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More Leica M Sample Images

February 12, 2013 — Published by

As promised, thanks to the kind effort of Dr. Ulrich Rohde who is in the possession of an early Leica M (Typ 240) working prototype, we have some more full resolution DNG and JPEG files for you to play with, all untouched.

According to Dr. Rohde, the camera has not yet final firmware. To his knowledge, it was the latest preproduction revision at the time of shooting. Without further ado let’s go straight to the files. For reference please use our recent articles on the next generation Leica M that’s expected to arrive in stores sometime in March 2013.

The basics are covered in our articles here and here. I also have to refer to the excellent sample images gallery and early M (240) assessment of Jono Slack over at L·Camera Forum. That’s compulsory reading.

Not much to add here this time, except for some purple fringing along the brim of the silver helmet. Also have a look at the strong incidence of light from behind the girl reading the book.

Keep in mind, some expect the M to reinvent photography. Maybe to justify the M9. Who knows. But that’s the digital reality. What’s top of the line today is history tomorrow — and so far the digital Ms were never really at the forefront of imaging technology.

At least to my eyes the Leica M CMOS sensor still renders that look many Leica aficionados are after. Overall, these DNG files are certainly fatter, more resilient and more flexible than M9 equivalents. They offer more yield. Miss the M9′s more contrasty pop? Well just pull one or two stops off those DNGs and you got it.

Disclaimer: DNG files are nearly 50MB heavy… To download, simple click the respective image. BTW, to know everything about the CMOSIS sensor read our The Leica M Max Sensor Explained.

+++ BTW, the Leica M can be ordered from Amazon (black/silver), B&H (black/silver) or Adorama (black/silver).

more leica m m240 dng jpeg samples 1 More Leica M Sample Images

ISO 200 @ 1/125 F4 with Summicron 90mm F2 | Dr. Ulrich Rohde (click image to download DNG file)

more leica m m240 dng jpeg samples 2 More Leica M Sample Images

100% crop (CS Auto Tone adjusted) | Dr. Ulrich Rohde

For you to compare download the JPEG version of this portrait with the same file number, shot at the same time, but looking distinctively less natural.

more leica m m240 dng jpeg samples 3 More Leica M Sample Images

ISO 250 @ 1/180 F3.4 with Summicron 90mm F2 | Dr. Ulrich Rohde (click image to download DNG file)

more leica m m240 dng jpeg samples 4 More Leica M Sample Images

ISO 200 @ 1/4000 F2.8 with Summilux 35mm F1.4 | Dr. Ulrich Rohde (click image to download DNG file)

more leica m m240 dng jpeg samples 5 More Leica M Sample Images

ISO 200 @ 1/4000 F2.8 with Summilux 35mm F1.4 | Dr. Ulrich Rohde (click image to download DNG file; for the JPEG version click here)

more leica m m240 dng jpeg samples 6 More Leica M Sample Images

ISO 800 @ 1/180 F5.6 with Summilux 35mm F1.4 | Dr. Ulrich Rohde (click image to download DNG file; for the JPEG version click here)

And, to conclude with, a minimally adjusted JPEG:

more leica m m240 dng jpeg samples 7 More Leica M Sample Images

Leica R 70-210mm F4 (160mm) | Dr. Ulrich Rohde (click image for full resolution JPEG file)

+++ BTW, the Leica M can be ordered from Amazon (black/silver), B&H (black/silver) or Adorama (black/silver).

Posted by on February 12, 2013. Filed under Review. A word on our own regarding comments: Please practice mutual respect and nice grammar is never wrong. And why not support THEME. We love what we do and hope you enjoy our takes on photography. If you get new gear — or anything else for that matter —, please do so by clicking our AMAZON affiliate link — or shop via our trusted partners. Doesn't cost a cent more. Appreciate!
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    New DNG’s from Dr.Rohde – Leica User Forum

    [...] DNG's from Dr.Rohde Hi, just found: More Leica M Sample Images | THEME Interesting files, imo Have fun [...]

    http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-m9-forum/271978-new-dngs-dr-rohde.html#post2313254

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Oscar-Stahle/100001098463350 Oscar Stahle

    Unimpressive ! (I own the M9)

    • http://the.me/ DanTHEME

      Sure Oscar?

      While those are not images showing off absolutely perfect technical and aesthetic quality as well as selectivity, they surpass the output of many hapless Leica snaps found online.

      These files offer mixed colors under mixed lighting, and they perform well. These M files show skin tones under photographic lights, skin tones in shade and sunlight, a high contrast scene and additional bright highlights outdoor. What else?

      Maybe envy speaking that here is a photographer who knows really everything about technical aspects and might not be today’s HCB, but is able to test a camera that so many lust for?

      • Wilfredo

        Who’s lusting? I’m not impressed. As far as skin tones go, I prefer what I get from my Leica M8! These files are comparable to my Canon 5D Mark II, which are very good, but they just don’t seem to have the Leica stamp. I think that is now a thing of the past. Gone with the CCD sensor.

        • http://the.me/ DanTHEME

          Fair enough Wilfredo.

          Don’t forget, this is preproduction, not final firmware. Personally, I also think, despite filters, the M9′s colors don’t match the M8′s.

    • Joe Blow

      I agree. From an M9 owner. This is really unimpressive and rather disappointing after a very long wait.

  • http://the.me/ DanTHEME

    Hedonistically… you just made my day!

  • http://twitter.com/danchip Dan Chippendale

    I am now very tempted by the M. I thought M9 files could take some post processing but these DNGs seem to offer great flexibility. Managed to make the fireman photo ‘pop’ in a few minutes. Exposure can be ramped up and contrast gave the image a lot of impact. Removing CA was also a lot easier that on M9 files. Possibly to do with the extra resolution. Who knows, but so far I’m pretty keen on the M now. I’d love to see some exact comparisons between some tripod based photos with the M9 and M with the same lenses and focal points before I could really clearly see the cost/upgrade benefits. But this is positive stuff.