Need opinions, M9, M 242, Mp or M262

[Beemermark]

So I just got the estimate to replace the sensor on my M9. Sensor replacement is $925. If I go the trade in route the M262 is $3100, the M 240 is $3500 and the M-P is $3900.

To me the trivial difference between the M & M-P isn't worth discussing let alone spending $400. I rarely, if ever shoot in rapid succession (2 vs 1 GB buffer). My Nikon has live view and the only time I use it is for macro work, not something I going to do with the Leica. Movies, except for seeing how it works I've never used it (or missed it) on the Nikon or X-Pro2.

So that leaves the M262. Is it really worth another $2575 over the M9 just to get a fatter body?

Opinions please.

 

[nightfly]

Assuming an M-10 isn't an option?

Personally none of the other Leica's appeal to me. I'm sending my M9 in for yet another sensor problem. If I were in your shoes, which I may be shortly, not sure what I'd do. Probably just get it fixed and maybe sell it before the sensor breaks again and pick up an M10 used when prices come down.

Will be curious what you decide.

 

[filmtwit]

Get the Monochrom.

 

[Huss]

I would pay the $925 and get the new new sensor. Then either keep that camera, or sell it and buy a super clean mint like new M240 for $3k-ish.
Chances are it will cost you nothing with what you make from selling a new new sensor M9.

I would not pay new money for a digi Leica ever again...

 

[benlees]

Sounds like you have a lot of competent gear beside digital Leica. I would just get the new sensor and use the M9.

 

[Doug]

The M 262 is an attractive choice, not just for the lower cost.... quieter shutter for instance. If you have no use for live view and video, the simpler menus and controls are nice. I went one step further with a M-D 262, liking it a lot. 🙂

 

[Ko.Fe.]

I'm puzzled, is it 3100 or 2575?

 

[a.noctilux]

If you like the output of your M9, go for repair route.
Remember only that in future if you want to sell the M9, it would be difficult as prices go down everyday.

If you need/want/can afford new Leica M, my advice is M(typ262) that is a very nice replacement of M9 (some would not because of CMOS from CCD but that is only "taste" which is individual).

Side note.
As Doug, my preferred one is M-D ...
this is the perfect digital M for my use (I understand that this is an extreme choice not for everyone).

 

[jsrockit]

Get the M9 repaired, sell it... use your other cameras.

 

[willie_901]

...

Opinions please.

I vote for the M-262.

 

[Fraser]

I've been close to buying an m240 a few times in recent months to replace my M9, in the UK m240s are going down in price all the time 4 months ago they were all at least £3000ish now I see them from dealers for less than £2500, m240 is quite old technology already so maybe I will pick one up in a year or so and who knows what price they will be!
In the mean time I decided just to use my M9 (new sensor) until it gives up. As already said by someone I wouldn't buy a new Leica digital again even for the price of a secondhand m240 you could pickup a Nikon d810 with a couple of nice lenses, a Canon 5dmk4 or Xpro 1 with a 35mm 1.4 and still have almost £2000 left!
If I was you I would get the M9 repaired wait a few months then decide, the Leica upgrade deal for a M240 is nothing really that great once the M9 has a new sensor you could sell it for maybe £1600 (or more) add another £1000 to that for an m240 from a dealer with 6-12 months warranty.
good luck.

 

[Godfrey]

So I just got the estimate to replace the sensor on my M9. Sensor replacement is $925. If I go the trade in route the M262 is $3100, the M 240 is $3500 and the M-P is $3900.

To me the trivial difference between the M & M-P isn't worth discussing let alone spending $400. I rarely, if ever shoot in rapid succession (2 vs 1 GB buffer). My Nikon has live view and the only time I use it is for macro work, not something I going to do with the Leica. Movies, except for seeing how it works I've never used it (or missed it) on the Nikon or X-Pro2.

So that leaves the M262. Is it really worth another $2575 over the M9 just to get a fatter body?

