I see quite a number of
camera reviews on a daily bases, and one stands out as the most comprehensive
review of the new Leica M Monochrom (TYP 246)
It was written by David Farkas of the Leica Store Miami.
He writes:.
Many in the photographic
community have speculated that it was only a matter of time until Leica made a
monochrome version of the M (Typ 240), more commonly known as the M240. The
original M Monochrom, perhaps now better referred to as the M9 Monochrom, was a
huge success for Leica. It reinforced Leica’s reputation for making
straightforward, no-frills cameras of exceptional quality for serious
photographers, and at the same time, showed that there are still a lot of shooters
who want to use such tools.
Upon its launch in Berlin
in May 2012 at the Das Wesentliche event, skeptics, naysayers and armchair
imaging experts immediately questioned the relevancy of a dedicated B&W
digital camera when it was, and still is, so easy to convert from a color image
in your chosen editing software. But, what they failed to take into account was
that with no Bayer color filter array over the sensor, there was no
interpolation, nor additional gain for added filtration. This meant that every
pixel captured every tone (16,384 shades of gray, to be precise).
This is not the case for a
color sensor, where 25% of the pixels are red, 25% blue and 50% green. The
missing information is filled in by a very complex algorithm, called
demosaicing, which does a surprisingly good job guessing the color from
surrounding pixels. But, just as information is averaged from a larger area for
color, so too is noise. Sharp, defined digital noise isn’t limited to the pixel
from where it originated, but is spread, creating smeary detail-robbing clumpy
noise patterns. Exacerbating this problem is the fact that the light
transmission characteristics of red, green and blue are quite different, so
additional gain needs to be applied to the darker red and blue pixels in order
to match the luminance of the lighter green. Digital gain is like boosting the
shadows on an underexposed image. Sure, you’ll pull up more detail, but you’ll
also create a lot of additional noise in the process. This is why there are
twice as many green pixels relative to red or blue – to minimize this effect
without losing too much chroma, or color, information in the resulting file.
Digital sensors, be they CCD or CMOS are inherently monochrome capture devices.
Making them produce color is an exercise in balancing compromises. Take away
the need for color and most of these challenges cease to matter. For an even
more in-depth technical discussion, refer to my earlier M Monochrom review.
Bayer color filter array
over monochrome sensor
On the original Monochrom,
noise was kept to a minimum and what remained appeared natural and “film-like”.
At base ISO, the M9 Monochrom turned out some of the most detailed and
hyper-realistic images Leica M users had ever seen. In a recent conversation I
had with an architectural and fine art shooter, he referred to the Monochrom as
a “pocket 4×5”. At high ISO, the resulting images looked like extremely clean
Tri-X. With its mind-blowing image quality, along with its utter simplicity and
straightforward shooting experience, the Monochrom proved itself very quickly
and became a cult sensation.
But as popular as the
Monochrom has been, many wondered if and when Leica would update the camera
with the latest technology from the M240. Well, that time has come. Enter the
Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246), or perhaps as it will come to be known, the MM246.
The M Monochrom Typ 246)
with 50 APO-Summicron-M
The MM246, internally
codenamed Elliott after the legendary photographer Elliott Erwitt, is
essentially a B&W version of the M-P (Typ 240). It features the same larger
2GB buffer, frame line preview lever, the classic black chrome of the M9M and
sapphire glass LCD. The rear controls and hot shoe are blacked out, just like
the M-P. In fact, the only physical differences between the two cameras besides
the finish are that MM246 has no white Leica script engraved on the top plate,
the leatherette is a little smoother, and “MONOCHROM” is engraved in black on
black on the edge of the hot shoe. The M-P looks fantastic. Why mess with a
good thing, right?
M-P Typ 240 on left, M
Monochrom Typ 246 on right
M-P Typ 240 on left, M
Monochrom Typ 246 on right
M Monochrom Typ 246, top
and M-P Typ 240, bottom
So, if you are familiar
with the M240 or the M-P 240, you already know most of what this new camera has
to offer and how it operates. But, unlike the M-P, the MM246 features a higher
ISO range, running from a base ISO of 320 up to the normal range maximum of ISO
12500 in 1/3 stops, with an additional ISO 25000 PUSH setting. Absent is the
PULL 160 option like the M9 Mono had. As this setting was often misunderstood
to offer better quality when the opposite was true, it has been removed. If you
need to shoot in brightly lit conditions with a fast aperture, get yourself a
good quality 3 stop ND filter.
Of course, this platform
shift re-opens the long running debate of the merits of CCD vs. CMOS sensors in
digital cameras. Could the new CMOSIS Max CMOS sensor sans CFA match up to the
nuanced fidelity of the original monochrome Truesense CCD? I recently published
a three-part piece here on Red Dot Forum (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3) putting the
CCD vs. CMOS debate to the ultimate test. In the end, with minimal processing
in Lightroom, I was able to make the CMOS-based M240 files look like those from
the CCD-based M9, casting doubt on the supposition that the CCD look is unique
and unreproducible. I also concluded that in addition to being able to match
the look of the M9, the M240 had the advantages of a more modern interface,
larger and higher resolution LCD, faster image processing, lower shutter
vibration and sound, live view, external EVF compatibility, improved dynamic
range and superior high ISO performance.
