Hiking/backpacking with the m240

[cgar]

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Hi! Just wanted to get your inputs. I’ll be leaving for Kazakhstan and Kyrgyztan for a 2 week trip in June and am contemplating what camera to bring. I just got a second hand m240 with a 35 summilux and wanna take it with me but I’m quite new to the M system. I’ve had a Q for a few years so I’m quite used to auto focus. 
 

im wondering if you guys have travelled with the m240 alone and do you guys think I should take the Q or the m240? Taking both seems to be too heavy since I need to kind of travel light… 

 

what do you think? 😅

[espelt]

I would take the 240 with me. Possibly a 75 mm to 35 mm. However: I've been using the rangefinder and manual focusing for 20 years. Often enough only the M and a 35.
The excellent battery life speaks for the 240. With a second battery, there is little to worry about in the area and type of travel.
But if you're more comfortable with the Q, but prefer to be on the safe side when it comes to focusing, then this camera might be a better choice for you.

[LocalHero1953]

Backpacking? You mean walking for days? Just one camera then, for weight and bulk. I've done it with the M240, Apo-Summicron-M 75 and Elmarit-M 28 asph, both lenses known for their small size. Now, I'd just take the Q2, because it covers just about the same range, and is smaller and lighter. My back-up would be my iPhone, but in 50 years I've never needed a backup for reasons of camera failure. (Of course this will prompt a storm of opposing advice and stories of camera failure🫠)

[dpitt]

1 hour ago, LocalHero1953 said:

Backpacking? You mean walking for days? Just one camera then, for weight and bulk. I've done it with the M240, Apo-Summicron-M 75 and Elmarit-M 28 asph, both lenses known for their small size. Now, I'd just take the Q2, because it covers just about the same range, and is smaller and lighter. My back-up would be my iPhone, but in 50 years I've never needed a backup for reasons of camera failure. (Of course this will prompt a storm of opposing advice and stories of camera failure🫠)

This is the time to look for a very light compact backup. My iPhone 11 Pro is not it. With every shot I would regret not having better gear with me. One of the few that come to my mind is a nice X2 with EVF (you do not see much on the screen in bright sunlight) or even X1 or X2 with an optical VF. Most of the time I can hardly see the difference between my M8/M9 with Elmarit 35mm and this one. It only adds 400g to your backpack EVF included, and can be found around 500 € in used condition.

I would prefer the M240 with X2 over the Q2 with X2 if you bring a longer lens (50 or longer) too.

Edited April 26, 2023 by dpitt

[pippy]

If I were in your shoes I would spend the fortnight you have available trying-out the M240 to see how well you are matched. If you find that you can nail focus - and with a 35mm lens it really isn't too difficult - then that would be the camera to take. If for some reason you can't get the hang of the r/f experience then take the Q.

Whichever way it falls I trust you have an enjoyable trip, acquire some wonderful experiences and return with great photographs.

Philip.

[jankap]

1 hour ago, dpitt said:

This is the time to look for a very light compact backup. My iPhone 11 Pro is not it. With every shot I would regret not having better gear with me.

The small sensor ok, but otherwise: sharpness, focussing??? My iPhone X is an excellent backup, of course with Photoshop, TOPAZ, etc. as backups for the backup.

But I am a wide-angle fan. And what about selfies? An iPhone could even be useful as a shaving mirror. 

Edited April 26, 2023 by jankap

[dpitt]

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16 hours ago, jankap said:

The small sensor ok, but otherwise: sharpness, focussing??? My iPhone X is an excellent backup, of course with Photoshop, TOPAZ, etc. as backups for the backup.

But I am a wide-angle fan. And what about selfies? An iPhone could even be useful as a shaving mirror. 

Of course I would bring my iPhone too. But I just do not like using it, working with a screen (back display) to take a photo is the first thing I do not like. I want some kind of VF for my camera. Call me old school, but I like my iPhone to take selfies and quick shots, and for calling, messaging, internet, navigation,... but not for taking pictures that will matter and will get printed.

In case you wonder what I miss in the shots from my iPhone. I appreciate it most for color accurateness. It is not the lack of DOF play, not lack of resolution, but pictures look flat, artificial and there is no 3D pop at all in the images, and any of the subtle tones and micro contrast I see in pictures from the Leica M and the best Leica P&S.

This is not to bash the iPhone. It is what it is and can do many things Leica can never do.

Edited April 27, 2023 by dpitt

[pgk]

20 hours ago, cgar said:

I just got a second hand m240 with a 35 summilux and wanna take it with me but I’m quite new to the M system.

what do you think? 😅

I think that you need to bcome very used to using the M system before taking it on such a trip. As good as they are, they can also be very unforgiving and you need to be aware of their quirks before using them on anything important. You may well gel quickly with the M system but if you don't then you may not take the images you want from the trip.

