I'm roughly a 95+% black and white shooter for over thirty years. I spotted the title on this video and initially avoided it feeling the last thing needed was another promotion of gear I can't afford. I'm glad your emphasis and fine examples had to do with the image making per se. I've been using an Olympus Pen F, set strictly on Monochrome setting with further settings established in camera. . . yellow filter, highlight and shadow 'S' curve setting, grain pattern (which like TriX is unique to each shot), etc. My post processing is at its barest minimum. I've been extremely satisfied with the results. Thank you for this V.
I picked up the Leica M 10 Monochrom myself a couple of weeks ago and I must admit, I am enjoying the process so much that I gifted my primary "colour" camera to a colleague of mine. I absolutely love how it makes one a better photographer, I just love how it forces one to think twice about the light. Highly recommended.
Thank you for this. I get asked all the time why I shoot with a dedicated B&W camera (M10M)...and instead of trying to explain it to them, I'm just going to send them this video because you've done a way better job at doing it than I ever could.
I was nervous dropping the money on a new Q2 Monochrome, but I had loved the original Q and was always curious about Leica’s monochrome cameras. I absolutely love it. I have a Leica orange filter and an b+w red filter that I change depending on my mood or how dark I want the sky in relation to the other parts of the frame. I love that the EVF forces me to see in monochrome and it makes composition easier. It takes some time to adapt to the new way of seeing, plenty of photos I might miss out on because they may only work in color, but that’s a trade off in more than happy to make. If color is necessary I can bring another camera along but I love monochrome. I hope you will opt for either Leica Monochrome camera, we have had some difficult years and it’s ok to treat yourself.
@Bryan so having 2 Q series cameras, do you find the Q2M more satisfying than shooting on your Q in b/w mode or editing color images in Lightroom? Talk me out of buying another $6k point and shoot.
@@t.breeze8659 Its early and I haven’t had my coffee so allow me to ramble a bit… If I told you that the Monochrome isn’t worth the money, that would be dishonest of me :) The shooting experience alone is wonderful knowing we are limited to black and white. The additional sharpness (although only slight) really is there. Something about the intentionality of using the filters is nice too. Of course, you can still adjust contrast during your edits but your exposure is essentially different altogether. Red filter for example are making the sky darker, closer to or maybe even darker than the elements in your frame that are not the sky. On a color camera it would be too bright if the dynamic range is too high (say shooting around mid day). The transition between tones is maybe the largest adventure that I none of us can get with a color to black and white conversion in post. ISO is also about a half a stop better than the Q3 color which I just got, and that had a more modern sensor. So a Q3 Monochrome would likely be 1 full stop better ISO than Q2 Monochrome and have slightly better autofocus. Personally I wouldn’t wait though, just get what you like now because life is so short.
@@Bryan-lu4du I just came across your reply. Thanks for your thoughts. I already own a Q2. If Leica releases a Q3 monochrom, I’ll consider. The Q2 is the camera I reach for most often
I just recently picked up a used M Monochrom typ 246 for $3500 and it is in perfect condition. After questioning my sanity about buying a camera with a dedicated monochrome sensor I can honestly say it is exceeding my expectations. There really is something magical about seeing those files. Cheers!
Not seeing you talk straight into the camera as usual was a bit surprising, but I like the format nonetheless. And I loved the photos you chose to show us. Cheers! -Rick
Blown away by how much I love the supermarket shot just after 1 min mark ... I've travelled all over to explore and capture and then something comes along to remind you that great pic opps are all around us
I think this has been one of my favorite videos of yours in a long time. Very well thought out, beautiful, and concise. As much as I would love a monochrome camera I really can't justify it. I feel like higher detail and better sensitivity is not enough reason for me to spend that amount of money to have less options creatively - although I guess that is part of the appeal - it is our constraints we impose upon ourselves that inspire creativity. Creatively though... detail and sensitivity are low on my list of things I care about with photography (if a photo is compelling it can be noisy, low in detail and even not entirely in focus). Don't get me wrong though.... I would definitely get one if money was no issue. If you do have a limited budget and want to inspire creativity - or just want to work out whether you like thinking in B&W - I would advise anyone who has a mirrorless camera to change your settings so you can see the viewfinder and back screen in B&W. I am finding I do it more often these days and I think I am ending up with better compositions.
I've started a personal photography challenge where I regularly shoot and upload black and white 1:1 images, and what you said about the compositional effects monochrome has on photography rings astoundingly true. Taking black and white images is quite the thoughtful and enjoyable process! Excellent video, as always.
@@chilecayenne $9000 USD (+ import, tax, etc...) for a non primary camera is quite unreasonable for me (to be spending). I can see about $2-4k USD, but that's my limit unless I'm getting a GFX 100. Photography is a hobby for me, intensive, but all the same, I'm not making money on it atm.
@@luckeycat_ I didn't pay nearly that much for my M10M, I paid LESS than $8K. NIB. Where are you looking that they are that expensive? I bought mine almost a year ago, hard to imagine they increased in price that much. I bought online, so, no sales tax added. If you hunt and look, you can still get that deal at smaller places. Hint: Don't look big box stores. HTH FYI, I bought a used GFX100 for $7K. From B&H used and I could not tell it had every been used. Maybe floor model. I just save all the time and don't buy small crap...and drop coin on special things I really want from time to time. I'm far from wealthy.
A very compelling case for monochromatic cameras. As an old guy that shot Leica M in 1990, I also understand the fetish. I was mentally shooting down what I thought you would say before I watched it. Your delivery was well received! Now about the cost… I will have to pretend I have enough with a Nikon D850, Nikon Z6 and some amazing glass that I won’t start looking into Leica again. I also got some Fujifilm X to fill my street shooting gaps. I just cannot bring myself to spend that much money for such a one trick pony. But if I was a richer man, you have sold me.
Having purchased my Q2M just before the world turned surreal has been mentally nourishing. Add the easy menu setup, the confidence from the build quality and every picture, mundane or not puts a smile on my brain. I hope every photographer feels or gets to feel the same with their camera.
An artist can express the most with the finest tools. The finest tool cannot create art, it requires symbiosis. This tool, the M10 and Q2, are among the finest and most prolific.
absolutely, YES! I used to convert most of my digital images to B&W - and always have BW rolls in my M2 - until i bought an M Monochrom (the original CCD sensor) a few years ago. Best decision I ever made when it comes to photography. Then about a year ago I made the worst decision and convinced myself that I "needed" a more versatile body, sold the MM and bought an SL. It is a wonderful piece of equipment and it takes fantastic photos, but i was missing the MM so much that I recently bought one again. It was like seeing an old friend after a long separation. I shoot with it most of the time now and reserve the SL for the rare occasions when I do need color images. I also even got a Sony RX1 converted to monochrome, instead of getting the excellent Q2M - which would have cost me WAY more....
With an understanding of the whole idea behind the Leica Monochrom cameras, it was amazing to see your example images as even the ISO 100,000 image had grain that was actually somewhat *desirable* rather than unpleasant. Beautiful stuff.
This is probably my favorite episode of yours so far. I’ve been shooting b&w about 90% of the time during my first 17 odd years in photography. However this calendar year I decided to challenge myself and for the first time dedicate all of my work to colour. This was extremely challenging at first but I eventually fell in love with FujiFilm’s film simulations, especially classic chrome. I’ve actually grown so attached to the X-T4 that is the first camera to curve my appetite for a Leica. However after viewing your video, I’m considering renting a monochrome Leica for a week to experience the image quality and overall performance for myself. Great video and very informative as always. Cheers!