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
35mm Summilux-M ASPH FLE
1/125th @ f/3.4, ISO 6400
Now, with a new M240-based
Monochrom, we are facing a similar scenario. Will the MM246 be able to best the
M9 Monochrom at its own game? In other words, can we realistically hope to
achieve the same image quality that B&W purists have come to expect from
the M9 Monochrom with the added benefits of the latest Leica tech from the 240?
A few weeks ago, Leica was
kind enough to send me a pre-production MM246 from Germany. I really wanted to
give the camera a thorough workout and put it through its paces, so I took it
along on two back-to-back trips, first to New York City and then on to New
Orleans.
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
50mm APO-Summicron-M
1/125th @ f/8, ISO 3200
100% crop
My first venture to New
York
As I packed for my trip, I
decided to take both versions of the Monochrom (M9M and MM246) with me and
leave my color M240 at home. Along for the ride came the usual cadre of lenses:
24 Elmar ASPH, 35 Lux ASPH FLE, 50 APO and 90 Elmarit. I also threw the
excellent 18 Super Elmar in the bag for the architectural shots I anticipated
taking in the City. After a decade or so of tweaking my M lens kit, I’ve
settled on this one for a few years now, with the only recent change being the
50 APO Summicron for the 50 Lux ASPH that had been a long-time fixture. I can’t
get enough of this 50 APO. It’s insanely good, probably the best M lens ever
made. I also opted to leave behind my long glass, the 180mm APO-Elmarit-R, as
my past experiences in NYC told me that I wouldn’t need or use it. I figured
that a 90 would suffice just fine, and it did.
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
50mm APO-Summicron-M
1/125th @ f/5.6, ISO 6400
100% crop
In order to hide the MM246
from potentially curious eyes, I applied a couple pieces of black electrical
tape to the top of the camera, pretending to cover the non-existent script.
With the EVF mounted, even the most discerning and observant Leica aficionado
would simply guess this was an M-P 240. I reasoned that hiding the camera in
plain sight was the best approach.
With a little electrical
tape, the MM246 looks just like an M-P 240
I thought about proceeding
like I had done in San Francisco with my M9 vs. M240 test and using both
cameras to take the same shot. Perhaps I had enough of that type of shooting.
Or perhaps I was just having too much fun using the new MM246, but I barely took
any pictures with the older M9M. Just like in San Francisco, the M24x platform
proved to be a more pleasant shooting experience and overall just more
enjoyable and productive.
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
18mm Super-Elmar-M ASPH
1/125th @ f/8, ISO 1600
100% crop
By the time I had arrived
in the City, I decided to do most of my testing either indoors or in the
evening. The reasons for this decision were simple. First, I wanted to put the
high ISO ability to the test. Secondly, it was gray, overcast and just plain
icky in NYC during my entire stay. Of course, the morning that I was heading to
the airport to fly back home, the skies cleared and the sun reappeared after
days of being nowhere to be found. Such are the fickle photo gods.
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
50mm APO-Summicron-M
1/180th @ f/8, ISO 4000
100% crop
I certainly can’t complain
though. New York is such an awesome place for black and white photography and
the wet streets and dreary weather played well with my photographic meandering.
In three days I wandered through the East Village, West Village, SoHo,
Meatpacking District, Midtown, Central Park, Upper East Side, and Financial
District, as well as spending a lot of time underground on the subway, on
trains and in stations, which I love. I could have easily spent another week
exploring all the different neighborhoods and still would have just barely
scratched the surface. It truly is one of the best places to get lost with a
camera. Make sure you have plenty of batteries and a Metro card and you’re good
to go.
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
50mm APO-Summicron-M
1/125th @ f/3.4, ISO 2000
100% crop
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
50mm APO-Summicron-M
1/180th @ f/2.8, ISO 2500
100% crop
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
35mm Summilux-M ASPH FLE
1/125th @ f/2.4, ISO 1000
On my first night out, I
zigzagged through the Village, taking full advantage of the active nightlife
and quirky shops. I stumbled upon a really cool, old-school barber shop that
looked great, illuminated only by a single light in the window. Here, the MM246
shows off its ability to gracefully blow highlights, just like its M240 kin.
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
50mm APO-Summicron-M
1/125th @ f/2.8, ISO 5000
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
35mm Summilux-M ASPH FLE
1/125th @ f/2.8, ISO 400
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
35mm Summilux-M ASPH FLE
1/125th @ f/2.8, ISO 6400
100% crop
I headed up to Washington
Square Park, where it was raining. I can attest that the MM246 is decently
weather sealed although I did need to wipe off water droplets from my lenses
with some frequency. Due to the rain, there wasn’t much in the way of human
subjects, but I made due with the iconic arch and the odd passerby.
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
50mm APO-Summicron-M
1/180th @ f/4, ISO 3200
100% crop
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
18mm Super-Elmar-M ASPH
1/180th @ f/8, ISO 5000
100% crop
From there I headed up 5th
Ave playing with some really high ISO architectural shooting. This shot was one
of my only ones at 25000 ISO. My plan was to go to 14th Street and cut over to
7th Ave, where I could catch the 2 Train back to my hotel.
