“Hi Peter,
I love your site and the pictures that you post. They are a great inspiration for me to get better at being a photographer. I follow your blog and have been very curious about the M240 and M9 debate, or the CMOS and CCD sensor battle. I have an M9 and have been thinking about moving into the M240. Mind you I have only been shooting Leica for about a year now. But when I see your images and read about what you have to say about the CCD. Then I don’t want to get the M240 anymore. Part of the reason why I would like to get the M240 is to be able to use the higher ISO for when shooting at lower light situations. Anyway, I’m still holding on to the M9. Any tips on what to do when shooting in lower light with the M9?
Keep up the great work!
Cheers,
Kerwin”
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Hello Kerwin,
First of all, thank you so much for your nice comments.
Now, to address your questions, which are all excellent…
Yes, I’ve always believed, and continue to believe, that CCD sensor cameras produce images at base ISO that are more pleasing than CMOS sensor cameras. However, in low light, CCD sensors struggle relative to their CMOS counterparts.
The introduction of the Leica Monochrom did much to close the performance gap, but of course you’re limited to B&W photography when using this camera.
Quite simply then, if you wish to continue to photograph in low light situations using an M9, you need fast (aperture) lenses, like the Summilux (f/1.4) or even Noctilux (f/1 or f/0.95) lenses. If your subjects are relatively still, then of course a steady hand and slow shutter speed are very useful (as are monopods and tripods, but most of us who shoot rangefinders do not make use of such additional equipment).
It’s also critical to expose properly with the M9 when shooting in dark environments, especially when employing high ISO. This can be a problem, since I rarely feel comfortable shooting above ISO 1250 with this camera. Others limit their maximum ISO to 640 and then “push” the exposure up during image post-processing. I do this frequently.
I said above that your questions are excellent, which is very true. It turns out, however, that your questions are timely too…
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I have decided to purchase an M240.
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I know I will be sacrificing low ISO image quality, in the form of the “crispness” I currently see in my images, but I am willing to give the M240 a try.
Why?
Most of the time, the light in Toronto is poor, as the winters here are long and dark. Having a camera that can comfortably shoot above ISO 1250 has increasingly become a priority for me.
And, after selling off most of my equipment over the last few days, I’ve decided I don’t want a Nikon D800, or Sony A7/A7R, or an Olympus E-M1, or Fuji X-E2.
No folks, I still want a digital rangefinder (please see the previous post, Rangefinder Cameras)
And as far as digital rangefinders go, there’s still only one game in town.
—Peter.
Prosophos 
OMG, Peter I can swear we think alike. The past few weeks I was struggling between those EXACT cameras. Nikon D800, or Sony A7/A7R, or an Olympus E-M1, or Fuji X-E2. Mainly because I need a second body for my M9 when travelling. And like you I decided to go with the M240. But I will wait until all the frenzy is out and all the bugs are fixed. Maybe next year quarter one, just in time for my bonus :). good for you, and I would love to see your photos with the M240.
We’re all crazy, that’s why “we think alike”! 🙂
But do you think its wise to sell all your M9. As you said, this maybe the last CCD senor Leica Camera, and in my opinion with time, it will have value?.
Wise? Who knows? I’m sure most of my photographic decisions are unwise. If I was aiming for photo gear wisdom, I would never have tried Leica rangefinders, but then look at what I would have missed!
All I know for sure is that I prefer using two identical bodies. If that’s not possible, I’d rather limit myself to one than have two different ones. It ruins the flow, so to speak.
Now, in the case of a paid photo shoot, it would be wise to have a back up body (and lens), so with the above comments, I’m just just referring to casual use.
—Peter.
So you are selling your second M9, Peter?
One M9 has been sold, the other I’m keeping.
Hmmm… maybe not.
Hi Peter.
Quite a surprise to know your decision. So you’ll not keeping any M9? — this is a double surprise!
