From Canon to Leica M

The sony is not a rangefinder no matter how hard it try's and my MM over 30K and 2 1/2 years later and no sensor rot and if it becomes an issue Leica will replace it.

The files from the MM are just spectacular to print from.

+1 to AirfrogUSMC's post

There is no currently produced digital camera, that offers the same human/machine interface as a Leica M

In fact there are only 6 digital cameras that do offer it
Epson RD1, Leica M8/8.2 M9/M9P M240/M-P240 MM and MM246

I didnt buy my M for the image quality (which is excellent) or for its size, or weight
I bought it mainly for the rangefinder, and the way the camera works.
It is also a joy to use, a warm black brick that feels great in the hand, and is now almost an extension of me.

I am sure the sony is a great camera too, as are most other mirrorless cameras - but given the choice, as a camera to shoot for my enjoyment, i will pick the M every time.
(If i am at work, i might use the M, but mainly use a 1DX)

I dont quite understand the appeal of rangefinders. I've seen and used my brother's older canon rangefinder, and conceptually, it's nice having the grids, however if I had a choice between the grids and a game EVF, the choice is really simple.

Even leica is starting to edge that direction since they now offer it as well as a huge rear screen for live view. The idea of framelines are great, however, the focusing even walking subjects isnt happening (unless you prefocus), and long/big lens compromise.

Leica pretty much moved to TTL type camera, like a typical mirrorless. Leaving the rangefinder viewfinder is almost nostalgic at this point.

Charlie wrote in post #17556246
I dont quite understand the appeal of rangefinders. I've seen and used my brother's older canon rangefinder, and conceptually, it's nice having the grids, however if I had a choice between the grids and a game EVF, the choice is really simple.

Even leica is starting to edge that direction since they now offer it as well as a huge rear screen for live view. The idea of framelines are great, however, the focusing even walking subjects isnt happening (unless you prefocus), and long/big lens compromise.

Leica pretty much moved to TTL type camera, like a typical mirrorless. Leaving the rangefinder viewfinder is almost nostalgic at this point.

Rangefinders are clearly not for everyone and it is usually really hard for DSLR guys to get there heads around using DoF scales and using the rangefinder as a tool to help you anticipate the action.

Heres a piece by Meyerowitz that sort of describes it and a great piece on framing a shot. There really isn't a better tool for street work than a rangefinder.

About 1:25 in.
https://www.youtube.co​m/watch?v=Xumo7_JUeMo

I understand the prediction aspect of it, and wish that were possible with a TTL type of cameras, however, you can do predictive type shots in live view IMO. You may look like a cell phone shooter, but whatever works I guess. With mirrorless cams, I wish that it were possible to build sort of an oversized sensor so that you can use a gridline system, and it's probably possible.

A mixture of both types of shooting would be preferred, and possible with an EVF IMO, however the rangefinder viewer will have it's place, just a relatively small one.

it's like old phones with physical keyboards. They worked extremely well, however soft keyboards are so advanced now that they've surpassed. Sure, you dont get the feel of actual keys anymore, however they are much better for typing IMO.

yep rangefinders are not for the masses and thats quite alright with me. As long as Leica keeps making them and keeps them simple where they still keep the photographer actively involved in the process and many photographers like me that are tired of all the gadgets, the FPS the auto everything and complicated menus we'll keep buying'm.

I've got a bunch of Canon gear...
I have fallen in love with B&W photography...
thinking about selling Canon stuff
and getting the Leica M Monochrom...

If you can do it, do it. You will not regret it.

Dzaneh - I'm in the same boat. I've got my order in . . . just need to sell the Canon kit now.

airfrogusmc wrote in post #17639506
If you can do it, do it. You will not regret it.

providing you get along with the rangefinder.

personally i love it ! (and had another front cover from mine today, but with an old Olympus 28mm on an adapter - not the summarit)

There's just something about the M (240) that is definably Leica. I've got it so I can use the Voigtlander lenses as they were designed.

I had the new M262 in my hands yesterday. That will be my next buy.

Just bought the M 262 and waiting for it t come in....

airfrogusmc wrote in post #17556323
Rangefinders are clearly not for everyone and it is usually really hard for DSLR guys to get there heads around using DoF scales and using the rangefinder as a tool to help you anticipate the action.

Heres a piece by Meyerowitz that sort of describes it and a great piece on framing a shot. There really isn't a better tool for street work than a rangefinder.

About 1:25 in.
https://www.youtube.co​m/watch?v=Xumo7_JUeMo

This is very interesting, thanks for sharing that with us ! He certainly has thought through what he's all about as a photographer.

So let me ask the Leica users, do you shoot with both eyes open ?

I'll also just note that it's perfectly possible to use a DSLR and keep the other eye open to what's going on, and it's encouraged by at least one of the DSLR authorities that I've read (forget which one I'm thinking of, but anyway).

TustinMike wrote in post #17824099
This is very interesting, thanks for sharing that with us ! He certainly has thought through what he's all about as a photographer.

So let me ask the Leica users, do you shoot with both eyes open ?

I'll also just note that it's perfectly possible to use a DSLR and keep the other eye open to what's going on, and it's encouraged by at least one of the DSLR authorities that I've read (forget which one I'm thinking of, but anyway).

Im left eye dominant - so i use my right eye in the VF, shut my left eye to focus, and keep both eyes open when shooting.
Basically my right eye stays open and my left eye opens and shuts frequently.

Merry christmas AirfrogUSMC - enjoy the new beast !