Ted, just watched this as I travel back to Norfolk from San Francisco on Amtrak. I took the train both ways and the only camera I have with me is the M10M. The choice is a personal one, but for me I’m happy I took the leap.
I always defer to Ralph Gibson, when asked if he likes color or black and white, said "I prefer to work in all three." Love the even-keel feel of your narration, and the pared-down minimal feel of your home or studio. Appreciate your comparison of the M-10 in color to the same scene with the Monochrom.
Love my M10M. I’ve never been so excited about a camera. For dynamic range and low light performance, it’s hard to beat. M10M and a 50 1.4 Summilux are a match made in heaven. ❤
I own the M10 Monochrome and honestly speaking that camera ignited my Love for photography like never before and it by far my favorite camera of all time - it is tough to deal with but once you nail it you will fall in love with it everyday - For anyone reading this if you are a wide angle shooter guy/girl (28mm) Q2M is a beast of camera for what it offers and ISO performance is head to head with the M10M with the fraction of the price.
My love for photography was ignited by a Kodak Brownie Six-20 that I had to wrench from my money conscious father as a Xmas gift in 1958 at age 12. I'd recommend buying a Holga, or a Leica M2, used Rolleiflex F or Nikon FM2 and shoot some Tri-X with them; then you will really get to *love* photography. For a fraction of the price (plus some times the *thinking* and effort) you will get a real accomplishment hard-on. Needed gear won't break anyone's piggy (a lightproof bag, developing tank and film scanner) or I will swap you my pro darkroom worth twice the price of an M10M for yours. Actually, go the Garry Winnogrand way, get yourself a M4 and a 21mm, tons of film and leave them for your heirs to curate. [ROTFL] 🤣
Excellent video, Ted! A huge advantage of a mirrorless monochrome camera is the ability to see the B&W image in real time as one composes the shot. You've really got me thinking now.
I rented the Leica Q2M for two weeks. It was a fantastic user experience. The sensor is amazing. The overall sharpness and level of detail is out of this world. The sensor has so little noise as well. I can't way that I would ever purchase the camera, but it is an amazing fun rental camera.
This is a masterpiece. I've eyed the Leica Q2 Monochrom quite a bit and am planning on renting it alongside the original Q2 to put to the test/make a few videos about. But yeah, love the way this video flowed, beautifully done!
I have a Leica M4 film camera and I have forty + years shooting black and white film. Professionally I mainly shoot with a range of Sony cameras. I converted my Sony A7rII to a monochrome camera and the results are just incredible. I know it’s not the build quality of the Leica Monochromes but I’m incredibly pleased with the results.
Greetings from 🇵🇰 Pakistan. i am long time canon and fuji shooter. Occasionally shoot sony a7III and on few occasions with my wife’s nikon too. However Q2 monochrom is my first leica. I really gave it a good thought as it is expensive. However you have exactly hit the nail on the head. The defining features are “higher sensitivity” and “ greater detail” . love it. I wish i could post few samples here. The are mind blowing for the two features you emphasized upon. Thanks for a great episode.
I could not agree more. There’s something dreamy and otherworldly about monochrome that grabs my eye more than color. I even love classic black and white movies. I am so tempted to get a Monochrom Q2 or M10.
If you really love black and white but you're strapped for cash, an easy and cheap (and possibly even better) alternative is to make a jump to film. Gear, film and chemistry are all (relatively) inexpensive and the film look is unbeatable imo. I took up black and white film as a hobby at the start of the pandemic, and I absolutely fell head over heels for it. It's so gorgeous!
I own a Q2 monochrome and love it. The price tag is an ouch but I do feel this is a Leica I can justify. Yes it’s very specific but as you mentioned the sensor, low light capabilities and clarity are amazing. Additionally the fixed lens is a superb one and the macro ring floats my boat. I agree there is a bit of a learning curve to get good contrast right out of the camera but that isn’t a hindrance. I strongly recommend if you have a real love for monochrome images.
My “monochrome camera” is the Pen-F. With its mono/color dial you can choose ANY color B&W filter, in several intensities. I am currently experimenting with cyan and magenta B&W filters. With Olympus’ live view the EVF/LCD of the Pen-F instantly shows you the monochrome result as you dial in the filter color/intensity of your choice. So many options. With a monochrome-only camera you need to carry around a few pocketfuls of color filters of various intensities.
I was born in 1965 in Kuwait, and during my high school years, I was able to shoot a roll of B&W. It wasn’t easy to buy B&W film or have it developed, especially with my allowance. I also remember I had difficulty selecting the correct color filter that made certain colors become more obvious on a B&W film. It was fun, but not easy to control all the variable (for me). So, I stayed with color & now digital color 😊
Kudos for not just extolling their virtues because you owned one/them. I couldn"t help but think as you described them why film cameras are so great for that purpose - the forcing to make you think - is the image is going to be truly how I want it, knowing that the next time you look at the scene again is sometime later, after the film has been developed.
I doubt if I will ever afford a Leica but I do convert images to B&W fairly often so was interested in this video. Your comments on the problems introduced by the Bayer filter compared with a straight monochrome setup made me wonder about the use of Foveon sensors. They don't solve the problem of restrictions on ISO performance and limits on dynammic range but they do remove sme of the demosaicing issues. As it happens I had a Sigma DP1 Merrill sitting in my cupboard that I purchased about 7 years ago, I have not used it much because of its limited dynamic range, but under ideal conditions it captures impressive images. Having wathed your video I dug it out and have tried a few monochrome images - initial results are encouraging so I have a new project to keep me amused: thanks!
There's a Leica store in my city. Whenever we get out of lockdown, it would be great to try these cameras out. I've long preferred black and white over colour, always shot black and white film and digital with monochrome presets. Didn't know that all cameras are technically monochrome. Very interesting video.
I concur. 👍 To include *_"B&W"_* in a conversation about photography you *must* be referring to film. With the exception of Solms/Wetzlar perversions all digital photography was captured in color and then comnverted. Not too long ago (but then I'm an old geezer) I carried anywhere two cameras, one loaded with color film and the other with b&W, plus lenses and *dozens* of rolls. It was not until early this century that I could "make do" with shooting just color, and then scanning; although the conversion to B&W was hideous. IMHO, yes, many digital images lend themselves to B&W rendition; the same way some drawings are better than watercolor. It takes, however, a trained brain to create in B&W; you need a Salgado, Erwitt, Winnogrand, Bresson or Maier for it. Most folks don't.
I've shot with the Leica M Monochrome before, and the image is absolutely beautiful. So much better than the conversions I get from a colored sensor like the Leica SL2 I have
Ted as always nails it with carefully thought out discussion points, examples a plenty and sends us out to try out some of his ideas. Excellent thank you sir.
You nailed it once more! There's nothing like it. People make fun of me because I keep using the original Henri that came out in 2012 but when they look at the output they stop laughing. I had a chance to test out the Q2 Monochrom and it's obviously better but the only downside to it in my opinion is the 28mm. I'd rather have a 35mm or even a 24mm instead. And the M10 Monochrom is too expensive for me and I can't justify it professionally. But once you've tasted it, that's all you want to drink. My hope is that Fuji will come up with a true monochrome later on cause I don't see anybody else going for this in the near future. Thanks for your videos and enjoy it!