Opinions please.

Have had all of these except for the M240.

- Didn't like the M9's native JPEG rendering nor its sluggish responsiveness.

- Big improvement to the M-P over M 240 is the sapphire LCD glass and a slight improvement in responsiveness due to the increased internal buffer memory. BTW, it's no thicker than an M9: fits in the same fitted case except for the control locations. The additional weight of the 240 is mostly the battery—which is great because it gets more than double the life per charge that the M9 does.

- In the end, though, I prefer the utter simplicity of the M-D typ 262 and its improved handling ease (no LCD or buttons that get in the way of my fingers). The typ 262 sensor has the best rendering DNGs straight out of the camera of this group of cameras, far as I can see.

- I compared the M-D typ 262 to the M10 at the shop. I like the M-D more, even though the M10's revised viewfinder and improved, more sensitive sensor are worth while.

I feel that if you are really in love with the M9's imaging qualities, then paying for the repair is a no brainer. But if you're not so in love with the M9 that it's a shoe-in to just do that, it's very much worth the upgrade cost to either of the typ 240 or typ 262 cameras. I would never buy another M based on the M9's sensor generation (whether M9, MM, or M-E); I just don't like their rendering as much as the later models and the improvements to responsiveness with the later models make them far more appealing to me.

I suspect I'll be making photographs with the M-D typ 262 for quite a few years to come. 😀

G

 

[raid]

The M9 with a "certified new sensor" should get you around $2500+. A used M240 can be found for $3500+, and it may cost you in the end $1000+ to make this switch. Therefore, I would not take Leica's upgrade to an M240.

I am using an M240 loaner camera since last August or so. It is a workhorse. Nothing really to complain about. You get used to it after a while.

The M9 has its charm if you are a daytime photographer of well lit subjects, so to speak.
I also would not spend too much on a digital Leica unless there is a specific camera that you really want to have and use.

 

[MCTuomey]

a new M 262 for $3100? that's what i'd do. you could repair the M9, shoot it until the used M 262 market drops to low $2k range, then sell the M9 for whatever you could get and buy a used M 262. i'd have rather have a new M 262 now. likely more reliable over the same time frame.

i dislike leica's new camera prices, but i dislike sending used, non-warranteed cameras to their service centers even more.

 

[MCTuomey]

The M9 with a "certified new sensor" should get you around $2500+. A used M240 can be found for $3500+, and it may cost you in the end $1000+ to make this switch.

1,000 plus the cost to repair the M9 is more like 1,900 to make the switch to the M240, no?

 

[JeffS7444]

If your M9 is still usable as-is but simply has some sensor spots due to corrosion, I'd consider selling as-is (~$1200?), at which point all options including M10 or some OTL (Other Than Leica) are on the table.

 

[Rob-F]

Would the M262 be new, or factory refurbished and certified?

 

[Godfrey]

Would the M262 be new, or factory refurbished and certified?

If you're doing the trade-up with Leica, you're getting brand new, full warranty products. That's how I acquired my M-P 240: they gave me a better return on the M9 than I could get selling it, and I had a brand new camera in the end.

Leica prices are what they are. Don't like 'em? Don't buy one. 😎

G

 

[raid]

1,000 plus the cost to repair the M9 is more like 1,900 to make the switch to the M240, no?

I must have assumed that you get the free sensor. My mistake, of course.

 

[ktmrider]

I know you are looking for opinions but it is hard to put oneself in another's shoes. I had the M9 but sold it two years ago as I really did not want to get into digital. However, the advantages of technology are pretty good so I picked up a mint MP240 about two months ago.

I am enjoying it. Have not done any video and don't use live view but both features are there if you want them. I am finding the live view is great on checking critical focus. Am not sure I would limit myself with a 262. If you like the M9, I would keep it. However, I think the 240 is enough of an upgrade to warrant its purchase. I mean I did.

Good luck with your decision.