Monitor Choice for M10-M

[Bcaldwell]

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Hello All,

A lifelong Leica rangefinder user beginning in the 1970s, I've just bought an M10-M. I spend most of my time traveling internationally and do most of my editing on a 13" MacBook Pro. With pandemic conditions keeping me solitary for a while, I'm thinking about buying a larger, inexpensive monitor, probably 24" and primarily for photo editing, that I won't mind leaving behind with a friend when I can resume my travels (hopefully not too far into 2021). I would welcome any suggestions, but also got thinking about whether there are any things about a monitor that might make it more suited to use with Monochrom files rather than color files. Again, I will likely be abandoning this monitor in the not too distant future, so I'm thinking as inexpensive as possible. 

BTW, for those keeping track, my M10-M is a "Leitz Wetzlar" edition, no. xxx5766 and the text on the back is not inked white. It was the only "pre-owned" M10-M I've seen for sale. I got it a few weeks ago from B&H. 9+ condition and I've no complaints. So far it's a great companion to my M10 and MP 240.

Thanks,

Bryan

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[Jeff S]

For critical editing for the purpose of making prints, I haven’t found a substitute for a high quality monitor.  Black and white tonality is every bit as important as color. The same evaluation characteristics apply: color gamut and accuracy, calibration capability and consistency, lighting evenness across screen, reflectivity and viewing angle, etc.  

For me, Eizo is tops, but very pricey.  NEC used to be a close performer and less expensive, but still not cheap.  I own one from 2009, but haven’t researched the recent iterations.  BenQ is a more economical recent alternative, but I have no personal experience with them and have read a few mixed reviews. The folks at Leica Miami speak highly about Asus (in their Red Dot Forum Camera Talk series), but again I have no experience.  You might give them a call.

If you’re editing on the run for screen viewing and not for serious printing, then you can relax your standards.  But you apparently didn’t do that by buying a dedicated $8k monochromatic camera (which can benefit greatly from PP adjustments). One generally gets what one pays for.

Jeff

[Bcaldwell]

Thanks, I can certainly appreciate the value of a good monitor. But at the moment I don't have a permanent location and need a monitor that I intend to use for a few months at the most. My life is 1-3 months in a single location and then I move on. I literally live out of a suitcase that does not have room for me to bring my own monitor. It's only the current conditions that are keeping me in one place and I'm taking advantage of the time to make some headway in photo editing. So I need the best of the worst, so to speak. When I put down roots somewhere, my needs will be different and I'll opt for something where price is a little less of an object. I don't mind paying for quality, but not for something where I will only have limited use. I don't expect exceptional quality for a low price, but I would like something better than the 13" screen of my MacBook.

Edited November 30, 2020 by Bcaldwell

[cboy]

Whatever display you choose colorimeter is a must and matching the printer profiles of the computer and printer such that gamut is the same. Especially so if you will be professionally printing externally doing proofs

All the best

 

[Jeff S]

BenQ has 24”-27” monitors in the $500-600 range. A search will also show places that sell (or rent) used monitors, but best to know and trust the company.  But shame to not take advantage of so much camera capability if you’re not printing.

Jeff

[mkur]

 

Just buy a non-gaming IPS panel from a decent brand like Asus or Acer. Preferably with a 1920 x 1200 resolution (16:10 screen ratio). Those vendors have (home)office monitor series that should fit your requirements.

[Bcaldwell]

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Thanks for the advice. Until I settle down in one place, I think I'll do exactly what you've suggested.