Carterofmars
Well-known
I've read in the forums that the M8.2 is better when converting to B&W. Is this true and if so, why is this so? Does the same hold true for the M-E since this is basically identical to the M9?
Thanks 🙂
Thanks 🙂
M9/M9-P image quality converting to B&W question...
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jarski
Veteran
some people are convinced that higher ir-sensitivity of M8 allows better B&W conversions than M9 (and M-E).
ramosa
B&W
I have an M8 (which I use without UV/IR filters) and it does have a fine B&W rendering, but personally I wouldn't let that deter you from considering an M9 (if that's something you're pondering). The differences between the M8 and M9 for B&W are subtle, as others have noted. Heck, some say the differences between the M8/M9 and MM are subtle and readily apparent only if you print large.
Carterofmars
Well-known
The M8.2 may end up becoming a very desirable camera for B&W enthusiasts.
Carterofmars
Well-known
Hi jarski- You say "some are convinced". Do you think the higher sensitivity has no bearing?
Tom Niblick
Well-known
This has been my experience. To put it in unscientific terms, the M8 b&w files glow.
jubbaa
Established
I just want to pre qualify my comments that I dont have that much experience in this field having never owned an M8 and only had my M9 for 4 months now...
but I find the SOOC camera JPEG on the M9 ( when shot in B&W ) as outstanding in itself. Its a look I had been searching for in the past with my Fuji x100, GF1 and various other camers but had never found. Granted it can't give you the flexibility of RAW in post processing but I find that it rarely needs post processing( particularly for shots indoors )if you only plan to publish on the web or print up to A4.
James
but I find the SOOC camera JPEG on the M9 ( when shot in B&W ) as outstanding in itself. Its a look I had been searching for in the past with my Fuji x100, GF1 and various other camers but had never found. Granted it can't give you the flexibility of RAW in post processing but I find that it rarely needs post processing( particularly for shots indoors )if you only plan to publish on the web or print up to A4.
James
Richard G
Veteran
There is something about those M9 Black and White JPEGS. I have had pictures I could not fix in RAW where the B and W JPEG I took at the same time is magic.
As to whether the M9 is up to black and white conversions, the answer is certainly yes. Looking at some of the great shots on RFF and learning more about Lightroom I have almost cured myself of any desire for a Monochrom, for the moment. I love the M9.
Carterofmars
Well-known
If anyone is interested, I created another thread requesting examples of M8/8.2 & M9/ME B&W conversions for Comparative purposes.
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=130107
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=130107
V-12
Well-known
But based on a camera 'fault' that you like or don't like, not some inherent requirement of making a good B&W photograph from a colour file.
Glow can be done in post processing from an M9 file by choice, so it is hardly something unique. Outright IR sensitivity of the m8 on the other hand is another matter if you use a red filter, but that is a different question to simply converting to B&W.
jarski
Veteran
sorry for missing the question. used M8 few years ago, and would not say it has no bearing at all. B&W conversions (without ir filter) look great!
but does it have enough bearing to choose one over the other. dont think so. least on my case, M9 would have worked just as fine, even better on other aspects (more resolution, better noise control etc.).
dont want to sound too harsh, am fan of this camera too and considering getting one again, but IMO M8 is gathering Internet steam like RD1 earlier for its magical B&W qualities.
Satijntje
Member
Question for Richard:
I was thinking of swapping from M9 to MM, but as my prints are not that large, I will stay with the M9 for the moment.
May I ask you to let us know your setting on the M9 when using the OOC B&W JPegs.
Thanks
John
Richard G
Veteran
Just standard settings for all adjustables, straight Black and White JPEG, not Vintage Black and White, which is also good.
Here is one. This was shot in appalling red light. The raw file was unmanageable to tame that hair on the older man. This is the jpeg:
DwF
Well-known
I find the M9 works well for black and white but it does sometimes take more patience than the M8 did for me.
On the other hand, this one was straight on flash -controlled fill 🙂 and was easy to work with. Lens is 90 Tele-Elmarit "thin" at f4
On the other hand, this one was straight on flash -controlled fill 🙂 and was easy to work with. Lens is 90 Tele-Elmarit "thin" at f4
pedaes
Member
My experience is that you can get excellent b&w images from M9 -RAW files imported to Aperture and then converted in Silver Efex Pro2. The b&w coverer in Aperture is quite good, and this software has a M9 RAW converter that seems to suit the M9 files very well. Whatever you use, I think for best b&w results shoot in RAW and convert in the computer, not in the camera. Just my opinion.
nanthor
Well-known
I think the M9 has some kind of IR filter in front of the sensor where the M8 does not. Hence the M8 you must use the separate UV/IR filters on the lenses. So, if you use the M8 without the filters either set to raw or jpeg BW or both, you should be getting not only a slightly sharper image (minus 2 more glass surfaces?) but also some increased IR sensitivity at that end of the spectrum. I think that is why some see a different BW image taken with the M8 than the M9. I might be wrong on all this but I think I read that this is the reason for the supposedly better BW on the M8. I have the M8 now, had the M9p previous and now use the M8 only for BW and I do like the renderings I get with it. Bob.
Duane Pandorf
Well-known
I shoot uncompressed RAW + JPG Fine with B&W Standard Settings. I import both files and compare the RAW processed with Lightroom Auto B&W Develop Module to the JPG. 99% of the time I work the RAW file. The beauty of processing the RAW vice the JPG is you can use the Basic, Tone Curve, B&W and Detail modules. And don't forget while in the Basic Module you can also make changes to the White Balance Temp and Tint when adjusting your B&W images.
I also like using the B&W Module Mixing tool located in the upper left corner of the module. Using that tool you can control the underlying color that affects a specific grey tone in the image.
I also like using the B&W Module Mixing tool located in the upper left corner of the module. Using that tool you can control the underlying color that affects a specific grey tone in the image.
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