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Struggling to fall in love with the M9


TacTZilla

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It's early days yet and I haven't had much chance to use the M9 due to many issues. I've taken a few hundred shots.

 

I moved from a Nikon D3 and I have to say, at this moment in time, I'm regretting it. I will give it more time, but, as of today, the only redeeming features I can find with this camera are its size, weight and simplicity. I don't want to start listing the negatives as, after such an investment of the body a 3 new lenses, I really, really want to like it.

 

Am I missing something?

 

Please help me to love it.

 

Cheers

Bob

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Be patient. The M9's virtues are a bit ephemeral if it is your first RF. Once you master focusing, things will quickly become wonderful. Coming from a DSLR to the M9 is like landing in a foreign country without a map or knowing the language. If you take the time to absorb its uniqueness and qualities, you'll be richly rewarded.

Rich

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SLR is in fact a lot easier to shoot with than a rangefinder.

The two can not be compared.

I happen to like both, but I can very well imagine that a rangefinder never grows on you.

My SLR, I mainly use for macro and close up shots, that are hard to do with a rangefinder,

while the rangefinder is ideal for outdoors, people, nature & architecture.

I sold my Epson RD-1 to get the M9, but I still fear for the things I hear and read constantly

so I keep on postponing my decision.

But that's not the topic here.

GEO

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Great for my tennis elbow yes, but so is a Nikon D60 which I used to take plenty of very decent images with (£400 with lens).

 

I know it's a big step change and that's why I know I need to give it more time.

 

unfortunately I'm unable to go out in public with my camera at the moment (very long story) so I can only shoot around the house.

 

Can anyone point me to some jaw dropping images taken with the M9?

 

Cheers

Bob

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If you still don't love it, then perhaps you won't (or aren't ready ;)). I went the same route and fell in love head over heels after the first few snaps. I had never seen anything like it from my D3. But there is no question the D3 is better at certain things. If you need those, why not stick with it. It is still a flagship product, and an impressive one at that.

 

There is plenty of jaw-dropping stuff around e.g. in the LFI Gallery. But there is also jaw-dropping Nikon stuff. At the end of the day it's down to your own abilities with the camera.

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Like so many other things it's a matter of preference. There may be a learning curve, but some people seem to love rangefinders and others don't.

 

I bought my first M6ttl (actually two of them) back in 2000 and felt instantly at home with them. Personally I've never been great at focusing SLRs and the RF system suits my style very well. But others I know, some really great photographers, just don't like rangefinder focusing and viewing. Others come around but it takes time and practice.

 

I hate to say it, but this is why people often suggest buying an inexpensive film RF and used lens before jumping in with a kit that costs tens of thousands of dollars.

 

Lots of great work has been done with Leicas, but that's somewhat irrelevant. Just go out and shoot, give it a chance. Just curious--you mentioned the redeeming factors but what is it that you don't like?

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What can I tell? I also jumped to M9. I also had hesitation moments - if not to return it.

And..? The more photos I took, including outside - the more I am happy with selection!!!

 

There are times, when I know AF gun machine would be better here. But I was aware of it before I changed system. And I have workaround for that too.

 

And from the other side - there are moments, when RF is more precise than AF.

Give yourself some time, make some photos, also outside.

 

If after some time you would still regret - you can always exchange your gears.

 

PS: Bob, you gave link to street photography in your footer. So I belive, you are familiar with street techniques from past, aren't you? ;-)

 

Have a nice watching:

Street Photography: Documenting the Human Condition - Part One of Three on Vimeo

Street Photography: Documenting the Human Condition - Part Two of Three on Vimeo

Street Photography: Documenting the Human Condition - Part Three of Three on Vimeo

Edited by Jerry_R
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Am I missing something?

 

Yes, your Nikon D3.

 

;)

 

More seriously, do you take both cameras with you ?

 

In my own experience, the only way to learn or relearn to use an M camera is to leave your DSLR or SLR at home until you are comfortable with it.

 

To have both in your bag is the best way to never master an M.

 

Lucien

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Bob,

 

I've seen your portfolio - you DEFINITELY know what you are doing photography-wise, some great pics in there.

 

It's difficult to help you because you don't really mention what the "many issues" are. Please tell us a bit more about what's bugging you.

 

While we wait, I can tell you that some initial buyer remorse and "What the hell have I done?" seems to be a common reaction to first-time Leica RF users. The $ are big. The differences in features and usage are significant. And the more accomplished, comfortable and experienced you are with DSLRs, the tougher it is to switch.

 

There are two possibilities: the "Leica Way" will grow on you - in which case you'll be a "changed man" or you decide that Leica is not for you. The latter will be an expensive lesson but, at least, you'll never wonder what you were missing.

 

Having said that, I hope that you'll fall in the Leica camp - your street photography is a good omen.

 

Alberto

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My first 35mm camera was a Petri Racer (sometime in the mid 60s). Not much by today’s standards, but when we are young and do not have much money, it is great. I then moved to a Pentax Spotmatic and upward from there. That is, until I returned to rangefinders in 1998 (M6TTL).

 

Today I own two DSLRs, but I hardly use them. My M6 gets used most because it reminds me of what photography used to be before auto focus, various scene modes, auto flash, auto ISO, auto everything. The Leica puts the person back into photography, which to me is what photography is about.

 

If I do not use the M6, it is usually a Panasonic LX3 that goes with me. I just hope my M9 arrives soon. It has only been on order 31 days, so I guess I have awhile to go.

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Remember, when you view your images on the camera's screen, you will find them very blah due to the large resolution of the image and the poor quality of the screen. When you view them on a good computer screen or even more so in a well made print, you will see what people here find exciting about the M9.

 

Michael

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It's early days yet and I haven't had much chance to use the M9 due to many issues. I've taken a few hundred shots.

 

I moved from a Nikon D3 and I have to say, at this moment in time, I'm regretting it. I will give it more time, but, as of today, the only redeeming features I can find with this camera are its size, weight and simplicity. I don't want to start listing the negatives as, after such an investment of the body a 3 new lenses, I really, really want to like it.

 

Am I missing something?

 

Please help me to love it.

 

Cheers

Bob

 

Why do I think you may be comparing a DSLR with a Digital RF? They are meant for different purposes and have different strengths and weaknesses. :)

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I sold my Canon DSLR kit to buy an M8.2 with lenses. As soon as I started to shoot with the Leica I fell in love with rangefinder photography. It suits me and how I feel about photography.

I would say that if you don't get it now then you probably wont. So, assuming that your workflow includes a properly calibrated monitor, if you can't see the difference in IQ then sell the M9 for a good price and chalk it up to not being a fan of rangefinder photography.

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