So by now everybody knows Leica released more official photos taken with the upcoming M (240). I write “more” because they had previously released sample images on their website.
Looking at the new sample images, it seems that what I wrote months ago still applies:
The M9… image quality — again, at base ISO — [is] superior to anything being produced by CMOS-based cameras. This was true in 2006 (M8) and 2009 (M9), and it is true even today, despite the release of a new generation of CMOS cameras…
I see people are being careful — as I have been up until now — to not draw any premature conclusions about the new M‘s image quality. Essentially, many are pointing out that the newly-released images, as images, are not very inspiring and this, in turn, may be adversely biasing perceptions of image quality.
Yet when I look at M9 (or M8) images, even at web sizes, they have a crispness and vitality to them that the new sample images from the M (240) seem to lack.
This is undeniable.
—Peter.
Prosophos 
Even though I’m new to the digital Leica M system, I have to agree with your assessment. The color looks a lot different as compared to my M-E’s CCD. I think most of the shots look like they were taken with a 35mm lenses at a stopped down aperture. So to me that also impacts the look of the image samples, Another thing that caught my attention in the video was how often the photographer chimped his images. Like after every shot.
I know that Thorsten Overguarde has his LCD set to display the image for a second after taking the photo. His does this so he can quickly check the shutter speed and can then manually tweak his settings.
You have a great camera in the M-E.
Interesting observations about the M video – thank you Duane.
Peter.
I too believe the new M not be radically be a step forward, but a different step sideways. That’s why I went ahead and bought a 2nd M9-p a couple of months ago. Having a D800e and D4 assists me in other specifics of photography that the M9-p cannot do well, but then, for personal use, the M9-p and the Noctilux is the first thing I pick up… with a smile too! love your honest assessment.
Thanks Van… I know the feeling of picking up the M9(-p) and Noctilux “with a smile”.
As for my honest assessment, it’s just my opinion, of course.
I’m actually a Leica fan, as my recent experience sampling a different camera system demonstrates, but I have to call a spade a spade.
Peter.
I’m not deriding the ‘quality’ of the files, it is the content and in the context of such a marquee tool for Leica, it is downright strange and rubbish that they are letting these sort of images through to the public domain. The launch of the M9 showed the might of Leica and someone savvy in the marketing department… it seems they have totally dropped the ball on this one… time will certainly tell. Of course, the new M will be a brute, technology moves on. I would love to put a fast prime on the 240 and give it a spin, that’s why I can’t wait till it gets into the hands of someone capable (although it was apparently a ‘Magnum’ photographer – who’s images were put up…)
Photos from Sept 2012 are not final firmware.
Don’t care really. The photos shown aren’t that inspiring regardless of their technical quality. Surprising to see them featured on a Leica blog at all.
And if you don’t like it, keep your M9. Just like with film Leicas, many prefer the M2 or M3 despite that M4, M6, M7, etc are technically superior cameras. I don’t intend to sell my M9 for a long time. I do intend to obtain a new M perhaps in 2014-2015.
So much angst over something as trivial as a camera isn’t good for the spirit. 🙂
Peter – maybe these new images are lacking the magic that happens in post-processing. True there is no substitution for getting it right in camera but you have to admit…magic or a distinct style emerges in post.
With that said, I never had any intention of buying the latest and greatest. Very content with the M9P.
Are you quite sure these images are from the new Leica M 240? Please note the exif data: e.g. PAR427486, 20-09-2012, 06:32:30 Leica M9, 28mm.
We still have to wait for some real M 240 pictures !
It’s interesting that people find the images flat and not having the magic pop like the M9. And yet, Leica just confirmed on the thread that 90% of the images were taken with M9. I wonder I they can see the pop now.
Well, in a way, that is a big relief to me. I’ve been trying to keep an open mind through this prolonged process, despite appearances to the contrary (you see, I’m actually a Leica fan).
The marketing of this camera, since the announcement, has been rather suspect, to say the least.
Peter.
Well, usually a manufacturer makes the announcement that a new camera will be available “next year” and then starts delivery of marketing collateral and samples about a month before it is going to be on the shelves. Leica announced the camera at Photokina for first to second quarter 2013 delivery …
All the lack of samples means is that it’s not yet time to start evaluating the camera. Features are set, and working examples are shown at limited venues during this period.
I have the Leica X2 that has a CMOS sensor. The pics are amazing.
So amazing I put in an order for the Leica M.
These samples look extremely amateur to me and I think we will find do not represent the final image quality of the production camera.
The ccd vs cmos debate should at least be delayed till the camera has been released.
I certainly hope the M is a great camera as I was hoping it will be my last camera purchase for at least 5 or more years.