Why I Bought a 9 Year Old Leica M240 In 2023 | Leica M240 Review

Поделиться
HTML-код
  • Опубликовано: 29 янв 2025

Комментарии • 54

  • @Hackzyyz
    @Hackzyyz Год назад +3

    One of the best digital leicas in my opinion the colors alone always amazed me

    • @brianatkinsphotography
      @brianatkinsphotography  Год назад

      Absolutely! I shoot raw and edit but I have to say the raw images have marvelous colors and contrast baked in

  • @jeffdojillo
    @jeffdojillo Год назад +4

    I purchased an M240 this year and got rid of alot of my gear. After using an M240 it has become my main camera for everyday shooting. I loved the quality of the camera and its menu system so I went and purchased a Leica SL 601 for more of my commercial work.

    • @jeffdojillo
      @jeffdojillo Год назад

      I also came from a NIKON SP

    • @brianatkinsphotography
      @brianatkinsphotography  Год назад

      Yeah, it seems a lot of people have gone a similar route and get into the m system via the m240, usually coming from a different camera system. The SLs look great but I think for me itd just be a clone to my sony system. Funny you mention the sp, I have a video dropping in a few weeks about having my grandfathers 1953 nikon s restored.

  • @alexradsby
    @alexradsby Год назад +5

    This is the feeling a lot of us who have been through a bunch of systems and different levels of professional gear. After a while it doesn't matter, the only thing that matters is the feeling that you feel picking your camera up. I want to do it with a Leica, I want to bring it everywhere, I want to take it slow and make it meaningful.
    A couple of years ago I would never pay the insane amount of money for a Leica M240. Today I would buy a Leica M without hesitation. It changes you and your work really quickly.
    Lovely video man! Much appreciated!

    • @brianatkinsphotography
      @brianatkinsphotography  Год назад +1

      Appreciate it man! Yeah thats exactly the message I hope I sent through this and summarizes the “struggle” I faced recently. My 9 year old full manual stripped down leica setup is so much more fun and makes me want to shoot compared to my modern sony kit. Plus the slowed down experience and manual operation just makes me feel so much more connected to the process of creating an image.
      Totally agree, I used to think leica prices were absurd, still do in terms of features vs money spent, but I would buy a M setup over and over again now and see the true value it offers. “Realest” experience in my opinion when it comes to creating a digital photograph these days. Cheers dude!

  • @xavierfumat7567
    @xavierfumat7567 Месяц назад

    Yeah, that is my thoughts and experience with my Leicas! Leica Barnack, M6, M8. M240.

  • @JJ-gm4ck
    @JJ-gm4ck 10 месяцев назад +1

    i just got an m8; even older. society peaked a long time ago.

  • @mrprivette
    @mrprivette 7 месяцев назад +1

    Hey Brian, I stumbled on your page searching for some info on Leica cameras. So glad I did!! I subscribed instantly. Back in 2020 I bit the bullet and bought a leica Q2 but only had it for 2 months. I sold it in a panic due to the uncertainty of our world at that time (pandemic lol) and my wife convinced me to sell it, they never want us to have any fun. I loved it for the short time I had it and I wish I would have kept it. I didnt even get to name her. Im new to photography in the sense that I've had a DSLR camera and I know my way around the exposure triangle etc but I'm nowhere near an expert or know what I'm REALLY doing. I just enjoy the art of photography and I want a cool camera that will last a long time to take pics of my family. Would you recommend the 240 or the Q/Q2 system for casual photo taking? Thanks

  • @TomVestvik
    @TomVestvik Год назад +3

    Did the same two days ago. Got an M-P typ 240, and a 50mm Summicron v3. My camera background definitely isn’t very different from yours. From a humble Nikon dslr to analog Nikon, to a simple but solid Leica. Great photos too, Mr.

    • @brianatkinsphotography
      @brianatkinsphotography  Год назад +1

      Congrats on the new camera. Thanks for watching! Haha funny we went on a similar path, basically just excluding my journey into Sony. Happy shooting and I hope you enjoy your new setup.

  • @blakeanderson5428
    @blakeanderson5428 Год назад +1

    Brotha, I feel this! Although I am in love with my Canon RF system, it is all about finding the gear the meshes with your creativity!

