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SL monochrome?

helged

By helged
in Leica SL System

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helged

helged

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Posted (edited)

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Many will remember the release of the first M monochrome in May 2012. A surprise for many, a market failure claimed by quite some, but with relative high sale numbers (for Leica). I think I had a body on order at my local dealer for more than 1 year before I got one in-house... Later, in Mey 2012, M246 (aka Das Wesentliche) was released as a continuation of the M240. And a M10-mono may come.

Are we in for a mono-SL-surprise? A transitional version of the SL-601 before a higher-res and otherwise upgraded (colour) sensor to be announced later this year or in 2019? Or will Leica go directly to an upgraded higher-res colour sensor version - limiting mono-sensors to the M?

Any interest for a monochrome SL among existing/potentially new SL-users?

Personally, I look forward to an upgraded colour incarnation of the SL...

But, if a monochrome SL version is made, I imagine some would consider to sell the SL-601, get the SL-mono, and let e.g. the CL be the main colour system until the release of SL2-colour. If so, this would imply more used SL-bodies on the market, and presumably additional SL-users. So a SL-mono may actually expand the SL-community, a move that should be in Leica's interest.

Edited by helged
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scott kirkpatrick

scott kirkpatrick

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I wouldn't be the customer for an ML-601 mono version, or perhaps it would be called an SL-M.  I spent some years working in Tri-X with Rodinal, but the world doesn't look like that any more.  For a while I would reduce digital shots to black and white when I thought the color didn't add or was distracting, but I have never found that path successful, even with the extra flexibility available in post processing.  I think the reason is that saving a weak shot by turning it into B/W still leaves you with a weakly conceived picture, and success requires seeing in B/W before making the shot.  There are people who see things that way, not so few of them, and they have bought the MMs.  I suspect that cast of mind (and eye) would not be particularly excited by the advantages that the SL platform provides.  But that's just my opinion. 

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Fedro

Fedro

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Just my 2 cents .. I don't think they will. The SL seems to have been conceived as a modern, broad and flexible system, vs specialised or nostalgic, but then again, you never know

 

Personally I use it as complementary to the M246, and will look forward to an upgraded SL2 in colour

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duoenboge

duoenboge

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An another huge body only for b&w?  I´m not sure.

The 246 is imo the best solution for monochrom we can purchase in this days. To shot with it give really pure pleasure.

It is  wonderfully reminiscence of the good old analog times but it offer at once the awesome digital quality of today + the compact M lenses + the M feeling. Magic :)

I think the next SL as the flag ship of the Leica line have to come as colour camera with significant more pixels. This would increase the number of SL users.

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mmradman

mmradman

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Everything is possible. I am happy M246 and SL601 user, I already find SL monochrome conversions wonderful where versitality of SL’s EVF with long or any other lenses have advantage over M.

 

Until Leica comes with significantly improved megapixel camera existing full frame ones don’t need upgrade.

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rpittal

rpittal

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I had wanted an SL mono for quite some time, but then had my primary lenses calibrated with my M246 by DAG and now really enjoy the mono rangefinder experience (without the EVF); currently I do not feel the loss of a great EVF/SL mono.

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Irakly Shanidze

Irakly Shanidze

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SL project was conceived as a professional system. I have yet to meet a pro who would limit himself to a monochrome body in 2018. So, considering the target audience, it would be somewhat reckless for Leica to invest in something as extravagant as SL-mono :)

 

I mean, the SL has been Leica's attempt to break into the professional 35mm market. They are trying hard and will not want to risk it. If Leica marketing people are not demented, I see the next camera with a higher megapixel count (to satisfy megapixel-thursty segment) and even better video features. I believe strongly that improved video capabilities is the only way to justify the system price at this point.

Edited by Irakly Shanidze
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Linford

Linford

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I have owned both the (M9) Monochrom  and the M246 Monochrom. I preferred the images on the M9 version to those of the M246, but the opposite was the case for the interface. I use the 246 quite regularly and would probably entertain an M10 Monochrom. However, I do not think I would be at all interested in an SL-Mono offering. I already shoot the SL in JPG-monochrome. I would rather they focus resources on developing the SL2. JMHO. Cheers--lt

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hkgmatt

hkgmatt

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I have an MM1 and would probably be tempted by an M10 Monochrom (and for other reasons, an S Monochrom) but would not consider an SL Monochrom. For my purposes, the versatility of the SL which I love for its speed and lenses would add nothing to my black and white photography.

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thighslapper

thighslapper

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Let's face it ...... I doubt the image quality from a monochrom SL is going to be much different from a B&W SL conversion. 

 

When I tested the M9M, M261 versus M240 B&W conversion the differences only became apparent at higher iso (which for them was 3200 and up) ...... and when printed even at A3 the on screen differences became even less. 

 

The main difference with a fixed B&W camera is that it forces you to think and compose in a completely different way ALL the time, rather than just some of it. 

 

I spotted this last week as a potential B&W image on the CL ....... I doubt if it would have been any better with the M9M, MM or SLM ..... https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/279062-leica-cl-the-image-thread/page-53?do=findComment&comment=3483117

 

....... and without an electronic shutter this would have been impossible ....

Edited by thighslapper
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lx1713

lx1713

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Leica has its special editions for their M and Q ranges so why not special editions for their pro line? A Nikon D5 or the Canon 1DXII are pretty much niche in that most people wouldn't need their stand out features which is exceptional AF, high ISO performance and robustness. Those who need that extra edge won't quibble.

 

I think likewise the SL range can easily have short run special performance cameras that only need to be profitable in small quantities. Monochrome, extreme high ISO, 8K cine bodies, etc Things that might not change the body configuration excessively. Special pro editions that emphasise professional performance rather than aesthetics. I wouldn't mind an SL whose sensor is tuned at base 400 to 100,000 or an 4K Cine version that does Cine RAW (hope I got that right).

Edited by lx1713
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