LEICA M240 Review & Sample Photos | The best value in Leica M
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- Опубліковано 16 лют 2020
- The Leica M [typ 240] has been my main wedding photography camera for the last 3 years. Moving into 2020, is it wise for me to keep using a 7-year-old camera?
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I only shot wedding with my Leica M film cameras back in the 80s and 90s. It's encouraging to see someone commit only to RF for professional wedding photography. You are definitely not crazy.
Love that you're doing more UA-cam Benj! I just got my light setup that we DM'd about last week and I'm stoked to get started! I think it's rad that you do wedding work on such a slow paced camera. That would terrify myself but it's sick that you do it so well and one of the aspects of your work that makes you unique!
FINALLY not a cringe Leica M240 review! Well done Benj!
Agreed, I went the same route in terms of canon->leica for my personal enjoyment. The Leica M system is very inspiring. I also grew tired of the large lenses, gear and weight. I felt the same way about zooms and all I wanted is a fixed 35mm lens. I don’t shoot weddings anymore, but all my personal work is done on the same body, with all its limitations. Beat choice I have ever made in photography. Keep up the videos!
Before I used to have doubts with bringing only this camera, now I only want to bring this camera. Love your work!
Still learning how to use RF, really admire people like you who can handle Leica or any RF cameras. Big thumb up to those amazing pics!
this is probably the first video i have seen that shows what you actually see through a range finder. bravo . nicely done
I’m a hobby street photographer and while I don’t shoot on Leica, I completely agree with you on the bit about camera constrains, forced creativity. I switched from a Nikon dslr kit to a 35mm fixed length fuji x100f 2 years ago, and it’s the best thing I’ve done to improve my photography skills!
Really enjoyed your video. It is great to see someone using M's as intended and not as a plaything for occasional use. I bought an M10 as a plaything (using SL's and Q2's for commercial work) , then a client rang, "can you be at our office in an hour?" Now I had M10 with me rest of gear was 90 mins away. So i turned up with M10 shot two Headshots and PR relevant images, including OCF. Edited on my tablet in their reception and delivered images 30 mins after shoot concluded. They have now booked a full re working on brand images and headshots, only prerequisite "bring that funny little camera " you bet I will. Definitely not crazy and keep the videos coming. All the best from the UK
I loved hearing all your thoughts about the value of constraints to creativity. I've been struggling with my heavy and imposing Mark iV system for the digital part of my wedding photography, and am really considering switching to mirrorless. Thank you for the detail about how the leica system works! As someone who also shoots film during weddings, I think this gear might actually streamline the feeling and overall experience of my gear and photos. Sooo grateful you made this video!
Thanks for a well produced, candid take on this camera. Really enjoyed this video and am one step closer to picking one up.
I've been considering Leica digital cameras since buying my M3 about a year ago. Very cool that you've been able to use such dated cameras to such great effect for so long. Amazing what you can do if you forget about gear acquisition and work with and master the tools that you have.
The content you are creating is so fun to watch! AND the production quality of these videos are wonderful!
I totally agree. All these years I have been shooting weddings with M4P, M6,MP and then M9 when film turned digital, with my 3 lens 35mm f2 Summicron, 75mm f1.4 Summilux and a 21mm f1,4 Summilux I did a lot of good jobs , clients happy and I am happy.
Great review and great photos!! Shooting weddings on a Leica is like nothing else. I shot a full wedding a few years ago on the MD 262 and got some of the best wedding images I have ever made, sadly sold it last year to make some cash, and now just ordered an M-P 240 to shoot a wedding next month and to keep for any more weddings coming my way. The thing with these cameras is, nothing gets in the way of making images like so many other brands I have used over the years, I ditched the Canon system just like you and haven't looked back. Nice one man!!
Great video! I have wanted a Leica since I was in High School photography class (1984). I can see all your points and can relate.
I fully agree with you on the limitations of this camera that make me more concentrate and creative. I ´ve got the m262 and I love it !
I'm shooting Leica M's for 5 years now, never get tired about. Your photos are awesome. Greetings from Germany.😉🔴
🔴📷 🙌🏼
Good advice, and you've caused me to rethink mastering my 240M.
