Leica M-Monochrom camera for black and white photography

Mayur Parmar

Right off the assembly line
*www.gizbot.com/files/2012/06/leica-m-monochrom.png




Leica M-Monochrom is typically a model built from the Leica M9 model launched earlier, but without any colour filter arrays. It means, this amazing camera can capture and record black and white images only. Each of its 18 million pixels is utilized for recording brightness values adding to the efficiency in monochrome shooting.

As the RGGB filter array is removed from the sensor, it can now have other capabilities. The most important thing is that more light reaches the sensor which results in noise reduction. The signal needs less amplification too. This feature makes the Leica M-Monochrom more sensitive when compared to Leica M9′s sensor. The ISO 320 to ISO 10,000 range adds to the picture quality offered by this camera. For better shutter speeds, it is advisable that a ND filter is used above the lens.

Feature:

18MP CCD monochrome sensor (24 x 36mm)
No anti-aliasing filter
No color filter array
ISO 320-10,000 (with a ‘Pull 160*’ option)
2.5″ 230,000 dot rear LCD
Supplied with Adobe Photoshop Lightroom and Silver Efex Pro 2



Leica M-Monochrom features a 2.5-inch monitor with 230,000 pixels resolution just like the Leica M9. This is not that impressive considering its hefty price tag. The picture quality is also not that impressive while considering the quality offered by other DSLR cameras.

The other feature missing from this one is the live view option. Only review options are there with this camera. With the images created in optical viewfinder, users can see the minute exposure details via large LEDs. There should be proper care taken in focussing as there is only manual focus option with Leica M-Monochrom.

Talking about the build quality, Leica M Monochrom has a solid build just like the Leica’s M-series cameras. The attractive outward appearance of the camera includes the design made out of magnesium alloy along with a textured leather coating and also brass bottom and top plates. While comparing with the compact system cameras, this camera appears quite large in size but it is just a standard size while considering the DSLRs incorporating full frame sensors.

Finally about the overall performance of Leica M Monochrom, the pictures produced are of impressive quality. Without any noise distortion, the output seems quite smooth and natural. The price tag of this camera is not affordable for normal consumers as it may go even higher to around Rs. 3,50,000/-. Its overall appearance and attributes are quite impressive and can be easily carried along during trips, as well.
 
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