I’m not sure how this one slipped past me🤔. Everything is simply elegant in black and white. That’s all I shoot these days, black and white film. Great video!
Same here, but until then the guy who runs FujiXWeekly gives you some great film recipes and when using that setting you see in B&W in the viewfinder/sensor
@@MikeKleinsteuber Personally I'd be more interested in an APS-C version of it. The smaller form factor and the price would definitely be more appealing than a GFX medium format camera.
I'm a happy owner and user of a Leica M10 Monochrom and I can definitely enjoy the experience. Sony, Canon or other regular camera has come close to it. It has retaught me how to do photography and made me pay attention to all of the points you've made. The only issues I've struggled with is that it does worse than other cameras when the highlights are clipped, so in many situations I'm forced to underexposed. Other than that, after making a lot of black and white images, I feel the urge to make color photographs again, but I am so spoiled by the amazing image quality of the M10M that I cannot accept any cheap cameras anymore. I HAVE to buy a camera that can produce images that are equal or very close to the M10M (I'm waiting for Leica to release the M11, that's going to drain a lot of money!). So overall, once you get into the rabbithole of Leica Monochrome cameras, be prepared to get caught by the Leica version of GAS!
I bought a Monochrom around August of 2020 (got my hands on a Leitz Wetzlar version!), I figured it'd be fun and I'd use it about half the time or so. No, it soon absolutely dominated my workflow. Paired with something like their classic lenses, especially the vignetting of the f1.2 Nocti or the f5.6 Summaron the results are gorgeous.
What’s the difference between a normal Leica and a “ Leitz Wetzlar version” ? Leicas are out of my comfort zone price wise so I don’t know the in and outs of the Leica line.
@@nurd45 They were a limited run (650 units) that had the old logo from the early 1930's ish on the top. Other than that, there was no difference, not even in price. I saved/budgeted for one, threw my name on a waitlist and hoped. They've done other such limited paint jobs, and will do again. Some are one offs and unique (such as the Lenny Kravitz cameras) others get revisited under new models (such as Leitz Wetzlar engravings or Safari editions) functionally though, they're always the same as the base camera.
If money was not an issue, I would already own the Q2. In a heartbeat. I love monochrome and use the B&W mode on my Sony a7ii often. It just makes things more simple yet intense. And I always have the option of color because I shoot in JPEG + RAW. But, the Leica quality is ‘to-die-for’. If you do decide to purchase, best of luck and enjoy!!
Great vid, Ted. I like when you do these vids where you get into the art and approach. Your series on great photographers was a huge help to me. Thanks for that
While the topic of this video are specifically about the Leica Monochrom cameras, your three points at the beginning resonate with me. I will sometimes set my in-camera previews to a black and white setting despite shooting raw on a color sensor (Fuji X-Trans in my case). Now I'm thinking about doing it more often, just to see what kind of an effect it has on my photography.
There is also a potential case against monochrome. If you have two objects in the image that are, e.g., red and blue, but have the same luminance, you may not be able to separate them, or at the very least would need to think in advance to have a color filter to do so. With a color image, you can distinguish them readily in post.
I have carried my M 246 everyday in the last 2 weeks and really enjoy my B&W just for what you have mentioned in your video with better terms! And yesterday, I went to my friend's place and decided to pick up M10D and I had several moment thinking " Dame that I have a colour camera today"..... and that was really weird reaction for me... and know I probably know why thanks Ted.
You make some great points, but I think a lot depends on genre and whether one is shooting at higher ISO. The M10 or Monochrom has killer dynamic range at higher ISO, but closer to base ISO many cheaper and higher resolution cameras match it on dynamic range (e.g., Sony a7R4). The S2 Monochrom doesn't outperform many cheaper cameras even at higher ISO. The reason I shoot in colour and convert to B&W is creative control over the separate colour channels in post. That, for the kind of images I usually shoot, outweighs any noise advantages at higher ISO, especially with the stunning noise reduction software now available.
Great video as always. There are many of us that highly prefer B&W for the reasons you mention. My love came from an extremely failed attempt with B&W. I photographed a band in a park back in the 70’s. The outdoor stage had back drop of concrete painted very light blue, and the stage itself was just bare concrete. Simply put, there was very very little contrast in the scene anyway. That, along with my very limited knowledge of shooting B&W I was extremely disappointed. So I went on a mission of going to the Library, and camera stores (remember those?) reading everything I could find on the Art of B&W photography. And from that, a life long love of B&W developed. I am hoping for a Fuji monochrome camera in the future, I love the Leica cameras…..but my wallet does not. Thanks for the great videos.
I have an M10M. This year has pretty much been all monochrome - either film or digital. I've got so used to it that it's now hard to shoot in colour. I love colour, but I just love monochrome more.
I like this new inner monologue approach to the video!! Do it again!!! Lol. Also great content as usual. I’m trying to save enough money to get my hands on the Q2. Still up in the air in regards to if it’ll be the monochrom or color version and after seeing this I’m leaning towards monochrom 😁
Most of my favourite photographers are BW shooters (Ansel Adams, Edward Weston, Michael Kena, etc). It's just I can't afford the M10 Monochrome. Well, already happy with what Nikon Df and Fuji XT-2 deliver. After all, post processing is your friend.
When I paint it’s all about color. However, with regards to photography 99% of the time I’ll process my raw files monochromatically. My jpgs are always in B&W. Great video as usual.
Thanks for sharing this video. Monochrom certainly has its place, I probably shoot more monochrome than color. These digital monochrom cameras do look great, the downside is the cost. I shoot all of my black and white on Tri-X 400 film. There is nothing like pure monochrom images whether taken with film or a monochrom digital camera.
I always set my digital camera to black and white mode for composure! Then I have the raw image in color to work with also. I still prefer black and white film overall!
I wonder if you use colour filters on a monochrome camera. If you take a colour photo and the convert it to black and white, you have the big advantage that you can decide afterwards how much light you want to use from each colour channel to adjust fro example how bright the blue sky will be in the monochrome photo. If your camera shoots only monochrome, you need blue or orange filters for that. Or green filters for example if you want to make plants brighter. Screwing filters could be a little annoying if you are out and about and shoot many different subjects. And sometimes you might even want a different colour filter from the foreground than for the background. I really like the much lower noise though. Colour cameras cheat quite a lot. Each pixel only is red, blue or green because of the Bayer filter and the rest of the colour information is interpolated by the other pixels. So the real megapixel count of those cameras is much lower and at the same time you lose two thirds of the light in the Bayer filter, which is quite a lot. With a monochrome camera you could in theory take a high resolution colour photo, if you use a very stable tripod and then take three photos with red, green and blue filters. That way you would get the full colour information from every pixel.
The lack of filter is also why astronomical and industrial sensors and cameras also tend to stay B&W-native. I would love to pick up either of those. Glad to hear you can rent them - maybe I'll do just that.
I am doing a lot of infrared photography, and the quality of the high ISO settings on the M10M are so good, I could quite easily do handheld with a Hoya R72. It is the absence of a Bayer filter and a genuine panchromatic response that really does make it doable. That, and a f0.95 Noctilux ....
