Inspiration

The M9 and CCD sensor, revisited.

Inspiration, Q&A, Teaching point

m9-sensor-revisited prosophos

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As I scanned some of the other photography sites late this evening, and read several initial user reports on Sony‘s new A7 and A7R 35mm interchangeable cameras, I noticed more and more people are conceding that my prediction on September 15, 2012, on the eve of the release of the Leica M240 was true: the M9 and its CCD sensor would prove to be superior at base ISO than any CMOS offering.

Unfortunately, holding this opinion and stating it publicly — repeatedly — has probably strained my relationship with Leica.  Hopefully they’ll eventually come around to seeing my efforts as constructive.  I am, after all, an enthusiast who only photographs with Leica rangefinders and lenses.

Back to the point:  is it any wonder that in June of this year I declared my camera of the year for 2013 to be the Leica M9?  As crazy as it was for me to do, I’m sticking by it.

It’s still not too late to sign My Open Letter to Leica😉 .

—Peter.

Open letter to Leica: over 100 signatures (so far)…

Inspiration, Leica M Type 240, Q&A, Teaching point

Prosophos Open Letter to Leica

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Many of you prefer the rendering of the Leica M9 CCD sensor over the M240 CMOS sensor at low ISO values, and have consequently signed My Open Letter to Leica.  For those who haven’t, please consider doing so if you want to advocate for an updated CCD sensor in a future M model.

Thank you,

—Peter.

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Related posts:

My Current Equipment (updated).

Inspiration, Leica 24mm Summilux ASPH f/1.4, Leica 50mm Summilux ASPH f/1.4, Leica M Monochrom (CCD Lives!), Q&A

Having sold my Leica M240, I have been trying to re-build my kit with my preferred rangefinder — the Leica M9.

Here is my current equipment list.

It’s short.

—Peter.

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Leica M9P:

Found one with only 305 shutter actuations.  I’ve never owned a “P” version of the M9 before (I didn’t want to pay the premium for cosmetic differences), but this one was in like-new condition and was functioning perfectly — which is important to me — so I grabbed it without hesitation.

Prosophos-Leica M9P Silver

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–Leica M9:

This M9 had 2037 shutter actuations and was in mint(-) condition.  Unfortunately, when it arrived I discovered that it was front-focusing by about 6 cm!  This was a problem, since I had ordered it from the US and it would be a hassle to return it (reclaiming customs fees, loss of some of the refund money in the currency conversion, etc.).  So, I ended up adjusting the rangefinder myself, and after much trial-and-error it is focusing beautifully.

Prosophos - Leica M9 Black

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Leica 50mm Summilux ASPH:

I had purchased this after selling off the black version I had.  That black version was the best-performing 50mm Summilux ASPH I’ve ever used, and I’ve used about 8 of them (yes, there is sample variation).  This particular silver copy is not bad, but it’s not quite as sharp at f/1.4 as my previous lens (I’m kicking myself for selling that one…).

prosophos-leica-50-summilux-asph-silver1
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Leica 24mm Summilux ASPH:

This is the exact 24mm Summilux ASPH lens I previously owned, and subsequently sold.  I was lucky to get it back.  It’s one of the best wide-angles I’ve ever used, and is currently my favourite M wide angle lens (and I’ve pretty much tried them all).

Prosophos - Leica 24mm Summilux

That’s it!

If I’m discussing gear, you know the light has been poor here and I’ve barely had a chance to photograph.  I should probably “shut down” Prosophos.com for the winter, but I’ll try to keep things moving.

—Peter.

Guest Post: Luiz Paulo.

Guest Post, Inspiration, Life's Little Moments

Editor’s Note:  I have a great affinity for Luiz‘s work.  He skillfully captures his Muse — his daughter — in the midst of what I like to call Life’s Little Moments, and he does it with great sensitivity.  Luiz is a true artist and I feel privileged to present his work here today.

—Peter.

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Luiz Paulo writes:

“May I collaborate with your blog and your “little” and precious community (I guess not so little as you’ve stated).

