweight, easy to carry solution for those times when you want color might be the D Lux 109. The image quality is surprisingly good.

[jonnyboy]

Ricoh GR and Monochrom is my perfect combo for travel!

[James S]

Thanks for the thoughts and comments. As I have now have the monochrom, I have decided to upgrade my M6 to colour by getting some Portra 160 to replace the HP5! Now, do I spend some of the money I saved to get a nice shiny (well, black) 24mm? (I think I already know the answer to that one!)

[a.noctilux]

Great decision.

Almost free also.

And beside that Portra, you can "return home to b&w" by putting HP5 in if needed.

[Mute-on]

Try Ektar for a bit of a colour explosion. Contrasts wonderfully with Portra

[harmen]

Remember to take the yellow filter off your lens when you put portra into your M6 ;-)

[Pjay]

If I'm carrying the Ona Prince bag, the M10 is along for the ride, otherwise it's my trusty X100T, a real Fujifilm gem ;>)

[ibramr]

I find the M9 to be a very efficient companion to the M9M--identical in everything, but the sensors. Together, they provide an excellent and very enjoyable experience. The move to digital is now complete, and I do not envisage myself going back to film or to the M6 that I liked, then, very much.

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[Robinyuill]

Hi there. I have Monochrom and lucky enough to have M7 for 2nd camera but I've found an X Vario for the "Kodak moment" useful when I'm out needing colour or family snaps.