Monochrom (typ 246) - New Leica Monochrom Review and Sample Images / June 28, 2015 by Benjamin Traves

The new Leica Monochrom (typ 246) is finally here, and it is fantastic. The previous version was my favorite Leica so it will be hard to beat, but I think the new (major) improvements in usability will make a big difference to many photographers.

* This is a "rolling" review, meaning I will be updating it regularly with more samples and also my opinions on using the new Monochrom.

Below are a few sample images, more coming as soon as I have time. All were DNG (Leica's raw format) processed with either Lightroom 6 or Capture One 8.

The lens was the new 50mm APO-Summicron (also amazing, need to review it soon).

New!! Low light image samples...

ISO 12,500 at night through a shop window. Still extremely sharp. Lens was the 18mm Super Elmar

More coming soon...

New Leica Monochrom is here! Officially known as the "Leica M Monochrom (typ 246)" / April 30, 2015 by Benjamin Traves

I have had my hands on a prototype of the new Leica M Monochrom (typ 246) and it is fantastic!

Officially, it is known as the "Leica M Monochrom (typ 246)" but the internal code name of the camera in development at Leica (before it was announced today) was "Elliott" after the legendary photographer Elliott Erwitt.

Leica has posted information and some incredible sample images by photographer Ragnar Axelsson.

Long story short, it is the same body as the Leica M-P (typ 240) but with a black chrome finish similar to the previous Monochrom camera. There is a sapphire crystal protecting the rear LCD, as with the previous Monochrom and the current M-P 240. No markings on the body, which is different from the engraved top plate of the M-P, but similar to the previous Monochrom. Sensor is the 24 megapixel CMOS from the M-P but without an RGB color layer, hence the "monochrome" images, even for the raw files (the raw file format is DNG for all Leica M cameras, in case you're new to Leica). All accessories from the current M/M-P should be compatible with the new Monochrom (typ 246).

If you want to read a very in-depth review of the camera with lots of great sample images by David Farkas, check it out on Red Dot Forum

Another great interview (and photos) with Ragnar Axelsson on the official Leica Camera Blog

You can pre-order the new Monochrom at Leica Store Miami

I will be shooting with the new Monochrom (typ 246) and posting sample images (and video) soon!

Leica M Monochrom with flash / April 12, 2015 by Benjamin Traves

Behind the scenes at a fashion show - Leica M Monochrom and flash

I wanted to test out the Monochrom with flash so I rigged up a sync cable to the Leica SF-58 along with a bracket I already owned from a previous camera system. Worked quite well although I was in fully manual mode, no TTL due to the sync cord being from a different manufacturer. Skin tones take on a silver look, similar to the old days of black and white film. I really enjoyed using this combo.

Look at the hands of all the models. They are just about to go out on the runway so they are at their most nervous.