Type 240 or 262?

Bike Tourist

Bike Tourist

Well-known
Local time
6:21 AM
Joined
Dec 3, 2005
Messages
1,299
I'm having one of my occasional fits of nostalgia. I came across a web site advertising a used Type 240 and a used Type 262, in ostensibly equal condition, for the same price. My initial response would be to go for the 240.


Maybe I'm missing something. From what I read the 240 has maybe a little better sensor? The 240 is weather sealed? Shutter differences? I've been away from Leica so long I'm in the dark


Possibly, I'll hate the Leica images compared to my Nikon D810. I don't know.
 
typ262 has a newer supposedly quieter shutter, lighter top plate, no live view, and no video. also has a marginally newer sensor, but insignificant difference from what i've read.

If you're touring by bike, the 262 has benefits for both weight and watersealing (no evf port on the back and no mic holes on top).

If you want live view (or video) however, then the 240.

I use the 240 (and live view more often than expected), so let me know if you have more specific questions. Haven't used the 262, but was seriously considering it versus the 240.
 
Hello Dick,


I bought M (typ 262) as first for it's simplicity after using M9 for years.


That was a very nice idea from Leica offering "simplified M (typ 240)".


Now I have the two types and use them as two different cameras:


- M240 has more functions and features: LV, video, multi-zone metering, and much more
- M262 has less functions but is lighter (circa -90g) with less menu and "said" quieter shutter (this is not to say the M240 has loud noise !): for me more M philosophy



But each can take pleasant pictures and with same lens I have never seen any difference in results.
 
At the same price, the M typ 240 is a better deal as it includes more features. But whether it's better for you depends on whether you want or will use those features.

G
 
Should note that there are two different typ 262 cameras, could be a source of confusion. M typ 262 and M-D typ 262, the latter further simplified by omitting the LCD screen on back. That latter is the one Godfrey and I are enjoying... :)

I also have a typ 240 but never use video or live view. Seems to be the only M with video feature, important for some.
 
If you are contemplating the use of R lenses or other lenses with adapter, the live view feature makes more precise focus possible. Neither camera is designed for shooting long lenses, but I find the M240 live view feature useful with long telephoto primes or zooms.
 
I have an M 262 and I prefer the lack of stuff like video that M 240 has. I never see having more stuff (bells and whistles) as being a better deal.
 
My history of M user can't be an example to follow .


To make long history short : after buying/using almost all film M and digital M
... my last prefered present Ms are M-A and M-D to be used with small/light lenses like Summarit-M "discovered" after heavy/large lenses for decades.


I'm happier than when I had more choices of full-featured gear :

"less is more" (fun and proud when I obtain some nice pictures).
 
I was out this morning shooting a sunrise, using 24mm and 18mm M-lenses on an M262 and a 35mm f1.4 Summilux FLE on an M-P240, with an extra 75mm f2.4 Summarit that I use interchangeably with the 35/1.4.

Couldn't be happier with both. The M262 is noticeably lighter due to the lighter weight top plate material, and the shutter sound of the M262 is more subtle, but they're both excellent in use and the black paint finish of the M-P240 "feels" much nicer to the touch when carrying in the hand over a long period of time.

Given a proficient system user, either one is very capable, or either could be a disaster in the hands of someone who doesn't know what they're doing. They're both "sealed" to some extent. Without the EVF opening of the M240, the M262 could be better sealed overall. Sensor difference? Doubt there's much, if any. Exposed similarly, you could put a set of both together in one folder and never know which one took any of the pictures.

M262 and 18mm Super Elmar..





24mm Elmar-M..





and M-P240 with the Summilux FLE..



 
I also have an M262. Dont shoot any video. Battery life is much better. Its shutter is much quieter also. I came from many film M cameras, the clean viewfinder drew me to the 262 for the same film like experiance. Its also a lighter camera with a simpiler menu that i like. You can’t go wrong with an M262 in my opinion.
 
The M262 is my preference between the two as well. I like that it's lighter and I never use the video function or an EVF/LV when I'm shooting with my M.
 
Well, I know you're all in breathless suspense, wondering what I finally decided. Just to put it at rest so that you can enjoy the remainder of your long weekend, I opted for the (new as opposed to used) bundle offered by B&H. The 262+ 50/2.4 and some other stuff for an attractive price. They even worked with me to trade out an item for other things.


Counting the days till I'm once again a Leicaphile!
 
Bike Tourist said:
Well, I know you're all in breathless suspense, wondering what I finally decided. Just to put it at rest so that you can enjoy the remainder of your long weekend, I opted for the (new as opposed to used) bundle offered by B&H. The 262+ 50/2.4 and some other stuff for an attractive price. They even worked with me to trade out an item for other things.


Counting the days till I'm once again a Leicaphile!
Click to expand...

CONGRATS and I have a good buddy that went for that same deal some months back. Now lets see a few images....
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom