Monochrom: First pics from Melbourne

Hey Dave, I was concerned about the flatness too but soon saw how easily it is to bring back contrast where needed.

In terms of high contrast lighting situations, all you need to do is underexpose a little further than maybe you would with color. This is an advantage because you retain more dynamic range, and what you thought would be black and dark, is an are where information is very easy to bring back. Let me show you an example.

original

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edited

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100% zoom on edited

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This took me 20 seconds to edit. i'm sure with further processing it can be improved but just showing how far you can push the Monochrom files if needed.

In terms of comparing jpegs from M9, I never used the jpegs cause they were horrible. The Monochrom jpegs are surprisingly excellent.


D&A said:
Kristian,

Regarding my lengthy post of a few hours ago (posted on the previous page this thread), only very high contrast lighting situations are somewhat in question when shooting with the MM, even if initially the written DNG's out of the camera are "flat" This is the only real area of concern on my part. Aside from that, each image you continue to post, reinforce the lovely nature of this camera's images. I love this last posted image of yours...even though its straight out of the camera, I can already see the richness in tones, especially the lush blacks.

I too can understand the passion in using film, having done so for more years than I can to recall and although some very valid arguments can and will be made with regards to how well this camera emulates that medium, I can only say it has for the most part convinced me of its potential.

Oh by the way Kristian, when shooting with the M9, I've always converted a DNG to B&W and never worked with its jpeg B&W option. Just curious, in oyur opinion, how does the B&W M9 jpeg llook and is it simply a simple conversion algorithum or was some thought put into it?


Dave (D&A)
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Thanks a lot Kristian for putting all these expensive thoughts in my head!! :D

A very intriguing camera, indeed. I like what you are doing with yours and appreciate you sharing your images and comments.
 
leicashot said:
Hey Dave, I was concerned about the flatness too but soon saw how easily it is to bring back contrast where needed.

In terms of high contrast lighting situations, all you need to do is underexpose a little further than maybe you would with color. This is an advantage because you retain more dynamic range, and what you thought would be black and dark, is an are where information is very easy to bring back. Let me show you an example.

This took me 20 seconds to edit. i'm sure with further processing it can be improved but just showing how far you can push the Monochrom files if needed.

In terms of comparing jpegs from M9, I never used the jpegs cause they were horrible. The Monochrom jpegs are surprisingly excellent.
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______________________

Hi Kristian,

An excellent example (and tutorial) of underexposing the high contrast image and then raising the level of shadow detail as part of the recovery for highlights. Very nice results!

I'm familar with the flat DNG's straight out of the camera having encountered many of them when provided with samples straight out of the camera. At first glance I was a bit horified but I soon not only got used to them but saw the advantages in processing the image.

The reason I asked about the M9 B&W generated jpegs, is that I've always felt the jpegs in general out of the M9 were forgetable and therefore I never played with them in B&W mode.

All great stuff you posted and look forward to your further experiences with the camera. Needless to say, many of your posted images are exceptional. Thanks again!

Dave (D&A)
 
After seeing these pictures, I really think the MM is the closest thing yet to Film. Every pixel is more like grain than with the colour sensors.
 
D&A said:
Unlike other MM images I've worked with, Kristian's, especially his penchant for using a high(er) contrast look in his B&W work (at least in the images recently posted), yeilds a look that reminds me not of 35mm B&W film but of Medium format (MF) film, processed and printed to yild a high contrast look. Why? generally this look is/was very common with many MF film based photographers and often the resulting images would be extremely clean with almost a grain fee look....not unlike what we see here with some of Kritian's images.

Dave (D&A)

L1000441 by Kristian Dowling, on Flickr
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Dave,

Your insight above for me is spot on. I am a B&W film only guy and I try to emulate large format even though I may shoot 135, but I also shoot lots of 120.

Cal
 
leicashot said:
Let me put it this way....the Monochrom is not the be all end all in B&W. Unless you see side by side comparisons or RAW files you wouldn't know so it's understandable. Also, I think there is a lot of misunderstanding about perceived dynamic range vs exposure, especially in contrasty scenes. Some scenes have more tones and some don't. You can only compare side by side to fully understand why the Monochrom is unique in it's abilities at recording such tonal range.