Thank you so much for this review! I love your perspective on the camera and how you make it work with your workflow! I'm heavy into film and been running a Leica m3. However, I use a Sony a7ii for my digital work but I just don't find that satisfaction in my digital work like how I do with my Leica m3. I do a lot of fashion photography and was kind of worried the m240 wouldn't be for me but I just love how you expressed the control you have with your photos and that's exactly how I feel with my m3 and how I would want to portray my work. So thank you for helping me feel less crazy with my idea of using a RF system for my type of work!
Don't be afraid of being different. I admire your work and the Leica clearly suits your wonderful and unique style of wedding photography.
Love it, Benji.. big fan of M240 as well, but mostly use it during wedding just for the easy stuff.. definitely challenging to use it for whole wedding! keep rocking, love your work
Very well argued and complete description of the virtues of a digital rangefinder camera! I have a M 240 and use it daily for just about everything, including macro. I don't do wildlife & sport though.
Matt Osborne, Mr Leica, has been shooting weddings on Leica for years. He’s in the UK.
Great review. I just got an M-P (typ 240). Love that thing.
Amen, brother! Much love and respect for knowing your craft.
Enjoyed watching your video. Good to see someone using Leica as a tool and not a toy. I use Nikon gear for my work (indoor Sports) but enjoy using Leica (IIIa, IIIb, IIIf , M2, M4P, M6, R6, M240, CL, TL2 and SL) for other types of photography. I don't do wedding but I can see your points regarding focus and workflow efficiency. It just shows that it is the pianist that makes music and not the piano. A lot people think buying a Steinway will make them a concert pianist.
As a film shooter, I love using Leica digitals. Also hard to beat that 'lux glass.
Love this video. Love the idea of limitations. Recently picked up a Fuji Xpro 3 for some of the reasons you mentioned.
Great video and a very interesting point of view. After years working with nearly every canon FF camera (R5 and R6 at the moment) I finally realized one of my dreams by getting into the Leica M ecosystem starting with the M240.
Ultimately, I've made the same experience as you did, especially in terms of improving creativity by limitations.
Good job, mate!
Great video and samples. Searching for the last year for the prices to fall until I can own one. Picked up an X2 in the mean time and it has become my carry at all times camera. Replacing my Xpro 2 as my everyday
This video really did it for me. I've been toying with the idea of purchasing a Leica rig but I don't know which to purchase. After tons of research, it's nice to hear what you have to say. Cheers.
Totally agree; I don't do functions, wedding, etc but I use an MP240 in the studio a lot
Hey Benj, great video. That’s exactly what I experienced, except I’m not a professional. But switching to the M forced me to focus more on light, composition and technique. Additionally I love the feeling that I took the photo and not the camera. As for the missing auto focus, you get so fast over time that I really don’t think it’s a big issue. Keep up the good work. PZ
I really enjoy the access I get with my Leica MP. Many places that wouldn't allow me to bring a DSLR, pay no attention to the M. I am totally ok with that!
Results speak for themselves.. nice pics. The one with the snow is just magic...
I own an M8 and a Mamiya 7 and love rangefinders. Super easy to be fast and accurate with this type of system and I think it’s a fantastic system to shoot on. You don’t think like you normally do when using a rangefinder so I definitely know how Benj feels. I actually plan on getting an M240 and a Leica Q and switching out of my 1DX because the shooting style of these types of cameras call to my more creative and deliberate side of shooting portraits
Loving your videos so far. Please keep up with the great content.
I’ve started shooting weddings with my Leica M240 in 2019 side by side with my Fujifilm X-T2. Honestly the best photos comes from Leica. Looking forward to buy an M10 to have better low light capabilities. Great video as always
Benj, I feel totally the same. I have two M240s. I use one with a 28mm ,and one with 50mm. When I use one, I use the 35mm. Have other cameras, but also find myself using the Leicas 95% of the time. Thanks for the great video. Thanks you...
Got that the other evening - shooting a rehearsal dinner on an M10. Videographer came up to me and said, "I don't think I've ever seen anyone shoot a wedding with a manual focus lens." But, same story - shot with Canon for some time with hit-and-miss focus. The RF patch has given me more confidence of 'in focus' shots, even at shallower DOF. Best regards!
