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Posts Tagged ‘monochrom’

Why Leica’s M10 Monochrom is more than just a gimmick

17 Jan
The M10 Monochrom is Leica’s third mono-only digital rangefinder, but the lower base ISO of the latest camera extends its flexibility.

The Leica M10 Monochrom is the company’s third mono-only rangefinder. It uses an entirely new 40MP sensor, rather than borrowing the 24MP chip from the other M10 models.

We think the Bayer filter array is an amazing creation, producing results that massively outweigh its drawbacks, but there are a few reasons why going without color filters is more than just a gimmick.

Higher detail capture

The obvious benefit of a monochrome sensor is that you don’t need to demosaic: each pixel you capture becomes one pixel in your final image. You don’t need to interpolate missing color values for each pixel, so you don’t need to call on neighboring pixels, so don’t experience the slight blurring effect that this has.

The final image will be inherently sharper than most color cameras can achieve (Foveon sensors being the key exception to this).

Higher base ISO

The color filters used on most sensors absorb around 1EV of the light, since each filter has to absorb the two colors it’s not allowing to pass through to the sensor (the green filter absorbs the red and blue light, for instance).

The M10 Monochrom’s base ISO of 160 is lower than previous mono cameras but higher than a camera with a color filter array would be.

This means that the silicon of a monochrome sensor receives around one stop more light at any given exposure. The consequence is that it becomes saturated and clips highlights around one stop earlier, at its lowest amplification setting. The result is that its base ISO tends to be rated one stop higher than a chip with a CFA would be. On the M10 Monochrom, the base ISO is given as 160 (rather than 320 on previous models).

This can be challenging, since it means having to use exposures that are 1EV lower than you’d expect on a color camera. In bright light, this is likely to mean stopping down when you hit the M10’s 1/4000th sec maximum shutter speed. But it’s worth noting that there isn’t any image quality cost to this.

Better tonal quality, ISO for ISO

Usually, reducing exposure by 1EV results in photon shot noise being one stop more visible (this reduction in light capture is the main cause of high ISO images looking noisier).

But, although the M10 Monochrom’s base ISO of 160 means using an exposure that’s half as bright as the ISO 80 exposure you’d expect to need on a color version, the Monochrom’s sensor still experiences the same amount of light: there’s no filter stealing half of it.

The tonal quality of this ISO 12500 shot is likely to be more comparable to that of an ISO 6400 shots on a color camera, since the sensor will be seeing the same amount of light, despite a darker exposure. The dynamic range is likely to be similar, too, since less amplification will have been applied.

In other words, you’ll get the same tonal quality as a color camera shot at 1EV lower ISO. And, while the higher base ISO presents an exposure challenge in bright light, it means you get tonal quality that’s a stop better in low-light situations.

And that’s before you consider the fact that all noise will present as luminance noise, rather than the chroma noise that most people find more objectionable. So you get a one stop improvement in noise in low light and the noise that is present is less visually distracting, which means less need to apply detail-degrading noise reduction.

New sensor

The big unknown with the M10 Monochrom is the specific sensor performance. We’ve not seen a 40MP full-frame sensor before, so can’t yet be sure what its performance will be like. The 24MP sensor used in the existing M10 models is pretty good, but slightly underperforms the standard set by the 24MP sensor in cameras such as the Nikon D750, meaning it’s even further behind the newer chip used by the likes of Nikon, Panasonic, Sigma and Sony.

We can’t yet be sure how Leica has managed to reduce the base ISO, compared to the previous model. An ISO of 160 is very low for a Mono camera, since it would equate to around ISO 80 if a color filter array was applied. So it’ll be interesting to assess the dynamic range, when the camera becomes available.

We won’t know how well the M10 Monochrom’s sensor performs until we get a chance to go out and shoot with it. Probably out in one of the classic sports cars Leica seems to expect us to have.

