p.2 #1 · Anyone shooting with the Leica M-D Type 262?
cyberguru65 wrote:
[Re-post from another thread for visibility here, in case it helps others)
I purchased a couple 8gb w-03 flashair sd cards last year and it did not work on my m-d. I just tried again on my old fuji x20 and it did work but a bit slow in the transfer per file. I usually just use a SD to usbc adapter for my android phone when I want to transfer the entire card to my phone to process using mobile lightroom. Much faster !!
I would try again on my m-d but sadly now my m-d is not working. Locks up when writing to the SD card or does not recognize the SD card. I tried formatting 4 different cards with no luck. I just contacted Leica and will be sending the m-d for service.
I may have a couple new still in the box flashairs. if you want one, pm me your address and i will send it out to you for free....Show more →
That's incredibly generous! Please check your private message.
p.2 #2 · Anyone shooting with the Leica M-D Type 262?
Very nice photographs!
Which body do you recommend now?
About the noise reduction software do you use now ?
Fred Miranda wrote:
My journey into the Leica world started with an M240 Black Paint camera. It was stunning, and after about a year, I "upgraded" to the M10. Then, I tried the M10-P, M10-R, M11, and eventually went back to the M10-R, which is my overall favorite.
I used to recommend the M10 as the first Leica, but it's pricey. Plus, its battery life isn't as good as the M240 series, which lasts more than 2 times longer. With the M-D, battery life is absolutely incredible since there are fewer electronics draining power. I've only charged it once, and after 8 days of continuous shooting and testing, it's still at 50%!
Regarding image quality, I am actually thrilled with it. There is less highlight recovery compared to the M10, but as long as I expose well using the built-in meter, I'm not seeing any loss of highlight data. It's like shooting with slide film where images can't be too overexposed. In high contrast light, I also try underexposing by 1/2 stop just to be on the safe side, but I mostly shoot in lower contrast light, so it's not much of a concern. The colors look great to me, and with the help of the latest noise reduction software, I can easily shoot at ISO 6400 with very low noise and natural results.
I have only taken test shots so far, checking the RF alignment and sensor output. Here are some samples:...Show more →
p.2 #3 · Anyone shooting with the Leica M-D Type 262?
It's interesting reading about all these experiences with Leica bodies, and your own personal journeys.
I only have the Leica M9, which I find produces very interesting photos but has no live view and I struggle sometimes with focus, and exposure. I desperately want a live view sometimes. 🫠
p.2 #4 · Anyone shooting with the Leica M-D Type 262?
quasitime wrote:
It's interesting reading about all these experiences with Leica bodies, and your own personal journeys.
I only have the Leica M9, which I find produces very interesting photos but has no live view and I struggle sometimes with focus, and exposure. I desperately want a live view sometimes. 🫠
Once, I took my M9 to a location for landscape photography. For this type of photography, I usually rely on the LCD or EVF for composing shots. I have to admit, focusing all my images using the rangefinder was quite challenging, especially at dusk or during the blue hour. I can imagine it would be even more difficult with the M-D. However, in the end, all my images were well-exposed and correctly focused. This experience made me realize that we might rely too much on technology nowadays. The truth is, we only need a way to set our ISO, shutter speed, and aperture!
p.2 #5 · Anyone shooting with the Leica M-D Type 262?
Fred Miranda wrote:
Once, I took my M9 to a location for landscape photography. For this type of photography, I usually rely on the LCD or EVF for composing shots. I have to admit, focusing all my images using the rangefinder was quite challenging, especially at dusk or during the blue hour. I can imagine it would be even more difficult with the M-D. However, in the end, all my images were well-exposed and correctly focused. This experience made me realize that we might rely too much on technology nowadays. The truth is, we only need a way to set our ISO, shutter speed, and aperture!...Show more →
+1. But I believe it will get worse looking forward. AI has taken quickly a place in PP and publishing like on IG. Just a matter of short time that we will see it in camera processing, too. Sony might be one of the first to embed AI in their camera algorithms. AI might automatically straighten uneven horizons, dust spots on sensors etc etc. It will change photography as we know it drastically - PP using AI has become already so good that it is impossible to distinguish easily from the original. This itself will IMO open more lead way with "go-back-to-the roots" approaches and simplistic cameras focusing on the three basics like ISO, shutter speed, and aperture. We are starting to see this diversification with manufacturers developing new film cameras for example and people buying older CCD-based simplistic digital cameras.
Jun 07, 2024 at 09:52 AM
AmbientMike Offline • • • • • • [X]
p.2 #6 · Anyone shooting with the Leica M-D Type 262?
Fred Miranda wrote:
In my opinion, most photographers who are accustomed to tons of electronic features and haven't shot film might not appreciate these limitations. However, a smaller group will embrace them and may even enhance their photography skills. The fact that this camera was only produced for two years (discontinued in 2018) and likely had around 1500 units sold suggests there's a specific niche market for it.
