Leica M ... for me still one of the best systems

[woodyspedden]

I heard that many have still issues with XTrans. I myself actually never had issues despite the fact that some RAW converters offered pretty late support.

While I do not believe that there will be a Bayer array Fuji sensor anytime in their X lineup, I strongly believe that their next incarnation of the XTrans sensor will at least be 24MP - maybe even more, at least when they finally go organic. Which only might happen i 2 years from now, so 24MP XTrans seems to be most likely for the XPro2 and XT2 which should come next year.

Peter

See the thread about the (hopefully) Fuji MF camera. That, and my M system would satisfy me forever

Woody

 

[fotografz]

As a long time Leica M shooter but also someone infected heavily by GAS I own and use several systems.
Every couple of months a new camera comes, other go, some stay long (like my 5dIII) others are sold even after a couple of months (some of the mirrorless).

Today we often here questions, why people use "overpriced" Leica M equipment.

For me the M is still a very very good compromise between:
-excellent IQ; specially not just a good camera but also many excellent lenses
-small size
-very nice user interface
-relativly fast to use for a manual focus camera

-Yes, my Canon 5dIII is faster, has better high ISO, but it is indeed much bigger and the images do not have the same pop as those from the Leica M. (maybe PS specialists can make them pop)
-M43 is also small, nice and fast, but the IQ looks flatter and I dont like EVF
-The Pentax K (my 2nd favorite system at the moment) also has a very nice user interface, is kind of small, fast, good IQ (even though colors seem overcooked sometimes) and has good lenses, but the M lenses are even better and the M images look more neutral and natural to me
-the Leica S beats them all in IQ but is big and expensive

-So yes, I still think the M-system is an excellent photographic tool and not just a luxury for snobs. It is expensive, however it is also very stable in value, specially the lenses. I love the lenses, the viewfinder (specially for people who like 35 and 50mm FOV), to be able to see around the frame in the viewfinder, the colors and the intuitive handling; I feel I dont have to concentrate on the camera but can concentrate on the subject.

For certain things I prefer a fast AF camera or a larger sensor, but if it was just one camera system it would be the M for me (or the Pentax K )

Dont know why I wrote all this here...

Some sort of M has been a staple in my line-up as soon as I could afford one … starting with a M4. That's pretty much the better part of 40+ years now. So, I guess I agree with you. :thumbup:

In the interim, I've lost count of the other cameras I've worked with. They changed as my needs changed. DSLRs and MFDs have been an important segment of tools for me … but for the most part it was purely rational choices based on those specific needs.

There is a connection to my past, present and future when I pick-up a M … and even though they are now digital, the experience is exactly the same IMO … an unbroken chain of familiarity. No other camera does that for me (except maybe a Hasselblad V, but I no longer have one because digital changed the "Square" experience).

New "darlings" like the Sony A7R come, and they go. I just can't seem to connect with them. They live as long as there is some sort of need, then bye-bye.

The one exception to that so far has been another Leica Product … my S2 kit. It is worming its' way into my psyche, and may be around a lot longer than the transient stuff.

I have a shoot tomorrow. As always, the M monochrome is part of the mix. So is the S2. I will also have a Sony SLT A99/A7R+Adapter with me … but only because I have to, not because I want to.

- Marc