Wow...that's really interesting. You think the sensor in the M10M would be sensitive enough to IR light to make an image with the proper filter? I thought you had to specially alter sensors to get them to be sensitive to light not in the visible range specially in order to do IR photography....
@@chilecayenne All digital cameras have an UV/IR cut filter over the sensor that are not 100% efficient, making it possible to add an IR pass filter to the front of a lens - albeit with about 10 stops of neutral density. The result is a mixture of IR and the visible spectrum, and tends to be a bit soft. A modified sensor with the UV/IR filter removed has much faster light gathering capacity, and tends to be sharper in contrast. The Leica monochrome’s are different in that they have no Bayer colour filter array, which means that there is far less noise or dispersion of light between light wells, thus with an external IR pass filter there is a significantly better performance than a similarly equipped conventional colour digital camera. This is quite a complex subject and hope this helps.
@@williamcurwen7428 Oh thank you!! I may just pick up one of these filters and give it a try!! I love trying new filters and lenses on this thing all the time for different looks.
I'm also a b&w guy - I much prefer it. I shoot live theatre and b&w just suits the subject matter so well. I have to deliver colour photos for dress rehearsals but for all other rehearsals it's 100% b&w. If I use a monochrom camera, however... Leica really should do monochrom versions of the SL2 and S3, if not their entire line of system cameras.
I'm also into monochrome for the same reasons and it makes up easily more than 3/4 of the pictures I make. Mostly I shoot film, but the l_monochrome_d output of my Panasonic Lumix GX9 (rangefinder) doesn't look too shabby either ;)
Very interesting, as a newer photographer who has always shot in color besides film photography for classes I can't enjoy shooting in black and white. Color is so important to my photographic style.
Short and sweet exposition of the key virtues of a Mono only sensor. Sure, one loses colour channels and the valuable flexibility of that adjustment but in exchange comes liberating simplicity, shooting with intent and, for me, a greater degree of creativity. The DNG files from both these cameras look very muddy and they really do have to be treated as true negatives but its all there in a hugely malleable file to be pushed and pulled in the best mono software. I say you go for the Q2M. Its a pocket field camera for landscape and reportage.
Great video and great photography, Ted. The monochrome sensor is the only reason I would accept the boundaries of the Leica M system. The prices are ridiculous though, so I wait for other manufacturers (Fuji maybe) to include such a sensor into a modern day camera.
I’ve got an original M9M and a stable of Canon cameras and lenses. If I had to choose, it’s the M9M and my 50 Summicron. Most amazing and spectacular combination I’ve ever shot with.
What’s funny to me is that I exclusively shoot B&W film and have no issue at all with my decision to do so. Yet the idea of shooting ONLY B&W in a digital camera with no option to shoot color seems unimaginable. The $6,000+ price tag certainly doesn’t help, either, but I might consider it if Fujifilm ever produced a sub-$1200 APS-C camera.
I'd love to shoot with a monochrom camera one day. I might never actually purchase one, but I believe the experience is going to be great. I sometimes use my A7C with b+w creative style on, and pair it with the zeiss loxia 50 for a simulated 50mm, full manual, b+w range finder experience. It's so much fun to use, especially on the streets.
You should. I tried a Q2. Its a phenomenal compact and should be at the price but the colour seemed to get in the way. I found I had it in Mono high contrast all the time. There is no doubt that switching to the mono version - with all the limitations - was a game changer for me. I actually started with a used M246 before Q2 was announced. The simplicity of always looking at the scene and the histogram in terms of tones rather than colour warmth, hue and depth has really transformed my photography.
@@ELHipnacio removing the color filter improves detail and high iso capabilities of the sensor. It’s a whole different level of bnw photography. And you can use the color filters on your lens like you would in the film days.
@@ELHipnacio he answered that in the video. Without a filter array covering the sensor, every pixel works individually instead in teams of 4. The level of detail is much much higher with a native monochromatic camera.
Great overview. I have the original Monochrom M9. It is everything I need and want. The ISO sucks compared to the M10 and there is no live view but guess what? That’s why I bought it and “downgraded” my setup. There is a certain je ne sais quoi that is unlike any camera. It’s literally works as a film camera with a digital back. Cheers!
I love shooting black and white. Even when I process color photos I usually desaturate them quite a bit unless the color is the subject of the photo or it's pivotal for the mood of the photo. Photo's for me are and have always been shape first, color second.
Good vid again Ted. As a child, in the sixties, i was only allowed B&W in my plastic box (126 Roll film and 12 exp.) I did by choice shoot B&W by choice on my first SLR and I often switch the phone to B&W, just for fun. Shoot B&W or Edit the colour files was something I battled with for a long time.
I told my wife a few years I absolutely would love to get the M10 Monochrome some day. She asked for the price 😬, and never spoke about it again 😂.
Your first mistake was asking.
My worst nightmare is that my partner will sell all my photography gear for what i told her i payed for it... 🤪
What’s the price?
@@marcokalle2452 lol
@@EDHBlvd lol first mistake was marriage
I'm roughly a 95+% black and white shooter for over thirty years. I spotted the title on this video and initially avoided it feeling the last thing needed was another promotion of gear I can't afford. I'm glad your emphasis and fine examples had to do with the image making per se. I've been using an Olympus Pen F, set strictly on Monochrome setting with further settings established in camera. . . yellow filter, highlight and shadow 'S' curve setting, grain pattern (which like TriX is unique to each shot), etc. My post processing is at its barest minimum. I've been extremely satisfied with the results.
Thank you for this V.
I always feel good when I see other “left eye” photographers. I always appreciate the content Ted thanks
Here's to the left eyed ;-) Thanks man…
Lefty here too. 👍
Same here :)
I didn't think that left eye was exclusive. I'm a lefty as well
My son is left eyed photographer.
I picked up the Leica M 10 Monochrom myself a couple of weeks ago and I must admit, I am enjoying the process so much that I gifted my primary "colour" camera to a colleague of mine. I absolutely love how it makes one a better photographer, I just love how it forces one to think twice about the light. Highly recommended.
Thank you for this. I get asked all the time why I shoot with a dedicated B&W camera (M10M)...and instead of trying to explain it to them, I'm just going to send them this video because you've done a way better job at doing it than I ever could.
I was nervous dropping the money on a new Q2 Monochrome, but I had loved the original Q and was always curious about Leica’s monochrome cameras. I absolutely love it. I have a Leica orange filter and an b+w red filter that I change depending on my mood or how dark I want the sky in relation to the other parts of the frame. I love that the EVF forces me to see in monochrome and it makes composition easier. It takes some time to adapt to the new way of seeing, plenty of photos I might miss out on because they may only work in color, but that’s a trade off in more than happy to make. If color is necessary I can bring another camera along but I love monochrome.
I hope you will opt for either Leica Monochrome camera, we have had some difficult years and it’s ok to treat yourself.
@Bryan so having 2 Q series cameras, do you find the Q2M more satisfying than shooting on your Q in b/w mode or editing color images in Lightroom? Talk me out of buying another $6k point and shoot.
