As much as I like the out-of-camera look of the M9 files I'm not at all sure I'd want the M240 files to be made to look and or behave the same.
The M9 files are punchier largely due to having less dynamic range but are less amenable to post. I find the M240 files slightly flatter but far more malleable and the DR a real improvement.
I guess the preference depends on individual photographer’s subject matter and workflow. Perhaps I might think differently if I was a wedding photographer regularly having to process thousands of files.
I understand that Keith. However, those that like the M(240) rendering aren't the subject of this thread nor the reason that the original comparison was conducted.
I think there is an agreement that the OOC files are different. Whether the M(240) files can be manipulated to produce a similar look and feel of the M9 seems to be the question for those favoring the M9 ... whether it is desirable for M(240) users isn't the question.
My observations have less to do with DR which I rarely had an issue with the M9 ... it is the M(240)'s initial flat file and especially color, which I find less natural ... more specifically, I have seen very few images where the skin looks right to my eye ...
and skin tones are very difficult to manipulate and retain realism ... all of which is definitely subjective, but my opinion none-the-less.
I did use a M9 for a lot of Wedding work, and in a few cases as the primary camera, but more for street, lifestyle and travel ... overwhelmingly involving people. I do not shoot much static work or images without people. The emphasis has always been "decisive moment" type humanistic studies where I prefer a rangefinder over all other choices.
I also observed that M9 files more to my liking when converted to B&W ... probably due to the contrast curve.
Here is a work-a-day type location wedding shoot where the M9 played a bit more dominate role than my usual mix of rangefinder, DSLR, MF work. The photographic approach used here was meant to express the personalities of the clients as opposed to my mine. The first 9 spreads were done with the M9 ... color and B&W (it was before I had a MM).
Boston Wedding Album - fotografz
Anyway ...
- Marc