Why did you get the M240?

[mdg137]

It has been my experience that 99.99 % of the general populace have no idea about the Leica brand, history, or "image".

People are far more likely to be "impressed" for lack of a better term, by a pro series Nikon or Canon with an attached or integrated battery pack/ motor drive and 85mm f1.2/1.4.

I've carried all three off and on over the years, and the only comments Leica bodies attract from non-photographers are more along the lines of "is that an old camera?"
Granted, I've gotten into conversations with other Leica users, some of whom have no language in common with me, and the conversation consisted of smiles and gestures, and once an exchange of cards--

I've never felt the need to gaffer tape the script or red dot, either for protection from would be thieves, or to prevent the perception that I'm a snob.

 

[jaapv]

Not my perception at all. The few people I meet that recognize the camera are pleased to see one in real life and are just interested. The accomplished poseur goes for more easily recognized things - a Ferrari, Trophy wife or Rolex. A Leica? it lacks status because only photography geeks know what it is...

Uhm... No. It's just my observation and Werception by people in general in the photography community. I don't share the same view myself, but, I find it sad that some "Leica photographers" nowadays wear their cameras as a fashion statement more than for making content that matters. I hope it's the minority. But at the same time over the last years it almost seems like a stereotype is developing. Any object that is very expensive and exclusive attracts a certain type of people that wants to be a part of that exclusive group.

There are also some people out there who act as the public PR agency for Leica. I've been to several workshops where it sometimes seems like it's a personal goal of the people having the workshop is to sell Leica. I would never ever listen to car salesmen... I hope you understand my comparison.

Why anyone would want to be known as a <insert brand> photographer beats me. Brand associations aren't usually a good thing. Brands and companies exist to makey money first and foremost. So the term "Leica photographer" in my view is not something that I would view as a privilege, but I'd rather think that the photographer sold out to a company rather than staying neutral. And by doing that the photographer will be able to achieve less than if the photographer rather made their own brand, and considered their tools for what they actually are - tools. And there are many different tools to choose from. And today they are all very very good, and have different strengths and weaknesses.

Anyway, maybe I'm just paying too much attention to the wrong people and letting it get to me 🙂

 

[mdg137]

Not my perception at all. The few people I meet that recognize the camera are pleased to see one in real life and are just interested. The accomplished poseur goes for more easily recognized things - a Ferrari, Trophy wife or Rolex. A Leica? it lacks status because only photography geeks know what it is...

Exactly matches my experience-- if anything, a Leica attracts less admiration, attention, or comments than anything I've carried.

Although, I do have a trophy wife.

 

[Doug]

Finishing a recent checkup, my urologist motioned to my M240 and asked, "What's with the antique camera?" Similarly a couple years ago I passed down an alley in town behind the newspaper office, and a journalist out back on smoke break expressed some surprise at seeing an old film rangefinder still in use... I showed her the back of my M8 and she was even more surprised. 😀 Nobody seems particularly impressed at the "neck jewelry."

In vacation travels where other tourists are seen, I rarely see a Leica RF, and those I do see appear to be in use and not just for display purposes. I do understand though attending a camera club meeting and hoping others will admire one's gear and strike up a conversation.

Good idea to just enjoy yourself photographing with whatever you're using and not to worry about what other people might be imagining about your gear... 🙂

 

[Richard G]

Well, this is good. Somewhere to go, some day. Meanwhile, happy with the M9.

 

[flyalf]

Do you actually have both side by side? I have the whole series here in front of me, and the only difference is the presence of the thumbrest. Which many have simulated by the Thumbie or Thumbs Up, without complaining that camera felt fatter.
The couple of ounces weight difference is neither here nor there - the differences in lens weight are far more. Even using a silver Summilux 50 instead of a black one give a greater weight differential.

I used both side by side for some months beforel selling M9 :angel:. The feel can imo best be felt (oops) by using them, not having them standing on a desk (ok, a low blow I admit, sorry).

 

[Lss]

I find it sad that some "Leica photographers" nowadays wear their cameras as a fashion statement more than for making content that matters. I hope it's the minority.

I have seen many people carry Leicas and use them. How can I tell whether they are also using them as fashion statements?