@@t.breeze8659 Its early and I haven’t had my coffee so allow me to ramble a bit…
If I told you that the Monochrome isn’t worth the money, that would be dishonest of me :) The shooting experience alone is wonderful knowing we are limited to black and white. The additional sharpness (although only slight) really is there. Something about the intentionality of using the filters is nice too. Of course, you can still adjust contrast during your edits but your exposure is essentially different altogether. Red filter for example are making the sky darker, closer to or maybe even darker than the elements in your frame that are not the sky. On a color camera it would be too bright if the dynamic range is too high (say shooting around mid day). The transition between tones is maybe the largest adventure that I none of us can get with a color to black and white conversion in post. ISO is also about a half a stop better than the Q3 color which I just got, and that had a more modern sensor. So a Q3 Monochrome would likely be 1 full stop better ISO than Q2 Monochrome and have slightly better autofocus.
Personally I wouldn’t wait though, just get what you like now because life is so short.
@@Bryan-lu4du I just came across your reply. Thanks for your thoughts. I already own a Q2. If Leica releases a Q3 monochrom, I’ll consider. The Q2 is the camera I reach for most often
The Q2 Monochrom rocks. I had one, sold it, and miss it dearly.
For my 60th birthday, I treated myself to my first Leica, a Type 246 Monochrom. Best camera in my toolbox for the type of imagery that I enjoy.
Me too, but add 5 years😊
Lucky you!
I just recently picked up a used M Monochrom typ 246 for $3500 and it is in perfect condition. After questioning my sanity about buying a camera with a dedicated monochrome sensor I can honestly say it is exceeding my expectations. There really is something magical about seeing those files. Cheers!
😅👍
Not seeing you talk straight into the camera as usual was a bit surprising, but I like the format nonetheless. And I loved the photos you chose to show us. Cheers! -Rick
Blown away by how much I love the supermarket shot just after 1 min mark ... I've travelled all over to explore and capture and then something comes along to remind you that great pic opps are all around us
I have a 246 Monochrom and I'm still in love with it. It's such a stunning camera.
I think this has been one of my favorite videos of yours in a long time. Very well thought out, beautiful, and concise. As much as I would love a monochrome camera I really can't justify it. I feel like higher detail and better sensitivity is not enough reason for me to spend that amount of money to have less options creatively - although I guess that is part of the appeal - it is our constraints we impose upon ourselves that inspire creativity. Creatively though... detail and sensitivity are low on my list of things I care about with photography (if a photo is compelling it can be noisy, low in detail and even not entirely in focus). Don't get me wrong though.... I would definitely get one if money was no issue. If you do have a limited budget and want to inspire creativity - or just want to work out whether you like thinking in B&W - I would advise anyone who has a mirrorless camera to change your settings so you can see the viewfinder and back screen in B&W. I am finding I do it more often these days and I think I am ending up with better compositions.
I've started a personal photography challenge where I regularly shoot and upload black and white 1:1 images, and what you said about the compositional effects monochrome has on photography rings astoundingly true. Taking black and white images is quite the thoughtful and enjoyable process!
Excellent video, as always.
Shoot Ilford HP5+, that will really teach you "the ropes". 😏
My heart absolutely fell when I discovered the price. This is a beautiful camera.
@@chilecayenne $9000 USD (+ import, tax, etc...) for a non primary camera is quite unreasonable for me (to be spending). I can see about $2-4k USD, but that's my limit unless I'm getting a GFX 100. Photography is a hobby for me, intensive, but all the same, I'm not making money on it atm.
@@luckeycat_ I didn't pay nearly that much for my M10M, I paid LESS than $8K. NIB.
Where are you looking that they are that expensive? I bought mine almost a year ago, hard to imagine they increased in price that much.
I bought online, so, no sales tax added.
If you hunt and look, you can still get that deal at smaller places.
Hint: Don't look big box stores.
HTH
FYI, I bought a used GFX100 for $7K. From B&H used and I could not tell it had every been used. Maybe floor model.
I just save all the time and don't buy small crap...and drop coin on special things I really want from time to time.
I'm far from wealthy.
@@chilecayenne B&H, I live in Canada.
@@chilecayenne yes, that's the way to do it
A very compelling case for monochromatic cameras. As an old guy that shot Leica M in 1990, I also understand the fetish. I was mentally shooting down what I thought you would say before I watched it. Your delivery was well received! Now about the cost… I will have to pretend I have enough with a Nikon D850, Nikon Z6 and some amazing glass that I won’t start looking into Leica again. I also got some Fujifilm X to fill my street shooting gaps. I just cannot bring myself to spend that much money for such a one trick pony. But if I was a richer man, you have sold me.
When I see a new video from Ted pop up in my subscriptions in box, I feel a big smile come on my face as I know I’m in for a treat.
This is the most illuminating peace about Leica's monochrome cameras I ever came across. Thank you🙏
Having purchased my Q2M just before the world turned surreal has been mentally nourishing. Add the easy menu setup, the confidence from the build quality and every picture, mundane or not puts a smile on my brain. I hope every photographer feels or gets to feel the same with their camera.
An artist can express the most with the finest tools. The finest tool cannot create art, it requires symbiosis. This tool, the M10 and Q2, are among the finest and most prolific.
absolutely, YES! I used to convert most of my digital images to B&W - and always have BW rolls in my M2 - until i bought an M Monochrom (the original CCD sensor) a few years ago. Best decision I ever made when it comes to photography. Then about a year ago I made the worst decision and convinced myself that I "needed" a more versatile body, sold the MM and bought an SL. It is a wonderful piece of equipment and it takes fantastic photos, but i was missing the MM so much that I recently bought one again. It was like seeing an old friend after a long separation. I shoot with it most of the time now and reserve the SL for the rare occasions when I do need color images. I also even got a Sony RX1 converted to monochrome, instead of getting the excellent Q2M - which would have cost me WAY more....
Got my Q2M a few weeks ago an MAN is the image quality stunning. nothing I have ever seen before. I am in love :)
With an understanding of the whole idea behind the Leica Monochrom cameras, it was amazing to see your example images as even the ISO 100,000 image had grain that was actually somewhat *desirable* rather than unpleasant. Beautiful stuff.
This is probably my favorite episode of yours so far. I’ve been shooting b&w about 90% of the time during my first 17 odd years in photography. However this calendar year I decided to challenge myself and for the first time dedicate all of my work to colour. This was extremely challenging at first but I eventually fell in love with FujiFilm’s film simulations, especially classic chrome. I’ve actually grown so attached to the X-T4 that is the first camera to curve my appetite for a Leica. However after viewing your video, I’m considering renting a monochrome Leica for a week to experience the image quality and overall performance for myself. Great video and very informative as always. Cheers!
Ted, just watched this as I travel back to Norfolk from San Francisco on Amtrak. I took the train both ways and the only camera I have with me is the M10M. The choice is a personal one, but for me I’m happy I took the leap.
I just love my M10M. No matter what camera I may want to shoot with on a given day, I take a least two and the M10M is always one of them!!
Im doing a cross-state Amtrak trip soon as well and my only camera will be an M9 with 35mm lens. Wish I had a monochrome, but this will do. Stoked!
I always defer to Ralph Gibson, when asked if he likes color or black and white, said "I prefer to work in all three." Love the even-keel feel of your narration, and the pared-down minimal feel of your home or studio. Appreciate your comparison of the M-10 in color to the same scene with the Monochrom.