Much respect sir. I tried covering an event with my M9 and it turned out OK, not great but it was mostly human error. Recently got myself an M10 and loving it. Got the Canon R as well, and the thing with rangefinder is the focusing might not be as quick (at least for me) but you can be damn sure if you focus correctly, that image is a keeper. With the EOS R, I would assume that the auto focus nailed the shot but when I downloaded to my computer, some missed focus. So moving forward, i'de be using the M10 for photos and the EOS R for video. :-)
Those sample shots are incredibly impressive
That’s awesome man, if I was in a position to shoot like that I certainly would. I think it would be liberating to have the creative restraints and take less deliberate photos. I have wanted one of those cameras for years but currently not in a position to purchase one. I do have an beautiful M4 with a 35mm Zeiss Biogon but that is purely for personal use.
Beautiful images Benj, Just wanted to say that I've shot multiple weddings on my M262, with my 5Dsr as a back up.. just in case. honestly the images that i get out of the leica are always prefered my both the couple and myself. i think going forward ill try to get another M body and just take those.
Enjoyable, inspirational presentation; well-done! I just watched this one for impulsive fun, as I entered the Leica M camera system with an M10, in 2018, and frquently use its high-ISO capability, so I have little to no reason to take a retro step to an M Type 240, but your presentation has relevance beyond the specific Type 240.
I understand exactly what you meant about using a 35mm and 85mm lens. My do-almost-everything Canon EF combo, for a while, for personal shooting, on 5D-series cameras, was a 35mm and an EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS. (I needed a top-tier macro lens for the grim duty of forensic/evidentiary/crime scene photography, which is not art, but requires dedication, especially for documenting the injuries of living, breathing victims, who are looking at me, and trusting me.)
In the M system, we share a couple of favorite lenses, the Summilux-M 50mm ASPH, and Zeiss Distagon 1,4/.35mm ZM.
Thanks. Keep up the good work!
Rex G
I have been wanting to try my hand at a Leica range finder for sometime now. I shoot with a Fujfilm X100V and X-Pro3 and really enjoy them. I started using manual glass with the Pro3 with TTArtisan lenses and love the images... Nice informative video Benj... Thanks
100% on point!!! You should shoot with camera that want you to let go out and shoot and not collecting dust on a shelf. Photos are magical! Nice video! Thanks a lot!!!!👍🙏
Love that you're making so much content
Trying!
I enjoyed your video, Benj; great photos, you really put the system to work! I sometimes look back to my M9-files and think how much I enjoyed the system and it's limitations. Maybe in the future a used 240 or M10 oder M-whatever comes along. But it's still some competition with all the other mirrorless-cameras right now, hope Leica makes it. Best of luck for your channel!
There is basically no competition to a M rangefinder body.
I am over 6ft tall and have a beard and I will absolutely use this to justify buying my first leica, thanks!!
@@kyleg2725 love your logic 👍
Definitely enjoyed the video. I have been a photographer for years and I have been considering a change like this. I shot Nikon for years and years then down to Fuji which are fabulous but I was starting to feel uninspired so Im changing again and I think a main camera full frame Nikon and secondary a m240 would be a great wedding kit.
Very nice 👍. I’m using a M8, M9 & M9M which I love, especially since all three use the same battery.
Well I think your results speak enough! The M is just great for you. Any camera that works for you, giving the results you want and, maybe more than anything, inspires you is a bingo. And your results show a huge bingo! Thanks for sharing your experience!!
Great video and beautiful images, I have a Iiif, M4 and just picked up a M240 waiting for it to arrive can't wait to get out a shoot
This was great. I say shoot what inspires you over technology ✌🏼
Owned M 240 for 4 years along with 50mm Summilux. Love the Combo! I've been using the Q for 2 years now which has the 28mm Summilux 1.7. I will get a pre-owned M10 with the 50 Summilux someday.
I only have Summarit f/2.4 lenses for my M240 so far. My dream is, like you, a couple Summilux lenses paired with an M10. That new M10 Monochrom looks amazing, too.
Still rocking my typ240. My M7 is my other Leica body. Both work great with TTL so I have no issues with indoor event photos. I shot some AcrosII with a bounce flash and looked like the 240’s Monichrkme mode :)
I have an M240. The rendering is beautiful. The 'young' age is irrelevant. It's still a great camera, plus beautiful lenses.
Ah. That’s what I was looking for. I love my film rangefinders and I’d like to get into digital finally, never had one of my own except for phones. I’m a really terrible amateur but something manual that forces me to think and learn sounds appealing. I’m more sensitive to color than pixel perfect, was looking into the Sigmas DP range for color, but this looks a much more versatile option. I wonder what a fair price for a system is. Thanks for this video! I really like your composition. I’ll remember these photos as a really high benchmark.
Great review and very tasteful use of your own images to highlight how beautifully it works for you. I am a total amateur and have had Leicas for 30 years. Since this is my hobby and passion I don't in any way have to rationalise the outlay of things like a Noctilux...
Great shots! Thanks for the great review
Definately not crazy....full of style, unique, truly yours. Makes total sense.
Thank you for sharing all of this!
I shot a season on a m240 and loved it but switched systems because I love trying different gear and get inspired that way. I’d love to get a 240 again, dream would be an m10.
Love the MTyp240, wouldn't change mine for anything and yes am doing more and more commercial stuff with it
So nice. If the M240 worked for you so far, it will be with you the next 7 years as well. Those lenses and the look are just amazing. I don't do weddings but I would definitely also give the M a try. Maybe not my M-D but who nows. ;-)
As a former wedding photographer who started out in the late 60's with film and a RF, moving on to Nikon Auto Focus in the late 70's , then to a Hasselblad system in the late 90's and then into Nikon Digital around 2002. I have a Lecia M6 and a M-240 that I love for my own work. The Lecia and Hasselblad systems images are far superior than Nikon or Canon because of the glass. I love the work flow that a pure manual camera provides, it is something that you grow into overtime and might be very hard for someone who didn't grow up using a manual camera. So no, I think you have got a great idea that makes you stand out from all the other wedding photographers. Your work is more of an art form than most of today's wedding photographers.
Beware, this system is addictive! :D The Leica M240 was my Gateway drug into the rangefinder system, now I sold most of my Sony Lenses got a M10 and a M6 and couldn’t be more happy about it. Unfortunately it‘s really expensive to start since the prices are pretty stable on these cameras, but I now got my love to photography back.
Great video Benj!
I know! I was using an a6000 and a canon at1 for film. I bought an M2 and it’s ruined me :( I only want fully manual cameras now and rangefinders at that. Saving for a digital Leica soon!
Same , I sold all my canon lenses , and my 5D :)
mrharpman Totally agree I’m still using a M8 the colours are the closes you get today to Kodachrome, also my M240 is awesome especially with old Leica lens
Honestly, I find the 240 pictures most beautiful than M10 usually.
I still shoot with my Leicas, there is something to be said with the image quality, freedom in just focusing on the subject and the composition. The camera puts you in control all the time. Its simplicity is a joy and you improve as a photographer. In fact I still use my M8.2 for my monochrome studies with stunning results. Working over 30 years as a pro, for me there is no other camera better for photographing people be it weddings, portraits, documentaries or editorial studies. It is less intrusive and makes it easier to direct my subjects. I still use my DSLRs and my full frame mirrorless even medium format, whatever the assignment or booking requires but for human studies my go to are my Leica M's.
I just bought a 2nd hand one with a new Summarit 50 2.4 lens which I hope will go well together.
Sounds good to me. Looking at M240 photos, it's apparent that it has something beyond the standard defining characteristics of a good image maker.
You are so right - thank you !
thank you for making these amazing reviews from a user prospective
Awesome video. Thanks for showing your photos!