All Leica has said is that the chip in the M10 Monochrom has been ‘designed from the ground up with Mono in mind,’ which we’re a little skeptical about. It’s true that we’ve not seen this 40MP chip elsewhere, but it’s hard to imagine that (even at Leica prices), the M10 Monochrom will ever generate enough money to cover the cost of the development of a dedicated chip.

What is true, though, is that the smaller pixels of a 40MP sensor will make it less prone to aliasing than a 24MP sensor would be, since higher resolution sensors can accurately portray higher frequency detail, before getting overwhelmed and rendering an alias, rather than a correct representation. That said, simply being a monochrome sensor massively reduces the risk of aliasing (Bayer sensors sample red and blue at 1/4 their full pixel count, so can produce color aliasing with relatively low frequency detail).

Beyond the technical

It feels a bit strange writing about the technical advantages of a Leica rangefinder, since that’s not historically been an area in which they’ve excelled, and probably isn’t high on the list of why anyone buys one.

Of course, we’re DPReview, so we’re always going to consider the technical aspects of camera performance. But we recognize that a monochrome camera is about more than this. If you go out knowing that every photo has to be black and white, you look at the world in a different way: you start to concentrate on compositions of light and shade, not just compelling color or the warmth of the light. It’s a different way of thinking.

Which is to say: we’re really looking forward to getting a chance to go shooting with the M10 Monochrom.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Leaked EXIF information suggests Leica is working on a 41MP Monochrom M10 camera

02 Nov

Leica Rumors has shared a screenshot of EXIF data from what it claims to be a Leica M10 Monochrom model. The leak suggests past rumors about a 41MP sensor may have been correct; the EXIF data shows a 40.89MP resolution at 7864 x 5200, as well as a 50mm focal length and 12500 ISO.

The new EXIF data leak follows a report that Leica Rumors published in late August that claims the camera will feature the same body as the Leica M10 model and that it will launch with a limited edition ‘celebrity’ variant. The speculation about an official launch in September didn’t pan out, however; the model remains unconfirmed and it’s unclear when Leica may release it.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Leica, Lenny Kravitz produce limited edition ‘Drifter’ M Monochrom with snakeskin finish

24 May

Rock star and keen photographer Lenny Kravitz has produced another limited edition camera in partnership with Leica Germany, this time with a rock ‘n’ roll feel—and a snakeskin covering.

The Drifter is a Leica M Monochrom kit that comes with Leica Summicron-M 28mm f/2 ASPH, and an APO-Summicron-M 75mm f/2 ASPH lenses and a case to carry them. All the items in the kit are finished with a sepia brown paint and the camera and strap use a synthetic snakeskin that is designed to reflect Kravitz’s wardrobe.

Leica says the result is an ‘attention-commanding and soulful Leica camera made for global touring,’ with Kravitz adding ‘I’m a drifter […] That has been my life since I was 15-years-old; I’m always on the road.’

Other than the finish the camera is a standard M Monochrom, but will also feature untreated brass on the hotshoe rails, the thumb wheel, the shutter button and the soft-release button to lend it a stylish vintage look over time.

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This is the second limited edition M camera Lenny Kravitz has been involved with, coming up with the design for the Correspondent version of the M-P in 2015 in memory of his reporter father. The Drifter kit will be limited to only 125 globally, and will cost $ 23,950 / £20,500. Kravitz’s accompanying “Drifter” photo exhibition is currently being showcased at the Leica Gallery in Wetzlar, Germany. For more information see the Leica website.

Press release:

One for the road: new limited-edition Leica M Monochrom ‘Drifter’ is Lenny Kravitz’s ode to touring

Leica Camera AG and Kravitz Design have collaborated on a camera built for rock n’ roll nomads who can be found on either side of the lens. The look of the Leica M Monochrom ‘Drifter’ has been created by Grammy-winning musician, actor and artist Lenny Kravitz, who is no stranger to bold style and individual expression. The result is an attention-commanding and soulful Leica camera made for global touring. The name is inspired by how Kravitz sees himself, “I’m a drifter. That has been my life since I was 15-years-old; I’m always on the road.”