Love my M10M. I’ve never been so excited about a camera. For dynamic range and low light performance, it’s hard to beat. M10M and a 50 1.4 Summilux are a match made in heaven. ❤
I own the M10 Monochrome and honestly speaking that camera ignited my Love for photography like never before and it by far my favorite camera of all time - it is tough to deal with but once you nail it you will fall in love with it everyday - For anyone reading this if you are a wide angle shooter guy/girl (28mm) Q2M is a beast of camera for what it offers and ISO performance is head to head with the M10M with the fraction of the price.
My love for photography was ignited by a Kodak Brownie Six-20 that I had to wrench from my money conscious father as a Xmas gift in 1958 at age 12.
I'd recommend buying a Holga, or a Leica M2, used Rolleiflex F or Nikon FM2 and shoot some Tri-X with them; then you will really get to *love* photography.
For a fraction of the price (plus some times the *thinking* and effort) you will get a real accomplishment hard-on. Needed gear won't break anyone's piggy (a lightproof bag, developing tank and film scanner) or I will swap you my pro darkroom worth twice the price of an M10M for yours.
Actually, go the Garry Winnogrand way, get yourself a M4 and a 21mm, tons of film and leave them for your heirs to curate. [ROTFL] 🤣
I think you might have just produced a better argument for buying either of these than Leica will. Beautifully done . 👍
Excellent video, Ted! A huge advantage of a mirrorless monochrome camera is the ability to see the B&W image in real time as one composes the shot. You've really got me thinking now.
I rented the Leica Q2M for two weeks. It was a fantastic user experience. The sensor is amazing. The overall sharpness and level of detail is out of this world. The sensor has so little noise as well. I can't way that I would ever purchase the camera, but it is an amazing fun rental camera.
This is a masterpiece. I've eyed the Leica Q2 Monochrom quite a bit and am planning on renting it alongside the original Q2 to put to the test/make a few videos about. But yeah, love the way this video flowed, beautifully done!
I have a Leica M4 film camera and I have forty + years shooting black and white film. Professionally I mainly shoot with a range of Sony cameras. I converted my Sony A7rII to a monochrome camera and the results are just incredible. I know it’s not the build quality of the Leica Monochromes but I’m incredibly pleased with the results.
Greetings from 🇵🇰 Pakistan. i am long time canon and fuji shooter. Occasionally shoot sony a7III and on few occasions with my wife’s nikon too. However Q2 monochrom is my first leica. I really gave it a good thought as it is expensive. However you have exactly hit the nail on the head. The defining features are “higher sensitivity” and “ greater detail” . love it. I wish i could post few samples here. The are mind blowing for the two features you emphasized upon. Thanks for a great episode.
I could not agree more. There’s something dreamy and otherworldly about monochrome that grabs my eye more than color. I even love classic black and white movies. I am so tempted to get a Monochrom Q2 or M10.
If you really love black and white but you're strapped for cash, an easy and cheap (and possibly even better) alternative is to make a jump to film. Gear, film and chemistry are all (relatively) inexpensive and the film look is unbeatable imo. I took up black and white film as a hobby at the start of the pandemic, and I absolutely fell head over heels for it. It's so gorgeous!
I'm a photographer, not a lab rat. I ALWAYS have my film developed and scanned a a Pro lab.
Hi Ted. I've been one of your many avid followers. I am glad you finally embraced using Leica. Thanks for the sharing all these years!
I own a Q2 monochrome and love it. The price tag is an ouch but I do feel this is a Leica I can justify. Yes it’s very specific but as you mentioned the sensor, low light capabilities and clarity are amazing. Additionally the fixed lens is a superb one and the macro ring floats my boat. I agree there is a bit of a learning curve to get good contrast right out of the camera but that isn’t a hindrance. I strongly recommend if you have a real love for monochrome images.
My “monochrome camera” is the Pen-F. With its mono/color dial you can choose ANY color B&W filter, in several intensities. I am currently experimenting with cyan and magenta B&W filters. With Olympus’ live view the EVF/LCD of the Pen-F instantly shows you the monochrome result as you dial in the filter color/intensity of your choice. So many options. With a monochrome-only camera you need to carry around a few pocketfuls of color filters of various intensities.
I was born in 1965 in Kuwait, and during my high school years, I was able to shoot a roll of B&W. It wasn’t easy to buy B&W film or have it developed, especially with my allowance. I also remember I had difficulty selecting the correct color filter that made certain colors become more obvious on a B&W film. It was fun, but not easy to control all the variable (for me). So, I stayed with color & now digital color 😊
Kudos for not just extolling their virtues because you owned one/them. I couldn"t help but think as you described them why film cameras are so great for that purpose - the forcing to make you think - is the image is going to be truly how I want it, knowing that the next time you look at the scene again is sometime later, after the film has been developed.
I got the M10 Monochrom for my anniversary and I absolutely love it. I've been shooting a lot of the family events with it
I doubt if I will ever afford a Leica but I do convert images to B&W fairly often so was interested in this video. Your comments on the problems introduced by the Bayer filter compared with a straight monochrome setup made me wonder about the use of Foveon sensors. They don't solve the problem of restrictions on ISO performance and limits on dynammic range but they do remove sme of the demosaicing issues.
As it happens I had a Sigma DP1 Merrill sitting in my cupboard that I purchased about 7 years ago, I have not used it much because of its limited dynamic range, but under ideal conditions it captures impressive images. Having wathed your video I dug it out and have tried a few monochrome images - initial results are encouraging so I have a new project to keep me amused: thanks!
There's a Leica store in my city. Whenever we get out of lockdown, it would be great to try these cameras out. I've long preferred black and white over colour, always shot black and white film and digital with monochrome presets. Didn't know that all cameras are technically monochrome. Very interesting video.
As an avid film shooter who sees in hp5 b&w, I support this video.
Great work, Ted. Love the vibe.
I concur. 👍
To include *_"B&W"_* in a conversation about photography you *must* be referring to film. With the exception of Solms/Wetzlar perversions all digital photography was captured in color and then comnverted.
Not too long ago (but then I'm an old geezer) I carried anywhere two cameras, one loaded with color film and the other with b&W, plus lenses and *dozens* of rolls. It was not until early this century that I could "make do" with shooting just color, and then scanning; although the conversion to B&W was hideous.
IMHO, yes, many digital images lend themselves to B&W rendition; the same way some drawings are better than watercolor. It takes, however, a trained brain to create in B&W; you need a Salgado, Erwitt, Winnogrand, Bresson or Maier for it. Most folks don't.
I've shot with the Leica M Monochrome before, and the image is absolutely beautiful.
So much better than the conversions I get from a colored sensor like the Leica SL2 I have
Ted as always nails it with carefully thought out discussion points, examples a plenty and sends us out to try out some of his ideas. Excellent thank you sir.
You nailed it once more! There's nothing like it. People make fun of me because I keep using the original Henri that came out in 2012 but when they look at the output they stop laughing. I had a chance to test out the Q2 Monochrom and it's obviously better but the only downside to it in my opinion is the 28mm. I'd rather have a 35mm or even a 24mm instead. And the M10 Monochrom is too expensive for me and I can't justify it professionally. But once you've tasted it, that's all you want to drink. My hope is that Fuji will come up with a true monochrome later on cause I don't see anybody else going for this in the near future. Thanks for your videos and enjoy it!
