Photokina is approaching. I hear rumors that the new Leica M model will be released. In this digital age we are not surprised by the faster camera life cycle anymore, so this M Monochrom is an interesting existence, isn't it? I think this is one of the ideal digital cameras because one sensor pixel corresponds to one output pixel. This camera is a little off the basic axis of the development of digital cameras, because there is no color separation issues and the native high ISO performance thanks to the absence of color filter. In other words, it doesn't become obsolete easily. Oh, they are just an excuse to spend a large sum of money... Anyway, CMOS sensors are replacing CCDs these days, I wonder how long they will provide the CCD exclusively for monochrome. So, if you are interested, you may want get it before it's too late.

As you expect, from this time I will mount different lenses on the M Monochrom and show you how they perform. I don't know if the chief editor likes this idea, but I'm one of the many Leica fans, too and want to mount anything that is mountable. Anyway, Let's get started!

( Photo & Text : K )

Dramatic falloff, blurred highlights, extreme sharpness, and sexy tonality. The Hologon 16mm for CONTAX G series is truly an interesting lens. This is a magic lens because just firing a shutter brings anyone a dramatic shot. You may wonder what and how to photograph in this focal length, and I advice you not to worry too much about the horizontal line and shoot as you like. I tend to frame so that I can eliminate sounds from the scene, and I don't get close just because I'm using an ultra wide angle lens. Instead, I step back a little so the main subject becomes smaller. This way I can get other worldly pictures filled with tranquility.

This is a picture of so-called "forest god", a Japanese Judas tree stands near the Cyuubetsu River, Central Hokkaido. The age is said to be 900+ years! It was raining, but I didn't use the umbrella because I thought it would be interesting if the lens gets some raindrops on it. The results? Don't you feel like the tree is trying to cast some messages to you?

At Arte Piazza in Bibai-City, Hokkaido. A sculptor from Bibai-City, Kan Yasuda, is creating a space where people, nature, and art meet using a closed school (once it was crowded with children of the coal miners). Please visit there when you have a chance because it washes and soothes your mind. This object was sitting quietly on the treaded floor and this camera captured the texture of dark floor and the object. Very nice tonality.

The old wooden schoolhouse is not only an art museum but also a kindergarten. You can hear their lively voices on weekdays. There is a lawn in the vast ground and the people can use it for resting. So, this place was a park, art garden, kindergarten, and relaxation place, meaning that a variety of elements and people interact each other without borders. I wonder how nice it would be if the world becomes like this.

Sumitomo Ponbetsu Coal Mine Shaft built in 1960. It was closed in 1971. Five people were killed by the accident inside the enclosed shaft. There were many coal mines in Hokkaido, and they seem to prosper in the pictures of that time. There is almost no such sign now, but you can still feel it by some facilities like this.

Speaking of Hokkaido, I think of summer, pure air, and the vast expanse of land. But in September you feel like hearing the quick footsteps of autumn every time it rains. Soon, the winter creeps in and the severe weather rejects people. If you have been there on the high-season for many times, I recommend you to visit there in September. It's nice to hear the sound of rain in the café in the forest. So, how did you like the combination of the M Monochrom and the Hologon? I took many kinds of subjects and discovered that the lens works very well with the MM because it is hard and delicate. Plus, you don't need to worry about the color shift in the corners unlike other digital M cameras. Now, let me show you two more pictures.

In Tokyo. Cicadas are singing in chorus, even though it was still early and cool in the morning. Reflection is very strong in this season, but in early morning it still has some transparency. The MM generates realistic pictures as if it directly converted the scene to grayscale. This expression sounds a bit nerdy (or otaku) because it only makes sense to those who know it's different from the converted grayscale generated by other digital cameras. I guess this edge lines and clarity are realized by the pixel array that requires no demosaicing and no color filter, respectively. I'm just thrilled with the output.

The combination of the MM and the Hologon makes me feel that this world is filled with lights. It's because of the extreme falloff that makes this lady stand out. The MM generates a rich and smooth tonality from deepest shadow to brightest light, so I got addicted to this combination. This is just like a perfectly exposed brownie film. As I already noted in the past reports, just be careful when exposing. The best tonality is extracted from the skill. This is a camera you will enjoy because if you work well, it will instantly get you the best results.

The matte black chrome dressed with the cute candy-like front lens has a great appearance. See you at the next report as I plan to shoot with other lenses including third-party lenses, new and old.