I downsized everything and freed substantial funds for a family holiday later this year… this means more to me than the Noctilux, etc. It is priceless to me.
Here here re the family holiday Peter.
Hi Peter,
Thank you for this great and informative discussion.
I use the Monochrome and now the M240 extensively, after having used the M9 for three years (that I sold recently). I must say that the Monochrome is unbeatable for B&W due to the unrivaled smoothness of the tonal range. In my opinion, the M240 cannot match it even with very high quality B&W conversions. But I must also say that I find the image quality of the M240 better than that of the M9, especially now that its firmware has been updated and major improvements were introduced, resulting in a visibly improved image quality. Not just in low light, the camera is a pleasure to use. And, of course, there is nothing like the rangefinder experience.
I leave below the link to three images that I took in the last couple of days, to that you can appreciate the resolution, colors and noise. All three images were taken with the M240 with the APO-Summicron 50/2.0 lens and have very minimal processing in LR5.
1. Trondheim, Norway, just before a hail/snow storm (ISO 200): https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/55003450/M1001001.jpg
2. Trondheim at night (ISO 3,200 handheld): https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/55003450/M1000990.jpg
3. A bench downtown Trondheim (ISO 2,000 handheld): https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/55003450/M1000985.jpg
Best regards,
Jose
Thank you Jose… I was wondering why you were keeping silent lately. Like a good guest, you were being polite :).
Lovely images.
Jose they are the best images I have seen with that Camera.
I knew you would eventually own one! You’re comments above are dead on. At base ISO I think the M9 has such a unique look it’s hard to beat. The real advantage of the M240 is the significantly improved high ISO. I very rarely shoot at a shutter speed of 1/90 or slower an having the ability to shoot at iso 800-3200 and be happy with the results is enough for me to make the switch.
gage
PS: I have decided to add another Leica to my collection and it includes the name “S”. I wanted it for landscape photography and so far the pics are absolutely amazing!!!
Gage,
Before I committed to ordering, I checked out what you were producing lately, and I must say your post-processing with the files has improved quite a bit from the earlier M240 images. I can still see how they lack in what I call overall “crispness” (that’s the sensor’s fault, not yours ;)) relative to my M9 files, but I don’t think that will matter much at the print level.
Congratulations on the “S”… you are in the big leagues now… yikes. However, that camera will be useful for landscape shooting indeed. I look forward to seeing the results.
Peter.
Hi Gage
I’ve tried to access your images though doesn’t seem to let me. Is there a website?
Cheers
Andrew
Andrew, if I may, Gage’s work may be found here: http://www.rangetraveler.com/
Thanks Peter!
had to check the calendar twice to make sure it wasn’t April 1!
No, but the Apocalypse is near.
Très cher Peter,
for reasons that I do not want to mention on your blog, I can not dedicate myself to my life and my passion is photography …
I kept it secret for a few months … but I have a 240 M !
I still have my M9 , but especially MMonochrom I keep all my life ! (If in a few years , a new version would see the day , I’ll stay with this type of camera: Rangefinder / Monochrom / Digital) …
Back on topic ! I had the opportunity to buy the new M in the month of May … I would have been able to get at the time of its release, because my seller I had booked !
I will be very accurate and sincere in my little analysis ….
I have a problem with my back for about fifteen years now, which causes me significant pain and very annoying … Currently , my neck, my right shoulder and my arms make me suffer … ( Thin , I do not think the talk about on your website … forgive me).
I had the opportunity to do some testing with the new M , anyway!
I did not do the update of the new firmware … but the colors , with a little experience and photographing in DNG , they are beautiful!
The M9 has a harder edge “roots ” and to be quite honest ,160 isos and my 35 Lux, the M9 is really spectacular … There are lots of crisp in the image , and all this in a very natural way … this is what I liked , as I discovered the pleasure of digital Leica … The M9 has a soul !
I use CS6, acr for devellopement my raw files …
For me , from 1250 isos , the MONOCHROM takes orders !
