Leica M Monochrom: best pics

[airfrogusmc]

Have you done any comparison between the Heliopan digital and a b+w mrc? It's my understanding that the digital branded heliopan also offers UV\IR filtration. Also, where does one find this filter? I can only find regular heliopan's that do not mention the digital moniker.

I think Cal did some research on it and found the Heliopan Digital Yellow to be right in line with the Mono sensor and I found it at B&H.

Side of the filter reads heliopan Digital ES 46 2X -1

I would call B&H, If they don't have it in stock they might be able to order it for you.

 

[cz23]

I think Cal did some research on it and found the Heliopan Digital Yellow to be right in line with the Mono sensor and I found it at B&H.

Side of the filter reads heliopan Digital ES 46 2X -1

I would call B&H, If they don't have it in stock they might be able to order it for you.

If you mean the light yellow that Cal recommends, I also have one. It took forever for B&H to get one in 43mm for my ZMs.

I don't see any appreciable effect. But maybe it's my subject matter, which is mostly street, usually without sky or foliage. I've gone back to shooting without it and appreciate the extra 1/2 - 1 stop.

What difference are you seeing?

John

 

[airfrogusmc]

Hey John,

I think I see it in better control over highlight clipping in contrasty situation. I don't shoot with mine all that much either. IIRC Cal did some research and contacted Leica? Cal if you're out there..... Maybe Cal could elaborate more on it.

I am certainly not a techno geek. I just know the results I like. The MM with and without the filter matches the way I see and work. I have a step up ring for my 35 Biogon C.

Funny thing is I sent my 35 Lux back to Leica because the front was just slightly loose and the warranty was just about to end. I really see at 35mm so I picked up the Biogon to hold me over until the Lux came back with plans of selling it whenI got my Lux back. Well, I still have the Zeiss. I liked it that much. LoL...

 

[thart2009]

Stuck in Traffic. Wash DC.


Stuck in Traffic by Tom Hart, on Flickr

 

[icebear]

If you mean the light yellow that Cal recommends, I also have one. It took forever for B&H to get one in 43mm for my ZMs.

I don't see any appreciable effect. But maybe it's my subject matter, which is mostly street, usually without sky or foliage. I've gone back to shooting without it and appreciate the extra 1/2 - 1 stop.
What difference are you seeing?
John

LOL, yes it took a couple of weeks for that 43 to arrive for my Planar as well😉.
I have used B&W yellow filter before and changed to the heliopan light yellow 'digital'. The histogram of the same scene is just richer in the midtones with the heliopans. When you slightly adjust contrast in LR and watch the histogram, there is a certain spot where an up or down adjustment makes the histogram "jump", although there is no direct visual correlation in viewing the file. This is similar to what I see using the different sort of filters. The heliopan seems visually a bit lighter than the same "light yellow" B&W, since the metering compensates for that, the effect of a richer midtone distribution should not be just more light ... I think I can expose more to the right w/o blowing the highlights.
Whatever effect this all has on the final printed output, Cal needs to jump in😉

 

[cz23]

 

[cz23]

 

[cz23]

 

[airfrogusmc]

Good stuff John. #1 is killer, #2 is setting sail.

 

[cz23]

Thanks, Allen. I haven't shot with my Planar 50 for a while but have really been enjoying it for a change.

John

 

[cz23]

Stuck in Traffic. Wash DC.


Stuck in Traffic by Tom Hart, on Flickr

I keep coming back to this one, Tom. A very mundane scene, but all the various forms come together so nicely around that oddly placed face. And very nice processing and wonderfully smooth tonality.

John

 

[horosu]

MM246, Summilux 50 ASPH

 

[horosu]

MM246, Summicron 35 v.4

 

[pechelman]

I've got a couple of phone calls, chat sessions, and one email into B&H about that filter. Dont know why this has been so difficult to get an answer out of them about it being the digital model or not. Will reply back when I hear back. Also hoping to get it and do a quick comparison for folks.

In the meantime, just a simple one from my walk the other night. My neighbor's garage;


M1001765 by pechelman

 

[airfrogusmc]

Good luck Phil. I guess I got lucky. I just ordered it and the one I received was the right one. They had it in stock and it took all of 3 days to receive after I ordered.

 

[cz23]

Phil, mine does not say it's digital on the packaging but "Digital" is written on the filter ring itself. The case says "coated."

John

 

[airfrogusmc]

Phil, mine does not say it's digital on the packaging but "Digital" is written on the filter ring itself. The case says "coated."

John

Yes, I don't know if my package said digital or not but it says digital on the outside filter ring also.

 

[pechelman]

thanks guys
I feel like I've hit a dead end here.

B&H is refusing to look at one for me because they say it will make it a used product if they open the packaging. They also are being a bit stubborn with me to say that they offer only what heliopan lists on their website and to check there. But of course, heliopan's website is not much better. I've seen pictures of these colored filters with both markings but this distinction isnt even covered online as best as I can tell.

I also tried Adorama since they have one in stock online, but turns out they actually dont have it in stock in the store, so are unable to look at one for me.

I think maybe though it's worth taking a small risk to order it. Worst I return it for the ~3$ of postage.
Will let you know how it turns out.

 

[DwF]

Filters

Filters

I am following this and enjoying some of these recently posted images here too. Reading Klaus and Allen, it sounds like my older Leica yellow and orange filters are not the best choice. I'm not one to read histograms either but know what I am after, or at least appreciate it when it shows up in my files.

Please let us know if anyone finds out how and where best to order the Heliopan digital filters. It sounds like I am ill advised to go to B&H for them at this point.

David

 

[Vince Lupo]

Phil I used to have one for my older Summicron (39mm), and as I recall it was the Light Yellow filter, not the Yellow filter. The Heliopan Light Yellow is the one.