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
35mm Summilux-M ASPH FLE
1/30th @ f/2.8, ISO 25000
As I crossed 6th and
continued west, I could see that something was out of the ordinary and my plans
were about to change. Emergency vehicles bathed in bright work lights, flanked
by an army of police and MTA workers signaled this wasn’t your usual Wednesday
night. After a brief chat with some of the workers, I learned that there was a
massive water main break on the 7th Ave line and the trains were stopped as
they worked to fix the break and pump out all the water. They advised me to
head back to Union Square where the trains were running. Maybe others would
have turned around and headed back to their hotel, seeing as it was already
1am, but there was no way I was going to pass up an opportunity for some unique
shots.
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
35mm Summilux-M ASPH FLE
1/125th @ f/2.4, ISO 3200
100% crop
I got out my 90mm and
started shooting. Eventually, I made my way around the barricades and across to
the other side of the avenue where I was able to get closer to the action and
get some sweet backlighting. With air temperatures in the upper 30s, the huge
volume of warm water that was being pumped out of the tunnels and up onto the
street generated massive steam clouds. The air was moist and thick with the
musty aroma of the subway. I was sure breathing this stuff in wasn’t the best,
so I made quick work of trying to catch the action from a few different angles.
I also didn’t cross the police line, so I had to settle for capturing the scene
with my tele. I thought about my 180mm sitting at home just once, I swear.
Okay, maybe twice. I could only imagine the type of images I would have gotten
had I been able to get right up into the action with my 24 or 35.
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
50mm APO-Summicron-M
1/180th @ f/8, ISO 6400
100% crop
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
90mm Elmarit-M
1/125th @ f/5.6, ISO 8000
100% crop
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
90mm Elmarit-M
1/180th @ f/5.6, ISO 2500
100% crop
The previous night’s long
hours took their toll and I got a late start the next day. I spent some quality
time in the Fulton Street Station, which looks nothing like any other subway
station I’ve been to. It’s an architecturally beautiful space with soaring
verticals, gleaming metal surfaces and lovely diffuse light filtering in from
the skylight. The 18mm came in very handy here as did the EVF functionality of
the MM246. I was able to get precise composition for my ultra-wide interiors
shots.
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
18mm Super-Elmar-M ASPH
1/125th @ f/11, ISO 10000
100% crop
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
18mm Super-Elmar-M ASPH
1/250th @ f/11, ISO 320
100% crop
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
18mm Super-Elmar-M ASPH
1/215th @ f/8, ISO 2500
100% crop
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
18mm Super-Elmar-M ASPH
1/125th @ f/8, ISO 6400
100% crop
Once I hopped on the
train, I headed up to Grand Central to take my obligatory images there.
Everyone has a shot of the entire terminal, so I figured I’d post this less
common one of the centrally located clock. Apparently, it’s estimated to be
worth 70 million USD, features faces made of opal and is synced with the Atomic
Clock even though it is about 100 years old. Don’t be too impressed. There was
a tour group standing right next me when I was shooting. After a few snaps I
went off to meet up with my aunt for a late lunch on the Upper East Side.
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
50mm APO-Summicron-M
1/125th @ f/4, ISO 640
100% crop
Following our meal, she
walked me through her favorite sections of Central Park. The Park really is an
amazing place. In the middle of this bustling metropolis, it’s a place of peace
and refuge. We even ran into a friendly squirrel who I bribed with some walnuts
I had in my camera bag. It always pays to carry a snack, either for you or, in
this case, for a friend.
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
35mm Summilux-M ASPH FLE
1/180th @ f/5.6, ISO 6400
100% crop
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
90mm Elmarit-M
1/125th @ f/2.8, ISO 2000
As the last of the sun
faded, we parted ways and I walked from 79th down to 32nd along 5th Ave,
grabbing a few night shots before I left the Park. I’m particularly fond of
this one. According to my Aunt, all the rocks and boulders used in the Park
were taken from quarries in New Jersey. Never knew that.
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
24mm Elmar-M ASPH
1/60th @ f/6.8, ISO 8000
100% crop
In all my times visiting
New York, I’ve never taken pictures at Rockefeller Center, so I figured I’d
remedy that on my way down 5th. The buildings were lit nicely against the rainy
night sky and the MM246 captured this feel flawlessly. Again, the precision of
the EVF made an enormous difference in composition. Where geometry builds the
foundation for the image, live view makes coming away with something worthwhile
so much easier.
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
18mm Super-Elmar-M ASPH
1/60th @ f/8, ISO 6400
100% crop
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
24mm Elmar-M ASPH
1/180th @ f/5.6, ISO 5000
100% crop
I met up with a friend for
dinner in K-Town, then we caught a cab over to the Meatpacking District to
check out biker dive bar, and somewhat of a New York institution, Hogs and
Heifers. Just before we got out of the cab, my friend said, “This place is
great, but it’s kinda loud.” Opening the door to the car, I could immediately
tell this was a gross understatement. It was loud on the street. I couldn’t
even imagine how much worse it would be inside. My imagination couldn’t have
even prepared me. It was ear-piercingly loud. A round of Jameson didn’t help,
so we huddled up in the corner by the pool table where there appeared to be a
slight reprieve from the onslaught of noise. The MM246 didn’t complain, so I
decided to tough it out in order to grab a few authentic dive bar billiards
shots. And then, we were out.