I’m not sure how this one slipped past me🤔. Everything is simply elegant in black and white. That’s all I shoot these days, black and white film. Great video!
I sincerely wish Fuji would release something like these cameras.
Same here, but until then the guy who runs FujiXWeekly gives you some great film recipes and when using that setting you see in B&W in the viewfinder/sensor
Why not just shoot Acros or Mono film simulations?
GFX Mono will arrive soon
@@ronmasters751 Same reasons that Ted mentioned in the video, only in a smaller and more affordable package.
@@MikeKleinsteuber Personally I'd be more interested in an APS-C version of it. The smaller form factor and the price would definitely be more appealing than a GFX medium format camera.
I'm a happy owner and user of a Leica M10 Monochrom and I can definitely enjoy the experience. Sony, Canon or other regular camera has come close to it. It has retaught me how to do photography and made me pay attention to all of the points you've made. The only issues I've struggled with is that it does worse than other cameras when the highlights are clipped, so in many situations I'm forced to underexposed. Other than that, after making a lot of black and white images, I feel the urge to make color photographs again, but I am so spoiled by the amazing image quality of the M10M that I cannot accept any cheap cameras anymore. I HAVE to buy a camera that can produce images that are equal or very close to the M10M (I'm waiting for Leica to release the M11, that's going to drain a lot of money!). So overall, once you get into the rabbithole of Leica Monochrome cameras, be prepared to get caught by the Leica version of GAS!
I bought a Monochrom around August of 2020 (got my hands on a Leitz Wetzlar version!), I figured it'd be fun and I'd use it about half the time or so. No, it soon absolutely dominated my workflow. Paired with something like their classic lenses, especially the vignetting of the f1.2 Nocti or the f5.6 Summaron the results are gorgeous.
What’s the difference between a normal Leica and a “ Leitz Wetzlar version” ? Leicas are out of my comfort zone price wise so I don’t know the in and outs of the Leica line.
@@nurd45 They were a limited run (650 units) that had the old logo from the early 1930's ish on the top. Other than that, there was no difference, not even in price. I saved/budgeted for one, threw my name on a waitlist and hoped. They've done other such limited paint jobs, and will do again. Some are one offs and unique (such as the Lenny Kravitz cameras) others get revisited under new models (such as Leitz Wetzlar engravings or Safari editions) functionally though, they're always the same as the base camera.
If money was not an issue, I would already own the Q2. In a heartbeat. I love monochrome and use the B&W mode on my Sony a7ii often. It just makes things more simple yet intense. And I always have the option of color because I shoot in JPEG + RAW. But, the Leica quality is ‘to-die-for’. If you do decide to purchase, best of luck and enjoy!!
Great vid, Ted. I like when you do these vids where you get into the art and approach. Your series on great photographers was a huge help to me. Thanks for that
While the topic of this video are specifically about the Leica Monochrom cameras, your three points at the beginning resonate with me. I will sometimes set my in-camera previews to a black and white setting despite shooting raw on a color sensor (Fuji X-Trans in my case). Now I'm thinking about doing it more often, just to see what kind of an effect it has on my photography.
There is also a potential case against monochrome. If you have two objects in the image that are, e.g., red and blue, but have the same luminance, you may not be able to separate them, or at the very least would need to think in advance to have a color filter to do so. With a color image, you can distinguish them readily in post.
That works both ways 😅
If you have a messy colorful background that's distracting, the black and white will make it less distracting
I have carried my M 246 everyday in the last 2 weeks and really enjoy my B&W just for what you have mentioned in your video with better terms! And yesterday, I went to my friend's place and decided to pick up M10D and I had several moment thinking " Dame that I have a colour camera today"..... and that was really weird reaction for me... and know I probably know why thanks Ted.
The price tags on these cameras makes my head spin, they are amazing though.
You make some great points, but I think a lot depends on genre and whether one is shooting at higher ISO. The M10 or Monochrom has killer dynamic range at higher ISO, but closer to base ISO many cheaper and higher resolution cameras match it on dynamic range (e.g., Sony a7R4). The S2 Monochrom doesn't outperform many cheaper cameras even at higher ISO. The reason I shoot in colour and convert to B&W is creative control over the separate colour channels in post. That, for the kind of images I usually shoot, outweighs any noise advantages at higher ISO, especially with the stunning noise reduction software now available.
Great video as always. There are many of us that highly prefer B&W for the reasons you mention. My love came from an extremely failed attempt with B&W. I photographed a band in a park back in the 70’s. The outdoor stage had back drop of concrete painted very light blue, and the stage itself was just bare concrete. Simply put, there was very very little contrast in the scene anyway. That, along with my very limited knowledge of shooting B&W I was extremely disappointed. So I went on a mission of going to the Library, and camera stores (remember those?) reading everything I could find on the Art of B&W photography. And from that, a life long love of B&W developed. I am hoping for a Fuji monochrome camera in the future, I love the Leica cameras…..but my wallet does not.
Thanks for the great videos.
I have an M10M. This year has pretty much been all monochrome - either film or digital. I've got so used to it that it's now hard to shoot in colour. I love colour, but I just love monochrome more.
I like this new inner monologue approach to the video!! Do it again!!! Lol. Also great content as usual. I’m trying to save enough money to get my hands on the Q2. Still up in the air in regards to if it’ll be the monochrom or color version and after seeing this I’m leaning towards monochrom 😁
Your move Fujifilm. I would love an X-T5 with a dedicated monochrome sensor… X-T5M?
I hear you. Although the Fuji Acros simulation is quite good. Alas…not the same as a dedicated sensor.
Very interesting idea!
I'd love to see a X-Pro monochrome.
Yes that would be wonderful! Xt or x-pro! Come on Fuji! 🙏✊
The x-pro3 is more comparable to the Leica
Most of my favourite photographers are BW shooters (Ansel Adams, Edward Weston, Michael Kena, etc).
It's just I can't afford the M10 Monochrome.
Well, already happy with what Nikon Df and Fuji XT-2 deliver. After all, post processing is your friend.
When I paint it’s all about color. However, with regards to photography 99% of the time I’ll process my raw files monochromatically. My jpgs are always in B&W. Great video as usual.
Thanks Ted for an articulate and expressive essay on monochrome. Sorry, but I am still going to bat with the other team. Love your work, Peter.
Thanks for sharing this video. Monochrom certainly has its place, I probably shoot more monochrome than color. These digital monochrom cameras do look great, the downside is the cost. I shoot all of my black and white on Tri-X 400 film. There is nothing like pure monochrom images whether taken with film or a monochrom digital camera.
I was skeptical until I bought the Q2 Monochrom. It’s a game changer!
It's good to see you back in what you do best!
I always set my digital camera to black and white mode for composure! Then I have the raw image in color to work with also. I still prefer black and white film overall!
Beautiful camera with only one negative that stops me from buying it... The price!
And I have a feeling that I'm not an exception 🤔
I wonder if you use colour filters on a monochrome camera. If you take a colour photo and the convert it to black and white, you have the big advantage that you can decide afterwards how much light you want to use from each colour channel to adjust fro example how bright the blue sky will be in the monochrome photo. If your camera shoots only monochrome, you need blue or orange filters for that. Or green filters for example if you want to make plants brighter. Screwing filters could be a little annoying if you are out and about and shoot many different subjects. And sometimes you might even want a different colour filter from the foreground than for the background.