Not in the same league, price wise but I've actually kind of enjoyed the smaller lcd on the 20D lately. Not sure if enjoyed is the right word helps me imo though
I probably wouldn't give up the screen completely but it does keep me from blasting away to a large degree imo. Definitely tech fatigued
p.2 #7 · Anyone shooting with the Leica M-D Type 262?
AmbientMike wrote:
Not in the same league, price wise but I've actually kind of enjoyed the smaller lcd on the 20D lately. Not sure if enjoyed is the right word helps me imo though
I probably wouldn't give up the screen completely but it does keep me from blasting away to a large degree imo. Definitely tech fatigued
Photography has been tied to technology ever since digital cameras came onto the scene. These days, it's like smartphones --- we expect new tech improvements every year. But a lot of people are getting tired of this constant race and want to slow down. When you step back from chasing the latest specs, you realize that great photos are more about composition and creativity, which don't need much tech. Sure, some types of photography do benefit from features like advanced autofocu.s and high FPS, but that's not really my thing..
p.2 #8 · Anyone shooting with the Leica M-D Type 262?
Here are some functions and tricks highlighted in the video, along with a few they missed for the Leica M-D:
I made this reference for me but it could be useful for those shooting with the M-D. (Likely 0.0000125% of the population)
1. Check Battery Percentage:
- Turn the camera on, and the battery percentage will display immediately.
- Half-pressing the shutter button makes the display disappear.
2. Update Firmware:
- Remove the SD card and format it.
- Load the firmware file onto the card.
- Insert the card back into the camera.
- Press and hold the function button while turning the camera on. The firmware update will start automatically, and "UP" will appear in the viewfinder.
3. Set Date and Time:
- Set the camera to self-timer mode.
- Press and hold the custom button for 12 seconds to enter date and time settings.
- Use the custom button to cycle through year, month, day, hour, and minute.
- Adjust the numbers using the rear dial.
4. Clean the Sensor:
- Set the camera to self-timer mode.
- Turn the camera on, press and hold the custom button, and then press the shutter button.
- The shutter curtain will open, allowing you to clean the sensor.
- Turn off the camera to close the shutter again (takes about 10 seconds).
5. Toggle Battery Percentage and Shot Count:
- Press the custom button to switch between displaying the battery percentage and the number of shots remaining.
6. Use Exposure Compensation:
- Set the camera to "A" (aperture priority) mode.
- Press and hold the custom button, then use the rear dial to adjust exposure compensation as needed.
7. Check Exposure Compensation:
- If exposure compensation is set, a blinking dot will appear on the left side of the shutter speed indicator in the viewfinder.
- Half-press the shutter button to see the current compensation value.
8.Turn off manual metering: (This might not make sense for most. :-))
- To stop seeing the manual metering “ > 0 < “, set the shutter to “B” mode. This disables the metering readout, letting you focus, estimate exposure, and compose without distractions. Note that the metering will come back once you choose a shutter speed other than “B”. At that point, just take the shot. If it’s off, so be it -- you’ll quickly learn to estimate exposure, much like shooting with a rangefinder that lacks internal metering.
If I’ve missed anything, feel free to let me know.
Nov 17, 2024 at 04:49 PM
AmbientMike Offline • • • • • • [X]
p.2 #9 · Anyone shooting with the Leica M-D Type 262?
Fred Miranda wrote:
Photography has been tied to technology ever since digital cameras came onto the scene. These days, it's like smartphones --- we expect new tech improvements every year. But a lot of people are getting tired of this constant race and want to slow down. When you step back from chasing the latest specs, you realize that great photos are more about composition and creativity, which don't need much tech. Sure, some types of photography do benefit from features like advanced autofocu.s and high FPS, but that's not really my thing..
Exactly. More about composition and lighting.
Sure, if I shot NFL or college sports professionally, I probably wouldn't recommend the 20D But I'm not shooting sports lately.
It's not a new thing, I remember talking to a guy years ago(maybe at fotodiox?) and he mentioned people buy D70 over Rebel XT, because the Rebel XT had too much tech, basically!!! Even the 20D has a lot of tech, really. The Nikon Df is much more popular than can be explained based on tech alone.
p.2 #12 · Anyone shooting with the Leica M-D Type 262?
James Markus wrote:
I can't find it in the manual, but what if you flashed the firmware with the one you already have, or newer one? (a scary thing to do)
EDIT try this first
800 222 0118 xxxxx Our local Leica Camera operation can answer your technical questions regarding our products.
I just asked ChatGPT, and it suggested turning on the camera while holding the custom button for 10 seconds. I’ll give that a try, but it’s usually not accurate.
p.2 #13 · Anyone shooting with the Leica M-D Type 262?
I have an M-D. It's never leaving me. I recommend reading the m240 forum on l-camera-forum.com where someone has noodled out the production numbers of the M-D. Fantastic fan base over there. (Maybe we can attract them to FM 😊
Maybe if you shoot everything at high ISO you can knock the 1GB card down to 24 images, then you can have the experience of being a broke kid shooting film from the drug store because you didn't know any better.