  • @quintonmckimm
    @quintonmckimm 11 месяцев назад +1

    The M11 has been freezing up on so many users, the M10 battery life is horrible, the M240/MP240 is still very capable although tougher to use in low light.

    • @arrangearrange
      @arrangearrange 10 месяцев назад +1

      Just throw on the 35 or 50 lux or slow down the shutter on a 21 2.8, problem solved 😇

  • @stefanschiefer2066
    @stefanschiefer2066 Год назад +2

    Great video! Would you look at MP 240 or the M240?

    • @brianatkinsphotography
      @brianatkinsphotography  Год назад +1

      Thanks! I looked at both cameras. I went with the 240 because of cost and having a red dot. Otherwise the mp240 is basically the same but with a better buffer and screen.

    • @quintonmckimm
      @quintonmckimm 11 месяцев назад

      The MP 240 came out in 2014, two years after the M240. While very similar, the buffer does make a difference, and the MP 240 has a sapphire glass rear display. If the red dot makes a difference to you, get the M240, but the MP 240 is engraved on the top.

  • @marc6652
    @marc6652 Год назад

    I sold decades ago a M6 and few years ago a M240, for bad reasons. But I had the opportunity to bye a M262 with only 5000 clics 3 years ago with a 2nde hand summilux 50 and Elmarit 28.
    With a M camera it's the end of arm race. It's the most relaxing and generous camera I've ever had.

  • @arrangearrange
    @arrangearrange 10 месяцев назад +1

    While still not cheap, a used q or 240 in 2024 provide a lot of camera for the money if you want Leica. You can get both and add a 35 or 50 lux asph previous version and have everything you might need for the best price on a used m11.

  • @snappychappy
    @snappychappy Год назад +2

    What you say is correct but not only applicable to Leica but to each and every camera that someone somewhere gets enjoyment from. Alas for many, owning a Leica isn't so much a 'working' choice but a lifestyle statement that says 'Hey look, I've got a really expensive camera' Among my many camera's I have my own personal 'Leica outfit' which consists of a Lumix GX80 and 14/25;45mm primes (28/50/90mm equiv). shooting mono. Decidedly different, but it works for me. Bye the way I'm not a professional, just been doing it for fun for 40 years, so take the comments in context.

    • @brianatkinsphotography
      @brianatkinsphotography  Год назад +1

      Absolutely, hopefully my message came across clear that its about finding what you want out of a camera for yourself and finding a system that brings you the utmost joy when shooting. Right now thats a digital leica rangefinder for me, but used to be my workhorse sony. The only exclusive thing to the leica M series is the full manual rangefinder experience, which is what I was primarily after. But with that came the benefit of compactness, good color rendition, beautiful physical aesthetic and handling, etc.

  • @thomasgoetze
    @thomasgoetze Год назад +1

    Same here. Coming from Sony, tasting the Q Typ 116, now leaving the whole Sony incl. 7 great lenses and go to a Leica M240 with (in my case) a 50 mm Summicron f2. The reasons are the same. I want to go out and take pictures instead of thinking about the technical aspects, like the right lens, right this and that.
    Thanks for your inspiration.

  • @RealVales
    @RealVales Год назад

    Really liked the review, I might not get a Leica tho. I’d have to start small if I get into photography

  • @derrenleepoole
    @derrenleepoole Год назад +5

    You buy and use a Leica M because you want a camera and not a computer. Buying the M9 was the best decision for me.

    • @brianatkinsphotography
      @brianatkinsphotography  Год назад +1

      Yep, exactly what my thesis was in this video. Had to move away from my robot computer sony haha. Ive been eyeing the m9, I hear its sensor makes lovely colors

    • @derrenleepoole
      @derrenleepoole Год назад +1

      @@brianatkinsphotography amazing sensor. The trick is not to rely on heavily on exposure correction in post. The raw files are not robust like newer cameras. Shoot it like slide film, get exposure right in camera, results are amazing. If you do this, 1600 iso is no problem, files are clean at high iso if you get exposure correct. I have stuff on Instagram from this years Beatherder festival shot on the M9.

  • @alvinwcy
    @alvinwcy Год назад +1

    I guess it's time for me to take out the M240 from my pelican case where it's been sitting for about 6 years without taken a single shot on it. lol

  • @sdhute
    @sdhute Год назад

    I started with a digital camera and took pictures. I went t to film and started making photos. Now I miss that making photos aspect that is lost with most digitals. Looking to get a used Leica m240 or pixii

    • @brianatkinsphotography
      @brianatkinsphotography  Год назад

      I can fully recommend the m240, its superb.

