Leica Monochrom (Page 2): I have an M-4P, and two other older Ms. Unfortunately my contract stipulates digital.

bylinecl

I have an M-4P, and two other older Ms. Unfortunately my contract stipulates digital.

bylinecl

Thanks. With time being a factor and being new to Lightroom and digitally dyslectic developing a greater level of skill may be beyond my time constraints.

Hal81 Loc: Bucks County, Pa.

No.

Dan De Lion Loc: Montana

bylinecl wrote:

Anybody here use the Leica Monochrom?
CL/

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I tried one in a camera store. The output quality is not much lower than I get from a Nikon prosumer or pro body. My impression of the body is that it is overpriced and underperforming. Just like all other Leica bodies. If you want to pay thousands more than you need to for a red dot, go for it. Alternately, just buy a 10 cent red dot.

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shelty Loc: Medford, OR

With Photoshop and other software you can make and tone your B&W,s any darned color you want from your color images. So why shoot just B&W when you can have the whole thing?

asiafish Loc: Bakersfield, CA

I owned the original M Monochrom for over 3 years, and am currently saving for the M246 version, mainly for the quieter shutter and better high-ISO capabilities.

There is just something magical about M Monochrom tonality.

asiafish Loc: Bakersfield, CA

Dan De Lion wrote:

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I tried one in a camera store. The output quality is not much lower than I get from a Nikon prosumer or pro body. My impression of the body is that it is overpriced and underperforming. Just like all other Leica bodies. If you want to pay thousands more than you need to for a red dot, go for it. Alternately, just buy a 10 cent red dot.

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Nikon does not make a single body with black and white image quality to match the Leica Monochrom (original or newer M246 version). Its like fine wine, just because YOU can't taste the difference doesn't mean it isn't there.

FWIW, I can't taste the difference between a good $50 and a good $200 wine, but I most definitely can see the difference in image quality between my original 2012 M Monochrom and even the latest and greatest Nikon, Sony or Canon color files converted to B&W (or color Leica M files converted to B&W for that matter).

My guess is you didn't really push the M Monochrom, didn't know how to process the file or (gasp) shot it on JPEG.

asiafish Loc: Bakersfield, CA

shelty wrote:

With Photoshop and other software you can make and tone your B&W,s any darned color you want from your color images. So why shoot just B&W when you can have the whole thing?

Because the tonality of the M Monochrom (either model) sensor is just a whole other level of gorgeous than ANY 35mm color sensor converted to B&W.

scott miller

This is definitely not a new discussion. Lol. I also own a D810 and Sony Rx1r2 along with my M7, m10 and 246. I love them all.
But, shooting Leica is a very unique experience having nothing to do with the red circle. I personally have black tape on my red dot and the 246 has no markings at all. Nisan makes awesome cars but they're not Porsches.

bylinecl

Thanks, Asiafish. That's been my impression as I've studied a range of Monochrome images by shooters such as Mathieu Bitton and Craig Semetko. I'm an old film shooter, but new to digital photography and there are any number of subtle differences and distinctions I've yet to learn to appreciate, let alone understanding the vast array of wonderful digital equipment available and the level of overwhelming sophistication. Frankly, I'm jus not smart enough to figure out how to use one of today's Nikon's or Canons. M-series Leicas may be expensive, but they're relatively simple.

asiafish Loc: Bakersfield, CA

bylinecl wrote:

Thanks, Asiafish. That's been my impression as I'v... (show quote)

My favorite (and the one I currently own) is the Leica M-D, a digital M without an LCD screen or any JPEG modes. I also own and use an old M5, which goes with the M-D surprisingly well.

whwiden

shelty wrote:

With Photoshop and other software you can make and tone your B&W,s any darned color you want from your color images. So why shoot just B&W when you can have the whole thing?

The monochrom sensor is missing the color array (Bayer filter?) And so the theory is the pixel use is more efficient/sensitive in practice. Or so it was explained to me. Thus an 18 mpix or 24 mpix sensor might deliver performance equal to 36 mpix or more. Perhaps approaching medium format territory with good glass, but in a small package. You are correct that a basic color file makes some post processing easier. I needed to shoot the Monochrom with color filters to get what I wanted. And then more post processing. Like shooting Pan F plus for result, but at 1/1000th of a second at 1600 ISO. It opens up a very wide shooting envelope.

However, for 8 x 12, 10 x 15, and 12 x 18 enlargements, I find decent results with Nikon. Much better ergonomics, battery life, sensor cleaner, dual card slots, etc. Option to use autofocus or zoom lens.

For me, if I want a black and white film look, I find it easier to shoot real film. I just need to accept a narrow shooting envelope if I want limited grain experience. Or I push Hp5 or tri-x for a wide envelop with grain.

asiafish Loc: Bakersfield, CA

whwiden wrote:

The monochrom sensor is missing the color array (B... (show quote)

You can get outstanding results with Nikon, but the M Monochrom is on a whole other lever for B&W.

I also shoot (and really like) the Nikon Df, which does many things the Leica won't do. Different tool and all that.

zoomphoto Loc: Seattle, WA USA

I have and believe it is just marginally better than the M8.2.
Also, although not for everyone, I personally think the Sigma Foveon sensor cameras produce outstanding B&W images.
I was so impressed by the B&W performance of the stacked array Foveon that I sold my M8.2 and purchased one.

Kuzano

scott miller wrote:

This is definitely not a new discussion. Lol. I also own a D810 and Sony Rx1r2 along with my M7, m10 and 246. I love them all.
But, shooting Leica is a very unique experience having nothing to do with the red circle. I personally have black tape on my red dot and the 246 has no markings at all. Nisan makes awesome cars but they're not Porsches.

Having built and raced Nissan on the circuit and beaten Porsches... What's your point? or counter point. I don't understand your last comment.