Leica Monochrom M246

[Calzone]

If the decision criteria is on image characteristics alone, I agree.

However, having moved to the M-P typ 240 after having the M9 for three years use, I find the other benefits of moving to the typ 240/246 series cameras to be compelling enough that I'd upgrade anyway, given the resources to do so. The improved responsiveness, quieter shutter, and more ergonomic controls alone make it for me, never mind the potential of Live View and optional EVF, or the other stuff. That's my personal opinion.

Of course, if I couldn't afford it, I'd keep going with what I had. 🙂

G

G,

The 2 GB buffer, the larger screen, and Live view to possibly use the camera as a scanner with a chrome 90 Macro Elmar I already own are further reasons. I actually like the extra weight of the M-240.

On one hand I still love my MM9, and if I could it would be great to own and use two monochrom M-bodies, but that might be a huge stretch.

A possible and sensible solution for both me and Leica is to offer a generous trade-in on my MM9 so I can upgrade. My sensor is still unspoiled and shows no hint of corrosion even though I am brassing through the anodize.

Perhaps this is why Leica didn't wait till the fall to release the M-246. In many ways good engineering is problem solving.

Cal

 

[jcrutcher]

When will they start to ship?

 

[Vince Lupo]

Is the camera the same dimensions as the 240 or the Monochrom? Will my current half case for my Monochrom fit the new body, and does it use the same batteries?

I might actually take the plunge on this.....we'll see how the next few months go.

 

[Calzone]

For Cal: remember that - compared to M9 - the 240 is more IR sensitive (thinner sensor filter). Once you'll hear the 246 shutter, you might never touch your MM9 again 🙂

Roland.

Roland,

Thanks for the understanding you conveyed. Interesting how Leica is developing filters for use with this camera that I think are coming at a delayed date after the camera release.

In my experience the filter out of IR and UV helps with the signal to noise ratio and effectively curbs clipping.

In real life I have a rather loud persona, and I'm not shy. The loud shutters never bothered me. This is coming from a guy who shoots a F3P with MD-4 and a Pentax 67II. Probably doesn't help is that my ears are kinda dead now that I'm getting older.

Cal

 

[Calzone]

When will they start to ship?

They are saying May.

If I had the money I'd get on a waiting list now. When I ordered my MM9 I waited 5 months for my number to come up at POP Flash. I wanted to support a RFF sponsor. Also Alex and Tony are great.

Not sure how crazy the backlog can get. In my case the wait wasn't so bad because I didn't have the money, and I had some time to scramble.

Cal

 

[Godfrey]

When will they start to ship?

Supposedly mid-May, according to my pusher.

G

 

[Godfrey]

Is the camera the same dimensions as the 240 or the Monochrom? Will my current half case for my Monochrom fit the new body, and does it use the same batteries?

I might actually take the plunge on this.....we'll see how the next few months go.

Control layout, sizing and weight are the same as M/M-P typ 240, as is battery. So you'll need a new half case and spare battery.

(I recouped more than half the cost of a new battery and half case by selling my M9 batteries and half case when I went to the M-P.)

G

 

[arseniii]

Jeff,

I like the $7495.00 price better.

Cal

In Canada It's list for 9090$ canadian dollars.
Which is about 7495USD and my annual rent 🙂

 

[Calzone]

Is the camera the same dimensions as the 240 or the Monochrom? Will my current half case for my Monochrom fit the new body, and does it use the same batteries?

I might actually take the plunge on this.....we'll see how the next few months go.

Vince,

I think the same as the M-240. Battery on the M-240 is different and with a longer capacity. Your current half case will unlikely accomodate the larger screen.

Oh-well.

Consider how the generous trade-in factor could work in your favor to deal with the sensor corrosion repair/replacement program. I'm personally thinking that this will apply to me, but I may have to be patient and wait till the initial demand wanes. This is pretty reasonable. Meanwhile so far I have enjoyed my MM9 without any problems for nearly 2 1/2 years.

Good luck.

Cal

 

[jsrockit]

Not sure how crazy the backlog can get. In my case the wait wasn't so bad because I didn't have the money, and I had some time to scramble.

And you had plenty of other fine cameras and lenses...

 

[Godfrey]

And you had plenty of other fine cameras and lenses...

