@kirsten-vignes
active 2 weeks, 1 day ago-
David Farkas wrote a new post, The Great Debate: CCD vs. CMOS – Part 1 10 years, 4 months ago
Since the Leica M (Typ 240) was introduced, there's been an ongoing debate regarding the merits of CCD vs. CMOS sensors. From a technological and marketing viewpoint, Leica needed to make the move from CCD to CMOS in order to offer live view and better low light performance. Live view has facilitated the easier use of ultra wide-angle lenses and opened up the possibility of using alternative glass like the wonderful Leica R lenses on an M body. And while no one can argue the additional functionality and superior high ISO capability afforded by CMOS on the M 240, there's been a steady and growing opinion that the color and tonality from the M9, which uses a CCD sensor, is more pleasing. I can appreciate that the resulting images from the two cameras do indeed look different, and everyone has personal tastes. I've shot thousands and thousands of images with the M9, as I have with the M 240 since then. Personally, I find both results appealing to my eye and never really made a direct comparison as they are different tools that I used at subsequent times through my photographic endeavors.
Recently, I read some comments online that I found somewhat puzzling. Statements were made to the effect that it was impossible to achieve the same color and tonality with the M 240, regardless of post processing. While I didn't know whether this was true or not, I've worked in digital imaging for 25 years and know that almost anything is possible in post. So, I decided to challenge myself and test the theory. I was heading out West for a family ski trip during my daughter's Winter break and would be spending a couple of days in San Francisco before flying back home to Miami. This would be a perfect opportunity to take the first step, so I packed up my M 240 and an M9, along with some of my favorite lenses: 24mm f/3.8 Elmar-M ASPH, 35mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH FLE, 50mm f/2 APO-Summicron-M and 90mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M, then started thinking about how to go about testing. The goal would be to shoot roughly the same picture with each camera, using the same lens. So, if I took a shot with one camera with the 24mm mounted, I'd swap lenses and shoot the same lens with the same settings on the other camera. Truth be told, this was not the most fun way to shoot, but I was on a mission to get as many comparisons under various conditions as I could and stuck with the program.
When I returned home last week, I set about first just looking at the differences between the files once my import presets for each camera were applied. Then started the process of matching the files. I only used the global tools in Lightroom. No Photoshop. No adjustment brushes. Just slider adjustments. This proved to be most enlightening; I was able to pinpoint the changes necessary to achieve very similar results from the M 240 relatively quickly. To be clear, I didn't necessarily work the M 240 files to make them look the absolute best they could be. Rather, I took the challenge to match them to the finished M9 images to see if there was a definitive “CCD Look” that could or could not be replicated using a CMOS based camera. I also selected shooting scenarios that favored the M9, namely good directional, natural light, at lower ISO settings. This wasn't intended to be a competition between cameras, per se, but instead one to test the theory of inherent sensor color.
The next step is to now open this comparison up to the world at large and see if, despite my Lightroom processing, the “CCD Look” is still clearly identifiable when looking at these sets of images. So, I'm asking you, my intrepid readers, to take the challenge and see if you can correctly identify which images are from the M9. Don't vote for the one you think looks the best, just the one that you think is from the CCD sensor. Take a close look at each set of images. Click on them to enlarge (but do be aware that if you roll your mouse cursor over the images, we have a darkening rollover effect on our website – make sure your mouse is not over either image when viewing for comparison). Open two windows side-by-side. Do whatever you need to do. I've stripped away the metadata and changed the file names to protect the innocent, so no peeking. Once you vote on each set of images, you'll be able to see how others voted, but not image data. For that, I will publish a follow-up once we collect a statistically significant amount of votes, revealing the camera data and presenting my analysis. I know that there is a fairly large number of images (19 comparisons). Please do your best to select the M9 image from all the sets as this will help give us more accurate results.
Also, be sure to check out Part 2 of this article where I challenge you to select which camera took which image, without a direct comparison.
Now, let the voting begin!
Streetcar – 1
Streetcar – 2
Which image is from the M9?
Fishing Dock – 1
Fishing Dock – 2
Which image is from the M9?
Life Preserver – 1
Life Preserver – 2
Which image is from the M9?
Fishing Boats Bows – 1
Fishing Boats Bows – 2
Which image is from the M9?
Bay Boat Tour – 1
Bay Boat Tour – 2
Which image is from the M9?
Sailboats in front of Alcatraz – 1
Sailboats in front of Alcatraz – 2
Which image is from the M9?
Magenta Tulips – 1
Magenta Tulips – 2
Which image is from the M9?
Steps – 1
Steps – 2
Which image is from the M9?
Pier 39 – 1
Pier 39 – 2
Which image is from the M9?
