I'm beginning to sound like a broken record...but,

[Ben Herrmann]

It seems like a decade or more has elapsed since the original M came out, and with that release came the many of cries of, "oh what could have been," or "why did Canon leave so much out?" Remember those cries? I certainly do because I was one of the many who harbored those views.

Well, here we are - years later, with a myriad of cameras having been released, tested, and eventually forgotten about. That seems par for the course because whenever a new model (from whatever brand) is released, somehow there is this tacit understanding that somehow the older model cameras will no longer function properly or suffice.

Well, over the past six months, I began delving back into my camera bags and have rediscovered the wonderful (yet ancient) M and M2 cameras. When I began shooting with them again, I remembered the superbly rich colors they were capable of rendering - colors, that seemingly eluded many of the newer models.

As an aside, at one time, I have either owned or shot with over 200 digital cameras since 2002, when I first joined DPReview. And I've tried the good, the so-so, and the bad. For those of you who have been on the forums for as long (or close to as long) as I have been, you will remember me.

Over the past month I've been reaching for both the M and M2 cameras more often than not - mostly for situations like scenic, family, and special event photos. In virtually each case, folks who viewed the resultant images would ask me what camera I captured these with, because they'd love to get one. Of course, then I'd have to tell them the complete story about these two ancient cameras. Yet all were very happy with the results, and in particular, the colors - that seemed to be a common denominator.

So I'm here to "try" and remind everyone that although they aren't the fastest cameras on the market (by no means), their imagery (in my opinion) are second to none if you know what you're doing, and how to use them. Sometimes - like wine - it takes awhile for something to age before you can appreciate it (and noooo, I'm not implying "like Limburger cheese" here).

Do I miss a continuation of the M line of cameras? Hell yes, and "what could have been" had Canon continued the line is anyone's guess. But I'm going to give a shout-out about these initial M offerings and also that there are a massive amount of both M and M2 models surprisingly available on eBay - albeit I must admit that they are much more expensive now. Just sayin'... The M2, by the way, keeps the traditional Canon colors of the M, but adds a few additional features and a little bit of speed. I prefer the dark blue with brown accents quite a bit (which is the one I have). In fact, I'll be looking for another M2.

Two Links below:

EOS M cameras on eBay

EOS M2 cameras on eBay

 

[KEG]

I have a personal goal of simply using the gear I own or sell it, my Ms serve a purpose and have excellent RAW quality, all of them.

 

[HaroldC3]

I found they were simple cameras that just got the job done. Many bemoan the fact they don’t have EVFs but so what. I definitely have fond memories, so much so I just got a good deal on an original M with 22mm for about what I paid brand new some 10+ years ago. So here we go again!

 

[Pierre Lagarde]

On the other hand, I did the same as you with M6 Mark II recently and loved the results too, while having other systems.

So yes, put that record again

 

[KEG]

On the other hand, I did the same as you with M6 Mark II recently and loved the results too, while having other systems.

So yes, put that record again

M6 mk II is pretty much my favourite camera

 

[vanwhitecap]

It's such a great pleasure to again hear from Ben. I'm another of those who keeps using and enjoying the M cameras. Being a Canon fan, I did jump into the digital world by buying an M. It was surely slow even back then, but what it produced made you forget the flaws. I did later get an M50 and finally an M6 Mark II, which is probably going to be my last camera. All three of them have given me photos that are part of my life. Like many others, I wish Canon would have kept going with the M system. But sadly, business decisions come first.

Keep your comments nd insights coming Ben.

 

[Ben Herrmann]

Been absent from the forums for what seems like several years now, save perhaps, for the occasional posting. That's because my other hobby (OCD) involves being an audiophile.

But I've caught the photography bug again. I've got the M6 also, but also just ordered a mint M6 Mk II off of eBay because it was one that I missed when it was first making the circuit. Looking forward to getting that one, and I figure that 32 MP's will be all that I need for quite some time. Hope the color tonality is better than the M3, which really departed from the traditional Canon colors. But hey, some folks loved the M3, and who was I to disagree.

Y'know, those of us who enjoy both photography and excellent sounding hi-fi gear (thus the term audiophile), have very similar goals - and that is realism. For photographers, that translates into our pursuing images that draw a viewer into the scene, marveling at the clarity, the colors, the depth, and thus being able to enjoy the scene vicariously. Audiophiles pursue realism in sound, the clarity, the imaging, the tonal accuracy, the depth and so much more. So for me, they complement each other, but both can put you in the poor house real quick.

 

[KEG]

Been absent from the forums for what seems like several years now, save perhaps, for the occasional posting. That's because my other hobby (OCD) involves being an audiophile.

But I've caught the photography bug again. I've got the M6 also, but also just ordered a mint M6 Mk II off of eBay because it was one that I missed when it was first making the circuit. Looking forward to getting that one, and I figure that 32 MP's will be all that I need for quite some time. Hope the color tonality is better than the M3, which really departed from the traditional Canon colors. But hey, some folks loved the M3, and who was I to disagree.

M6 ii is also the only compact camera with the 32 MP sensor.

colorwise M3 is not as unique as everyone claims it is.

the 26 MP 6D mark II/RP sensor has the same rendering.

I also feel like G7 X II being a 2016 model has a similar rendering.

M6 i, ii and R are really close, they have the same colder rendering.

Y'know, those of us who enjoy both photography and excellent sounding hi-fi gear (thus the term audiophile), have very similar goals - and that is realism. For photographers, that translates into our pursuing images that draw a viewer into the scene, marveling at the clarity, the colors, the depth, and thus being able to enjoy the scene vicariously. Audiophiles pursue realism in sound, the clarity, the imaging, the tonal accuracy, the depth and so much more. So for me, they complement each other, but both can put you in the poor house real quick.

 

[J A C S]

I had the original M for a few years as a lighter alternative to my Canon FF cameras. It was by far the worst in terms of colors. I sold it eventually.