I'm sorry but I'm not prepared to give out my RAW files. If I was providing these as a review then I would, but instead I am providing samples of my 'work' so can't be giving out my livelihood.
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I understand :)
Anyway, if I had the money I'd buy one immediately, but I would be afraid of letting go film... I like your images by the way!
 
Sylvester said:
I understand :)
Anyway, if I had the money I'd buy one immediately, but I would be afraid of letting go film... I like your images by the way!
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Thanks Sylvester. I wouldn't go on record saying the Monochrom is 'better' than film but what film can't do, that I need to do frequently, is change ISO from 320-10,000 with the switch of a dial and feel no fear of poor image quality. That is why I bought this camera.
 
Calzone said:
Dave,

Your insight above for me is spot on. I am a B&W film only guy and I try to emulate large format even though I may shoot 135, but I also shoot lots of 120.

Cal
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I have to agree that at low ISO it easily rivals medium format and at high ISO's it looks very much like 35mm.
 
I have to say the Leiclyhood of me ever getting an M Monochrom are similar to being on the first manned mission to Mars.

But I am Leicing the images you're posting Kristian ... more please! :)
 
Keith said:
I have to say the Leiclyhood of me ever getting an M Monochrom are similar to being on the first manned mission to Mars.

But I am Leicing the images you're posting Kristian ... more please! :)
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I just heard a radio discussion about mars missions. They were explaining that since those missions are cost prohibitive, they came up with a cheaper way. They could send people (to colonize) but they wouldn't bring them back.
There will be volunteers needed for that, so don't give up dreaming about mars (or owning an mm) just yet.
 
I'm seriously looking at ways to start putting away money for one of these. I would sell my Nikon digi stuff to help fund one of these too. I think it would be well worth it.
 
One of the things I'm wondering is what will the progression of this camera be as a model in their lineup? Will it just stay like it is currentlly for several years or will they keep developing the concept and work on better dynamic range etc?
 
I could of used a Monochrome last night for Fashion Night out. Instead I shot a Pentax 67II with a flash. It would of been a very different night shooting with a small camera without flash.

Cal
 
Calzone said:
I could of used a Monochrome last night for Fashion Night out. Instead I shot a Pentax 67II with a flash. It would of been a very different night shooting with a small camera without flash.

Cal
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A Monochrome at 5000 ISO would have been great yesterday on the streets. I was looking out for some burst of flash but most people were just using the pop-up thingy on their DSLR's. So I guess you were not around down in Soho? I shot the M9 and sometime had to go to 1600 and there it definately shows some "grain" (DNG w/o any treatment).
 
icebear said:
A Monochrome at 5000 ISO would have been great yesterday on the streets. I was looking out for some burst of flash but most people were just using the pop-up thingy on their DSLR's. So I guess you were not around down in Soho? I shot the M9 and sometime had to go to 1600 and there it definately shows some "grain" (DNG w/o any treatment).
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The light was all over the place on 5th Avenue where I staked out the place. Try to make it to the September Meet-Up. I'd like to meet you.

Just south of Berdorf there was a window display with a live model with a microphone who talked with the crowd mostly teasing and flirting with men. I was shooting her, but I noticed a sudden change in my VF'er because she took exception that another photographer was busy shooting me and the big Pentax and ignoring her. Inadvertantly I was crowding her stage. LOL.

Also somehow became swarmed by a group of models when one of them came over to say hello. I was talking on my cell phone with my girlfriend, when our waitress, Nellie, from Puck Fair and our New York Meet-Up came by with her crew that were working some fashion promo.

I told my girlfriend, "I don't want to miss a shooting opportunity. I gotta go," click. LOL. Next thing you know I'm hanging out and talking on Fifth Avenue with them after a few shots.

Cal
 
jsrockit said:
You dirty old man you... :D
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Some women like bad boys. LOL.

Actually I was a rather clever liar when I approached one woman and asked if I could take a picture of her spectacular shoes, but I took this opportunity to take the shot I was really interested in: her long-long legs. LOL.

Cal
 
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