This limited edition camera is designed with an eye-catching ‘synthetic python’ snakeskin covering, made from premium-quality vegan leather which looks straight out of the rockstar’s wardrobe. Kravitz was made aware of this synthetic material by his close friend, fashion designer and animal rights activist Stella McCartney, who uses it for many of her own creations. The matching carrying strap made of woven fabric is coated with the same vegan leather as the camera. The camera’s monochrom body is luxuriously retro in special sepia brown paint, and the hotshoe, thumb wheel, shutter and soft-release buttons are made from untreated brass, which will allow a stylish vintage look to develop over time.

Two state-of-the-art lenses are included, both finished in sepia brown; a Leica Summicron-M 28mm f/2 ASPH, and an APO-Summicron-M 75mm f/2 ASPH. In a departure from the standard production model, the Summicron-M 28mm f/2 features a built-in extendable lens hood to match the design of its 75mm counterpart.

This camera demands five-star accommodation; a smart brown leather-like ‘Drifter Traveller’ bag, two pouches and cases for both lenses are included, so your kit is always protected.

Lenny Kravitz was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1964 to an Afro-American mother and a Ukrainian-Jewish father. He is not only a world-famous musician, songwriter, producer and actor but also an accomplished photographer. As a musician, Kravitz is a multi-instrumentalist who uses analogue recording technology to underline the retro-character of his songs. As a visual artist, he has enjoyed success with his design studio, Kravitz Design, and has also become an accomplished photographer publishing ‘Flash’, a book of his black-and-white photographs in 2015. “I love the quality of the Leica’s monochrom system’ says Kravitz, “it’s exquisite. I tend to see things in black-and-white. It looks more real to me, and timeless.”

This is the second time Lenny and his design team have collaborated with Leica on a limited-edition masterpiece. In 2015, he was inspired by the life of his father, a Vietnam War reporter and TV news producer, to create the ‘Correspondent’, a vintage-look Leica M-P. This time, Lenny has looked within himself and authored a design which reflects the lifestyle of a cosmopolitan artist and travelling musician stopping to capture his or her unique experiences.

With production limited to 125 units globally, the Leica M Monochrom ‘Drifter’ is incredibly exclusive and highly collectable; RRP is £20,500.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Leica reveals matte black M Monochrom ‘Stealth Edition’ with glow-in-the-dark markings

09 Mar

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Leica today unveiled a new “unprecedented” special edition version of its black-and-white sensor camera. Meet the Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246) ‘Stealth Edition’: an even more understated version of Leica’s monochrome digital rangefinder that features all matte black styling, jet-black cowhide leather trim, and glow-in-the-dark engravings “for optimal use in low-light situations.”

The Stealth Edition is a product of the collaboration between Leica Camera and Marcus Wainwright, the Founder, CEO, and Creative Director of fashion brand rag & bone.

“For me the Leica M system personifies the pursuit of perfection in an object designed for a singular purpose,” says Wainwright. “Inspired by that, I was aiming to try and further refine and perfect the M Monochrom—an almost impossible task—by distilling it to its purest form and highlighting the stealth nature of the camera and lens.”

Only 125 sets of the matte black ‘Stealth Edition’ will be made, each with its own matching Summicron-M 35 mm F2 ASPH lens, a black fabric carrying strap, a metal front cap for the lens and, of course, a certificate of authenticity. According to our Leica press contact, the price for the camera and lens is $ 15,750, and will begin shipping March 20th.