    • @sdhute
      @sdhute Год назад

      @@brianatkinsphotography Thank you I've been looking at the m240 and m262

    • @brianatkinsphotography
      @brianatkinsphotography  Год назад +1

      @@sdhute id go with the 240 for its live view capabilities vs the 262. Very useful for these cameras in certain lighting or if your rangefinder mech drifts out of alignment.

  • @abhishekbanerjee3214
    @abhishekbanerjee3214 Год назад +1

    Hey man do you like the handgrip on the 240? I am concerned it might make the camera even more heavy. Or should I buy the thumbgrip?

    • @brianatkinsphotography
      @brianatkinsphotography  Год назад

      I love the handgrip. I dont think it really adds weight but it does make the camera larger. The stock baseplate is way skinnier than the grip. I would 100% recommend a thumbgrip at the very least though.

    • @abhishekbanerjee3214
      @abhishekbanerjee3214 Год назад

      @@brianatkinsphotography thank you 🙏 if you could give links of the accessories which one to order I would really appreciate it.

    • @brianatkinsphotography
      @brianatkinsphotography  Год назад

      @@abhishekbanerjee3214 i use this thumbgrip: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1338043-REG/match_technical_tu_ep_10s_b_thumbs_up_ep_10s_grip.html
      Handgrips are harder to find. Theres one on ebay here: www.ebay.com/itm/235021396994?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&mkscid=101&itemid=235021396994&targetid=1530439030451&device=m&mktype=pla&googleloc=1027744&poi=&campaignid=19851828444&mkgroupid=145880009014&rlsatarget=pla-1530439030451&abcId=9307249&merchantid=6296724&gbraid=0AAAAAD_QDh-HnVNoY3mcdvIM6MmYKR6NO&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIu4Hwt_-fgAMVXMzCBB1tMQjrEAQYAiABEgIgvfD_BwE

  • @alanmunoz8961
    @alanmunoz8961 8 месяцев назад

    We have the same Leicas and I wish to learn from you. Subscribing!

  • @Deetroiter
    @Deetroiter Год назад +1

    Wonderful video! What do you think is a fair price for an m240 in 2023? I’ve been seeing a lot pop up for sale and with M10s being double the price, I’m not seeing an M10 being double the camera. So I’m leaning towards the m240 and trying to get an idea what’s a fair price

    • @brianatkinsphotography
      @brianatkinsphotography  Год назад +1

      Thanks! It really is such a great camera. From what Ive seen they basically go for $2,500-$3,000, and it depends on condition as to where it falls into that range. I wouldnt pay more than $3,000 for sure and I feel like the m10 is like $4,200 on average, maybe $3,800 if I am remembering correct.

    • @Deetroiter
      @Deetroiter Год назад

      @@brianatkinsphotography Thank you for the reply and the insight, it really is helpful! I found an m240 for 2895 that's rated at an 8+ (minor marks, scuffs to the body, etc) and another at 3200 with a 9+ rating. I'm kind of back and forth with which one because I feel like anything mechanical likes to be used and doesn't like sitting, the one that's a little rough has definitely been used whereas the other has probably been sitting for a really long time. It looks nicer but maybe there's things needing oiling, etc. One thing I'm curious to ask if there's anything I should be aware of or look out for? Also, I thought I already subscribed but I must have not done it before. I made sure I subscribed this time!

    • @brianatkinsphotography
      @brianatkinsphotography  Год назад +1

      @@Deetroiter no problem, happy to help. If the cameras are local, Id check them out in person. If they are not then its really just a roll of the dice. You can find mint m240s for $2500-3000 if you look in the right places, so Id maybe steer clear of the more expensive one and spend $2895 if its not too beat up. You are right that mechanical cameras(just the rangefinder mechanism is mechanical on the 240 from what I understand) do usually work better if they are used so the oil doesnt gunk up. You can check facebook for leica buy/sell groups and theres this guy Tim Lei who is the best used leica dealer around. Only thing to look out for is rangefinder calibration(patch should align at infinity) once you put your lens on as well as frameline illumination and obviously that it writes to an sd card. Otherwise its just like checking out any other camera. My camera needed service after like 2 weeks unfortunately. The rangefinder mechanism needed oil so the patch wouldnt move sometimes when focusing because itd freeze up, then itd jump back into place. I had a 3rd party repairman do it with a 9 day turnaround. So thats the only other thing to check for, turning my lens back and forth really fast at a small distance would freeze it up until it got oiled.
      This should take you to Tim: facebook.com/marketplace/profile/100002741954706/?ref=permalink&mibextid=6ojiHh

