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So tell this old film guy why I should get a Typ 262 instead of a Typ 240


abrewer

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As an "old" film guy you are better off having the option of live view and the visible X when needed. Unless your longest lens is a 50.

The 262 is a more handsome body but the 240 is the more complete body. Image quality wise they are virtually the same.

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I got the 262.  I didn't care about video and could do without live view as I only have a 75mm lens for the M.  I don't feel a 75mm lens requires live view.  I use a Q when I want wider angles and a Canon 7D with a 70-200 zoom when I feel the need for something longer.  I'm happy with my choice.

Edited by marchyman
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I took M262 as well as an addition to my Q which got me hooked.

 

I found a refurb deal and figured live view would derail me from using the rangefinder. I still struggle with the exposure but its getting better the more i shoot and it can easily be fixed in raw.

 

Only thing I find annoying is that I get lot of dust onto the sensor (I switch between 35, 50 and 90 summicrons) and that the on off switch has that third setting for continues which I could do without.

 

Not missing video or live view at all. I would see what kind of deal you can find, if you want new, 262 with 50mm 2.4 lense comes as a discounted package in the US, otherwise I recommend the M10. Viewfinder will make a difference, especially if you wear glasses. i cant use wider than 35 on the 262

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The M262 has the most silent shutter of all M’s. But you have to pay that with the non-possibility of using R lenses which I find in my case, owning an M10 now, a serious extra value which I did not anticipate on, but am very happy with now. These M’s aren’t cheap at all, so a bit of versatility for future options that you’re not thinking of at this moment is welcome. Since the M10 came out, I found it a pity to spend my money on an M262 with that beautiful and seductive silent shutter. The M10 comes next in shutter silence and has a better rangefinder too

Edited by otto.f
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Actually, the clunky shutter sound is one of the things that I really dislike about my M 262.

 

In comparison, any film Leica has a *much* smoother (less vibration!) and quieter shutter. The 262 is noiser than my old Canon 5DIII, while modern mirrorless u4/3 cameras have both a quieter mechanical shutter and the option for a completely silent e-shutter.

 

If I was buying now, I would look at the M10 for the better VF and the option for live-view when needed (for me, trying to compose accurately with wide-angle lenses). The only significant downside other than cost is the shorter battery life.

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I found that I do need the live view and the digital spirit level for my landscape photography and also for my 0.5m Voigtländer 35mm close focusing, so I'm glad I have an M 240. Those features are very useful to me.

 

I'm not sure if they are for you?

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I think the first question you must ask is: Do I want to replicated the film experience? If yes you have narrowed your choices. If no you have to ask video/live view or not? Go to your dealer - look and hold the different cameras. You will know when its correct.

Edited by jeffz
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For me, since I use M-D (typ 262), that one is my most "film-experience-like".

At first use I missed sometimes the lack of screen to view what was "taken", but it proved with some confidence with time that the M-D was liberating.

 

And that ISO at back is "genious/quick to change and check".

 

This is not a logic choice, and I was first skeptic with M-D use, but now I love this one more than my other digital Ms (10/240/262).

I thought that with M(240/262) with LCD screen black-taped, it may be the same as M-D, but that was not true.

 

I understand well that M-D is not for every one ;).

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Actually, the clunky shutter sound is one of the things that I really dislike about my M 262.

 

In comparison, any film Leica has a *much* smoother (less vibration!) and quieter shutter. The 262 is noiser than my old Canon 5DIII, while modern mirrorless u4/3 cameras have both a quieter mechanical shutter and the option for a completely silent e-shutter.

 

If I was buying now, I would look at the M10 for the better VF and the option for live-view when needed (for me, trying to compose accurately with wide-angle lenses). The only significant downside other than cost is the shorter battery life.

Is the shutter vibration after it opens or after it closes?
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If you are coming from film, you may want to consider the MD-262. My experience is with film, followed by the M8, M9p, MM1, MD-262, and now, the M10. I love them all for different reasons. I suppose the M10 is the most capable of the digital Ms, but for sheer joy of use, it is not at the top of my list.

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Perhaps a bit of patience and an M10 would be the best solution.  Best M digital to date, I would say.

 

The 262 is nice for its weight, kind of like the light weight Colt 1911 Commander vs. the full-weight/size 1911.  The price is attractive as well.

The 240 brings video and live view, two very useful tools.

The M-D is a different beast, keeping you focused on the moment with no previews, post-views, or auto ISO, perhaps the best "film photographers" digital M.

 

Still, an M10 will defer the next upgrade question for a couple of years at least.

 

Eric

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I have a pair of 240's, both pre-used (demo and certified). Cost for both was slightly more than a new 262 would have cost at the time.   I presumed I would never use video or EVF, but both are unobtrusive thus ignorable.  I thought I would really miss the frameline selector, but quickly forgot about it and now I wouldn't consider it a dealmaker.  I had enough of those go wonky on me with film bodies that to me, it's "just one more thing that can go wrong".   

 

As it turned out, I have indeed never used video; however I picked up a couple Olympus EVF's and various adapters and have enjoyed using non-rfdr lenses enough that I consider it value-added.  Plus the EVF substitutes the several B/L finders I used to carry and swap.  Again, value added. 

Edited by bocaburger
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Well, I answered out of topic (with M-D ;) ).

 

Here, as user of M240 and M262 (before M-D period), to return to topic.

 

If I must keep only one, or begin from zero...

I would choose M (typ 240) or M-P (typ 240) because this is full-featured M with some bonus.

 

Those features that I don't need can be ignored: video, LV, etc.

If buy second hand, they are bargain now.

 

Battery life is fine when I don't use LV or EVF.

 

The 80g difference from M262 is nothing to care about.

I don't hear much difference of shutter noise M240/M262 neither.

Edited by a.noctilux
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The M-P 240 is a very good camera with more features than most people need. In addition it is discreet, with no red dot.

 

@a.noctilux: makes a good point that 240s are a bargain. Since the M10's release prices have dropped significantly.

 

As a film user for most of my life I fell in love with the M-P 240 after a brief flirt with an M 240.

 

Good luck with making your decision.

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Is the shutter vibration after it opens or after it closes?

It is a bit of both, which you can feel by using the bulb setting. The cloth shutters in the film M’s that I have used are much nicer in this respect - although they only go to 1/1000th and are distinctly more flamable...

 

There is a fairly detailed user review of the M 262 on my blog, coming from the perspective of an M7 shooter. I am stIll somewhat sceptical about the digital M cameras, although the M10 does appear to address many of the points I raise about the M 262.

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To answer your question: The M262 styling with the dropped shoulder, is much closer to a film M body than the 240.

Honestly, thats the main difference. I personally prefer the M240 because it give me the option of adding an EVF when needed. An incredibly useful tool for wides and teles. For me a second hand 240/p is the best value digital M at the moment.

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The M-240 has enough differences to push in its favor over the M-262.

 

You’ll read stories about people wanting the P version which is perfectly fine but do not foe one minute think that the red dot removes discreetness. That’s mostly hogwash as you have to be right on top of someone to see the red dot anyway. It draws no more attention to the camera that the person using it does.

 

If you buy the M-262 you’ll wish you bought the M-240.

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