Not that I have any personal experience in that area.
p.2 #16 · Anyone shooting with the Leica M-D Type 262?
formula4speed wrote:
Maybe if you shoot everything at high ISO you can knock the 1GB card down to 24 images, then you can have the experience of being a broke kid shooting film from the drug store because you didn't know any better.
Not that I have any personal experience in that area.
Yes, the estimated number of shots varies by ISO and image complexity, but those are the initial estimates provided by the M-D camera.
p.2 #17 · Anyone shooting with the Leica M-D Type 262?
If you’re looking to limit the number of shots on your SD card to exactly 36, it’s possible to do this with any card size by partitioning it. Here’s how I did it with my 2GB card, but the same method can be applied to any card size using the formula below:
For a 2GB card, the Leica M-D estimates 54 shots. Here’s how I calculated the partition size for the camera to estimate 36 shots instead:
Formula:
1) Find the average size per shot:
For my 2GB card, which gives 54 shots (note: a 1GB card gives 27 shots), the average size per shot can be calculated as follows:
Average size per shot = Total capacity divided by Number of shots
Average size per shot = 2,048MB divided by 54 shots = 37.92MB per shot
2) Calculate the partition size for 36 shots:
To get 36 shots on the card (estimated), we multiply the average size per shot by the number of shots:
Partition size = 36 x 37.92MB = 1,365MB
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Steps to Set Up the Partition:
1) Fully erase your SD card:
In Terminal, run the following command to erase your SD card:
Replace diskx with your SD card’s partition number. In my case, it’s disk4, but you can find your own by running diskutil list.
Replace cardname with your current SD name)
2) Partition the card with the desired size:
Use this command to create a partition with the required size of 1,365MB:
Again, replace diskx with your SD card's partition number. Also replace 1365 with your unique calculated partition size.
----------------
Final Result:
Now, when I insert the card into my Leica M-D, it shows exactly 36 shots remaining.
PS: You can apply this method to any SD card size. Whether it’s a 4GB, 8GB, or larger card, just use the formula above to calculate the partition size for the number of shots you want.
To get the M-D to estimate 36 exposures, your card must be exactly 1.35GB, which is slightly more than a 1GB card. This can be achieved by partitioning a 2GB or larger SD card.
p.2 #18 · Anyone shooting with the Leica M-D Type 262?
Fred Miranda wrote:
I hear you about the insanity comment. I never thought I would be shooting film in 2024, but now I'm hooked. I love everything about it, from taking pictures to developing and scanning the film myself. It's just fun for me.
put me in the camp of people who recently (re)discovered film (in my case not having shot film since the early 80's), and becoming hooked. I just got the MP a couple of weeks ago, and I feel guilty not having it be on display at MOMA in NYC
Yes the MD approximates the feeling of using a film camera, but the film images are IMO totally different from digital images. Not that one is better than the other (and indeed I still have and will continue to use the CL and M11M), but the film images arejust different in a way that tugs at my nostalgic cords. I've got a few digital presets that can approximate that look and can add different types/amounts of grain in post. But at the end of the day, my MP film images just makes me smile in a way that I haven't smiled at images in a long time.
p.2 #19 · Anyone shooting with the Leica M-D Type 262?
I'd love to add an MD to my Leica kit, but the limited production run makes the camera a very expensive purchase. While I don't have an MD, I do have and M9 and find that this camera requires a very slow and disciplined approach. While the LCD can be used to check histograms, it is essentially useless. Furthermore, the dynamic range of the CCD sensor is so limiting that it reminds me of Kodachrome 64. Finally, my framelines are basically approximations and the shutter mechanism is slow... When I feel like shooting with film and want a very deliberate approach to photography, my M9 fits the bill... let's call it a "poor" man's M-D
p.2 #20 · Anyone shooting with the Leica M-D Type 262?
brick33308 wrote:
put me in the camp of people who recently (re)discovered film (in my case not having shot film since the early 80's), and becoming hooked. I just got the MP a couple of weeks ago, and I feel guilty not having it be on display at MOMA in NYC
Yes the MD approximates the feeling of using a film camera, but the film images are IMO totally different from digital images. Not that one is better than the other (and indeed I still have and will continue to use the CL and M11M), but the film images arejust different in a way that tugs at my nostalgic cords. I've got a few digital presets that can approximate that look and can add different types/amounts of grain in post. But at the end of the day, my MP film images just makes me smile in a way that I haven't smiled at images in a long time....Show more →
Absolutely. Digital and film aesthetics are fundamentally different; it’s pixels versus silver halide. Even with simulations, the look remains distinct --- organic versus digital. What I love about the M-D is that it offers the same simplicity as shooting film. There’s no menu, no EVF, no Wi-Fi, and no screen. You just set the ISO (like choosing a film) and calculate exposure by adjusting the lens aperture and shutter speed. The M-D Typ 262 doesn’t even offer auto-ISO, which really slows me down and enhances the deliberate shooting process.
