M-P 240 vs. M246?

[YYV_146]

In the past months I've been perfectly happy shooting with dual A7rII's and the M lenses that I have. Yet since I've worked less professionally, I can't help but feel that the 7rII is often too much camera for the occasion, and the lack of limitations isn't great for creativity...

...which brings the argument back to digital Ms. I was disappointed with the M9, found the original MM much more intriguing yet couldn't afford one when it came out. The M240 seems like a reasonable choice, but I wonder if limiting things a bit further with the M246 might be the right way to go.

I haven't yet had the opportunity to try one. For those of you who use the 240 and/or 246, which one would you pick if you had to choose? Do you think that - output quality differences notwithstanding - the pure B&W workflow makes things more interesting or is more of a burden?

 

[Jan Pedersen]

I have had the M246 since August, very happy with the camera, i would not replace it with any other camera. What i can get from the M246 is what i always wanted my film images to look like.
For colors i use the A7II but would love to have the M240 instead. The A7II is not a bad camera, just so different to use.

 

[pechelman]

The pure b+w workflow in some respects is easier and more challenging at times, and yet, really no different from the 240 depending on what you do. I've yet to do a back to back comparison, not entirely interested, but I currently use the exact same workflow with either camera, with the exception of being able to use color filters in post on the 240.

I'm honestly not entirely sure what I'd choose if I was forced. There's a charm behind the 246, slapping on a color filter (or not), and looking for light, but from a minimalist and practicality standpoint, the 240 seems to be the "rational" choice.

Photography for me is as much about the process as it is about the results. With that in mind, I do have a bit more fun with the 246 but sometimes ave an easier time at getting certain results with the 240.

 

[YYV_146]

I have had the M246 since August, very happy with the camera, i would not replace it with any other camera. What i can get from the M246 is what i always wanted my film images to look like.
For colors i use the A7II but would love to have the M240 instead. The A7II is not a bad camera, just so different to use.

I agree...it would be nice to have both 😀

 

[YYV_146]

The pure b+w workflow in some respects is easier and more challenging at times, and yet, really no different from the 240 depending on what you do. I've yet to do a back to back comparison, not entirely interested, but I currently use the exact same workflow with either camera, with the exception of being able to use color filters in post on the 240.

I'm honestly not entirely sure what I'd choose if I was forced. There's a charm behind the 246, slapping on a color filter (or not), and looking for light, but from a minimalist and practicality standpoint, the 240 seems to be the "rational" choice.

Photography for me is as much about the process as it is about the results. With that in mind, I do have a bit more fun with the 246 but sometimes ave an easier time at getting certain results with the 240.

Thanks. Output-wise from what I have seen the difference does not seem to be significant. Certainly not significant at small print sizes and for the internet.

Which is why I wonder about the experience. The idea of going out and committing to only B&W is attractive, but as you said, color can definitely be missed.

 

[pechelman]

Output wise I wouldnt worry too much. Maybe better shadow detail, definitely better at high iso, which lets one stop down and zone focus at almost any time of day\night, but really both cameras are so excellent compared most people's baseline here of film.

When considering the 246 I thought I'd really miss color. What I did was, that might help you, is go into your graphics card settings and desaturate the display completely.
I then reviewed some of my favorite photos and found out that in ~90% of them, I really didnt miss color. The rest was history.

Color, in my experience, is significantly more attractive to me as a post processing tool rather than for the sake of having a color image. (hopefully that made sense)

 

[Duane Pandorf]

Since you shoot with the Sony and it having Live View, I would also consider the M262 as it being the stripped down version of the M240.

 

[YYV_146]

Since you shoot with the Sony and it having Live View, I would also consider the M262 as it being the stripped down version of the M240.

I'll need live view since a personal favorite is the 21mm Summilux. I don't plan to buy a viewfinder - I guestimate framelines using the 90-degree rule, but for the occasional accurate framing, live view is a necessity.

 

[pechelman]

unless you're planning to use a 21mm with liveview on a tripod for landscapes, which will be 100% fine, I might suggest you consider using an external VF instead.

There's a substantial delay between pressing the shutter and taking the actual picture. There's also a big delay between taking the picture and having LV kick back on. It's not at all like a sony mirrorless camera in that regard. It might be a little zippier if you turn of classic metering and just use the metering modes the rely on the sensor. Havent tested that.

 

[Duane Pandorf]

I'll need live view since a personal favorite is the 21mm Summilux. I don't plan to buy a viewfinder - I guestimate framelines using the 90-degree rule, but for the occasional accurate framing, live view is a necessity.

Completely understand about needing LV for the 21mm instead of using an external viewfinder.