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
35mm Summilux-M ASPH FLE
1/180th @ f/2, ISO 4000
100% crop
The next day took me for
my first visit to the New York City Public Library, which I was somewhat
surprised to find out doesn’t really have any books in it. It’s more of a
museum. And, the famous Main Reading Room: closed until further notice.
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
18mm Super-Elmar-M ASPH
1/60th @ f/8, ISO 3200
100% crop
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
35mm Summilux-M ASPH FLE
1/125th @ f/5.6, ISO 3200
100% crop
I made the best of it,
enjoying the white marble architecture of the halls, checking out the ornately
decorated Map Room and the visiting the time capsule of the Microfilm Room. The
library also had the distinct advantages of being warm and dry which was nice.
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
18mm Super-Elmar-M ASPH
1/125th @ f/8, ISO 5000
100% crop
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
35mm Summilux-M ASPH FLE
1/125th @ f/2.8, ISO 1250
100% crop
Right next to the library
is Bryant Park, which is probably best known as the location for New York
Fashion Week. The City has done a great job making the park an urban oasis and
encouraging a community feel. There were free board games, ping pong tables, put-put
golf, and more, all overseen by friendly attendants. I was very impressed and
even tried my hand at playing a game of speed chess. After a sound trouncing, I
figured it was best to stick to photography.
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
35mm Summilux-M ASPH FLE
1/125th @ f/8, ISO 2500
100% crop
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
50mm APO-Summicron-M
1/500th @ f/2, ISO 320
100% crop
To round out my trip, I
went to see a live show at Rockwood Music Hall in the Village. The band, The
Gold Magnolias, was amazing and the crowd was really digging them. Rockwood is
a great venue. Not too loud, not too big, not too crowded and very cool about
taking pictures. I easily made my way right up to the edge of the stage and
took a few shots of the band doing their thing. I figured this would be good
practice for New Orleans where live music would most certainly be on the menu.
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
18mm Super-Elmar-M ASPH
1/25th @ f/8, ISO 12500
100% crop
Overall, NYC was great. I
suppose in retrospect that 40°F and rainy made for more interesting pictures
than 70°F and sunny. At least different pictures. The Monochrom had performed
admirably under these difficult conditions with nary a hiccup and I got some
captures that I am very pleased with. The camera allowed me to achieve
nighttime results that I’ve only been able to get with a tripod, except that I
never used one. On a couple of occasions, I did take advantage of ledges to get
a longer shutter speed, but not because I couldn’t have taken these images at a
faster shutter speed, higher ISO combination. The long exposures were for
effect only. With NYC behind me and feeling like the camera and I were past the
getting-to-know-you phase, I was excited for our next adventure together.
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
35mm Summilux-M ASPH FLE
1/180th @ f/5.6, ISO 2500
100% crop
Back on the road to New
Orleans
Even before I had a chance
to get all my editing done from New York, I was already getting ready to head
off to New Orleans just a few days after returning from my previous trip. This
time I wasn’t flying solo. My colleague Peter Dooling joined me in Nola for the
LHSA Spring Shoot. The LHSA is also known as the International Leica Society
and I am a proud member, attending every event since 2006. If you haven’t been
to an LHSA meeting before, don’t feel too bad about missing a great one in New
Orleans. Join us in Washington, DC for the Annual Meeting this October.
Frankly, I was a little
worried about someone spotting the MM246. This became a real concern when I had
an unreleased prototype M camera hanging off my shoulder in a room full of some
of the most astute Leica users and collectors to be found anywhere. If someone was going to notice, it would be
these guys. My hiding in plain sight (with black tape, of course) tactic
worked. Thankfully, no one was the wiser but I didn’t want to push my luck.
While I did partake in the
talks, lectures and photo presentations, Peter and I mainly ventured off on our
own to go shooting. I love the social aspect of shooting with friends, but in
this case, I couldn’t risk someone asking why my M-P 240 was able to shoot at
12500 if they happened to glance at my LCD.
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
35mm Summilux-M ASPH FLE
1/750th @ f/8, ISO 320
100% crop
Peter was a great guide
and companion. So often, I find myself doing camera testing alone. I don’t mind
the solitude as I am able to fully focus on the task at hand and digest the
experience. While I had been to New Orleans once before, it had been almost 20
years ago to attend the one PMA show held there; I didn’t recall very much
about my short trip. Peter, on the other hand, has been coming to Nola for
years to attend Jazz Fest. With his knowledge of the city, you’d swear he was a
local.
Just as in NYC, the
weather was not on our side. It rained. It was overcast. It rained some more.
Luckily, the sun did break through for a few minutes here and there. But not
often, and when it rained, it poured.
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
35mm Summilux-M ASPH FLE
1/180th @ f/8, ISO 12500
100% crop
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with 35mm SummiluSO 12500x-M ASPH FLE
1/60th @ f/4.8, ISO 12500
100% crop
Shooting B&W in such
an overwhelmingly color location like New Orleans was a bit of a mental
struggle for me. I’m primarily a color photographer and found myself lamenting
at not being able to capture the full palette laid out on every street corner
and on every colorful shutter door or neon sign. Those concerns faded after I
downloaded my first day of shooting into LR. The results were incredible and I
couldn’t wait to get out there and do it again.