To learn more about this camera, head over to the Leica website. And if you want to see what this black-and-white camera is made of, check out our studio scene and real-world sample galleries below:

Leica M Monochrom Typ 246 Real-World and Studio Samples

Press Release

Leica Camera and Marcus Wainwright of rag & bone Collaborate for Special Edition M Monochrom (Typ 246)

The new ‘Stealth Edition’ set underscores Wainwright’s quest for purity and perfection with a sleek, matte black version of the distinctive Leica M Monochrom

March 8, 2018 – Today, Leica announced an unprecedented special edition of its unique digital rangefinder camera with a black-and-white sensor: the Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246) ‘Stealth Edition.’ Limited to just 125 sets worldwide and designed by Marcus Wainwright, CEO, Founder and Creative Director of the New York-based fashion brand rag & bone, the special edition camera and accompanying Summicron-M 35 mm f/2 ASPH. lens matches Leica’s high standard for quality and craftsmanship, with a new twist. With the M Monochrom camera, Wainwright, a longtime Leica photographer and enthusiast of black-and-white photography, has intensified the highly coveted unobtrusive nature of the camera with a unique matte black look and glow-in-the-dark accents for added functionality.

“For me the Leica M system personifies the pursuit of perfection in an object designed for a singular purpose. Inspired by that, I was aiming to try and further refine and perfect the M Monochrom – an almost impossible task – by distilling it to its purest form and highlighting the stealth nature of the camera and lens,” Wainwright said.

Staying true to Leica’s integrity and his focus on the essentials, Wainwright sought to perfect the iconic design of the Leica M camera with an aesthetic that marries purity with function. The ‘Stealth Edition’ of the Leica M Monochrom is quite possibly the most discreet camera on the market today, with both camera and lens dressed in an unassuming black matte finish and minimal branding to eliminate any distractions from the purity and integrity of the design. Only the most important engravings for photographic settings are highlighted on both the camera and lens, each crafted with a with a striking glow in dark fluorescent paint for optimal use in low-light situations. A jet-black, extremely smooth cowhide leather trim adds a layer of texture to the camera and excellent grip for the on-the-go photographer.

The ‘Stealth Edition’ set maintains all the hallmark features of the original M Monochrom (Typ 246) and Summicron-M 35 mm f/2 ASPH. lens. The sensor of the Leica M Monochrom is liberated from color filters, recording only luminance values to capture light with unparalleled sharpness and integrity, even at high ISO ranges. Along with its low susceptibility to image noise, bright viewfinder and rangefinder, ultra-quiet shutter release, and unique design, the ‘Stealth Edition’ set enhances the pursuit to “see in the dark” by broadening horizons for available-light photography and the creation of dynamic atmospheric images.

Meanwhile, the lens has the classic street photographer’s focal length of 35 mm and impresses with high imaging performance and uniquely pleasing bokeh. Despite its high speed and exceptional image quality, its dimensions are astoundingly compact. Paired with this lens, the Leica M cameras become extremely compact, versatile and elegant photographic tools.

The Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246) ‘Stealth Edition’ will be on sale from March 20, 2018. The edition is strictly limited to only 125 camera sets worldwide, each of which bears a distinctive serial number. The set also includes a comfortable, black fabric carrying strap, a metal front cap for the lens and a certificate of authenticity.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Leica unveils M Monochrom Oslo Edition, limited to just 10 units

29 Aug

The Leica Store in Oslo has announced a special edition Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246) camera simply called the Oslo Edition. This model is offered exclusively by the Leica Store Oslo, and though it is available worldwide, the edition is limited to just 10 units—this might be your best chance to get an ultra-rare Leica at a not-totally-insane price.

Both the camera body and the lens are engraved with the word ‘OSLO’ and a unit number ranging from 1 to 10. In addition to the special engraving and edition numbers, the Leica M Oslo Edition is shipped with a Leica Summaron-M 28mm F5.6 lens sporting a unique black finish.

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The special edition is packed in a gift box containing the lens, a battery, battery charger, and a Certificate of Authenticity. The Oslo Edition is available to purchase now for Kr. 118,000 / $ 14,800 USD. In other words: approximately double the cost of the regular Leica M Monochrom Typ 246.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Leica unveils limited edition Leica M Monochrom “Jim Marshall Set”

09 Jun

Leica has released a limited-edition Leica M Monochrom “Jim Marshall Set”. Jim Marshall was the first and only photographer to receive the Grammy Trustees Award. The edition will be limited to 50 sets worldwide. The kit includes the new brass plated Leica M Monochrom camera with a special “Laiton” finish. Leica says the latter provides a unique matte quality. The camera comes with an inscription of Jim Marshall’s autograph and a Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH lens.