[jaapv]

Exactly my thoughts. If you are unfamiliar with the M system you will have a high percentage of failed images in the beginning. There is a learning curve. Much as you like to use your new gear, I would advise to take the Q for best results.  Don't be too optimistic about battery recharging. Take at least two spare ones. 

[Ouroboros]

20 hours ago, cgar said:

Hi! Just wanted to get your inputs. I’ll be leaving for Kazakhstan and Kyrgyztan for a 2 week trip in June and am contemplating what camera to bring. I just got a second hand m240 with a 35 summilux and wanna take it with me but I’m quite new to the M system. I’ve had a Q for a few years so I’m quite used to auto focus. 
 

im wondering if you guys have travelled with the m240 alone and do you guys think I should take the Q or the m240? Taking both seems to be too heavy since I need to kind of travel light… 

 

what do you think? 😅

Assuming you are capable of manually focusing with a mechanical rangefinder and composing an image in an optical viewfinder before pressing the shutter release, hardly rocket science, there’s no reason not to take the M240 and 35mm summilux.  
 

Even better if you can add another lens or two before you leave (think 21mm or 75mm or both, for example).

You need to decide which camera you feel most comfortable with, no one else can tell you which it is.
 

 

[jaapv]

21 hours ago, cgar said:

’ve had a Q for a few years so I’m quite used to auto focus. 

 

24 minutes ago, Ouroboros said:

Assuming you are capable of manually focusing with a mechanical rangefinder and composing an image in an optical viewfinder before pressing the shutter release, hardly rocket science, there’s no reason not to take the M240 and 35mm summilux.  
 

Even better if you can add another lens or two before you leave (think 21mm or 75mm or both, for example).

You need to decide which camera you feel most comfortable with, no one else can tell you which it is.
 

 

Errrm...

[cgar]

Hi everyone thanks for your inputs!! 
 

I’ve been bringing the m240 around and I’m very optimistic about taking it with me. I love the photos! Since the trip is in about a month I think I may be going on some photo walks just to get used to the camera. I love my Q but I’m quite excited about my new gear 😄 the small size of the 35 with the 240 body is such a good size for travel compared to my Q. 

Im thinking of getting a wider lens to add to my lineup but maybe not a Leica (budget restraints 😅)
 

 

[cgar]

3 hours ago, Ouroboros said:

Assuming you are capable of manually focusing with a mechanical rangefinder and composing an image in an optical viewfinder before pressing the shutter release, hardly rocket science, there’s no reason not to take the M240 and 35mm summilux.  
 

Even better if you can add another lens or two before you leave (think 21mm or 75mm or both, for example).

You need to decide which camera you feel most comfortable with, no one else can tell you which it is.
 

 

Yes I’m leaning towards this! Looking for an good option for a non Leica wide Lens to add to the line up. 
 

[cgar]

4 hours ago, pgk said:

I think that you need to bcome very used to using the M system before taking it on such a trip. As good as they are, they can also be very unforgiving and you need to be aware of their quirks before using them on anything important. You may well gel quickly with the M system but if you don't then you may not take the images you want from the trip.

Agreed. I’ve been practicing shooting with the M and there are quirks I’m still figuring out. Will be taking it on some photo walks before my trip so I can feel it out 😄

[Theory033]

It partly depends on who you are with and what you plan to shoot. I am in Central Asia myself this week with a Leica CL (digital) and both the TL 23mm and 35mm primes. My wide angle is my Pixel 7 phone, and I greatly regret not bringing my M240 and Elmar 24mm as a wide instead. Other parts of my recent travel included family, and then I needed autofocus for a lot of people photos, so I didn't bring the M camera.

However, traveling solo this week, with plenty of time to compose and the daytime brightness here, zone focus at f/8 would have been easy. In Samarkand, the images from the 24mm on the M would have been stellar!

You have the original Q? Then 28mm wide is fine, and you can use the crop mode for 35mm. However, you might want something tighter for people and things. I would find a way to bring both the Q and the M240, but with a 50mm lens. I get that you already have the 35mm Summilux, but the 50mm Summarit f/2.5 is tiny, wonderfully sharp, and sells for a reasonable price -- you can even sell it when you get home and lose nothing. Just my thoughts.

[Ouroboros]

56 minutes ago, cgar said:

Yes I’m leaning towards this! Looking for an good option for a non Leica wide Lens to add to the line up. 
 

As you already have a 35mm, anything wider than a 28mm on your M240 will need an external finder. 
 

Consider your options carefully, depending on what you like to photograph you might find 35mm is wide enough.  I’m currently travelling in India (7 weeks into the journey) and have an M10-R and 28 & 50mm summicrons with me.  The first two weeks were spent trekking to Annapurna Base Camp in Nepal and the rest of the time we’ve travelled to various places in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh in the North of India, tomorrow we’re going to Gangtok in Sikkim.

I’ve photographed landscapes, street, portraits and architecture whilst travelling and I’ve not needed anything wider than the 28mm.  