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
50mm APO-Summicron-M
1/180th @ f/11, ISO 400
100% crop
Unlike NYC, I decided
against taking the M9 Monochrom. I just hadn’t shot enough to warrant the extra
body. So, I took an M240 instead. My purpose wasn’t to do side-by-side testing.
I knew that wasn’t going to happen. The environment was just too spontaneous.
Rather, I thought it best to have a camera that I could use while I was among
the gaggle of fellow Leica photographers. It was my way of sticking to my cover
story. I was, after all, on an undercover assignment to shoot the top secret
MM246. Okay, maybe there wasn’t that much intrigue involved.
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
50mm APO-Summicron-M
1/500th @ f/5.6, ISO 320
100% crop
In the end, with the two
aforementioned pieces of electrical tape, no one was the wiser anyway. Also, as
a result of having the M240 along, I ended up with some nice color images and
got some experience shooting both bodies at the same time. There are certainly
advantages to using two bodies with the same platform. I was able to swap the
EVF, share batteries and chargers, use the same menu settings, etc. Basically,
I didn’t have to reorient my brain every time I switched cameras. The
transition was seamless and natural. With one around my neck and the other
slung on my shoulder, I’d often find myself grabbing whichever camera had the
best lens for the task at hand. Unless, of course, the task required me
shooting at ISO 10000.
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
50mm APO-Summicron-M
1/250th @ f/2.4, ISO 320
100% crop
Peter and I had a running
joke about the MM246. We didn’t find out Leica’s codename for the camera
(Elliott) until after we returned to Miami, so we figured we’d make up our own
in case we needed to talk about the Monochrom if we were out and about with
other photographers, without raising suspicion. On a few occasions Peter had to
throw in the towel when we were at some dimly lit Jazz clubs; he just couldn’t
get any usable shutter speeds with his M240. And there I was, rocking ISO 8000
and 10000…like a boss, hence our made-up codename: El Jefe, Spanish for The
Boss. We felt it was very Miami and befitting of the camera that could turn out
that kind of insanely good high ISO quality in such lousy lighting conditions.
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
35mm Summilux-M ASPH FLE
1/45th @ f/2.8, ISO 125000
100% crop
So, with El Jefe in hand,
we set out to explore all the texture and personality of The Big Easy. New
Orleans is ridiculously easy to photograph. Everyone has a camera around their
neck and an adult beverage in their hand. The place runs on the tourist trade
and no one ever hassles you for snapping away. When approaching strangers, be
they locals or visitors, everyone is fairly amendable to being photographed.
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
90mm Elmarit-M
1/750th @ f/4, ISO 320
100% crop
Our first day out, we
walked to Jackson Square and were working the scene there when the sky just
opened up and drenched everything in sight. We ducked under cover after getting
soaked and kept on shooting. When the rain gave no indication of letting up, we
decided to seek refuge in the nearest bar and dry out with some good Kentucky
Bourbon.
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
24mm Elmar-M ASPH
1/180th @ f/5.6, ISO 8000
100% crop
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
90mm Elmarit-M
1/350th @ f/4, ISO 320
100% crop
We worked our way up and
down the side streets of the French Quarter, marveling at the beautifully
restored houses alongside purposeful decay and grittiness. After getting the
requisite cliché shots on Bourbon Street, we did our utmost to avoid it. Perhaps
some street photographers would revel in the unending seediness and the
opportunities to document it, but not us.
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
90mm Elmarit-M
1/125th @ f/8, ISO 6400
100% crop
This sums up Bourbon
Street nicely I think.
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
90mm Elmarit-M
1/180th @ f/4, ISO 640
We found our happy place
in the quieter parts of the Quarter and on Frenchman Street, where the best
Jazz clubs in Nola can be found.
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
90mm Elmarit-M
1/125th @ f/2.8, ISO 2500
And find them we did. We
took in two awesome shows, the first was Kermit Ruffins, who since his Rebirth
Brass Band days has left an indelible mark on the New Orleans Jazz scene.
Playing to a full house at The Blue Nile, Kermit mixed classic Jazz standards,
original music, R&B, rap and reggae with ease. He had a couple guests come
up on stage as well to belt out some tunes with his BBQ Swingers band. Just
like in the club in NYC, I was able to maneuver up to the edge of the stage and
grab some unobstructed shots with the 50 APO.
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
50mm APO-Summicron-M
1/125th @ f/4, ISO 8000
The MM246 is such a
pleasure to use for live music venues. It’s small, it’s unobtrusive and the
high ISO range opens the door for some crazy quality. Sporting the same 2GB
buffer as the M-P, I took full advantage of the long burst capture of the
Monochrom, squeezing off 20 or 30 shots at 3.5 fps during some parts of the
show. Unfortunately, this kind of spray and pray shooting makes editing a
complete pain. I’d rather just stick to capturing a couple good moments than
trying to film a stop motion movie. It’s up to you, but know that if you need
to do some serious burst shooting, the camera will keep chugging along if you
keep the shutter release pressed down. After the first 25 shots, it will slow
down, but will keep going at around 1.5 fps until you let up. If you
absolutely, positively need to shoot an entire SD card’s worth at burst,
consider shooting in JPG. With the larger buffer and MAESTRO image processor,
the camera will shoot at this frame rate indefinitely.