In the box you’ll also find a Jim Marshall Limited Edition Estate print of “Thelonious Monk at the Monterey Jazz Festival 1964” and a special, numbered edition and estate embossed copy of the book Jim Marshall: Jazz Festival.

To mark the occasion the Leica Gallery Los Angeles which will showcase some of Marshall’s images of jazz icons like Miles Davis, Nina Simone and Thelonious Monk. The exhibit will run from June 15th through July 31st.

Press Release:

Leica Camera and the Jim Marshall Foundation Present a Leica M Monochrom Limited Edition Jim Marshall Set

LEICA M MONOCHROM “JIM MARSHALL SET” WITH LEICA SUMMILUX-M 50 MM F/1.4 ASPH

Leica Camera and the Jim Marshall Estate are proud to offer a limited edition set of the LEICA M Monochrom “Jim Marshall Set” with LEICA SUMMILUX-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH to celebrate Jim’s legacy and his life-long relationship with Leica Camera. This edition is limited to 50 sets and will be sold worldwide exclusively through Leica Stores and Boutiques.

The numbered and Jim Marshall autographed LEICA M Monochrom (Type 246) and LEICA
SUMMILUX-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH are made of brass components with a very special “Laiton” finish which provides a unique matt finish and a one of a kind appearance for each set. Another distinctive component of the set is the lens. This lens, while modern in its optical design, has the classic knurled focus ring and round lens hood reminiscent of the 1960’s. Both are made of brass with the “Laiton” finish.

The set also includes a Jim Marshall Limited Edition Estate print of Thelonious Monk at the Monterey Jazz Festival 1964 and a special, numbered edition and estate embossed copy of the Jim Marshall: Jazz Festival published by Reel Art Press. During the extraordinary rise of popular culture and the counterculture in the 1960”s, Jim Marshall seemed to be everywhere that mattered. His images of the Monterey Pop Festival chronicling the
breakout performances of Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and Otis Redding are woven into the lore of the era. Jim shot more than 500 album covers. His photographs are in private and museum collections around the world. To learn more about Jim Marshall, visit www.jimmarshallphotographyllc.com.

We invite you to the Leica Gallery LA to view Jim Marshall’s JAZZ FESTIVAL exhibition at the Leica Gallery LA, on view June 15th through July 31.

Join us on June 15th at the Leica Gallery LA from 5PM-6PM for a guest lecture and book signing with Amelia Davis, owner of Jim Marshall’s archive of photography, followed by the opening reception of Jim Marshall’s JAZZ FESTIVAL exhibition.

RSVP for the lecture and book signing here.
RSVP for the opening reception here.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Leica announces plans for ‘peeling’ CCDs in M9 and Monochrom

23 May

Owners of Leica M cameras that suffer from ‘peeling’ CCDs will be able to claim a free repair in the future so long as the camera was purchased within five years of the fault becoming apparent, the company has announced. The plan has been set out to address what happens after the 16th August this year when the ‘regardless of camera age’ offer is due to expire.

After this date Leica will still replace faulty sensors in affected models that have been in use for more than five years but will ask owners for €982 towards the cost. Alternatively, owners may wish to take advantage of ‘even more attractive terms’ on a trade-in for a new Typ 240 class model. Quite what those attractive terms are though remains unclear.

Cameras that have an issue with a peeling layer on the CCD sensor are some M9, M9-P, M Monochrom and M-E cameras. The issue was recognised and acknowledged by Leica in 2014, and this announcement intends to begin to put a close to the free repair program.

Cameras that need to have their sensor replaced will also get a free 7-point service and overhaul as a good-will measure, which includes cleaning of numerous mechanisms and some repairs to the viewfinder and the multi-function wheel.