Church Windows – 1
Church Windows – 2
Which image is from the M9?
Scarves – 1
Scarves – 2
Which image is from the M9?
Red Cards – 1
Red Cards – 2
Which image is from the M9?
Slippers – 1
Slippers – 2
Which image is from the M9?
Skyscraper – 1
Skyscraper – 2
Which image is from the M9?
Modern Building – 1
Modern Building – 2
Which image is from the M9?
Gate – 1
Gate – 2
Which image is from the M9?
Apartments – 1
Apartments -2
Which image is from the M9?
Walkway with Purple Flowers – 1
Walkway with Purple Flowers – 2
Which image is from the M9?
Lombard Street – 1
Lombard Street – 2
Which image is from the M9?
Stay tuned for the follow-up article and the results. If you have any questions on my methodology or have any comments to share, please do so below and I'll do my best to answer them.
Update (2/25/15): Part 2 is now live. Please head on over and vote!
Update (3/9/15): Part 3 is now online. Check out the answers and my analysis after you've voted.
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Josh Lehrer wrote a new post, Leica Announces Leica M-P (Typ 240) Safari Set with Silver 35mm f/2 ASPH 10 years, 4 months ago
Today, Leica Camera has announced the Leica M-P (Typ 240) Set Safari with Silver Summicron-M 35mm f/2 ASPH. This set is comprised of the Leica M-P (Typ 240) Safari edition, a silver chrome Leica Summicron-M 35mm/f2 ASPH with matching round metal lens hood, a full grain cowhide carrying strap and matching SD & business card holder. Priced at $9,900, the set represents a savings of over $1,300 when compared to their standard production equivalents. Limited edition sets usually carry a premium, not a savings, so this is a somewhat unique opportunity. 1500 sets will be produced worldwide.
The official press release, from Leica:
Leica’s safari/olive edition cameras date back to 1960 with the Leica M1 ‘Olive‘. Made initially for the military, the safari/olive cameras’ unique color stands out. Over the years, a handful of safari/olive editions were produced. Many of these limited edition cameras are highly prized collectibles.
The Leica M-P Set ‘SAFARI’ has an olive lacquered top cover, leatherette and bottom plate. The shutter speed dial, the On/Off switch, the release button, the hot shoe and some other details have a silver finish. The engraving on the top cover is reminiscent of the first safari camera in 1960 and has the classic Leica logo inscribed on one line and the wording ‘WETZLAR GERMANY’ on the second line. The 35mm /f2 ASPH has a silver chrome finish with a matching classic round metal lens hood. This set comes in a new packaging including a presentation box.
There are 1500 sets available worldwide. The technical data of the camera and lens are identical to the standard versions.
We expect these sets to be available at the end of February 2015. If you have any questions or wish to place an order, you can call at 305-921-4433 or email us.
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Josh Lehrer wrote a new post, Leica Offers Trade-Up Program for Defective M9/M9-P/M-E CCD Sensors 10 years, 5 months ago
In late 2014, Leica publicly acknowledged an issue with some of the CCD sensors used in their M9, M9-P, M-E, and Monochrom cameras where corrosion spots may appear in images. They began replacing the defective […]
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Jack MacD started the topic Night Diptych from above in the forum Images to Share 10 years, 5 months ago
This project started on the T forum images to share.
I had shot a scene with my T as a triptych.
I said I would revisit it with an S which I subsequently did. The image is also shown on the T site for comparison to the triptych.This is a seven image merge of a S with a 24mm lens shooting vertically. Probably more images to merge than needed. The…[Read more]
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Jack MacD replied to the topic Night Street From Above in the forum Images to Share 10 years, 5 months ago
Diptych attached
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Jack MacD replied to the topic Night Street From Above in the forum Images to Share 10 years, 5 months ago
Back in August, I said I would return to this location with the S and reshoot the scene.
As I did, I realized it would be a better diptych than triptych. -
Josh Lehrer wrote a new post, Leica Introduces Affordable M-E Camera and Lens Set 10 years, 5 months ago
Today, Leica Camera has announced a special new set which provides an affordable entry into the world of Leica M photography. The set consists of the Leica M-E digital rangefinder, the Leica Summarit-M 50mm f/2.5 and the Leica Summarit-M 75mm f/2.5 lenses. Normally, to purchase these items individually would cost $8,895 ($8,395 until March 31 when Leica's promotion on M lenses ends), however this set is available for $6,500: a savings of $2,395.
The Leica M-E represents the “essential” M and features Leica's full-frame, 18 megapixel CCD sensor in a unique, anthracite grey body designed to provide a streamlined user experience. The Summarit 50mm and 75mm lenses are compact, lightweight and fast focusing Leica lenses that pair perfectly with the M-E. The new Leica M-E Set is available in limited quantity at Leica Store Miami.