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
50mm APO-Summicron-M
1/125th @ f/4, ISO 8000
100% crop
I also tried shooting some
video. My biggest concern was the sound level in the club. It was loud and I
just had the built-in mono channel mic on the camera. The concert setting in
the audio menu did the trick. The sound level was absolutely perfect. My technique,
on the other hand, was not. I mistakenly set the shutter speed to 1/125th,
which created awful flickering from the stage lights. If you want to shoot
video on the MM246, set your shutter speed to 1/30th. The camera will
automatically drop this to a flicker-preventing 1/25th and offer much better
motion capture. I will say that even with the rolling flicker, at ISO 8000 the
quality of the HD footage was astoundingly good. In the right situation, I
could actually see using the movie feature, ironically, more so than I would on
the color M240.
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
90mm Elmarit-M
1/125th @ f/4, ISO 8000
100% crop
Still basking in the
awesomeness of the Kermit show and pondering our next move, we happened upon
three young people with Hemingway-era mechanical typewriters on tiny folding
card tables, with a sign that read “Poet for Hire”. I approached them and asked
what the deal was. “Simple,” said the one in the middle, who I would later find
out was named Shannon, “You give us a theme and we give you a poem. Then you
pay whatever you’re comfortable with.” Sounded great. I always try to take full
advantage of unique opportunities like this. Generally, if you are paying for
their services, street artists are usually more than happy to let you take all
the pictures you want. It works well in European cities, so why not in Nola,
right? I pitched my theme: 80’s Teen Romance. Shannon looked a little stumped,
confessing that she was born after the 1980’s so wouldn’t really be able to
give me authenticity.
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
50mm APO-Summicron-M
1/125th @ f/4, ISO 10000
100% crop
To her left, sat Kaile H.
Glick, aka The Spontaneous Prose Store, who took a drag on her hand-rolled
cigarette and said that she would take a crack at it. In went the roughly cut
sheet of yellowed, textured stationary and Kaile furiously pounded at her Smith-Corona
without pause, the cigarette still dangling from her mouth. And, less than a
minute later out came an awesome little poem.
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
50mm APO-Summicron-M
1/125th @ f/2.8, ISO 10000
100% crop
I wanted to know more. We
got to chatting and I came to learn that she had been at this gig off and on
for about five years and has been all over, not just New Orleans. In fact, you
can go to her website and order some poetry online. The topic of photography
came up, as it inevitably does when you have two M cameras dangling from you
and you’re taking pictures of typewriters. She said most photographers try to
sneak up and “steal” a picture of her doing her thing, then run away after eye
contact is made. Kaile appreciated my being upfront about wanting to take
pictures and agreed to a more composed portrait. I told her to grab a prop.
Secretly, I had hoped that she’d hug her typewriter, which she found in an
antique store, but instead she decided to roll another cigarette and light up.
With the ISO cranked up, I quickly snapped two shots of Kaile, then let her
tend to some prospective clients walking by on the sidewalk.
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
50mm APO-Summicron-M
1/180th @ f/2.8, ISO 12500
100% crop
But I still needed a
picture of Shannon, and felt bad I didn’t give her a fair shot at a poem. So,
in anticipation of my upcoming review of the MM246, I offered her a chance at
redemption and proposed an unfortunate, inevitable theme: Writer’s Block. Just
like her compatriot, she banged away on her typewriter in a unique two finger
approach, stopping two thirds of the way through. She looked over her writing,
engrossed in thought for a moment, then finished strong. The poem was yet
another winner. All in all, a successful venture. I got poems and pictures,
they got paid. Everyone was happy.
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
50mm APO-Summicron-M
1/125th @ f/4, ISO 12500
100% crop
Our last day was a short
one for picture taking as we didn’t want to miss the great programming at the
LHSA meeting. National Geographic photographer, career-long Leica shooter and
local Miami friend Maggie Steeber gave another phenomenal presentation from
some of her editorial projects for the Geographic. Then, architectural
photographer and New Orleans native Richard Sexton showed off work from his
Creole World project/book and presented some new work from his Industrial
Landscape series, all shot with the M Monochrom. We also got to see a slide
show of all the photo essays from Maggie’s New Orleans Mystery workshop
participants. Really strong work all around.
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
24mm Elmar-M ASPH
1/250th @ f/8, ISO 320
100% crop
Afterwards, Peter and I
rushed out to St. Louis No. 3 Cemetery only to find that it was closed. We made
the best of it, shooting from the low fence and taking advantage of the looming
thunderclouds. But, just as one door closes, another opens and we found
ourselves having a wonderful chat in the late afternoon drizzle with
neighborhood resident Doreen, who was walking her grand-dogs. She had come to
New Orleans from England, by way of Egypt, where she met her husband, then
Miami, before settling down in the Big Easy. Such a lovely, warm lady. I asked
if I could take her portrait and she happily complied.
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
50mm APO-Summicron-M
1/750th @ f/2, ISO 320
100% crop
Here, the 50 APO just
sings on the MM246 with nuance and subtlety. It’s one of my favorite pictures
from the whole trip. Lesson: always stay positive and open to opportunity, and don’t
be afraid to have meaningful conversations with your subjects, or potential
subjects. As photographers, life is just so much more interesting when we delve
deeper than a simple run-and-gun. Pictures aren’t about getting away with
something, but rather capturing a moment, a fleeting feeling, an emotion.