For more information see the Leica website.

Press Release

Latest information concerning the CCD sensors of the Leica M9 / M9-P / M Monochrom and M-E camera models

Following the successfully begun and largely completed replacement programme for corroded sensors that affected M9, M9-P, M Monochrom and M-E camera models, we would now like to inform you about how this programme will be handled in the future.

Until 15 August 2017, we will continue to offer free replacement of sensors for these camera models if they are affected by the corrosion problem. This will also apply after 16 August 2017 for the models listed above, but only in cases where the cameras have been purchased as new products within the last five years.

From 16 August 2017, and until further notice, we will offer our customers the following new programme for all camera models mentioned above that were purchased longer than five years ago. Here, the customer pays a share of the replacement costs for the affected CCD sensor amounting to 982 euros (825 euros plus 19% VAT). Included in this programme is a free general overhaul of your Leica M camera and a one year warranty on the same terms as for new products. This offer expresses our commitment to conserving the value of your camera.

We have also revised our upgrade offers with more attractive terms for our customers. Instead of a sensor replacement, we offer our customers the alternative option of sending us their camera affected by sensor corrosion in part payment for the purchase of selected Leica M camera models of the Type 240 generation at even more attractive terms. Leica Customer Care will be pleased to inform and advise interested customers about the terms and conditions of the upgraded offer.

With regard to the above, we would like to remind you that the replacement of CCD sensors and the upgrade offers apply only to cameras affected by this concrete problem, and only to the models of the Leica M-System we have listed above. Preventive replacement of sensors is not included in this programme.

The general overhaul of the Leica M camera includes the following items:
• Cleaning and overhaul of the shutter cocking mechanisms
• Cleaning and maintenance/repair of the multifunction wheel
• Cleaning of the main switch and shutter speed dial
• Adjustment of the baseplate locking system
• Refurbishment of engravings
• Renewal of the protective film on the baseplate
• Maintenance/repair of viewfinder displays

Q&A:
How can I find out whether my Leica M is more than five years old?
The date on which you purchased your camera as a new product applies. The sales receipt serves as proof of the date of purchase. If you no longer have your sales receipt, the age of the camera will be determined from its serial number. In this case, the date on which it was supplied to the dealer applies.

Which point in time is used for determining whether my camera is within the period designated for the full goodwill arrangement?
The date on which the defect was reported to Leica Camera AG applies. In each concrete case, a check of the camera by Leica Customer Care is required to prove that the problem is due to the corresponding sensor defect. This check can be made by sending the camera or a suitable test exposure to Leica Customer Care and subsequent checking of the camera by specialist personnel at Leica.

What can I expect to pay if I decide to take advantage of the upgrade option instead of having my camera repaired?
Leica Customer Care can provide concrete prices for your upgrade wishes on request.

Can I also upgrade to a Leica M10?
Due to the extremely high demand for the new Leica M10, this model is excluded from the upgrade programme. Only the direct successors of the Leica M9 listed below are available as options in the upgrade programme:
• Leica M (Typ 240)
• Leica M-P (Typ 240)
• Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246)

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Leica expands ‘a la carte’ program to allow customers to customize the M Monochrom

25 Jun
The Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246) shown in cement leather and silver chrome

Leica has announced that its M Monochrom (Typ 246) will now become part of the company’s ‘a la carte’ program, where photographers can choose a range of custom options to personalize their camera. The M Monochrom has only been available in a discrete black chrome finish until now, with black leather and no traditional Leica red dot in case it attracted unwanted attention. Now that the camera is in the a la carte program a polished silver chrome version will be available as well as black laquer, and the leather finish can be chosen from 10 different colours including shades of red, blue, green and brown.

The service also allows users to decide if they want the image field selector lever that previews the effects of different focal lengths (it costs more to have it removed), to choose between Gorilla and sapphire glass on the LCD, and a choice of color for the strap to match or complement the color of the body. Users can also request no engraving on the camera’s top plate, or indeed request their own lettering or signature for the top plate and/or the camera’s rear.

