Swap M-D for M10-D or get a M246?

[poli]

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I don't often ask for this type of advise, but I am a bit in limbo.

Last week I visited the Leica store in Amsterdam and had a good look at the M10-D. I really liked it. There are definitely some improvements over my 'old' M-D. I don't care very much for the WIFI and app, but the slimmer build, superquiet shutter and slightly larger OVF are very nice. Apart from that, this camera will perform better in high ISO's and I believe the B&Ws are very good. I can swap my M-D for the new one and probably have to add another €4.000. I will lose the great battery life of my current M-D and part of me likes the simpler body of the M-D better.  

By chance another camera crossed my path. A 2nd hand monochrome m246 in pristine condition. The current owner will sell it for €4.000. I enjoy B&W photography a great deal and the camera interests me a lot. 

So I wonder what are your thoughts about this? Get a 2nd body next to the M-D dedicated for B&W. Be able to share batteries, same size, etc. Or sell the M-D and get the new M10-D so I will own one body (which might simplify things a bit)? Glad to hear thoughts about this. Thanks!

[Jeff S]

You can likely also find a clean MM (first version Monochrom with new sensor and warranty) for $3000-$3500.  I use one to complement an M10 for a different b/w experience.  Prints from both can be superb. All personal preference... all competent gear.

Jeff

[a.noctilux]

Paul,

I was in same "doubts" as you some time ago.

Wanted to trade my M-D + (plain) M10 for the new M10-D...as I use also Monochrom = live is (was) complicated 🤢.

 

🙃 But at last, I do keep them all as they are quite nice as they are, waiting for M10-D Monochrom (maybe it would come one day).

 

In your place, I would buy the Monochrom M246 (or CCD model for less money) and keep the M-D.

As side note, I bought the M-D after M10 and M-D became my favorite since then, use more than M10.

As I tell myself the M10-D is very desirable but it lacks monochrom feature 😇 to become irresistible .

 

[derleicaman]

I am testing an M10-D right now for LHSA Viewfinder. I really like it, however I would really miss my M10 for most work if it was my only camera. I love the thumb rest and the App works well. I have also been thinking of adding the P model. I have the original Monochrom in silver with an engraved top which Leica did for me by special request. I really love that camera, but since getting the M10, I have rarely used it. I would hate to sell it as the images are fantastic from it, but it is PITA to carry two types of bateries and chargers. I will probably sell the Monochrom and use the money to fund either the P or D.

 

[evikne]

As you mentioned yourself, an M10-D will have a slimmer body, a quieter shutter, better ISO performance and a slightly larger OVF than you have today. While an M-246 Monochrom will "only" give you black and white images. So I see more benefits with an M10-D.

But if you can wait for an M10 Monochrom, it will probably also inherit all the benefits from the M10-D, and this might be even more tempting!

Edited November 17, 2018 by evikne

[IkarusJohn]

If you want two M cameras, I can see real benefit in having the M-D & M246.  As you say, same batteries, and same feel to the camera. But ...

I have the Monochrom v1 (Henri), also in silver chrome as a special request, and I would never part with it.  The B&W images it produces are addictive.

[poli]

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Thnx for the advises! I read valid points and it helps. Cheers!

[papimuzo]

Hi Paul,

your analysis is complete and summarized all the way I too followed before trading my M-D262 for the M10-D, without any regret. But I must add that I have not another M 240 type (so no problem with diverse batteries and other addds) and doesn't practice B&W directly from camera. If LV needed, I own the CLs.

Anyway, only your feeling is valid. Enjoy any of your cameras 😋

[Chris]

Hi Paul, 

I was in the same boat as you a few weeks ago. I loved the concept of the M-D as a camera that doesn't distract the shooting process.
The new M10-D was a perfect fit for me as I'm a fan of post-processing on a smartphone / tablet.

After a bit of thinking I decided to reduce my camera gear. I'm in the process of selling a M240 and a M Monochrom (I). Later on I might sell my Q as well. All are beautiful cameras, but I also have Canon gear for work (wedding and event photography). As a result the Leica gear is for everything non-work-related. I didn't like to have to think about what camera to take on family trips. Reducing the gear from multiple digital rangefinders to one is a freeing thing (for now).

The newer M10 sensor adds a better image quality, the M10-P shutter is a revelation in terms of sound and the look and ergonomics of the camera is amazing. I actually even like the lever.

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[enboe]

I always recommend starting with an objective listing of the capabilities you need, and ones you may wish to add to your current set.

The M10-D provides the capabilities of the M-D plus adds the quiet shutter and option for the Visoflex 020 when you need it for critical focus or exposure.  The primary regret is battery life, but you should be able to get 300-500 shots out of a charge assuming you are not using the WiFi feature much.  Form factor is also important, and it is slimmer and lighter, although by small margins when comparing to a DSLR system.

The M246 provides dedicated B&W capture, with the enhanced sensitivity and dynamic range that is entailed by such a camera.  Does this matter to you?  You also get B&W movie at HD resolution if you want to experiment a bit.  The back screen provides live view for exposure and focus.

Both deals are adequate, but not steals.  Basically market rate, so there will be comparable or better deals available in the future.

Maybe you could go shoot a 1000 frames with your M-D and think about it again.

Eric

[WvE]

A vist to the Leica store or any other store with Leica's is potentially dangerous, so think well before spending 4K...

 

Edited November 23, 2018 by WvE