I really like the much lower noise though. Colour cameras cheat quite a lot. Each pixel only is red, blue or green because of the Bayer filter and the rest of the colour information is interpolated by the other pixels. So the real megapixel count of those cameras is much lower and at the same time you lose two thirds of the light in the Bayer filter, which is quite a lot. With a monochrome camera you could in theory take a high resolution colour photo, if you use a very stable tripod and then take three photos with red, green and blue filters. That way you would get the full colour information from every pixel.
The lack of filter is also why astronomical and industrial sensors and cameras also tend to stay B&W-native. I would love to pick up either of those. Glad to hear you can rent them - maybe I'll do just that.
The new filming space is coming along /quite/ nicely. Outstanding.
I am doing a lot of infrared photography, and the quality of the high ISO settings on the M10M are so good, I could quite easily do handheld with a Hoya R72. It is the absence of a Bayer filter and a genuine panchromatic response that really does make it doable. That, and a f0.95 Noctilux ....
Wow...that's really interesting.
You think the sensor in the M10M would be sensitive enough to IR light to make an image with the proper filter? I thought you had to specially alter sensors to get them to be sensitive to light not in the visible range specially in order to do IR photography....
@@chilecayenne All digital cameras have an UV/IR cut filter over the sensor that are not 100% efficient, making it possible to add an IR pass filter to the front of a lens - albeit with about 10 stops of neutral density. The result is a mixture of IR and the visible spectrum, and tends to be a bit soft. A modified sensor with the UV/IR filter removed has much faster light gathering capacity, and tends to be sharper in contrast. The Leica monochrome’s are different in that they have no Bayer colour filter array, which means that there is far less noise or dispersion of light between light wells, thus with an external IR pass filter there is a significantly better performance than a similarly equipped conventional colour digital camera. This is quite a complex subject and hope this helps.
@@williamcurwen7428 Oh thank you!!
I may just pick up one of these filters and give it a try!!
I love trying new filters and lenses on this thing all the time for different looks.
@@chilecayenne You will do very well with a Hoya R72 filter - very effective, good luck!
5:17 that is an incredible photo !!
I'm also a b&w guy - I much prefer it. I shoot live theatre and b&w just suits the subject matter so well. I have to deliver colour photos for dress rehearsals but for all other rehearsals it's 100% b&w. If I use a monochrom camera, however...
Leica really should do monochrom versions of the SL2 and S3, if not their entire line of system cameras.
Aside from the message this was a visually appealing video. Very inspiring.
By far the best review for the M10M and Q2M. 🙌👏👍
I own a Q2 then borrowed a Q2M for a day. I now own a Q2 & a Q2M. Love the Q2M for street photography talks me back to the 70's.
I'm also into monochrome for the same reasons and it makes up easily more than 3/4 of the pictures I make. Mostly I shoot film, but the l_monochrome_d output of my Panasonic Lumix GX9 (rangefinder) doesn't look too shabby either ;)
What a tease! M10 Monochrom in the UK is over £7000. We should see more of your great photographs by the way.
Very interesting, as a newer photographer who has always shot in color besides film photography for classes I can't enjoy shooting in black and white. Color is so important to my photographic style.
I hope Fujifilm comes up with a monochromatic camera, it would be more affordable than a Leica, my dream camera is the Q2 Monochrom by the way.
Yea, I could see Fujifilm doing a monochrome. Can you imagine a GFX-50S-“M”? Heaven!!!
@@karma13612 or an XT 4-m too, one can always dream.
GFX Mono is on its way
yeah, the big difference being that it translates it to B+W before you take it. kinda big advantage over those shooting b+w film
Still shooting my M9Mono and loving it. This camera is fabulous.
Man what a great video. The production value is on point here Ted!
Some great classic photographs here, plus some modern classics from Ted! Great video.
Short and sweet exposition of the key virtues of a Mono only sensor. Sure, one loses colour channels and the valuable flexibility of that adjustment but in exchange comes liberating simplicity, shooting with intent and, for me, a greater degree of creativity. The DNG files from both these cameras look very muddy and they really do have to be treated as true negatives but its all there in a hugely malleable file to be pushed and pulled in the best mono software. I say you go for the Q2M. Its a pocket field camera for landscape and reportage.
Beautiful photographs in this one. Amazing video as always Ted!
Great video and great photography, Ted. The monochrome sensor is the only reason I would accept the boundaries of the Leica M system. The prices are ridiculous though, so I wait for other manufacturers (Fuji maybe) to include such a sensor into a modern day camera.
I’ve got an original M9M and a stable of Canon cameras and lenses. If I had to choose, it’s the M9M and my 50 Summicron. Most amazing and spectacular combination I’ve ever shot with.
What’s funny to me is that I exclusively shoot B&W film and have no issue at all with my decision to do so. Yet the idea of shooting ONLY B&W in a digital camera with no option to shoot color seems unimaginable. The $6,000+ price tag certainly doesn’t help, either, but I might consider it if Fujifilm ever produced a sub-$1200 APS-C camera.
I'd love to shoot with a monochrom camera one day. I might never actually purchase one, but I believe the experience is going to be great. I sometimes use my A7C with b+w creative style on, and pair it with the zeiss loxia 50 for a simulated 50mm, full manual, b+w range finder experience. It's so much fun to use, especially on the streets.
Ted, at 6:22 you said “Should I take the leap?” That is exactly where I am at this point in time.
You should. I tried a Q2. Its a phenomenal compact and should be at the price but the colour seemed to get in the way. I found I had it in Mono high contrast all the time. There is no doubt that switching to the mono version - with all the limitations - was a game changer for me. I actually started with a used M246 before Q2 was announced. The simplicity of always looking at the scene and the histogram in terms of tones rather than colour warmth, hue and depth has really transformed my photography.
I hope fuji will come out with a monochrome camera.
I mean why not just shoot with monochrome presets
@@ELHipnacio removing the color filter improves detail and high iso capabilities of the sensor. It’s a whole different level of bnw photography. And you can use the color filters on your lens like you would in the film days.
@@ELHipnacio he answered that in the video. Without a filter array covering the sensor, every pixel works individually instead in teams of 4. The level of detail is much much higher with a native monochromatic camera.
No one would buy it.
@@jezztech plenty of people would buy it.
I keep watching these videos. Been eyeing the Leica Q2 monochrome for a while. Maybe some day.
Great overview. I have the original Monochrom M9. It is everything I need and want. The ISO sucks compared to the M10 and there is no live view but guess what? That’s why I bought it and “downgraded” my setup. There is a certain je ne sais quoi that is unlike any camera. It’s literally works as a film camera with a digital back. Cheers!
High Technology + High Skill = Masterpiece
I love shooting black and white. Even when I process color photos I usually desaturate them quite a bit unless the color is the subject of the photo or it's pivotal for the mood of the photo. Photo's for me are and have always been shape first, color second.
Good vid again Ted.
As a child, in the sixties, i was only allowed B&W in my plastic box (126 Roll film and 12 exp.)
I did by choice shoot B&W by choice on my first SLR and I often switch the phone to B&W, just for fun.
Shoot B&W or Edit the colour files was something I battled with for a long time.
great photos, and I like B&W for lots of reasons. have no interest in a B&W only camera though