The “grain” is great for the digital … and then , beyond the MONOCHROM reign unchallenged ! IMHO …
So now what do I think of the new M ? !
The handling is superb, and the case is real gem ! A bit heavier and thicker than the M9 , but very nice …. We have the impression of novelty, with attention to respect the philosophy of Leica M’s …. The viewfinder is a marvel !
For me, the CMOS does not offer the same image rendering , the CCD offers !
The M9 is unique in its kind, it is impossible to get the same signature with other camera!
And SO ! QUID of the new M ? For me, the M9 has more crisp low isos … after some adjustments in ACR CS6, the M240 is a ” war machine ” … I began to understand how to work on the files , and after some manipulations , the picture is just beautiful !
This is not the image, or even rendering that offers the M9 (which is magical for me ) , but a very proffessional cameral … Imagine , being able to go on holiday with your 50 Summilux , and slip into your camera bag a little macro Zeiss 50 !
Use a tripod , and get the perfect framing for a landscape photo , using the external viewfinder EVF2 ! You keep 24 million pixel, for a large print run !
No, this camera is really beautiful , and offers outstanding image quality !
Until at least 3200 isos ! (For me the MM is just the king in this area).
Finally, I must make a choice ! I can not and do not want to keep three camera …
The MONOCHROM will always be with me … Now , M9 and M240 ?
I currently own two 50 mm Summicron v5 … When I’ll feel better with my health ( it’s been almost 3 months that I ‘m in this mess ) , I’ll do a real test image between these two camera … same subject and the same lens !
I already have an idea about it! But I reserve my opinion to you soon …
I’m not talking about the video because I have not tested yet!
Sorry for being a bit long … I will also say, it takes a high resolution lens, to supply 24 million pixels!
The M240 is not a M9 … The M9 is not a M240 too! But these are Leica with “Rangefinder philosophy”!
I remember when you were this little joke: The M240 is a LeiCaNikon!
This is not entirely wrong … But I assure you, in the veins of the M240, the blood flows to the taste of Leica!
If you keep one of your M9, you can go quiet with a M240 as a second camera!
A très bientôt Peter !
Ton ami .
Hugues.
Dear Hugues,
Now I understand why you’ve been “absent” the last few months. I’ve very sorry to learn about your health difficulties. I’ve missed seeing your work – I hope you’ll be back in action soon.
Yes, the M9 is special. That CCD rendering cannot be beat, and I’m glad more people are realizing this.
The poll I started, I will continue. I’m hoping more people will vote because I want Leica to know that many of us would like to see newer CCD sensors in future M cameras.
For now, I seek the versatility of the M240. Just like I sought the versatility of digital vs. film. But we all know how special film is… well so is the M9!
And my little “joke” a long time ago about the M240 being “CaNikoLeica”… it wasn’t really a joke – I very much meant it. The M240 files are CMOS-like (whatever that means… I see it, either way).
Still, as Salim commented yesterday… we move forward.
Good health to you, my friend.
—Peter.
Hugues,
Sorry to hear of your difficulties. Is this the reason your lovely web site is no more or at least has gone somewhere I can not find it? If so, that is a great sadness. I miss your unique and passionate images and I hope we’ll see more of them in the future. But we (I think I can speak for the rest of us “regulars” here in Prosophosland) hope most of all that you will be feeling better.
g
Hello Peter,
I’ve been following this post with some interest, having been on the fence for a very long time – years in fact – re. buying a digital camera with which I can use M mount lenses.
The M9 has always been appealing, the many wonderful images on your blog are a testament to how this camera can shine in the right hands. That in itself is a very strong tick in the M9 / ME box.
However it’s very hard to ignore the plus points that the technological advances of the last few years bring to the table. Being able to shoot at higher ISO values, and to mount glass form other SLR formats make a very good argument for considering the new Sony cameras or the M240.
