"Mass Production" M60 style M coming on March 10th?

[willie_901]

Actually I find sensor technology so good across the board that the question which camera has the “best” is wholly academic and only significant for pixel geeks. Even the complaints about the corners performance of Leica lenses on Sony cameras have a high Princess on the Pea content IMO.

This was my basically my point.

I disagree that the differences are only significant for pixel peepers. Some people actually make use of higher analog signal-to-noise ratios and dynamic range. Some people enjoy the convenience of making raw files with iso-invariant cameras.

I would say the trade-off between using a Leica optical RF and enjoying a purposefully curated M/LTM lens collection vs. having the highest SNR and DR is no longer worth thinking about. This was not always the case. While I choose not to own Leica product (it's not the money, I can afford them), I admire how they have continually improved their sensor technologies.

Unless one relies heavily on cropping as a composition tool or shows extremely large prints in galleries, the MP count is also barely relevant.

I have no idea how SONY is not playing fair. I could be convinced otherwise. Are there facts that indicate SONY or others refuse to sell Leica sensor technology?

 

[splitimageview]

The user interface for formatting, while balance, etc. could just be a small liquid crystal display on the top, with a switch or dial.

 

[jsrockit]

How does one format an SD card in a camera like this, or does the camera just do that when you load the card and close the bottom?

You format it outside of the camera.

Is the white balance setting a default auto, or is there some way to adjust it? What if you want to shift from color to black & white in-camera?

DNG, JPEG or both, how does one set it?

DNG only.

How do you know if you are nearing capacity with the SD card you have installed, or if there is a card error?

Alpha / numeric LEDs in the OVF.

 

[mcfingon]

They could get even smarter and put a mini-lcd display just below the optical viewfinder that only shows up when you operate the command wheel that it seems to have on its back.

 

[olakiril]

I stopped looking at the LCD to review images long time ago. Fleeting moments do not wait for a reshot anyways.

This camera (I am guessing) will just shoot RAW so no WB necessary. As in M60 I don't think you will be able to format the card so that will have to be done on the computer, and there will be a frame counter and a battery meter in the viewfinder.

For me Leicas are a niche mostly because of their price.

Let just skip over there being no way to review an image after capture, which I don't understand, but it is, what it is...

How does one format an SD card in a camera like this, or does the camera just do that when you load the card and close the bottom?

Is the white balance setting a default auto, or is there some way to adjust it? What if you want to shift from color to black & white in-camera?

DNG, JPEG or both, how does one set it?

How do you know if you are nearing capacity with the SD card you have installed, or if there is a card error?

These are three I can think of right off the top. I know there are others I'm just not taking the time to consider right now, I'm just curious how this all works on a digital camera with an optical rangefinder and no LCD.

I know digital Leicas are niche products. This model has got to be the niche of niches.

 

[DavidKKHansen]

...As in M60 I don't think you will be able to format the card so that will have to be done on the computer...

I believe the Movie button was retained on the M60, to be used as a format SD card button.

 

[jsrockit]

I believe the Movie button was retained on the M60, to be used as a format SD card button.

Haha, I read the M60 manual and could not fine that info at all.

 

[DavidKKHansen]

Haha, I read the M60 manual and could not fine that info at all.

Okay, did you happen to find out what the "movie" button is then used for on the M60?

 

[Lss]

I have no idea how SONY is not playing fair. I could be convinced otherwise. Are there facts that indicate SONY or others refuse to sell Leica sensor technology?

It was a joke.

 

[jsrockit]

Okay, did you happen to find out what the "movie" button is then used for on the M60?

Honestly no...they call it a function button. I believe you... I'm just saying that the manual doesn't talk about formatting the memory card in camera. It makes sense.

 

[DavidKKHansen]

Honestly no...they call it a function button. I believe you... I'm just saying that the manual doesn't talk about formatting the memory card in camera. It makes sense.

Hm, strange Leica doesn't mention it in the manual. It's a basic feature to be able to format the memory card on a digital camera, LCD screen or not. I'm sure they've implemented it somehow on the M60 and the upcoming M-D, we'll just have to wait a few days to find out 😉

 

[DavidKKHansen]

Oh wait, I vaguely remember something about having to press the movie/function button on the M60 whilst turning on the camera... that would format the SD card (I think).

It was something along those lines. I'm heading out the door now, so can't search for the article in which I read about that info.

 

[olakiril]

I believe the Movie button was retained on the M60, to be used as a format SD card button.

I did not know that you can do that. I got the info for the external format from users on this forum.

What happens is that you format the card on the computer and as soon as the camera sees a non-leica folder structure it creates one.

Anyways it is not a big problem since that is how I do it with my LCDless X-pro1, and it works fine. Actually it is easier than doing it on the A7rii since I have to dig into the menus...

 

[marcr1230]

There's a story and pictures now on Leica Rumors:
http://leicarumors.com/2016/04/25/this-is-the-leica-m-d-typ-262-camera.aspx/

I have to admit - I don't get it- why pay more for less? You can always cover your LCD w duct tape if you want and the camera is no thinner I think

More power to them if they can sell these , but if I want digital - I don't want to be tied to my phone to check the results

It's makes as much sense as removing the rewind knob on a film camera as a means to check if film is correctly loaded. You could do that, but why?

 

[kshapero]

Watch this video & change the term BMW & replace it with the word Leica.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGE6roEThig

Had a BMW. Did not like it. Back to Subaru's. Yes!

 

[DavidKKHansen]

...I don't get it- why pay more for less?

Same can be said with the Monochrom: Why pay more to not be able to shoot in color?

I hope the M-D becomes a success, so I can buy one used down the road. Maybe if it's super successful, Leica will release an M-D Monochrom! 😀

 

[Gregm61]

Whether I do or don't agree with what all is, or is not, included with this new model, you have to give it to Leica for making it available to those who want it. My ideally featured model is the M262, and I bought it. First Leica I ever purchased brand new, and I couldn't be happier.

 

[DavidKKHansen]

Official:

https://us.leica-camera.com/Photography/Leica-M/Leica-M-D

 

[kshapero]

Official:

https://us.leica-camera.com/Photography/Leica-M/Leica-M-D

Well I love it. Can't wait till it gets down the M3 prices or at least M6 prices.😀

 

[marcr1230]

I don't think this is the same argument.
You can make a case that the Monochrom produces a different result than
the a processed/de-saturated color.
Here - the presence or absence of an LCD does not change the result
it just makes it a bit harder to see and review the results while working, and harder to access whatever menu items you might want to see.

when I shoot film - I review the results and try to draw conclusions, and I may learn something for the next time.

with digital, you can ignore the results while shooting, or you can review and make mid-stream corrections, either way - but whether you critique your work as you shoot or after, we all benefit from the review/editing process - so why make it harder ?

I get it that Leica is also selling a theme and some people will buy whatever they make just to make a statement or adopt a fashion - not that there aren't perhaps good practical reasons for this new piece of equipment.

It's just not for me.

Same can be said with the Monochrom: Why pay more to not be able to shoot in color?

I hope the M-D becomes a success, so I can buy one used down the road. Maybe if it's super successful, Leica will release an M-D Monochrom! 😀