M246 or M10? Help please 🙏

[sergiomarried]

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Hello,

I’m in a situation of considering buying (same price) a used M246 or M10, both in great condition. I have had the MP240 in the past and found the sensor a bit limiting in certain situations. Ended up selling and keeping my always outstanding Q. I’m a huge B&W lover, I’d say that easily 75% of what I make is always converted to B&W... Mu current analysis goes a bit like this:

M246

Pros: Battery, best possible B&W?

Cons: Never was a fan of body thickness
 

Do you find ISO equivalent to M10 more or less? 

M10

Pros: slim body, vf improved, ISO, controls  layout, dynamic range...

Cons: Battery life

For those who have tried both cameras would love to know your thoughts. 
 

Thanks a lot!

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[a.noctilux]

Hello Sergio,

I use the two types along for some times now.

As lover of Leica M, I can't help you for your choice, but the best way to know is buy one then decide by yourself if the other M

may be "better buy or not".

In real life use, the thickness of the M246 don't bother me, maybe you would accept the thing while in use (or not).

Battery life of M10 can be cured by simply having second one (or more) in my pocket.

My best advice is take one ( M10 or M246), use it then you will know.

Don't forget that Monochrom will get scarser with time, while M10 will be available in sh for much longer.

😉

I'd begin with M246 ...

[sergiomarried]

Thanks for your reply. Since you’ve used both, what conclusions could you share about high ISO (1600 and above) comparison among them? Does M246 behave as horribly as M240 in the shadows with banding and all that? It was hard for me to be honest...

[convexferret]

I have both. The M10 is nicer to use, faster, thinner etc. I just like it better.

The M10 has better overall dynamic range at base ISO and better highlight recovery (not great but the M246 has none)

The M246 has lower noise at any specific ISO

The M246 shows better detail at higher ISOs

The M246 has a longer-lasting battery

Both start to show banding in the shadows at the same ISO (~12,800) and so for me both have the same max usable ISO (10,000)

Both are great cameras.

Edited July 21, 2020 by convexferret

[a.noctilux]

33 minutes ago, sergiomarried said:

Thanks for your reply. Since you’ve used both, what conclusions could you share about high ISO (1600 and above) comparison among them? Does M246 behave as horribly as M240 in the shadows with banding and all that? It was hard for me to be honest...

I had never used above 3200 ISO as real world use (above only for trying out as "tests"), I can't depart one from other in files's quality.

As side note, I think it's normal as they have mainly same sensor.

The good thing with Monochrom is when I use one is the B&W mindset (no way with color sensor).

I fancy to use some colored filters as good old day of b&w film, so picture creation on the go opposed to post process.

 

M10 is a good step from M240 in handling and VF and better Visoflex.

As picture results, either one must give nice files and not limiting factor in my modest amateur use.

[sergiomarried]

It’s done, I’ve decided to go for the M10. Thanks for your support gentlemen, now it’s time to think about lens 😄

[a.noctilux]

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If you don't have a lens, Summarit-M lens family f/2.5 or f/2.4 can be good to begin with.

This one  is my favorite, maybe this 50mm if you are fifty guy, or why not 75mm ?

35/50/75 one or two in those depending on your type of photos.

That what I'd choose for my M10, if I don't have what I use now (Noctilux/Summilux/Summicron/etc.).

Later on you can buy more expensive lenses (for me not necessary "better" 😉).

[sergiomarried]

Regarding lenses, and considering I’ll be using the M10 along my Q, I’m very likely going for a 50mm. It has to be at least f2 or faster... Ideally 50 Summilux Asph. At a certain point I’ll see if it makes sense keeping the Q... soooo difficult to get rid of this excellent versatile tool. I tried the 35mm summarit 2.5 and although liked the image quality didn’t love the handling, small narrow focus tab and annoying hood... Anyway, 50mm will most likely the focal length at least for the remaining of the year

[Herr Barnack]

As for 50mm lenses, the f/2 Summicron is a fantastic lens - all one would really ever need.  But:  If the f/1.4 Summilux is within reach money wise, get it and don't look back.

The Q2 and the M10 with a 50mm would be an outstanding pair.  I have found that 90% of my shooting is done with a 28mm and/or a 50mm.  Those two focal lengths can cover a lot of photographic subject matter.

I would urge you to keep your Q2 - it is a world class imaging tool.  I can't imagine that if you were to sell/trade it, you wouldn't regret doing so before long.

[sergiomarried]

On 7/27/2020 at 3:45 AM, Herr Barnack said:

As for 50mm lenses, the f/2 Summicron is a fantastic lens - all one would really ever need.  But:  If the f/1.4 Summilux is within reach money wise, get it and don't look back.

The Q2 and the M10 with a 50mm would be an outstanding pair.  I have found that 90% of my shooting is done with a 28mm and/or a 50mm.  Those two focal lengths can cover a lot of photographic subject matter.

I would urge you to keep your Q2 - it is a world class imaging tool.  I can't imagine that if you were to sell/trade it, you wouldn't regret doing so before long.

Thanks a lot for sharing your thoughts. I’m definitely keeping for the time being my Q (not Q2) and the idea will be to combine it with a 50 Lux Asph as soon as my personal economy allows...  Need to cash out some gear before, but I’m not into any hurry... Learning to be patient