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
50mm APO-Summicron-M
1/180th @ f/2.8, ISO 8000
100% crop
From there, it was back to
Frenchmen Street for one more show, this time at d.b.a to see another New
Orleans fixture, crooner John Boutte. What a cool vibe. John had some
outstanding jazz musicians on stage with him and the sound level was such that
you could hear a whisper in the crowd.
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
90mm Elmarit-M
1/125th @ f/4, ISO 8000
100% crop
Every note from every
instrument, every breath and subtlety of John’s silky vocals came across
crystal clear without the ear splitting that so many venues seem to think
patrons enjoy. The only downside of the show was that the tiny venue was packed
to capacity and even with getting there early, we still couldn’t maneuver any
closer than three standing rows back. This was 90mm territory. And, of course,
with the ISO dialed in at 8000, El Jefe nailed it again.
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
90mm Elmarit-M
1/125th @ f/4, ISO 8000
After the show, we met up
with a few LHSA members at a really cool Tiki bar, quality tested the frozen
Mai Tai cocktails, then hopped over to another bar, Cane & Table, where
awesome bartender Dave educated us on the finer points of rum and rum-based
cocktails. When I asked for his portrait, he happily complied.
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
50mm APO-Summicron-M
1/25th @ f/4, ISO 125000
When that bar closed, we
made the mistake of cutting over to Bourbon St. Mind you, it was 4am. The
scene, or rather the aftermath of a Saturday night, cannot be unseen. I was so
stunned that I couldn’t even take a single picture. Yikes. And yet, just half a
block off of Bourbon we went to a totally chill Irish bar, the Erin Rose.
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
35mm Summilux-M ASPH FLE
1/125th @ f/1.4, ISO 6400
100% crop
Here I spotted this couple
hanging out in the window. I was waiting for the guy to light up another
cigarette and blow smoke, but didn’t want to have the camera up to my face for
five minutes. So, I used the rear LCD to live view focus with my 90mm and held
the camera pre-focused at my hip. I talked with the other guys, while keeping
an eye on the couple. When he lit up, I fired away, all at ISO 12500. I don’t
think I’d ever shot from the hip with a 90mm before, and certainly not in that
kind of lighting situation. El Jefe struck again.
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
90mm Elmarit-M
1/125th @ f/2.8, ISO
125000
100% crop
It was a fitting, and very
late end to our New Orleans outing. Thankfully, our hotel was just steps away
from the bar. The streets were still hopping at 5:30am and while we wondered if
any of these places actually close, we didn’t feel like staying awake long
enough to find out.
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
18mm Super-Elmar-M
1/125th @ f/5.6, ISO
125000
100% crop
Lessons learned
Now that I’ve been back
home for a bit, poured over thousands of images from the Monochrom in Lightroom
and had a chance to reflect on my shooting experiences, I think I’ve formed a
fairly solid conclusion on the newest member of the M family.
The MM246 feels like
you’re shooting an M240, and for obvious reasons. But after using it, then
going back to the color version, you quickly realize the major ISO advantage
offered by the Monochrom. I never felt that the M240 was lacking in this
department. Rather, you just get spoiled by the new-found flexibility and
accustomed to shooting with ease in otherwise difficult situations. Naturally,
the one major limitation is that you can’t shoot color with the Monochrom and
you can with an M240. I felt that the two cameras complimented each other quite
well and I ended up shooting around 500 shots in color to around 1000 in
B&W, which was far greater than the 50 or so frames I clocked on the M9
Mono in NYC. So, the utility was there and some might find that a two camera
approach is warranted for their photography. For others whose work is primarily
in B&W, there is no reason whatsoever to not commit to the Monochrom. It is
probably the highest performing, highest resolving low light B&W solution
on the market and can use the world’s finest lenses.
The only consideration
when shooting with the MM246, just as with the original Monochrom, is to
protect your highlights. My exposure compensation was set to -0.7 EV almost
permanently and the results were great. I had almost no issues with blown
highlights and due to the clean files, I could easily recover any resulting
dark shadows.
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
35mm Summilux-M ASPH FLE
1/180th @ f/11, ISO 320
100% crop
Image quality
To reiterate the IQ
aspect, the MM246 is a big step up from the current M9-based Monochrom. In
controlled comparisons I shot this past week when I returned back home, the new
model was able to outperform its predecessor by 2 stops. In other words, ISO
8000 on the newer CMOS-based camera looked like ISO 2000 on the M9 Mono.
Considering how good high ISO already is on the M9 Monochrom, low light
shooters will have even more to love on the new model.
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
50mm APO-Summicron-M
1/4000th @ f/4, ISO 320
100% crop
And, in an interesting
twist in the CMOS vs. CCD debate, the newer MM246 actually has more contrast
and pop out of camera, resulting in a more film-like rendering. The original
Monochrom actually appears flatter. This is in direct contrast to the
differences between the M9 and M240, where the opposite holds true. I’m not
sure how much of this effect is due to software profiling after the fact, or
processing of the DNG file in camera, but the end result is just fantastic. So
little needs to be done to these files to make them sing. My import preset
mainly deals with sharpening and noise reduction, with just a small tweak to
the tonality. It also seems that the MM246 DNG files can also take more
sharpening, more clarity and deal better with noise reduction than those coming
from the M9 Mono. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, when looking at similar
advantages of the M240 over the M9.
