My hands-on review of the M262

[puxmep]

Thanks for the review, Jim! I am trading in my M9 for M262 and while waiting for it I read the manual🙂 B/W is something which M240 seems to be noted for, so I hope M262 is identical in that regard.

 

[jim0266]

Thanks for the review, Jim! I am trading in my M9 for M262 and while waiting for it I read the manual🙂 B/W is something which M240 seems to be noted for, so I hope M262 is identical in that regard.

You're welcome!

Download the RAW files from my review and convert them to B&W and let me know what you think. It may be observation bias but I seem to prefer how the 262 files convert to B&W over the M-E of the same subjects.

 

[jlindstrom]

Hi Jim! A very nicely written review, but also a very costly one.. got myself the M262 yesterday!

I actually ended up trading my film MP for it + decent pile of cash. Film ended up being too much of a choir me..

Anyway, was out testing the M262 for the first time today. Weather was gray and dull, but I loved every moment of it. It's a wonderful camera.

I actually think the VF is brighter than the MP's, which was surprising.

I've got two lenses for it, which is all I need. The Zeiss 35/1.4 and 75 apo summicron. Haven't tried the APO yet, but it'll be interesting to see the results from the Zeiss from todays shooting.

The improved shutter is great. Very linear & solid in feel and makes just a tiny 'snick' when triggered.

I had the M240 earlier but sold it, because it felt too heavy. This new M262 is just right. Felt very similar to the film MP.

I think I'm now set for a long time. The combo of this M262 and my Leica Q and the mentioned lenses works nicely together. And all 3 options share the same 49mm filter thread. So today I ordered a nice 49mm polarizer filter and also M coder kit, so I can code the Zeiss.

//Juha


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[jim0266]

Hi Juha,

Glad to hear you are enjoying the 262.

The Zeiss 35/1.4 is on my list to rent. I love the 35/2.8 Zeiss.

Best,
Jim

 

[airfrogusmc]

Great review Jim. I am a manual shooter and have been for 4 decades. I have never used any of the auto settings on any of my Leica M digitals. I love my M262. I also have an M-E that I also really like but totally agree with you on the comparison. I also have an original MM and the B&W files from the MM are so good even compared to the M 262 I will only shoot B&W with the MM which is also better in low light, The mm is still really good at 6400 and very usable at 10,000. I can only imagine the low light performance of the new MM.

I recently sold all of my Canon equipment and have gone totally Leica M even for my commercial/advertising work which is what I what I make my living at. Love both the M262 and the M-E for most of the reasons that you do. I will say if they put a production M60 and they price it right I will be very tempted but I will still hang on to both my 262 and my M-E and the MM will be with me until it dies and I can no longer get it repaired.
Anyone interested in a digital rangefinder color body that is void of all the stuff that you don't need to make uncompromising still images that is really quiet and so easy to use then this could be the camera for you.

I also have a 35 2.8 Biogon C but my fav 35mm lens is the Leica 35 Lux FLE.
Again great review Jim!!!!!

 

[robbeiflex]

Great review Jim, thanks! I too have sent my M-E off for trade-in and am awaiting the arrival of a 262 some time this week. Your review was very helpful in making this decision.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk