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Leica M Monochrom review – a real life usage review – part two

This is the second part of my real-life review of the Leica M Monochrom. Just to state the obvious first and foremost: This is not a technical review which are focusing on specs and the gear itself, nor is it a proper review that necessarily should influence your decision to purchase this camera. This is merely a write-up of my personal experience with this camera.
This is also my first Leica camera, so some of the content will be influenced by this.

You can read the first part here: Leica M Monochrom review – a real life usage review – part one

One of the reasons that I purchased the M Monochrom is because I love shooting during evenings and even mid-night, so I shoot a lot during low available light. During the winter period in Norway it’s usually dark when I go to work and dark when I go home from work – so to be able to enjoy my hobby while living here I need a camera that performs really well during low-light. And this is where the M Monochrom really excels, and it is by far the best low-light camera that I have owned. My previous camera – the Fujifilm X-Pro1 – was no slouch in this area either (the X-Trans sensor is a really good sensor for low-light use) but the M Monochrom plays in a totally different league – as you will see in some of the pictures that I will post in this part of the review.

This part of my write-up will consist mostly of photo examples taken during night-time lighting conditions. I am currently working on several photography projects – so the photographs that I post in these reviews will not be my best shots, as these photographs are only ment to be examples of what the camera is capable of, and, examples on post-processing the raw files that this camera makes.

Post-processing

Post-processing the raw files from the M Monochrom is actually quite easy. It is by far the easiest raw files I have worked with as you don’t have to deal with any color settings at all (white-balance, color accuracy, saturation and vibrancy levels, the way contrast and clarity affects color presentation and so on). It is quite different to work with these raw files however.

After some research I made my own import preset in Adobe Lightroom 4.2 for the M Monochrom. This preset is tailored to what I prefer with the lens that I am using: Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH. If you are using a different lens with less or more contrast then you might need to change these settings to fit your lens and personal style. I only use this preset as a starting point in my post-processing step however, and I always adjust other settings as well.

When I start my workflow I always import the files with these settings automatically applied:

Presence:
Clarity: +12

Sharpening:
Amount: 50
Radius: 0,7
Detail: 50

Post-crop vignetting:
Style: Highlight Priority
Amount: -6

Then I adjust the exposure as needed. I always start by adjusting the exposure to a level that I prefer before I change anything else, even if it means clipping the highlights.

Then I adjust the black level. I usually end up adjusting my black level to between -30 and -70 on day-time shots, and on night-time shots I rarely adjust it at all.
Since my exposure adjustments usually cause the highlights to clip I adjust the highlights to avoid clipping. And if needed – I also adjust the White levels at the same time.

I try to stay away from adjusting the Shadows and Whites too much – I’d rather adjust the exposure level to get the image as I want it. In some circumstances however – adjusting the shadow level is necessary. I usually go up to 40-50 at max, and I prefer staying at around 30 for the most pleasing results.

My processing differs a lot between daytime shots and night-time shots however! On night-time and low-light shots I rarely feel that need to adjust anything except the exposure. I usually shoot at -1 exposure compensation during night-time, and due to the tremendous amount of shadow information in the MM’s files there is really never a problem getting nicely exposed files during post-processing.

I never apply noise reduction, no matter what ISO I am shooting at. I like grain in black and white photographs, and I usually end up adding grain rather than removing it.

I’ve tried Silver Efex Pro 2 with the MM files, and I have worked a lot with Silver Efex Pro 2 previously as well so I am very familiar with it. You can more easily go wild and creative in regards to post-processing in SEP2 compared to Lightroom – but, personally, I prefer a more natural look to my images. The film simulations in SEP2 are great in certain circumstances, but to be honest I think Alien Skin Exposure 4 has a whole lot more and better film simulations to choose from. I rarely end up opening my files in SEP2 unless I want to create a very creative, unique and manipulated look.

File latitude and ISO performance

So, I guess you are curious how much shadow detail there are in the M Monochrom’s raw files? How far can you push them in post-processing? Well, I haven’t had the need to really push the limits yet, but here are two examples – before and after post-processing. Both of these photographs were taken during the darkest period of the evening, and the shots were under-exposed in the camera – deliberately.

Even when pushing the exposure +3,10 and the shadows by +21 there is absolutely no need for any noise reduction. You can even push these files much further without the need for noise reduction, and when you reach the limits you can push them even further and apply some noise reduction. The available shadow detail in the files are simply amazing.

And what about the high-ISO performance? Well – it is, in one word – incredible. Depending on if your shot is properly exposed the files can be very clean at 10000 ISO but if your exposure isn’t perfect the files can be a bit noisy as well. Not noisy enough to need to apply heavy noise reduction, but still a bit noisy. Also, there seems to be a bug in Adobe Lightroom 4.2 which currently shows the MM’s files as more noisy in preview than what they really are if you export the files. So if your files look very noisy while viewing them in Lightroom – try to export the raw file as a jpeg and see if it actually is as noisy as Lightroom shows it. I bet there’s a big chance that the file will be much cleaner after the export 🙂

Living with the MM – so far

After getting used to the camera, how the exposure works and getting used to rangefinder focusing I am very happy with my choice. Sure, some times I miss color – but – then I look at the images that I have captured and I get a big smile around my face. I prefer black and white for my serious work but I might prefer the flexibility of color for my private/personal regular every day or travel shots.

Some times I get the thought “I should have gotten this in color, just in case…” of course. But then I remind myself that if it was a shot that I was really pleased with in the beginning – I would most probably end up converting it to black and white anyway. So the camera does what I wanted it to do, it makes me focus on creating better photographs rather than just taking photographs “in case – it might look good in color or in black and white”.

The camera is very inspiring to use. It is the first camera that really inspires me to wait until it is dark outside before I go downtown on my own photowalk. It is the first camera that just isn’t there… It is simply a tool that does what I want it to do. I guess the main reason is because of the manual rangefinder focusing mechanism. No noisy auto-focus. I don’t even need to turn the camera on to focus the lens, and I can always use the frame lines even if the camera is powered off to frame a shot. It just fits my needs perfectly. It does limit me, but in a good way. I wouldn’t trade it for any other camera, and it’s definitely a keeper. But I realize that I might have to get a color camera for my travel and family photographs as well. I realize that not everyone prefers black and white images only.

I will post a part three of my experience with this camera as well, where I will focus on different things than my first two parts. Don’t think of this as a review – it’s more about my personal experience with the camera – as a first time Leica owner.

If you’re considering purchasing a Leica Summilux 50mm f/1.4 ASPH, and you feel that my review helped you make a decision, I would appreciate if you could look at the purchasing options via my Amazon affiliate:

Purchase Leica M Monochrom

High-resolution images has been uploaded – look here for more details: Leica MM high-res images are up

Some more example images:

33 Comments

Join the discussion and tell us your opinion.

Richard Warsawreply
October 27, 2012 at 22:56

Excellent work – most interesting, nice to see that you seem to prefer the Summilux as I do. Seems to add that extra bite and is great to use late at night with almost no light. For a first time user this is a really authentic “real user” review.

Børgereply
October 27, 2012 at 23:07
– In reply to: Richard Warsaw

Hi Richard 🙂 I’ve tried the Summicron f/2 on it but I prefer the Summilux. The only advantage of the Summicron is that it gives images with less contrasts, so, the chance of clipping highlights are less with the Cron versus the Lux. But the rendering and flexibility of the Lux is just amazing. It’s definitely a keeper as well (and my only lens so far for a while). You decided to keep yours as well?

Michaelreply
October 28, 2012 at 03:19

A great “real world” review and documentation of experiences. The first review that really makes me want to consider this camera. Thanks for your time to put it together.

Børgereply
October 28, 2012 at 03:56
– In reply to: Michael

Hi Michael.
Thanks for the feedback.
I would urge anyone that considers this camera to think closely about how they like to shoot and how they want to shoot.
Personally I focus better on things when I have less options. So for me and my use this camera is perfect. Anyone buying it only for the iso or pixel performance will probably regret it afterwards though. The iso and pixel performance are the best I’ve personally seen, but you loose a lot of flexibility as well.

Ericreply
October 28, 2012 at 05:48

Thanks for posting your honest thoughts on this camera. I was wondering what gear you sold to enable to purchase the Leica and do you miss any of it? I like the idea of one camera, one lens and not getting bogged down in equipment and lust for more. I much prefer black and white images so I’m sure I wouldn’t miss mine either.

Børgereply
October 28, 2012 at 11:35
– In reply to: Eric

Hi Eric,
I sold a Fujifilm X-Pro1 with all three lenses (18mm f/2, 35mm f/1.4, 60mm f/2.4), the EF-X20 flash, ND/CPL/IR filters for the lenses + more accessories (I can’t really remember everything). I also sold a Tamron 17-50 f/2.8, Sigma 30mm f/1.4, Sigma 10-22, an old Canon 40D, a carbon-fibre tripod, a monopod, Metz flash, all sorts of spare batteries, chargers… I got rid of everything that I had gathered for the last 7 years that I still had in my posession.

I don’t miss any of it.

Ib Mreply
October 28, 2012 at 12:20

Thank you for sharing your ideas, thoughts and results with MM.
Will probably sold my M9 next week, and will be written on the waiting list for a MM.
Converts almost my pictures to b / w. The reason for the shift from M9 to MM, is that I think that I will think s / h into the picture in the recording, rather than being distracted by colors.
Back to basics and focus on the subject is the intention of the change to MM
Love great DOF/bokeh and look forvard to se the combo of MM and Noctilux.

Ps. Has also EOS 5D which is used as an image machine – and Leica is used to photography.

Børgereply
October 28, 2012 at 12:51
– In reply to: Ib M

My pleasure.
Good luck on your purchase, I hope you don’t have to wait too long to get your hands on one.
Your reasons are pretty much the same as mine. Less options = more focus on what’s important. Since you won’t have a choice, you are forced to focus on one thing only, and when you do that you will usually end up with better results.

A MM + Noctilux combo is probably amazing, especially for low-light and low depth of field photography.

Leica M Monochrom review – a real life usage review – part one | Bo Photographyreply
October 28, 2012 at 13:38

[…] Part two of the review is up. You can read it here: Leica M Monochrom review – a real life usage review – part two […]

PRAMUDIYAreply
October 30, 2012 at 13:27

great and interesting review with nice photo examples. i so envy you since the leica m monochrom is my dream camera!

Børgereply
October 31, 2012 at 12:53
– In reply to: PRAMUDIYA

Thanks! I had a look at your blog, you have some amazing images! I love your compositions. Really excellent work.

Trevorreply
October 31, 2012 at 20:00

Lovely write-up…I wish I could justify that kind of expense in a camera!

Børgereply
October 31, 2012 at 20:02
– In reply to: Trevor

Thanks Trevor!
You can’t justify it 🙂 I try my best not to think about it.

rick petersonreply
October 31, 2012 at 23:25

i’m just getting started with the MM and am enjoying it very much so far. thank you for your oh so practical views and example photos, plus the LR settings and workflow information. you’re right, you will probably need a color camera for the family and travel – mine (nex 5n) has an M lens adapter, so the lenses do double duty. :-))

Børgereply
October 31, 2012 at 23:40
– In reply to: rick peterson

Thanks Rick, and congratulations.

I was actually thinking about either a Nex or Fuji X-E1 or something similar with an M-mount adapter. But the crop-factor is annoying. I’d need a 35 to effectively get a 50 on a cropped sensor camera 🙁 So I’ll see. I have no need for a color camera until next summer… A used M9 might be the solution then, as I really don’t want more lenses.

pomgonewalkaboutreply
November 1, 2012 at 06:40

Okay saving up for one of these. Meantime I have to make do with A Nikon and Silver Efex Pro.
http://www.shoalhavenlife.com/Gallery/index.php

Cheers

Leica MM high-res images are up | Bo Photographyreply
November 1, 2012 at 20:02

[…] recently added the images from my part 1 and part 2 Leica M Monochrom review to my Flickr account. You should be able to view the images at a much […]

Leica M Monochrom – performing recovery on my exposure mistakes | Bo Photographyreply
November 18, 2012 at 21:19

[…] See my more in-depth review of the Leica M Monochrom here Leica M Monochrom review – a real life usage review – part one Leica M Monochrom review – a real life usage review – part two […]

Rickiereply
February 26, 2013 at 12:26

Many different brand names of cheese exist and the quality as well as cost will also vary.
Meat Matters: Usually any type of meat topping will add about 40 calories to
each slice. It is best to keep separate tools for cooking and free from wheat instead of
what is to trust everything cleaned.

sfreply
February 28, 2013 at 03:10

I have been considering either an M Type 240 or a Monochrom (MM) and initially found Borge when I googled looking for camera reviews on the MM and the 240. This was a few months ago and I’ve been following Borge’s postings since then and also reading reviews by others of both the MM and the 240. Without exception, I find that Borge’s Part #1 and Part #2 reviews of the MM are, again, without exception, the finest reviews. They are the best because they contain no regurgitation of Leica marketing hype and because Borge explains in clear language his use of the camera and Lightroom and masterfully shows the results. He touches on issues real people who would be using the MM might face.

And now it seems apparent that Leica is having one or more problems with the Type 240, its release in the U.S. has again been pushed back, this time to the end of April. By carefully reading a number of the most current pre-camera release reviews of the 240, there appear to be a number of issues not faced by the MM. So, in re-reading Borge’s reviews this evening, and looking again at some of Stephen Cosh’s MM images that Borge re-posted, the MM appears to be the better choice, even at the higher cost and no color.

Borge, Thank you,

sf

Børge Indergaardreply
January 6, 2015 at 14:30
– In reply to: sf

Thanks for your kind comment.

Wandareply
March 4, 2013 at 20:18

I have read some good stuff here. Certainly price bookmarking for revisiting.
I surprise how much effort you place to make the
sort of magnificent informative web site.

Børgereply
March 4, 2013 at 21:39
– In reply to: Wanda

Thanks for your kind comment Wanda. I´m glad you appreciate my website.

donnagaereply
March 21, 2013 at 00:28

Thanks for the informative article. Really like the mood of your photos.

Børgereply
March 21, 2013 at 11:26
– In reply to: donnagae

Thanks!

A study in Black and White: one year with a Leica M Monochrom | Bo Photographyreply
October 15, 2013 at 21:30

[…] on this camera (with many example images): Leica M Monochrom – a real life review, part one. Leica M Monochrom – a real life review, part two. Leica M Monochrom – performing recovery on my exposure mistakes. Leica M Monochrom – […]

Glen Weaverreply
January 3, 2015 at 18:05

Great Review Bo. I’m also about to buy the MM and was wondering if you’d recommend the silver or black for owning long term? I took some shots at the Leica Washington DC store and edited them in Lr and noticed the preview in Lr didn’t match the .jpg that I exported. It bit more grain in the .jpg file. Is this a Lr software issue? You shot DNG in the camera right? I’m going with the 35mm f/1.4 ASPH lens. Thanks for your review. It’s one of the best ones out there. Kind Regards, glen weaver, Wash DC.

Børge Indergaardreply
January 6, 2015 at 14:28
– In reply to: Glen Weaver

Hello Glen,

Thank you. I’m glad you liked the review.
I prefer black cameras, so I would always go with a black MM (or any other camera and lens for that matter). I don’t think there are better or worse finishes in regard to long-term ownership. From my experience though, black cameras are easier to re-sell 2nd hand.
I only shot with DNG and edited in Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. I’ve noticed that in Lightroom I needed to zoom in at 100% view to be able to see the real grain structure that the files would be exported with for some reason. I have only noticed this issue with files from the MM.

Best regards,
Borge Indergaard

Danreply
August 25, 2015 at 19:44

Nice review, on the MM 1 & 2. Appreciate your efforts and enjoy your photo samples. I purchased a MM in the spring when they were heavily discounted with the introduction of the MM 246. Love it and have no regrets with the purchase. A joy to use.

Thans, Dan

A study in Black and White: one year with a Leica M Monochrom | Børge Indergaardreply
November 25, 2015 at 16:08

[…] on this camera (with many example images): Leica M Monochrom – a real life review, part one. Leica M Monochrom – a real life review, part two. Leica M Monochrom – performing recovery on my exposure mistakes. Leica M Monochrom – […]

Leica M Monochrom – performing recovery on my exposure mistakes | Børge Indergaardreply
November 25, 2015 at 16:13

[…] See my in-depth review of the Leica M Monochrom here Leica M Monochrom review – a real life usage review – part one Leica M Monochrom review – a real life usage review – part two […]

Leica MM high-res images are up | Børge Indergaardreply
November 25, 2015 at 16:14

[…] recently added the images from my part 1 and part 2 Leica M Monochrom review to my Flickr account. You should be able to view the images at a much […]

Leica M Monochrom review – a real life usage review – part one | Børge Indergaardreply
November 25, 2015 at 16:15

[…] two of the review is up. Read it here: Leica M Monochrom review – a real life usage review – part two High-resolution images has been uploaded – look here for more details: Leica MM high-res […]

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