There have been a couple of occasions when I could have used a 75 or 90mm summicron, but chose to leave both at home due to weight and altitude considerations on the Annapurna trek. For 90% of the time, my 50mm summicron is long enough.

If you’re absolutely certain you’re going to need a wider angle lens than your 35mm, the obvious non Leica choice are the Voigtlander 28mm and 21mm options.  
 

Don’t rule out a longer lens, though.  The new Voigtlander 75mm f1.9 looks like a good choice for travel and would pair nicely with your 35mm.  
 

See if you can demo a couple of options before parting with your cash.

 

 

[cgar]

18 minutes ago, Ouroboros said:

As you already have a 35mm, anything wider than a 28mm on your M240 will need an external finder. 
 

Consider your options carefully, depending on what you like to photograph you might find 35mm is wide enough.  I’m currently travelling in India (7 weeks into the journey) and have an M10-R and 28 & 50mm summicrons with me.  The first two weeks were spent trekking to Annapurna Base Camp in Nepal and the rest of the time we’ve travelled to various places in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh in the North of India, tomorrow we’re going to Gangtok in Sikkim.

I’ve photographed landscapes, street, portraits and architecture whilst travelling and I’ve not needed anything wider than the 28mm.  

There have been a couple of occasions when I could have used a 75 or 90mm summicron, but chose to leave both at home due to weight and altitude considerations on the Annapurna trek. For 90% of the time, my 50mm summicron is long enough.

If you’re absolutely certain you’re going to need a wider angle lens than your 35mm, the obvious non Leica choice are the Voigtlander 28mm and 21mm options.  
 

Don’t rule out a longer lens, though.  The new Voigtlander 75mm f1.9 looks like a good choice for travel and would pair nicely with your 35mm.  
 

See if you can demo a couple of options before parting with your cash.

 

 

Since your travelling with your m10r and 2 lenses can I ask what bag you’re using? 7 weeks is quite a journey! My trip to Central Asia is only 2 weeks but I am now considering of just taking both the Q and the m240 with a 50mm as suggested by @Theory033 because yes, I can crop the Q to a 35 when needed. I’ll test out the weight of both tomorrow if I can handle it. 
 

@Theory033 curious what bag you’re using tk travel around Central Asia as well?  

 

[cgar]

1 hour ago, Theory033 said:

It partly depends on who you are with and what you plan to shoot. I am in Central Asia myself this week with a Leica CL (digital) and both the TL 23mm and 35mm primes. My wide angle is my Pixel 7 phone, and I greatly regret not bringing my M240 and Elmar 24mm as a wide instead. Other parts of my recent travel included family, and then I needed autofocus for a lot of people photos, so I didn't bring the M camera.

However, traveling solo this week, with plenty of time to compose and the daytime brightness here, zone focus at f/8 would have been easy. In Samarkand, the images from the 24mm on the M would have been stellar!

You have the original Q? Then 28mm wide is fine, and you can use the crop mode for 35mm. However, you might want something tighter for people and things. I would find a way to bring both the Q and the M240, but with a 50mm lens. I get that you already have the 35mm Summilux, but the 50mm Summarit f/2.5 is tiny, wonderfully sharp, and sells for a reasonable price -- you can even sell it when you get home and lose nothing. Just my thoughts.

Yes, the original Q. I love it but I was thinking just taking the Q would be limiting as it is quite wide but ok to crop at 35. If I can manage to carry the weight of both cameras I may bring both! My travel is only 2 weeks but I want to make sure that I don’t miss any shots. I’ve never travelled with 2 cameras before, so I also worry about carrying them around. Can I ask your experience in Central Asia and photography? I’ll be staying a few days in yurts and then some horse riding so mostly around nature. 
 

Thank you for your input! 

[fotomas]

vor einer Stunde schrieb Ouroboros:

As you already have a 35mm, anything wider than a 28mm on your M240 will need an external finder. 

I used these external range finders with my analog cameras. But since I have the M 240 I mostly use the Live View for this. Works for me.

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[Ouroboros]

43 minutes ago, cgar said:

Since your travelling with your m10r and 2 lenses can I ask what bag you’re using? 7 weeks is quite a journey! My trip to Central Asia is only 2 weeks but I am now considering of just taking both the Q and the m240 with a 50mm as suggested by @Theory033 because yes, I can crop the Q to a 35 when needed. I’ll test out the weight of both tomorrow if I can handle it. 
 

@Theory033 curious what bag you’re using tk travel around Central Asia as well?  

 

Because I’m carrying the M10-R with only two lenses this time, I’m using a Billingham Hadley Digital.

If I was carrying my M10-R with my usual 3 lenses (28, 50 & 90mm summicrons), it would be my Billingham Hadley Small or Wotancraft Pilot 7.  
 

All three bags are reasonably weatherproof, compact and each will fit inside my trekking backpack which is very.useful when travelling by taxi, tuktuk & trains.