Follow-up with news of an M9 firmware update
Follow-up with news of an M9 firmware update
If anyone goes, please record what he says and share with us, if possible.
You asked for it.
The session was good, enjoyable. Jim Wagner of Leica NJ was there, as was Stefan Daniel. I got the impression that most of the folks there were new to Leica or at least digital Leica and had come for the camera.
Peter Turnley had a 45-min presentation, including a PowerPoint of some of his shots. He spoke in bullet points, suggesting (a) shoot for a shutter speed of 125th or 250th to keep images sharp and in focus, opting for changing the aperture and/or ISO for exposure, (b) to take the photo even when you hesitate; or rather, especially when you hesitate, because, in his words, if you don't overcome that hesitation then it will only get harder, (c) to respect your subjects and don't behave sneakily, as that can give the person photographed the impression that something was taken; instead, "honor" your subject, smile, etc. Let's see. There were other tidbits, but I can't remember them and am away from my notepad at the moment. It was good. I would go again.
And yes, there was a table with 51-53 black and gray M9s with 35mm and 50mm Summarits. Impressive. Because it rained at the point people were sent out to shoot, when I left, I counted about 10 people immediately around B&H on the street using M9s. People entering the store were noticing and looked quite confused.
In addition to the M9, there was an S2, an X1, and a D-Lux 4 w/ finder that I took the opportunity to molest—er, I mean, try. I wasn't terribly impressed by the X1 (I had wondered about using one to make photos, but now I do not) but was quite taken with the S2. I don't know what this camera is for or who would buy it (I do, but this is hyperbole), but wow, it's a whole lotta camera and very impressive even though I didn't review any images outside of the camera's LCD.
Jeff (JeffNYC here) and I spoke with Stefan briefly after Peter's presentation when the M9 loaners hit the street. After being asked about white balance performance on the M9, Stefan commented that a firmware would be "released in two weeks" to address/improve WB performance on the M9, as WB was, paraphrased here, "one of the things we're working on."
So that's some news. All together, very enjoyable. I didn't stick around to see or talk with the folks to took out loaner M9s, but I did speak with two fellows were were saying they were putting their names on waiting lists. And Jeff pitched the next RFF meetup to a late comer who I let handle my M9 as his missed out on getting a loaner for the hour. Good times.
