mp240 Between M-P 240 and M 262 in 2022?

[ThanosPal]

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Hi dear members, I am thinking about moving to one of the above options. Their price is identical at this point on the European market I am. 
apart from that, what would you suggest? Is there any extensive article on the colors of the cheap-entry level M262? Looking forward to the future which machine has more probabilities living longer from the spare part availability point of view? Is there anything I need to consider in particular? Any point of view is welcome. Thank you in advance.

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[a.noctilux]

They share mostly same parts, so same parts availabilities.

I use M262 and M240 along other M for many years, the outputs are mostly the same if same lens is used.

If you need liveview, video, the M262 doesn't have them.

M262 is lighter.

M-P 240 has 2GB buffer if you use often large continous mode.

[jaapv]

Let's quote a reviewer:

Quote

The Leica M-D (Typ 262) ($5,995) is the camera for photographers who wish that digital didn't happen. Its marquee features are omissions rather than additions: the M-D doesn't shoot JPGs, it doesn't have autofocus, it doesn't have menus, oh, and it doesn't have a rear LCD. If you love fast-shooting, autofocusing, 4K video recording cameras, look elsewhere—the M-D isn't for you. On the other hand, if you miss the feeling of loading a roll of Tri-X into an analog rangefinder like the Leica M-A ($5,284.95 at Amazon)(Opens in a new window) , but don't want to have to go back to dealing with darkrooms and labs, the M-D is right in your wheelhouse. Minus the need to advance the film after a shot, using it is a lot like using an M7(Opens in a new window) or MP(Opens in a new window), without the need to process and scan or print film.

PCMag.

[marchyman]

The M-D 262 and the M 262 are different cameras.   The initial question was regarding the M 262.

Given that the two mentioned camera were the same price I'd probably go with the M-P 240 over the M 262 because live view.  And it is a more common camera that might be easier to sell/trade in the future.  That said, I am very happy with my M 262 and haven't yet come to a situation where I thought "wish I had live view".  I also have no intention to sell/trade the camera.  That could, of course, change.

[Gregm61]

Either an M262 or MP240 will be equally good.

Need live view? Get the MP240

Don’t need live view and want a lighter body? M262 is the one.

The M262 is the only Leica M model I have purchased brand new. Had it 6 years now and it’ll be with me until it does die.

The one M240 variant I have since picked up is, a really nice M246 Monochrome. Fun, fun camera and make for a versatile setup.

[YaGo2]

Here there is a happy owner of a M262. Previously I had M240.

I sold the M240 because of the "open" port for the EVF in the back of the camera. I use to shoot even in bad weather conditions and I did not feel comfortable with such open port there. I also think it it is not as "beautiful" as their sisters MP240, M246, M262 or MD262. Obviously this is a perception and not a reason at all. I bought then a M10 and recently bought the M262 as second body. The main reasons are:

• I had no money for a M10D 😅
• It lacks of the "open port" for the EVF. If I need EVF or LV I have the M10.
• It is lighter
• The shutter is much more quiet
• Battery lasts more than the M240
• It is more beautiful from my point of view

I would say the MP is a good choice too, and in my opinion any camera of that generation will last for years as long as Leica supports the product.

Regards.

[mmradman]

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M240 series are excellent cameras with features lacking in later M10 and M11 models, 24Mp sensor if used within its light gathering limitations still does excellent job.  If you need more advanced camera than M240 series M is not it, nowadays there are multiple mirrorless camera makes that provide photographic enhancements unmatched until recently.

I have sold my M240 back in 2017 but after some wondering and looking for best camera repurchased M240P earlier this year, it complements my M246 well, if I need high ISO light is usually poor and colours are poor dedicated mono camera probably does better job than any M colour camera that came after M240.

For situations where AF, IBIS, Macro, telephoto, good flash, etc are needed no M steps up to the challenge and remain convenient, in those situation I use Z7 with native lenses. If you ask me what is my next M camera, I can’t see such camera being produced any time soon, M240 series does the job well.  Can’t comment on M262 sub-series as I never handled one.

[Tessar.]

If you're still deliberating, I sold my M240 and bought a 262 because of the weight saving.  I tend to carry the camera in my hand out on walks and the difference is noticable.  I don't miss live view on the 262, but I don't tend to shoot wider than 28mm.  I will get an M10 one day, but right now I'm happy using the M262.

[codocee]

No experience with the MP240 but I thought I’d share my experience. I purchased a used M10 last May for $4400 and found a one owner M262 with 300 shots on it in Aug for $2800. I had been looking for a 262 for quite some time. After debating which to keep, I felt the 262’s cost savings were justified in keeping it. Granted, there were enhancements on the M10 that made it a tough decision, but for example:

I taped the Delete and WB buttons on the rear to minimize unnecessary button clutter. The size of the body suits me well. Buffer is a bit slow but I’m not a continuous shooter. I just didn’t feel that the M10 was worth the additional cost to me, all things considered. The files and colors of the 262 are more than adequate for my needs.

 

What  probably helped sway my decision is the fact that when I went to pick up the camera the owner handed me the Leica bag with a Leica 50mm f/2.4 Summarit, a Leica SF40 flash unit, and a Leica half case. It is a complete Leica M262 Leica special sale kit they offered, all used once on a vacation by the original owner. I felt I owed it to myself to appreciate my luck and give it a proper home.

I since have sold the M10 at a $200 loss but all in all I couldn’t be happier.

In my opinion, the M262 is, and will continue to be a great piece of the Leica digital M evolution. I have a A7RIII for all my alt lens use and feel between the two systems, I have all the tools I need.

I think for the money, it’s still a bargain on the used market- YMMV

 

 

 

 

Go find one- Happy hunting!

Edited December 23, 2022 by codocee
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