M9 for M240

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guardado1213

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Hello all,

I apologize for this in advance but this is one of those "M9 vs M240 posts"

I recently got back my tax return back and was thinking of upgrading from the Leica M9 to the M240. I've been reading some reviews and doing some research on the difference between the two but i thought it would be good to hear the community's opinion on the matter.:D

My plan would be to sell my M9 (probably on this site) and use the proceeds from the sale along with my tax return to purchase a used M240 or maybe even a Monochrom Type 246 :rolleyes:

Any thoughts would be welcomed!
 
guardado1213 said:
Hello all,

I apologize for this in advance but this is one of those "M9 vs M240 posts"

I recently got back my tax return back and was thinking of upgrading from the Leica M9 to the M240. I've been reading some reviews and doing some research on the difference between the two but i thought it would be good to hear the community's opinion on the matter.:D

My plan would be to sell my M9 (probably on this site) and use the proceeds from the sale along with my tax return to purchase a used M240 or maybe even a Monochrom Type 246 :rolleyes:

Any thoughts would be welcomed!
Click to expand...


benefits of the M240 over the M9 are:
-bigger battery (800+ shots in RF mode)
-better low ISO
-bigger memory buffer
-better LCD screen
-Live View (useful at times but drains battery like all mirrorless cameras)
-quieter shutter

benefits of the M9 over the M240
-preview lever (unless you get the M262 or M-P)
-slightly smaller than the M
-CCD versus CMOS (only if it matters to you)


if any of those m240 advantages appeals to you, then go for it
 
I used an M240 loaner for a couple of months while my M9-P was in for sensor replacement. My impression on the differences are:
  • The M240 feels a little bit bulkier in the hand, but the thumb rest on the upper right helps handle it well.
  • The M240 has a much better LCD screen. This is, of course, necessary to use live view focusing and video -- but even if you use neither of those features, it helps to determine whether you nailed focus and exposure during normal usage.
  • The M240 is somewhat quicker in action, in terms of response time of the controls and shot-to-shot intervals.
  • I think the M240's buttons and control wheels are better-designed and more intuitive to use than the M9's, but that's got to be a matter of personal preference and practice.
  • The M240 has a *much* quieter shutter system, particularly the re-cocking motor.
  • The M9's frame lines are visible even when the camera is off/asleep, but the M240's are not, so you have to wait for the camera to start up if you're trying to frame and shoot quickly. In a similar vein, the M240 doesn't have a frame line preview lever, if that matters to you.
  • High ISO performance is better on the M240.
Overall, I'd say the M240 is a more capable camera than the M9, but not in a revolutionary way. I would've been happy to keep the M240 loaner and let Leica NJ keep my M9-P, but I'll probably skip the M240, and upgrade to the M262 at some point in the future, if/when I have the funds.

::Ari
 
Yeah I'm mostly attracted to the better LCD on the M240 to be honest. While I've gotten use to not looking at the screen anymore with my M9, there are those situations where either I or a client would like to look at the photos on the camera in the moment.
Anybody have any experience with the EVF attachment?

Thanks for your opinions by the way.
 
taemo said:
benefits of the M240 over the M9 are:
-bigger battery (800+ shots in RF mode)
-better low ISO
-bigger memory buffer
-better LCD screen
-Live View (useful at times but drains battery like all mirrorless cameras)
-quieter shutter

benefits of the M9 over the M240
-preview lever (unless you get the M262 or M-P)
-slightly smaller than the M
-CCD versus CMOS (only if it matters to you)


if any of those m240 advantages appeals to you, then go for it
Click to expand...

The M9 is also noticeably lighter, if that matters to you. And if it does, there's also the M 262 to consider.
 
I swapped an M9 for an M262.

All the lists of pros and cons are pretty correct but I guess that I got accustomed to the M9 over the years because I really miss it.

At this point I have not noticed any real CCD vs CMOS image issues but I am actually considering selling the M262 and going back to the M9. About the only real improvement that I like is the slight improvement in ISO performance. But that really was not a critical issue. Just like with film, a fast 50 works in pretty low light with ISO 400 pushed to EI 800.