 

[Michael Markey]

I don't care whether the internet perception of me is that I'm a "wealthy, fashion-conscious amateur" and "not a serious photographer." Who gives a flying f**t what the internet thinks anyway? 🙂

I like my Leicas: they're good, solid cameras. Expensive for sure, but eh? As long as I'm not starving my kids or embezzling the boss in order to buy what I like, who cares?

G

Well said .
I`ve never understood why any of that should affect my choice of camera.

 

[Richard G]

If I notice that someone notices my silver M9-P and it seems that he doesn't think it's an M2 but a brand new M, and he sees my Swiss watch and my Pelikan fountain pen in my pocket and I can see he's thinking "Waaaite a minute...!" I whip out my black paint Leica II, all brassed, with the accessory finder and film box end taped to the baseplate and he soon moves away, realising he is in the presence of a very, very serious amateur.

 

[kaiwasoyokaze]

i had an interesting conversation with a local here in hk, on top of a mountain in the middle of my hike no less(!) about my m240.

i would think that the leica starts more interesting conversations amongst people in the know than them turning up their noses with some negative assumptions about the shooter

 

[Keith]

I've never had anyone show any interest in a Leica of any description. If you want to arouse people's curiosity try shooting a Crown Graphic in public! 😀

 

[jsrockit]

I find it sad that some "Leica photographers" nowadays wear their cameras as a fashion statement more than for making content that matters.

Did you follow them around all day to see how they used their camera, or is this statement really more about your prejudice?

Also, if you own a Leica, does that mean you have to be serious about photography 24/7?

 

[jaapv]

I used both side by side for some months beforel selling M9 :angel:. The feel can imo best be felt (oops) by using them, not having them standing on a desk (ok, a low blow I admit, sorry).

Well, I use an MM, M9 and M side by side since they came out - so I think
I can say with some confidence that the difference in feel (and size) if any is less than minimal.

 

[borge]

Did you follow them around all day to see how they used their camera, or is this statement really more about your prejudice?

Also, if you own a Leica, does that mean you have to be serious about photography 24/7?

As I said, it's only my observation. But maybe I'm just letting things get to me.

I do own a Leica. I've had several. I'm definitely not serious about photography 24/7, as it is my hobby and passion, but not my fulltime job. I do take photography seriously though. Maybe too much at times. I find that I have to remind myself to enjoy it more at times, cause photography can also be depressing if it get's too serious 🙂

 

[Jason Sprenger]

I've only had one incident where a passerby was interested in the Leica that I was using.

The odd bit is, I was taking pictures with a Bessa R at the time.

 

[robklurfield]

Where has the OP, filmtwit, gone?

Filmtwit, has the conversation here informed a decision on your part? If so, I'm curious what you've decided.

I used to spend much more time here on RFF, but I began to tire of some of the silly arguing that goes on. I took a bit of a sabbatical from the site.

The OP asked for pros and cons about the camera, by which I thought he meant about the use of the M240, not all this blather about its image. I think he was interested in learning about image quality and handling, not the self-image of Leica owners. I came to this thread because I was curious about what 240 users have to say about their experience with the camera. I think some posters here actually focused on that while others got rather off topic.

I can't see how whether someone notices that you or I am using a Leica (or not) has anything to do with the original question.

So, I'll retreat back to the peace, quiet & solitude of my lair after first asking again: Filmtwit, did you decide to buy a 240? Please report back.

 

[filmtwit]

Yes, bought a factory refurb more then a month ago. Unfortunately the electronic viewer port had problems so I sent it in. I have replacement on the way. Should have it by Wednesday.

Single largest film/digital/video purchase I've ever made. The next closest was 16mm Eclair ACL package I picked up in film school many many years ago.

Filmtwit, did you decide to buy a 240? Please report back.

 

[robklurfield]

filmtwit, congrats. I hope you'll report back on how you like it once it is back in your hands.

 

[flyalf]

Well, I use an MM, M9 and M side by side since they came out - so I think
I can say with some confidence that the difference in feel (and size) if any is less than minimal.

No disrespect meant. Different users, different perception. For some the real physical difference is minimal, for others not so 🙄

 

[Manuel Patino]

I had considered buying an M8 or M9 for a while. I got the M 240 because of the allure of FF and Leica. I started shooting RF with a RD-1 (love that camera). Anyway, due to hanging out with bad company 😉, I was influenced to desire the Leica. One showed up here in the classifieds for a good price and the rest is history.

Now I need to learn to use this new camera....