If you have any questions about the set, please don't hesitate to email or call at 305-921-4433.
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Jack MacD started the topic Arizona Biltmore in the forum Images to Share 10 years, 5 months ago
Testing out the 11-24
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Jack MacD replied to the topic What lenses would you like to see for the Leica T System? in the forum Leica T Lenses 10 years, 5 months ago
Well I would like a truly long lens, well beyond 200mm equiv. I could use 400 to 600mm equiv.
In the meantime, I appreciate my new wide zoom which has no purple in high contrast. See image.
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Josh Lehrer wrote a new post, Going Wide: Leica Super-Vario-Elmar-T 11-23mm Lens Review 10 years, 5 months ago
At launch, the Leica T-system was available with two lenses: the Leica Vario-Elmar-T 18-56 f/3.5-5.6 ASPH (equivalent to a 28-85mm) and the Leica Summicron-T 23mm f/2 ASPH (equivalent to a 35mm) with the promise […]-
Josh,
Thanks for a great review of a great lens.
I agree with you that it is an excellent choice for architecture and street photography.
I like you shots, and of course the required dog.Letting you test the lens didn't slow up my getting the lens since I was driving across the west while you were testing.
The build and handling of this lens exceeded my expectations. The image quality also.
Jack
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Josh,
You really know how to show off a lens. Well done. It looks like an exceptional lens, especially considering it is a wide zoom. Knowing Jack, he will get some great images with it.
Mark
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Josh Lehrer wrote a new post, Leica Extends on M (Typ 240) and M Lenses 10 years, 6 months ago
Today, Leica has announced that it is extending current promotions on the M (Typ 240) bodies and most M lenses until March 31, 2015. The promotions were originally set to expire on January 31, 2015. On M bodies, a $750 instant rebate is applied to the purchase and on most M lenses a $250 instant rebate is applied. For full details on the promotion, you can check out our original story on it here:
LEICA ANNOUNCES INSTANT SAVINGS VOUCHERS ON M (TYP 240) AND SELECT M LENSES
Please don't hesitate to contact Leica Store Miami anytime with questions, either via phone at 305-921-4433 or via email. The promotion now ends March 31, 2015.
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Josh Lehrer wrote a new post, Leica Announces Instant Savings on M Monochrom 10 years, 6 months ago
Today, Leica has announced an instant savings promotion of $750 on the Leica M Monochrom in both black and silver chrome. The savings are applied instantly to the purchase of a brand new Monochrom camera. The promotion ends March 31, 2015.
Please note this promotion only applies towards brand new Leica products purchased in the United States or Canada. The promotion is valid on the Leica M Monochrom in black or silver chrome. To participate in the promotion, simply purchase an applicable product and the voucher will be applied instantly.
Please don't hesitate to contact Leica Store Miami anytime with questions, either via phone at 305-921-4433 or via email. The promotion ends March 31, 2015.
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Josh Lehrer wrote a new post, Leica Announces Price Increases for 2015 10 years, 6 months ago
Leica Camera has announced new pricing on certain products for 2015. For all sport optics products, the new pricing is in effect immediately. For photography equipment, the new pricing goes into effect on February 1, 2015.
Below is a list of the photography equipment which will increase in price on February 1:
Item
Current Price
New Price
ChangeLeica M, Black Paint (Typ 240)
$6,500
$7,450
$950Leica M, Silver Chrome Paint (Typ 240)
$6,500
$7,450
$950Leica Traveller Tripod
$500
$535
$35Ever -ready case M/M-P (Typ 240) with small front, black
$390
$450
$60Ever-ready case M/M-P (Typ 240) with large front, black
$390
$450
$60Ever-ready case M/M-P (Typ 240) with small front, cognac
$390
$450
$60Ever-ready case M/M-P (Typ 240) with large front, cognac
$390
$450
$60Leica Ball Head 38
$375
$425
$50Leica R Adapter M
$310
$365
$55Protector, Leather, Stone Grey for Leica T
$140
$160
$20Adapter E49 to E67 for Universal polarizing filter M
$105
$130
$25Leica Snap T (Typ 701), Black
$79
$95
$16Leica Snap T (Typ 701), White
$79
$95
$16Leica Snap T (Typ 701), Melon-Yellow
$79
$95
$16Leica Snap T (Typ 701), Orange-Red
$79
$95
$16Neck Strap, Silicon, White
$79
$110
$31Neck Strap, Silicon, Melon-Yellow
$79
$110
$31Neck Strap, Silicon, Orange-Red
$79
$110
$31Neoprene Case M Black, w/small front
$65
$75
$10Neoprene Case M Black, w/large front
$65
$75
$10Soft Release Button, ‘Leica', 12mm, red
$65
$75
$10Soft Release Button, ‘Leica', 8mm, red
$65
$75
$10Soft Release Button, ‘Leica', 12mm, chrome
$65
$75
$10Soft Release Button, ‘Leica', 8mm, chrome
$65
$75
$10Soft Release Button, ‘M', 8mm, black
$65
$75
$10Adapter for 135mm lens (11889) for Pol. Filter (13356)
$50
$55
$5If you are on the fence about purchasing a new Leica M (Typ 240), do keep in mind that the the current promotion of $750 off a new M body will end on January 31, and the price will be increasing as well at the same time!