    • @Deetroiter
      @Deetroiter Год назад

      @@brianatkinsphotography I really appreciate that! I’ve seen that name before, might have been on a Leica forum or so (I have a Leica TL2). I might just roll the dice on that $2985 m240. I did see an m10 for sale also but it’s $4300. I’ve shot with an m10 before and really enjoyed it but I’m not sure if it’s that much more camera for me that it’s worth an extra $1600 or so when the m240 can do most of the same things. If you don’t mind my asking, is the lowlight and high iso shooting really that bad on the m240? I see conflicting stories but seems to be all from people who don’t actually own an m240. It’s so funny you mention that issue with the rangefinder mechanism because that m10 that was using had the same issue! Turning the lens fast caused it to lock up and then it would just pop after a few moments. Only thing is on the m10 I used it never went past halfway to infinity after that first pop. Must have needed a serious oiling

    • @brianatkinsphotography
      @brianatkinsphotography  Год назад +1

      @@Deetroiter yeah I would go for the cheaper 240 and see how you like it. The m10 os for sure a little expensive for what it is in my opinion(when compared to the 240). The iso performance is fine in my opinion. I shoot it at max iso and of course theres grain but its acceptable quality. It does depend on what the scene is though. I have shot dark indoor stuff(think of an aquarium) and the shadows got all green and grainy and gross when lifted in post 🤣 but this is one photo out of hundreds. If you mostly shooot outdoors in decent light then you will be fine. Thats funny you have experienced the issue. I forgot that it can happen on the m10 too(probably any leica really), so other than the few other things I mentioned that was the main thing to look out for.

  • @palmhousebookrestoration3284
    @palmhousebookrestoration3284 Год назад +1

    Hi Brian, just checked out your vidio, I am just about to buy my first Leica at some point, for the same reasons you talk about. I was thinking of picking up an M8, heard so much about it's CCD sensos, but then the risk factor is bothering me, buying a 17 year old camera, it is a risk?!?! So I am now thinking of going for the Leica M240, not quite as old, and a fullframe! wich is what I have always wanted. Where is the best place to buy pre-loved quality Leica cameras, Brian, eBay, Red Dot cameras, I have been looking everywhere. I would very much appreciate your opinion, on where to buy. Thank you, Brian

    • @brianatkinsphotography
      @brianatkinsphotography  Год назад +2

      Thanks for viewing! Yes there certainly is risk when buying a old camera, that being it could fail and there may not be any repair services available. Not sure how true this is but I found a random forum post within 1-2 years ago and someone said the m8 is no longer being serviced. The m9 is except for sensors/lcd screens, but the m240 and onwards are still fully serviceable. Again, not sure how true that is but the person supposedly talked to leica directly for that info. Given that, I would fully recommend the m240 over the m8 or m9, its also a much better camera. You can look at mpb, keh, ebay, fred miranda, facebook leica buy/sell groups, craigslist, etc. Just try to find the best price and one that has a return policy if possible.

    • @palmhousebookrestoration3284
      @palmhousebookrestoration3284 Год назад

      @@brianatkinsphotography Thank you for your feed back, Brian, yeah I will keep checking the M 240 bodies out, just looked at a 240 on Leica Classics, I guess it's a bit pricy at £2,650 just a small amount of brassing on the top plate, but has been serviced by Wetzlar and it has a two year warranty! I mean that's what you want don't you, not just a 6 months warranty. Thanks again for your help, Brian.

  • @joelamberti295
    @joelamberti295 Год назад

    Curious if you found a particular memory card that works best for the 240?

    • @brianatkinsphotography
      @brianatkinsphotography  Год назад

      I use PNY cards in all my cameras. X-pro 90 works great, or one of their uhs-1 tier cards.