By Heinz Richter
Time and time again I see people asking for recommendations for a more affordable model in the Leica M line of cameras for the simple reason that a new Leica M 11 simply is beyond what they can afford. This not only for new comers to the Leica system, but also from individuals that are ready to enter the realm of digital cameras.
Recommendations obviously differ, running the gambit from the Leica M8, Leica’s first digital M camera, to the Leica M10. Needless to say, any of these recommendations are inevitably based on personal opinion as well as experience.
I grew up initially with Leica screw mount cameras. It wasn’t until 1970 that I obtained my first Leica M camera, a Leica M3, and I progressed via M4s, the M5 to my last film Leica, the Leica M6.
Then, in 2004, I entered the digital market with a Leica Digilux 2. My first digital M camera was a Leica M8. I liked it, but never got quite used to the crop factor of the smaller sensor. (see: Why I Bypassed the Leica M9 When Upgrading from an M8)
My current M camera is a Leica M240. Of course, since then we have been presented with the Leica M10 line and the current Leica M11, all with a number of improvements over the M240.
Both the the M10-R and the M11 have a noticeably higher resolution with 41MP and 60Mp respectively. In comparison, the M240 offers “only” 24MP. Of course both the M10-P and the M11 will allow for bigger enlargements and tighter cropping.
For myself, I rarely make any enlargements beyond 14x21 inch, for which the resolution of the M240 is more than enough. No issue there. But I do use a lot of cropping. I use it to overcome the unavailability of any zoom lenses for the M line of cameras. That is unless you want to use a Leica R zoom or a zoom lens from an other manufacturer in conjunction with the available electronic viewfinder. This has resulted in a 28mm f/2.8 Elmarit being my go to lens. If I need the view of a 35mm, 50mm or even 90mm lens, I can crop without any greatly noticeable losses. Of course, in the final analysis, it is advisable to use the correct focal length for best results. In addition, the Photoshop plug in ‘Bridge’ allows to approximately double apparent resolution with the ‘Enhance’ feature. (see: Easily Double The Resolution Of Your Image Files)
Probably the biggest advantage of the M10-R and the M11 lies in the higher ISO capabilities. They are a maximum of ISO 50000 for both the M10-R and M11. In comparison, the maximum ISO of 6400 of the M240 is an almost three stop difference.
Many users claim that ISO 3500 is the limit for the M240. That is correct if you plan to use the image files without any post processing. I am very familiar with Photoshop and hardly ever arrive at a final image without utilizing Photoshop. With noise reduction in Bridge, I have quite successfully been able to take advantage of the ISO 6400 maximum setting.
The Leica M240, however, does have advantages over its predecessors in terms of resolution and, to a lesser degree, in terms of maximum ISO as well as tonal range. I also consider the availability of an electronic viewfinder a definite advantage because it allows the use of lenses beyond 135mm and the ability to do close-up photography beyond the range of any rangefinder coupled lens.
Lenses
The camera is only a start. We will also need a lens. I am a strong proponent to use Leica lenses, for the simple fact that with few exceptions, you cannot do any better. However, just as with Leica cameras, we are looking at some of the most expensive lenses on the market.
The used market offers a lot of possibilities. If you buy from a reputable source and if the equipment is guaranteed, there should be no problems.
The aftermarket also offers some alternatives. Voigtländer has earned a reputation for offering quite a variety of lenses for Leica rangefinder cameras with very good performance at reasonable prices. Zeiss is another good choice, but here you are getting into a higher price range.
The Chinese market offers quite a number of lenses for the Leica rangefinder cameras. I cannot speak from personal experience since I have not owned any of them, however, the general evaluations are that they are fairly well performing lenses, especially considering the cost.
In the final analysis, both the M10-R and the M11 are able to outperform the M240, even the M10 can, but if cost is entered into the equation, the pendulum swings to the Leica M240.
More sample photographs:
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