It’s such a large sum of money – more than I’ve ever dropped on a single photography purchase, that my sensible head keeps on taking over my urge to just go for it!!
I shoot primarily with an M7, and am now after some experience with rangefinders feeling very comfortable with them. I love the size and form factor, and I know that a digital M would be a good fit.
I think I’ll wait just a few more months though – it would be great to hear how you feel about the m240 Peter, and there will then be more samples of what the RX1 is capable of around the internet.
I’m not one for pixel peeping, preferring to take note of a cameras signature look – as with film, each is different and we all have our preferences!
It’s a great time to be interested in photography, and I couldn’t be happier to have revived a dormant hobby!
I’ll await your updates!
It’s a crazy amount of money indeed.
I’ll keep you posted on the M240…it will be the only thing I’ll be using for a while. I haven’t received it yet, and don’t expect to for at least another week.
Congratulations on awakening your passion for photography James!
—Peter.
Interesting decision. Personally I am happy to stick with my M9 for a while yet. I understand that technology advances at a fast rate but I have never been one to jump on the band wagon too quickly. I will be very interested in your images and opinions over the next few months. Maybe in a year or so my opinion may change but for now I’ll continue to watch the M and others opinions.
Wise plan.
Hi Peter,
I guess I am not terribly surprised by your decision as the allure of better ISO performance is very strong when living in low light countries (or just about anywhere I suppose) and your love for the digital rangefinder doesn’t leave you with much choce.
Well done on finding one, you definitely have good contacts. I did consider getting a M 240 at one point but couldn’t find one. Now as my eyes weaken I find I like autofocus more and more.
I do look forward to the images you will produce with it though. The images from Jose above are quite stunning.
Regards
Guy
Thank you Guy.
Regarding auto-focus, there are days when I ask myself why don’t I just pick up an AF camera and be done with all of this!
But the allure of the rangefinder is too strong, and I always produce my best work with rangefinders.
As far as finding an M240, it really wasn’t difficult, because I believe supply has finally caught up to demand. Mine was listed on the website of an authorized US dealer for several days before I finally committed to buying it.
I hope life with a brand new baby girl is treating you well…
—Peter.
Hi Peter,
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on the M240. I recently sold all my digital gear because of how the CMOS sensors are rendering images. I’m now left with only film bodies, my M6 and on the way M7 A la Carte. I’ll probably pick up an M9 at some point.
-Dominic
Ahhh, Dominic, you have become a “real” photographer, so to speak (I know that will be perceived in a bad way by some – but it’s how I feel).
I’m glad to know you’ve now embraced film, after your initial tentative steps. Folks like yourself, Mark, and Jason carry the torch beautifully…
If you ever pick up an M9, you will be pleasantly surprised… but it won’t give you what film does (but it will give you its own beauty, for sure).
Hi Peter,
I wonder if the time of year has been the same kind of influence on both of us, with the days becoming shorter and darker. I turned down my dealer when they called me in september about the M240, but the first week of september I called him again to say I wanted to get in line for one once again. Thankfully he told me that will still honor the spot on his list that I first got, so offered me the next available camera.
I’ve been quite vocal about the CCD vs CMOS issue and still my preference goes to CCD for both sharpness and color, but I figured I just needed to get past that disappointment in order to buy a more capable camera for these coming darker days, as well as some events that people have asked me to photograph at.
I’m hoping I can get past my previous CCD preference and be just at amazed at the ones coming from my M240.
Pieter
http://www.pronkphoto.com
Dear Pieter,
You understand me completely.
This is, in fact, a very sad time of year for me.
The lack of light just contributes to this feeling. So yes, I still feel the same about CCD sensor cameras, but – as you are – I’m heading in this direction.
My site is built upon a passion for photography, I don’t advertise (in fact I pay fees to BLOCK advertising), and I’m sharing my journey with those who are interested.
Thank you again for understanding,
Peter.