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M240 + 35/1.4 Summilux vs Sony RX1R (Green Machine)
The Leica M Typ 240 with the 35mm f/1.4 Summilux -M ASPH is a lovely pairing, but it’s fair to ask whether one can achieve similar, equal or possibly superior image quality at about 1/4 the cost using the 24-megapixel Sony RX1R (reviewed in depth in Guide to Mirrorless).
The two cameras both utilize full-frame CMOS sensors of nearly identical resolution, and neither utilizes an anti-aliasing filter so that they are directly comparable. Both arrived on the market in 2013.
Leica M Typ 240: 5976 X 3992 = 23.86 megapixels
(36.0 X 24.0 m, sensor nominal using Leica 35mm f.1.4 Summilux-M ASPH)
Sony Cybershot DSC-RX1R: 6000 X 4000 = 24.0 megapixels
(35.8 X 23.9 mm sensor nominal using built-in Zeiss 35mm f/2 Sonnar)
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Diglloyd Guide to Leica is by yearly subscription. Subscribe now for about 25 cents a day ($90/year).
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Diglloyd Guide to LEICA contains in-depth coverage of Leica M system cameras and lenses, with additional coverage of Leica M Monochrom, Leica Q.
Special emphasis is placed on Leica M lenses and certain Zeiss ZM lenses.
- Make better images by learning how to get the best results right away.
- Save money by choosing the right lens for your needs the first time, particularly the Summilux/Summicron/Elmarit choice and/or Zeiss ZM.
- Make better images, a sort of “cheat sheet” saving yourself months or years of ad-hoc learning. Processing parameters are discussed and shown.
- Jaw-dropping image quality found nowhere else utilizing Retina-grade images up to full camera resolution, plus large crops [past 2 years or so].
- Real world examples with insights found nowhere else. Make sharper images just by understanding lens behavior you won’t read about elsewhere.
- Aperture series from wide open through stopped down, showing the full range of lens performance and bokeh.
- Optical quality analysis of field curvature, focus shift, sharpness, flare, distortion, and performance in the field.
Want a preview? Click on any page below to see an excerpt as well as extensive blog coverage, for example on Leica.
(Leica M240 shown with 50/1.4 Summilux, comparison uses 35/1.4 Summilux)
