Leica Monochrom M246

[anselwannab]

Posted much earlier in the thread:



Egor's test photos show little difference in tonality, DR, and resolution between M240, MM9, and MM246 at base ISO, but significant differences as the ISO is elevated into the ISO 6400+ range.

G

I don't know how to reconcile Erwin and egor's data and conclusion.

From PartI of Irwin's MM-II series.

a metaphor we might say that choosing the Monochrom II (or a black-and-white emulsion for the M-A)is like an artist who trades in his plate with brushes and paints for a set of needles and a simple metal plate.

The effects possible with the computer programs are restricted to the classical darkroom techniques of change of contrast, of exposure and cool/warm-tone choices. The Monochrom II is eminently suitable for the photographer who wants to spend as less time as possible behind the computer screen and wants to shorten the workflow from shot to (inkjet) print. One might even state that the Monochrom II forces (or less intimidating: invites) the photographer to shorten the workflow and to optimize the relevant parameters during the shooting session.

Ok, I'll be a heretic, but Irwin doesn't seem to like B&W photography and doesn't seem to understand why a lot of people like Leica's. Less computer, more camera- can I see a show of hands here? 😉

Painters paint in color because they can control it. As photographers we can't control color, so frankly outside of documentary/portrait style shooting, I'd rather concentrate on composition- which is something that I can control. I understand that is my bias and is reflected in the shots I take.


If I didn't know better I'd say Irwin doesn't like MM cameras. It seems he'd prefer shooting in color and converting- and he found data that seems to support this.

 

[Jager]

Oh, Erwin certainly likes Leica's. And black and white. But more than a hint of nostalgia runs through his writings of these last few years.

He seems yet to be convinced that digital capture as a photographic process is equal to film.

And he seems rather disappointed that the M246 did not exhibit the same dramatic, ground-breaking qualities as did the original MM (how could it?). His three-part M246 review, taken as a whole, is something of a muddle.

 

[Rodchenko]

I was amused to note that the AP review contains advice to get an EVF if you find the RF focussing too hard! I find RF much much easier than SLR. Why would you buy an expensive RF if you don't want one?

 

[Godfrey]

I was amused to note that the AP review contains advice to get an EVF if you find the RF focussing too hard! I find RF much much easier than SLR. Why would you buy an expensive RF if you don't want one?

I want both in one camera, which is why the typ 240 and 246 work so well for me. 🙂

G

 

[Jan Pedersen]

Not much movement here lately, no new M 246 owners in the last week or two?
New rumors about coming shipment, deliveries or other information that can keep the GAS attack at bay? 😱

 

[Pete B]

Anybody less pleased by the output compared to Mk1, but keeping it because it's a more sorted model?
Pete

 

[Vince Lupo]

Anybody less pleased by the output compared to Mk1, but keeping it because it's a more sorted model?
Pete

i) No.

ii) Yes.

 

[Dektol Dan]

Hmmm

Hmmm

Vince:

Ever hear of cognitive dissonance theory?

 

[Vince Lupo]

Vince:

Ever hear of cognitive dissonance theory?

Maybe I should have said no no 🙂

 

[Vince Lupo]

At ISO 1000, 0.95 Noctilux wide open:


Andrews1 by Vince Lupo, on Flickr

 

[MCTuomey]

No no no, Vince. Just let the pictures speak for themselves. 😉

 

[Vince Lupo]

No no no, Vince. Just let the pictures speak for themselves. 😉

You're right -- pay no attention to that technical info 🙂

 

[Godfrey]

Not much movement here lately, no new M 246 owners in the last week or two?
New rumors about coming shipment, deliveries or other information that can keep the GAS attack at bay? 😱

They seem to be dribbling in to dealers slowly. I'm hoping to see mine sometime this Summer. No rush.

G

 

[Calzone]

Vince,
The detail in the highlights is amazing on that Noctilux shot.

Cal

 

[Jan Pedersen]

Last I checked they said mid June but let's see, mid June is coming up quick.
I am not sure we can trust the numbers we get when asking, no dealer wants to miss a sale if their waiting list is longer than at other stores.

 

[Calzone]

Last I checked they said mid June but let's see, mid June is coming up quick.
I am not sure we can trust the numbers we get when asking, no dealer wants to miss a sale if their waiting list is longer than at other stores.

Jan,

Hang in there. Worth the wait.

Cal

 

[mdg137]

It might be better with a little wait.
I received mine mid May, and it was back focusing a small amount-- currently it's in NJ for calibration.

 

[anselwannab]

Vince, anymore shots or your impressions?

Thanks,

 

[Vince Lupo]

Vince, anymore shots or your impressions?

Thanks,

I'm posting most of my shots in the 'Leica Monochrom - Best Pics' thread, so I do have a few more there.

I'm experimenting with the different metering modes -- I've just set it to 'Advanced' and spot metering, so we'll see what that does.

I have to say that I much prefer the sound of this shutter to the old Monochrom's. Much more discreet.

One thing that I might in fact do is send my Noctilux and this body in for calibration. Just to make sure that everything is in alignment.

You might find this interesting -- the Leica Store in DC does not have any 246's, and they were quite shocked to see that I had one. Per my offering and their request, I dropped off about five 11"x16" prints to them for them to show prospective 246 buyers. Hope the prints don't dissuade customers!

So if you happen to be in Washington DC and you want to see a few prints from the 246, go into the Leica Store and ask to see the Vince Lupo collection 🙂

 

[Vince Lupo]

Vince,
The detail in the highlights is amazing on that Noctilux shot.

Cal

Thanks Cal -- the print from it looks pretty good too.