The new pricing on these sport optics items is in effect immediately:
Item
New Price
2014 Price
Change8 + 12 x 42 Duovid Black
$2,599
$2,499
$10010 + 15 x 50 Duovid Black
$2,899
$2,799
$1008 x 42 Ultravid BL/Black Leather
$1,899
$1,799
$10010 x 42 Ultravid BL/Black Leather
$1,999
$1,899
$1008 x 20 BCR/Black Ultravid Compact
$749
$729
$2010 x 25 BCR/Black Ultravid Compact
$799
$779
$208 x 20 BCL Ultravid w/Brown Leather Case
$849
$799
$5010 x 25 BCL Ultravid w/Brown Leather Case
$899
$849
$508 x 20 BCA Black w/Case
$499
$469
$3010 x 25 BCA Black w/Case
$529
$499
$30Silverline 8 x 42
$1,999
$1,899
$100Silverline 10 x 42
$2,099
$1,999
$100Televid Case/T65 Angled
$240
$220
$20Televid Case/T65 Straight
$240
$220
$20Televid Case/T82 Angled
$240
$220
$20Televid Case/T82 Straight
$240
$220
$20To take advantage of the current pricing on camera equipment, all orders must by placed by midnight (Eastern Time) on January 31, 2015. Also note that the $750 promotion on Leica M (Typ 240) bodies ends at the same time on January 31. If an item is out of stock but ordered before the increase goes into effect we will honor the pre-increase pricing.
Please feel free to call at 305-921-4433 or email us with any questions.
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Josh Lehrer wrote a new post, Leica Announces T Firmware Update 1.3 10 years, 6 months ago
Today, Leica Camera has announced a firmware update for the Leica T (Typ 701): version 1.3. The firmware update enhances functionality and improves performance along with changing a few menu settings.
The new […]
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David Farkas wrote a new post, Leica Responds to Sensor Issue in M9, M9-P, M-E and M Monochrom 10 years, 7 months ago
Leica has issued an official statement regarding the sensor corrosion issue on the Truesense KAF-18500 sensor used in the M9, M9-P, M-E and M Monochrom. Basically, the issue is that if the coating on the cover […]
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Hats off to Leica for standing behind their products! The M9 entered into service 5 years ago, most companies (Canon, Nikon etc) would just turn their back after their standard one year warranty is up. I guess that is why we lay out the extra $ – for extra service and support from both Leica and their authorized dealers.
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David Farkas replied to the topic How is everyone liking the new site design? in the forum Announcements and Site Matters 10 years, 7 months ago
You are correct. In order to create a more modern and feature-rich site overall, we had to move away from our previous vBulletin software. As such, the forum functionality is a little more limited, but we have many more community-based features like the activity feed, member profiles with interest tags, friendships and user galleries. In the end,…[Read more]
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Edwin Cedeno and
Josh Lehrer are now friends 10 years, 7 months ago -
David Farkas wrote a new post, Leica M Edition “Leica 60” Unboxing 10 years, 7 months ago
The Leica M Edition “Leica 60” became the darling of this past Photokina. Leica had the audacity to launch a digital camera with no LCD screen and no menus, epitomizing Leica's rallying cry of Das Wesentliche, the […]
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Josh Lehrer wrote a new post, Leica Compact Digital Camera Guide 10 years, 7 months ago
Take a look at the current lineup of compact digital cameras offered by Leica today and you will be presented with a number of tempting choices. It can be a challenge to figure out which camera will fit your needs […]
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David Farkas wrote a new post, Help Us Make Red Dot Forum Better and Win a Leica Swag Bag 10 years, 7 months ago
We'd love to get your feedback on how you like Red Dot Forum, our new site design and our content. We also welcome your feedback on how we can make the site even better. Please take a couple of minutes to answer […] - Load More
Excellent David
What a great idea.
What would be interesting in your analysis is to see whether anyone got them all right? Personally I found a criteria for guessing, which I've managed to apply consistently to all the images, the only guess I made is which was the M9 and which the M240!
All the best
Jono Slack