At low ISO, the level of
hyper-realistic detail is only magnified to a greater degree as the new MM246
brings 30% more pixels to the party. And, any visible noise doesn’t even start
to creep in until past ISO 1600. Bottom line: there are no disadvantages to the
CMOS-based MM246 Monochrom. Not from an image quality point of view, nor that
of usability.
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
35mm Summilux-M ASPH FLE
1/125th @ f/11, ISO 2000
100% crop
Putting ink to paper
They say that you can’t
truly judge a camera until you make prints. Coming from a professional lab and
digital imaging background, I couldn’t agree more. So, I made a few quick 24×36
inch prints on an Epson 9900 here in our office at various ISO settings from my
studio test. Starting at ISO 320, the results were as expected. Perfect.
Detailed, with subtle tonal transitions. Crisp, yet smooth. No artifacts
whatsoever. This wasn’t much of a surprise. This is what I would have expected
of the M9 Monochrom as well.
Next, I jumped up to ISO
8000, which I felt represented the sweet spot for high ISO shooting. As the
paper made its way out of the printer, I did a double-take, because at first I
thought we printed the 320 shot again. I put them side-by-side on the viewing
table. Man, they were really close. At 1:1 in Lightroom, I could see much more
of a difference, but in print, even a big print, ISO 8000 rocked. Noise was
almost invisible at this size. The only giveaway was that there was more
textural detail at ISO 320.
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
50mm APO-Summicron-M
1/125th @ f/3.4, ISO 800
100% crop
I skipped 10000 and headed
straight for ISO 12500. On a three-foot wide print, it looked darned good.
There was a slight drop in contrast and some visible noise, which very fine and
tightly packed. Again, some of the detail was lost, most likely due to the
increase in sharpness masking and addition of NR in LR. But, by all measures,
this was not just an acceptable print. It was actually really quite good.
For my final trick, I
decided to go big or go home. I queued up a 40×60 inch print of the ISO 320
shot and let it rip. I wanted to see just how much juice these files had. I’ve
only printed this large from Leica S files, which look amazing at this size,
but M files? This was unexplored territory. The result? From my nose-in-print inspection
there was some slight edge aliasing and a tiny bit of detail smoothing. This
was clearly an extremely large print size for 24 MP. But, moving back to just
one foot away, still much closer than comfortable viewing distance for a print
of this size, it looked absolutely incredible. All the clarity and detail of
the smaller format, but much, much larger. And keep in mind, there was no fancy
uprezzing or specific tweaks done in printing; I just exported a TIFF from LR
without any change to the native resolution, opened in Photoshop, changed the
image size without resampling and hit print. I’m sure with a little
experimentation I could extract even better results.
Let’s just say that the
files deliver. You want to print big? No problem. You want to blow up your high
ISO shots? Don’t sweat it. El Jefe’s got you covered.
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
24mm Elmar-M ASPH
1/125th @ f/5.6, ISO 320
100% crop
Wrapping up
At the end of the day, the
M Monochrom (Typ 246) is a natural and perfectly executed evolution of the
Monochrom concept. It is not revolutionary, like its predecessor, but it
doesn’t have to be. The camera is essentially what everyone wanted. The one
potential pitfall was using the same EVF2 rather than the newer, higher resolving
Visoflex 020. But, here, I actually think Leica made the right decision. Being
able to share the same accessories between the M240 and the MM246 is a welcome
convenience. During my test shooting, the EVF2 proved to be perfectly capable
of handling the majority of compositions (yes, I am an EVF convert), and I
never really felt it lacking during use.
The introduction of this
next-generation Monochrom means different things for different people. For new
potential users waiting on the sidelines for an updated MM, there is no reason
not to jump right in. The water’s great. If coming from an M240, the learning
curve will be minimal or non-existent. And, for new M shooters, the MM246 will
no doubt impress.
M Monochrom (Typ 246) with
35mm Summilux-M ASPH FLE
1/125th @ f/2, ISO 640
100% crop
But what about existing M9
Mono owners? Should they cast aside their beloved cameras and move up to the
latest tech? The fact remains that the M Monochrom will continue to produce the
same level of jaw dropping quality in the future as it did the day it was
released on the market. The same day that it won over even its harshest
critics. If you were happy then with the image quality, continue to be
satisfied today and don’t need the advantages that the new technology platform
provides, by all means, continue producing great work with the first generation
Monochrom. It’s certainly no slouch and has set the bar high. Still, I’m sure
that many M9M users will sell or trade-up to get the new camera, and that’s
fine too. With an increase in the supply of used M9 Monos, prices will most
likely fall to levels where new users can pick one up and join the ranks of
Leica B&W shooters. And this is the way it’s always been with Leica. Old
Leicas are never disposed of, they just find new homes.
For my part, while I still
remain a color photographer at heart, there is no denying that El Jefe will
somehow find his way into my camera bag on future outings. The image quality
and low light performance is downright addicting and impossible to beat with
anything else.
David Farkas is a self-admitted Leica junkie and an avid
photographer since he was seven years old. He also owns and operates leading
Leica dealer Leica Store Miami in beautiful Coral Gables, Florida with his wife
Juliana. David has years of experience shooting with just about every Leica
camera and lens made within the last few decades.
________________________________________________________________________________________
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