After a couple of weeks being 9 feet below water, I got finally a change to take out the Leica M (240) which arrived yesterday at my doorstep.

Initial impressions:

• Much better on/off switch. With the M9 I was able to unintentionally switch on/off the camera a couple of times, or it would move from “S” to “C” or even self-timer.
• Shutter release button is also a lot better. The old wasn’t that smooth.
• Shutter sound – great! Less noisy than with the M9. More a lower “clack”.
• Battery life seems to have been definitely been improved. 50% left after 2 days and ~350 pictures.
• I also like the new exposure metering methods, more reliable than the old “classic” one.
• Quicker “C” Continous series mode.
• Live view – while holding the camera I find that (at least with me) I am shaking way too much that the 10x zoom can be properly used with the rear monitor, especially in normal daylight.
• To focus the Noctilux I now use the 1.4x magnifying eye piece which is doing a pretty good job. At least with me it helps; otherwise, had problems here and there.
• As some reported hangs here and there, I haven’t run into this problem yet. With the M9 I had those from time to time.
• Electronic view finder: Olympus LV-2 also works, instead of the Leica EVF which is more than double the price.
  Works well with the live view 10x zoom function.
• Video? Don’t need it 😛

No scientific test or direct comparison against the M9P (which will go very soon). While going out for a nice stroll to enjoy the weather, I simply kept shooting along (not too much planning was involved today)  😉

Some impressions from today’s tour can be found HERE.

PS: spot the birds nest(s)? How many are there…