I may just put my M262 in the classifieds to see if it sells.
 
guardado1213 said:
Yeah I'm mostly attracted to the better LCD on the M240 to be honest. While I've gotten use to not looking at the screen anymore with my M9, there are those situations where either I or a client would like to look at the photos on the camera in the moment.
Anybody have any experience with the EVF attachment?

Thanks for your opinions by the way.
Click to expand...


i use the EVF when shooting landscape on a tripod as I can tilt it and shoot low.
the only thing I can say shooting with the EVF is that after each frame, the viewfinder goes black for at least 3 seconds.
 
One obvious difference that no-one has yet mentioned is the M240 has 24mp vs 18mp on the M9.
I do miss my M-E and how crisp the files look. But I now cringe when I hear that shutter go off, the shutter in feel and sound is much more pleasant in the M240.

I have the EVF and while it is no where near the best out there, it really is useful for those certain moments, and also means you no longer need an OVF for all the different wide lenses you may have. You could use the back screen, but I find it much more pleasant holding the camera to the eye.
It is interesting though that once the novelty of the EVF has worn off, you will be using the optical RF nearly all the time. Super quick to use, really pleasant to use, and just feels 'right'.

FYI if you get one, pick up the Olympus branded version. Same exact thing but for a fraction of the price. I got a used one off ebay for $100, perfect condition.
 
I've read numerous articles about the difference between CCD vs CMOS sensor but comparing photos between the two cameras, I can't really see a difference. I like the handle i have on my M9 but i guess I'm suffering from the upgrade bug right now and want to try something new.

Huss: Not having to purchase more expensive OVF's does sound appealing and thanks for point out the Olympus EVF.

Pioneer said:
I swapped an M9 for an M262.

All the lists of pros and cons are pretty correct but I guess that I got accustomed to the M9 over the years because I really miss it.

At this point I have not noticed any real CCD vs CMOS image issues but I am actually considering selling the M262 and going back to the M9. About the only real improvement that I like is the slight improvement in ISO performance. But that really was not a critical issue. Just like with film, a fast 50 works in pretty low light with ISO 400 pushed to EI 800.

I may just put my M262 in the classifieds to see if it sells.
Click to expand...
 
Juan, you can swing by the Leica Shop in BH/West LA. Bring an SD card and you can play with an M240 there, then process the shots at home to see how you like it.
They're cool like that.
 
Forgot to mention, one really cool thing with the M240 is that the live view functionality allows you to use adapters and mount pretty much any lens out there.
I have a Nikon F-Leica M adapter so I can use my Helios 85 1.5 , Nikkor 105 1.8 AIS , my Zeiss Makro Planar 50mm etc etc



image_zpsz2256klw.jpg
 
The thing that I like most about the 240 is the ability to go from a conventional RF to a camera you can use near any lens on with an adapter and the EVF. It has a great sensor and the extended ISO ability over the M9 is a bonus. I've had mine a year and a half and I'm only just starting to appreciate what an amazing photography tool it is.
 
I don't use my M9 enough to justify the upgrade. My two M2's still see the most work except for travel. If you have the money and desire, do it.
 
The M240 is probably a bit more sophisticated by its quiet shutter and more precise and shock-resistant rangefinder, but the real advantage its versatility by its VF/Live view. Finally I am liberated from carrying two systems when traveling. Long lenses work really well and the focus peaking is optimized for lenses over 135 mm. I really like to be able to take the occasional video clip as well, some scenes are better seen moving than still.
Nothing wrong with the M9 (the MP difference is marginal in real life) but the M240 is in a different class in practical use.
Having said that I am totally happy to use my M9 and MM1 in typical RF situations.
The M240 is heavier, mostly due to the larger battery, but the size is identical to M8 and M9.

So it comes down to the use you want to put the camera to: if you want to stay within the parameters of a traditional RF camera there is not much reason to upgrade from the M9, if you are looking for a more versatile camera the M240 is the better choice.
 
Huss said:
Forgot to mention, one really cool thing with the M240 is that the live view functionality allows you to use adapters and mount pretty much any lens out there.
I have a Nikon F-Leica M adapter so I can use my Helios 85 1.5 , Nikkor 105 1.8 AIS , my Zeiss Makro Planar 50mm etc etc



image_zpsz2256klw.jpg
Click to expand...

That looks pretty awesome. I guess I'll put my M9 up for sale and hope i dont have seller remorse haha
 
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