During my brief and so wanted moments that I can spend with my daughter (as you know she doesn’t live with me) I try to capture what I see and feel. Sometimes I’m lucky enough to the get one moment, a record, that will left into my hearth.

In the last few months I could take some photos that, just by chance, can somehow be as part of a series:

Lines and frames. Not a really novelty. But it just what is… Lines and frames…

Hope you enjoy them!

Thank you so much for the honour!! — again. 🙂 “

—Luiz Paulo

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“Turn Around”:

01-turned-around

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“Old Friend”:

02-old-friend

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“No Name 1”:

03-no-name-1

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“No Name 2”:

04-no-name-2

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“Looking at Me 1”:

05-looking-at-me-1

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“Looking at Me 2”:

06-looking-at-me-2

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“Jump”:

07-jump

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Thank you Luiz, for allowing me to share these images on Prosophos.com.

—Peter.

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More of Luiz’s work may be viewed here.

Please also re-visit Luiz’s previous work on this site.

 

Pure Honey.

Inspiration, Leica 24mm Summilux ASPH f/1.4, Life's Little Moments, Portrait, Teaching point

A simple image of our family pet, Honey.

A cliché sort of a thing to do, taking a photo of your pet (in photography circles anyway).

Yet this image illustrates perfectly why I hold the Leica M9 in such high regard: the rendering here is exquisite — the tonal gradations are so pleasing that we are left with the sweet illusion of viewing a live scene, as opposed to a static photograph.

It’s pure honey.

Pure Honey

↑Leica M9 and Leica 24mm Summilux @ f/1.4.

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If you haven’t already done so, please consider signing my open letter to Leica.

—Peter.

An open letter to Leica…

Inspiration

Prosophos - Dear Leica

Dear Leica,

We, the undersigned, are passionate about photography.

We have a strong affinity for the Leica M system, which is comprised of compact and ergonomically superior 35mm rangefinder cameras and lenses capable of producing unparalleled image quality.  We appreciate the heritage, craftsmanship and attention to detail involved in the manufacturing of Leica M products.  And we are aware that Leica is steadfast and unwavering in its pursuit of excellence.

We are humbly writing to you with a request:

 

Please consider placing an updated CCD sensor in a future Leica M camera.

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We believe that this would be in keeping with the principles mentioned above, and would be consistent with the ethos of the Leica M as a unique image-creating device.

We believe the CCD sensor, at low ISO values, offers superior performance with respect to micro-contrast and tonal transition rendering.   We have little need for high ISO performance, because we understand that — for the documentary photography most rangefinder photographers practice — a CCD sensor coupled to a fast aperture lens will produce superior results.  We’ve reached this conclusion by trusting our eyes.

We place an emphasis on high quality still image photography, and therefore have little interest in video.  We value the intuitive, quick, and precise rangefinder focusing mechanism, and therefore have little interest in Live View.

In our photographic and artistic pursuits, we believe that less is more.

Since we have a vested interest in the Leica brand, we wish for Leica to succeed.  We therefore hope that a future M model with a CCD sensor would help Leica further differentiate itself, in an environment where CMOS sensor-based cameras abound, and where the digital output amongst the leading camera manufactures appears similar, and similarly inferior.

Finally, we notice and applaud the ergonomic improvements of the new Leica M240 model, and would welcome similar improvements in processor speed, shutter quietness, LCD quality, and weather resistance in a CCD based M model.  But we place these considerations secondary to image quality.

Leica has always done things a little differently, by placing simplicity and quality above all other considerations.  As a consequence, Leica has traditionally wisely avoided making decisions based on a “focus group” philosophy.

We are requesting for this fierce independence in thinking and product differentiation to continue.

Sincerely,

WE THE UNDERSIGNED PASSIONATE LEICA SUPPORTERS, PHOTOGRAPHERS, AND CUSTOMERS.–

(those wishing to sign, please do so in the comments section)

—Peter.

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