You have the exact setup as me. Pair of M240 black and silver, ZM 3514, 50lux. Nice video, btw M240 IS weather sealed
I've always thought I dont need a leica to take good photos, but when my wife bought me a cron, I was blown away by its beauty. That the lens thou. Pls tell me why the 240 is gd. Oh wait I just watched your video telling me why haha. I'll def consider it
The M240 is a great performer, if you can handle its limitations. I've a Lumix GX8 for telephoto lenses, but my main shooter is a M240 with 21, 50 and 75 lenses, a solid combo for press photography. Just remember to upgrade the soft ware. (I don't do weddings)
Watched again today and enjoyed it the same when I initially watched it!
Im looking into getting an M240. Didnt thing i could afford one but now im close. This video made a difference for 2020
I actually have one to sell if you’re interested. I don’t need 3 ;)
If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Shoot with what works for you. I agree that there is no need to get the latest gear if what you have works. Good video, thanks.
Great video! I love my M typ 240.
Wow, great video. Looking at your shots, who can even argue that you are wasting your time! Fantastic. More videos with helpful tips and experience with the M240 would be appreciated! Thanks.
I’m considering it as my first M, so that my wallet will not be that shallow if I go for M10. Your review helps a lot. Thanks!
Great video, really like the music. I started shooting weddings and other stuff 1 year ago, i also shoot on a leica m 240 as main camera. I love the camera so much more than any other.
Yo, thanks! Recently signed up for MusicBed and they have a TON of good stuff.
Well said. Your compositions are very creative
Always wondering if I'll go for it or wait good deal on used M10... Or in the contrary go for an M9. After this video I'm still not decided but for sure M is a joy to use. Just sold my M8 because I want to switch to full frame and get the best out of the M lenses... when considering their prices, it's a shame not to use 100% of their power on an APSH format camera!
Still use my fuji xpro1 for ALL my shoots. And it's still a fantastic camera.
This is still a brilliant camera. As you say, there is colour magic in the sensor, even with non-Leica lenses. I will never get rid of mine.
If you adapt your Zeiss, Voigtlander, Leica lenses in a modern full frame mirrorless (EOS R, Nikon Z or Sony R7x) you would have a similarly small package but with all the benefits from an EVF and modern sensor. Manual focus on the EOS R is so easy and you would not be limited to the center of the frame.
At last! At 65...the Leica connects with me instantly. Hello M240, I've been waiting for so long.
@9:06. Camron and Athena! Wow what a surprise! I was at the Socality event they met at! Crazy small world.
Benj. Nice piece - and let's remember - this IS the traditional camera. The DSLRS came decades later. Leica was first in 35mm-style cameras.
such a smart breakdown.
I also shoot the m240 professionally! One big advantage that no one talks about is that the M240 is the only digital M that can be shot tethered to a computer. Really great for studio portrait shoots as the RF cameras are small and less imposing than the SLRs.
Full disclaimer: Canon DSLRs shoot the majority of my commercial work but i leave them at the studio. My Leica goes with me everywhere everyday!
I've seen your videos many times. And tomorrow I get my M240 and I look forward to it. Have been shooting the M6 for many years. And have need for a digital camera next is like that. At work I shoot Sony a7iii. Maybe I should take my new Leica m240 with me one day. Thanks for some super cool video
Hi Paw from Noisefilm denmark
I used to shoot some weddings with an M9, loved it and seriously considered switching fully to two M9s with three lenses but didn't have the balls at the time to take the risk and rebrand and re-market to push that as a good thing to my clients etc.
I totally agree with you on your points, the Leica system removes a ton of the mush between the photographer and the moment. I always prefer the rawness of shooting with the Leica. No having to use a joystick to tap a box around for focus or manually focusing and never being fully connected to knowing if the focus was 100%.
It also put me in a different mindset when using the Leica, it's one of those things that just sounds ego hipster but you have to take the time to use one and settle in to it to understand.
If I went back to photographing weddings I would do it with 2 x Leicas, some Summilux lenses (wide, 50mm and ~80mm) + the smallest and most powerful (inc radio range) remote flash units. I might even convince myself I *need* a Noctilux..... for my clients... of course. ;)
Just bought M240 yesterday, and seems for me to take sometimes to learn how to use it. Only use DSLR and mirrorless camera before.
I liked the video. I appreciate your viewpoint! I am going to try one out! If I can find one! Stay healthy!
Great video, lots of good insight and i thank you