+1 ... Since I already have a fine assortment of cameras that I love using, a wait matters not at all to me. I'll likely put in an order for an MM246 and continue my program of selling off the excess equipment. Who knows? If I have to wait a bit, I may be able to pay for it directly from my 'excess equipment sales' and have a cleaner, more empty equipment cabinet to store it in as well. 🙂

G

 

[Vince Lupo]

Vince,

Consider how the generous trade-in factor could work in your favor to deal with the sensor corrosion repair/replacement program. I'm personally thinking that this will apply to me, but I may have to be patient and wait till the initial demand wanes. This is pretty reasonable. Meanwhile so fare I have enjoyed my MM9 without any problems for nearly 2 1/2 years.

Good luck.

Cal

Would the trade-in arrangement apply to this new camera?

 

[Godfrey]

Would the trade-in arrangement apply to this new camera?

That is a question you will have to put to Leica. At the time my M9 was diagnosed with a bad sensor, I had the option of either an M typ 240 or an M-P typ 240 upgrade. I chose the latter (it was a better deal).

Since the MM246 isn't shipping just yet, Leica has likely not*yet made an official statement of policy on the M9 sensor replacement with respect to it...

G

 

[Duane Pandorf]

I'm sending my M-E to Leica NJ for sensor evaluation this coming week as I have a couple bad columns due a couple dead pixels. I know that I may be given an option to trade in for the M240. I wonder if the MM240 will now be an option?

One of my reasons to now want the MM240 is the higher ISO with less noise than the M240. I've been shooting more indoors of local musicians and prefer B&W. 1600 ISO is pushing the limits on my M-E with the 75 Cron @ f2.0.

I've also run up against the small buffer in the M-E another advantage to the new MM240.

The big question is can I do without color in my primary/only camera?

 

[Calzone]

Would the trade-in arrangement apply to this new camera?

Vince,

Leica had a trade in option for people sending in their M9's and MM9's to upgrade to a M-240 that needed sensor repair/replacement. To me it seems kinda logical that they would extend that "Good Will" towards a M-246. Seems to me that everyone wins and it truely would enhance Leica's reputation as a premium luxury brand. I can't see how they could not offer it, and if they didn't I would be forced to ask. Leica is not going to reneg on repairing all those problem sensors...

Then again I have to be resonable and not pile onto the backlog and be a jerk, so some patience would be required. Meanwhile I can still use my problem free MM9.

Since your camera is so new and fresh you would get one of the most generous value for your trade-in. My camera shows a lot of finish wear through heavy use, no scrapes, dents or scratches, just brassing through the anodize.

"Win-Win-Win," I say.

Cal

 

[gilgsn]

I am waiting for the Fuji X100BW.

Gil.

 

[Calzone]

I'm sending my M-E to Leica NJ for sensor evaluation this coming week as I have a couple bad columns due a couple dead pixels. I know that I may be given an option to trade in for the M240. I wonder if the MM240 will now be an option?

One of my reasons to now want the MM240 is the higher ISO with less noise than the M240. I've been shooting more indoors of local musicians and prefer B&W. 1600 ISO is pushing the limits on my M-E with the 75 Cron @ f2.0.

I've also run up against the small buffer in the M-E another advantage to the new MM240.

The big question is can I do without color in my primary/only camera?

Duane,

My spin is you have to ask, but you might have to wait, and that might likely mean being without a camera untill a M-246 becomes available for you.

The question about doing without color only you can answer, but don't forget that monochrome Leicas also have a higher base ISO. This is another advantage that should not be discounted.

Keep us in the loop. Perhaps if you are lucky, you will somehow get top listed. You could be a very lucky guy.

Anyways this has been a very soothing thread that is very exciting to me. Thanks everyone who extended their understanding.

Cal

 

[Duane Pandorf]

Duane,

My spin is you have to ask, but you might have to wait, and that might likely mean being without a camera untill a M-246 becomes available for you.

The question about doing without color only you can answer, but don't forget that monochrome Leicas also have a higher base ISO. This is another advantage that should not be discounted.

Keep us in the loop. Perhaps if you are lucky, you will somehow get top listed. You could be a very lucky guy.

Anyways this has been a very soothing thread that is very exciting to me. Thanks everyone who extended their understanding.

Cal

Thanks Cal,

This is an example of the what I mean by 1600 ISO @ f2.0:

 

[srtiwari]

When will they start to ship?

Leica store said "in a week or so", but had no idea how many they would be alloted in their initial shipment.

 

[jcrutcher]

I pulled the trigger this morning with Dales Leica store. Mid May would be good. Much better than the MM9 which took forever.

Thank you all for talking me into this 🙂