M 240, MP 240, M 262.. which one as first M?

[simonCL]

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Hi all, apologies in advance for the wall of text!

Im currently use a Leica CL and I absolutely love the camera, but I’m interested now in an M Rangefinder system. 
 

I would love to get some honest opinions and advice from those who use these systems :) 

I’m interested in the M 240, as An entry into the M system. I’d love an M10 but it’s just out of my price range for an entry camera.  I’ve been searching for a mint one for about 8 months now and I constantly see MP 240’s and they seem to be more common then M 240’s. 
 

I have a couple questions:

1. Is there that big of a difference from the m10 to the m240 besides ISO, and a better buffer? Is the image quality at the end result life changing?

2. I like that the M240 can brass up, and If I do get a system I’d like to keep it forever and make it mine, so brassing is a bonus. Does the MP240 paint or coating rub away and reveal brass? 
 

3. What is the main difference between the M240 and MP240, besides the loss of the Red Leica badge and having the branding on the top plate? Is it worth the upgrade to the MP240?

4. Are there any gripes or issues you have with your system that I should be aware about? And should I be worried going for an older used M 240/MP240?

Lastly, is there any advice you can provide in regard to what to look for when looking at a used M240 besides shutter count, sensor maintenance and or physical damage?

Any and all advice will be greatly appreciated :)

 

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[Steve Ricoh]

2. Yes if it’s black paint. (Keeping it forever? Yes, but some part of the electronics may become obsolete resulting in the camera being U/S, eg the sensor, as has happened to the M9. Forever in electronics maybe ~10 to 15 years, and already the M240 / MP240 is well into the life cycle.)

3. Gorilla glass lcd and bigger buffer.

4. If I was searching for a used M or MP240, overall condition would be a good indicator of the care given by the previous owner(s).

[darylgo]

The MP240 is worth the difference, it feels smoother and the buffer is significant. I’ve owned the M240 since it’s release and I continue to use it interchangeably with an M10P.  The image quality of the 240 continues to be exceptional and is only surpassed by the newer models in subtle ways. The M10 evf is easier to use with less buttons and more software choices but the older evf is fine on the 240.  I hear many complaints about both evf but I find them fine for what they are, never as clear and bright as the beautiful rangefinder, their capabilities compliment the limitations of the rangefinder well.  A big plus for the 240 is the multifunction grip, adding capability that isn’t available on the M10.  I don’t use the app on any of my cameras, it’s buggy and rather a painful way to use a largely analog camera with a digital sensor. 

[Good To Be Retired]

I've owned a silver MP and a black M.  The black one is going to brass if you actually us it.  May brass if you just carry it in a case

In my personal use, I couldn't tell 10 cents worth of difference between them in terms of function.  Buffer size and frame line levers were of no consequence to my personal photography.  If the absence of Gorilla Glass is an issue, purchase a screen protector.  I loath the 240's tacked on antiquated EVF.  

Not having much occasion to use live view, I could live with a 262 just fine.  For me, the absence of video in a still camera would go entirely unnoticed and certainly unlamented.  If you like brassing the aluminum top plate would be a deal killer.

I have, thus far, resisted upgrading to an M10.  Granted, it has several obvious improvements, just not enough to make me open my wallet.  An M10R, however, is a potential candidate after the first of the year.

I personally find that the MP, without the red dot, is more attractive.  I also like the script.

I would suggest you select which ever is available, in the best condition, and offered at the best price from a reputable dealer with a liberal return policy.  In my experience, external cosmetics doesn't necessarily provide a definitive indicator of internal condition or previous user care, but that's how the smart money is going to bet

I'm rather inclined to suspect you won't be disappointed regardless.

 

 

Edited September 30, 2020 by Good To Be Retired

[Guest]

Because i knew i did not want live view or EVF capability the m262 was perfect for me.

 

[david strachan]

The MP240 has sapphire glass lcd, not gorilla glass. Sapphire is a far superior product. The lcd is the first of my digital cameras to be totally scratch proof (hardness 9 on Mohrs Hardness Scale, diamond is 10, talc is 1, fingernail 2.5, quartz 7).  Many cameras suffer from micro scratches, which are hard to see unless looking at reflected light...but not the sapphire glass.

...

Edited October 1, 2020 by david strachan

[simonCL]

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Thanks for the responses! I’ve opened my eyes now towards an MP 240 And not just on the M240. 
 

Just to confirm? The MP 240 has a brass top and bottom plate as well? And can the Silver M240 and Silver MP240 brass up? (Obviously would take longer)

I’m also in Australia, so finding one available in my state during Covid has been a pain. 
 

And when those that mention EVF, do you mean the attachable View Finder? Or the actual Viewfinder that is the rangefinder window? 

[david strachan]

Hi Simon

It can be a problem buying Leica in Australia, particularly if you want second hand.  Our population is just too small to support a wide range of gear.  

I bought my M-P typ240 new, in silver chrome because it was there and now..I'm not so fussed with silver chrome or black nowadays.

My fav camera shop is in Adelaide's Central Market...the city's oldest camera shop (Camera House).

...

 

[cboy]

So many used m10 around fleabay and gumtree. If you wait around you can snag a bargain...

[darylgo]

2 hours ago, simonCL said:

And when those that mention EVF, do you mean the attachable View Finder? Or the actual Viewfinder that is the rangefinder window? 

The attachable viewfinder. Normally bought as an accessory, for the M240 and M240P can be found as either Leica or Olympus branded, they’re the same, made by Olympus.  

[Good To Be Retired]

4 hours ago, darylgo said:

The attachable viewfinder. Normally bought as an accessory, for the M240 and M240P can be found as either Leica or Olympus branded, they’re the same, made by Olympus.  

I seem to recall reading they were developed by Epson FOR Olympus.  Don't know if that's accurate or not.

In any case, as you say certainly not by Leica.

Edited October 7, 2020 by Good To Be Retired

[jdlaing]

It’s accurate.

[darylgo]

7 minutes ago, Good To Be Retired said:

I seem to recall reading they were developed by Epson FOR Olympus.  Don't know if that's accurate or not.

In any case, as you say certainly not by Leica.

Yes, Epson, thank you.  

To the OP:  with the M240 or variant, if using live view on a tripod if the shutter speed falls within the 1/4-1/15 second range the images may blur similar to mirror slap in an slr.   The M10p is improved within that range of shutter speeds but I take the camera out of live view before taking the shot with either.