Upgrading M9 to M240 Worth It?

FWIW - I sent my M9 into Leica Service in New Jersey for their inspection of the sensor in early January. I received a letter dated 01/19/2015 that they would "Replace Image Sensor ** Leica Good Will Warranty **." The repair estimate was to be completed on 2/27/15. Called the week following the estimated return and they stated no sensors were available at this time and that they were awaiting shipment from Germany with no ETA. They could not state where I was in the repair queue. I thought about it over the weekend and decided to talk with customer service and asked if I could take advantage of the exchange program and they asked if I wanted the M 240 or MP 240. I asked for the MP 240. The exchange deal was trade in the M9 plus $3750.00 for a new MP 240. So a $4200.00 credit was given for the M9. A fair trade-in value for a four + year old M9.

As others have mentioned the quiet shutter, the larger buffer, and better battery are very nice.

I would have been happy with the M9 if they replaced the sensor since it worked for me, I just lost faith that the issue would be resolved once and for all and there would be no more downtime in the future. Having made the decision to go with the MP 240 has also been a positive experience.

I do not think you can go wrong with keeping the M9 as long as it suits your needs or selling it off and upgrading. With price drops available for the M & MP 240 currently available it may be a good time to do it.

Good luck with your decision.
 
ktmrider said:
...My other and favorite Leica is an M2 from 1959 and I have given thought to going back to film so honestly spending another $3000 seems a bit silly. I think it is just GAS which should pass quickly.
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You should shoot with what moves you the most. If you have the time and passion for film (analog) workflow then embrace it.
I find that i do my best work when my camera disappears and i essentially become the camera. It sounds like the M2 does that for you.
For me its the M240.
That distinction disappears when the work is up on the wall.
 
Huss said:
A 17% weight gain is significant.

You want the camera to lose weight, not gain it.
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I agree with this 100%. The weight has been steadily going up for years, and it does not come down.

It is sooo easy to add, but it takes real discipline to remove, especially in our digital "more is better" world.

Personally, I bought my M9 for the long term and I will keep it.

Besides, my upgrade already happened with the M-A. And it was certainly worthwhile. :)
 
ktmrider said:
Let me know your thoughts. My other and favorite Leica is an M2 from 1959 and I have given thought to going back to film so honestly spending another $3000 seems a bit silly. I think it is just GAS which should pass quickly.
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I have a 240 and spent some time with the M9. There is little doubt that the 240 is the better camera, which you would hope it is, since it's a newer model.

The operating speed is greatly improved even under heavy use. I rarely feel like I am waiting for the camera. The shutter release is very crisp and sharp and a big step up from the M9. For noise performance the sensor is about 2 stops ahead of the CCD in the M9. Color is surprisingly un-plastic for a CMOS. 3200 is useable. Dynamic range is improved by around 2 stops. The LED framelines are a nice touch, as is the weather sealing and the rear LCD is large and hires. The battery is twice the size and has excellent run time. The worst quirk of the 240 are the green shadows that may appear at higher asa settings in mixed light, but you can remove them in Lightroom etc.

But it really depends on how you are getting on with your M9 and if you are feeling its limitations. $3000 is not exactly pocket change, unless you have money to spare.
 
Only for for light. Learn to use noise reduction before deciding. Nik Define or what is in Camera raw or Lightroom.
 
For M9 user who found out their m9s have the corrosion problem, would Leica offer an upgrade to a M-A or MP(film) instead of the M240? :)
 
Well, upgrade is off the table for the moment. I just got a mint 1958 M2 (to go with my 1959 M2) from Sherry. The M9 may pull some shelf time or I may sell it. Both digital and film have their place but I just like the film process better and the M2 is my favorite film M.
 
ktmrider said:
Well, upgrade is off the table for the moment. I just got a mint 1958 M2 (to go with my 1959 M2) from Sherry. The M9 may pull some shelf time or I may sell it. Both digital and film have their place but I just like the film process better and the M2 is my favorite film M.
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Buy Glass. M9 is fine :)

Better than fine, really.


Wonder_0-287 by charliewebstersv, on Flickr

If you want low light just get a CV 35/1.2. It will take the M9 anywhere. Seriously, I thought I would use my A7 in the low light over the M9. I don't. So much for ISO.

I have yet to hear a single good reason, for me, to get a 240. EVF? I have one on the Sony and I don't want another. Glass viewfinders are a joy in comparison. Sensor? Mine is fine over 100K clicks since new.

Close-up? Well that's almost a real reason if one really wants to fumble with EVF and adapters. I just use the Sony and CF adapters for M if I need them.

All that said, 240 is fine camera. If I could not get another M9 I might consider it ;)
 
Have had a 35f1.2 for several years and yes it goes on the M9 more often then a film camera. However, I purchased a 35f2.8 CBiogon for hiking in Europe last fall and it lives on my M2.

I am thinking of going around the world with two M2's but the M9 does some things so well. I really do not want to mix film and digital but sometimes I think, why not.
 
ktmrider said:
Have had a 35f1.2 for several years and yes it goes on the M9 more often then a film camera. However, I purchased a 35f2.8 CBiogon for hiking in Europe last fall and it lives on my M2.

I am thinking of going around the world with two M2's but the M9 does some things so well. I really do not want to mix film and digital but sometimes I think, why not.
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Get the gear that really inspires you and use it that way. A 3 body walk with 2 M2s and an M9 sounds delicious, if you can keep them apart LOL
 
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