The customization can add over £1000 to the cost of the body on top of a charge of £840 for the service. Leica has created a simulator so that users can choose their options online, and Leica stores will also offer the service. For more information visit the Leica Camera website.

Press release:

Made to measure: Leica M Monochrom à la carte

Leica à la carte programme extended with the addition of the Leica M Monochrom, with silver chrome finish available for the first time

Leica Camera has today announced that its successful Leica M à la carte camera personalisation programme has been expanded with the addition of the Leica M Monochrom, bringing the entire portfolio of bespoke options to this special digital rangefinder model.

The Leica M Monochrom, which incorporates a unique black and white sensor, can now be ordered with a multitude of tailored features, including a choice of classic black chrome or black paint body. Furthermore, for the first time and exclusively via the à la carte programme, customers can also select the camera body in a stunning silver chrome finish.

Among the custom options are a top plate with – or without – the iconic Leica ‘red dot’ logo on the front, and an extensive collection of leather trims, from classic black to subtle shades to rich, eye-catching colours such as khaki, red or deep blue.

For the ultimate personal touch, the Leica M Monochrom à la carte can be delivered with fine engraving on the top surface and rear of the top plate. Meticulously hand-crafted in Germany, each camera can be transformed into a personal ‘object of desire’ – a unique and unmistakeable example of precision and quality – with the application of its owner’s signature, custom text or special markings.

An array of high quality camera carrying straps completes the Leica M à la carte portfolio, in colours and materials to match those chosen for the camera’s leather trim.

Allowing the simulation of all possible variations, and selection of the final combination chosen by the customer, an online configurator is available now on the Leica website at uk.leica-camera.com. Orders for the personalised Leica M Monochrom à la carte camera can be placed via official Leica Stores and Boutiques, where customers are able to view a variety of samples, illustrating the full range of options offered by the programme.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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246 Shades of Grey: Leica M Monochrom Typ 246 real-world and studio samples

11 Jan

The sensor in the Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246) is an interesting one. Without a color filter array, the 24MP CMOS sensor doesn’t lose sharpness through interpolation, much like a first-generation Foveon sensor or Pentax’s pixel shift mode found in the K-3 II. The catch is, of course, no color. However, it also means the sensor is more… well… sensitive at base ISO, making this ones’ base ISO 320 instead of 200 like its Bayer counterparts.

There is another issue, however. Even without a mirror flipping out of the way in this rangefinder, the shutter causes blur at speeds near 1/125sec when using the 90mm F2 Summicron. To see the true sharpness of the camera at base ISO, we recommend switching over to low-light mode where the shutter’s effect isn’t present.

You’ll notice that the M Monochrom is marked as non-standard. Keeping true to its rangefinder roots, it can only change shutter speed in half-stop increments, whereas our standardized Raw exposures are based off of third-stop increments. However, the M does do exposure compensation in third-stops, even though it will only report half-stops. Therefore we shot the M in aperture priority and bracketed +-1 stop EV. We then, since it didn’t report accurate shutter speeds in its metadata, chose the Raw exposure that was closest to Lab 50 without adjustments. JPEG images still follow our normal procedure.

See the M Monochrom Typ 246 in our Studio Scene

See our Leica M Monochrom Typ 246 real-world sample gallery

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Testbericht: Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246)

15 Dec

Ein Mann raucht und steht an einem Mikrofon

Ein Beitrag von: Roman Tripler

Für viele Fotografen ist es schon ein wunderbares Gefühl, eine Leica in der Hand zu halten, geschweige denn, dauerhaft eine benutzen zu können oder gar zu besitzen. Bei allem Für und Wider zum Thema Preis vs. Leistung besitzt Leica eine Art gepachtete Magie wie kaum eine andere Marke in allen mir bekannten Branchen.
kwerfeldein – Fotografie Magazin | Fotocommunity

 
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