Vieri,
It was a very interesting read and your superb images are well integrated with the narrative. I am aware that you used to shoot the Sigma DP Merrill cameras. IMHO, despite their quirkiness, these cameras produced the best monochrome images that I have ever shot or even seen from anyone for that matter. Can you give some insight regarding how the MM compares with Sigma strictly on IQ perspective.
Sven
Hello Sven,
first of all, thank you very much, I am glad you enjoyed the read. I haven't done any side-by-side test between the DPs and the MM, but I definitely agree with you on your assessment of the DPs (and the Foveon sensor in general) when it comes to B&W: they produce simply wonderful images, that easily bests anything out there in the same category of cameras, and - more important - bests much of what is out there, period. As far as resolution, my feeling is that they are on par with the MM, more or less. Tonality-wise, the DPs have the advantage of being able to use "(digital) color filters", so to speak, after the fact, and thus change your toning, while the MM of course is stuck with what you got at the time of shooting. However, the MM produces wonderful tones, which should please most users (I know that I, for one, love the MM's output) and if you aren't pleased you can filter it the "old way" with red/orange/green/blue filters if so you desire. That said, as far as ease of use the MM beats the DPs - it's no contest, really; plus you have a zillion lenses to choose from, which is relevant to your question: it is quite difficult to compare the IQ of a Nocti with the DP2, or of a 28 Cron with the DP1, or the 75 f1.4 with the DP3 and name a clear winner...
it's so much a personal matter. Technically, however, I'd say that the little DP Merrills have nothing to envy to the MM, and if you are happy with the DP's optics and with using the LCD, and you don't mind the dinosaur-like writing speed, then you can get the three DP cameras twice over over and still save money vs an equivalent MM kit, and enjoy the same IQ (if not better). Lenses, though, is the main reason why people love the IQ of the Leica M system, so there you have a conundrum that pretty much only you can answer according to your personal taste.
Hope this helps
Best,
Vieri