from Nikon to M9: a giant leap?

[damianofedeli]

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Hi everybody,

I have an “insane” idea: switching from my actual Nikon equipment - I use it for my journalistic works - to an M9 (I already use an M6 with film).

I know: the ideal thing would be not selling my Nikon gear, simply adding an M9 to my cameras. But the price is high and I should sell...

You can see the kind of my photography here (damianofedeli.it). I’m not a paparazzo, looking for politicians, VIP, nor I shoot sports with long tele lenses. I shoot reportages, indoor portraits (I often use flash)...

So, would it be a good choice? Leica equipment is so cool and so light (I cannot stand any longer my heavy backpack)...

My Nikon gear: D300, D2H bodies; zoom 12-24/4; 28-70/2.8; 70-200/2.8 VR; a pair of sb800 flashes; a classic 50/1.4.

My actual Leica lenses: 21/2.8 (pre-asph); Summicron: 35/2; 50/2; 135/4.5 Hektor.

ciao and thank you!

Damiano

[k-hawinkler]

Welcome to the forum.

In any case, keep the flashes for use on the M9.

 

K-H.

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[Epsom37]

I still have my NIKON D3 and a large assortment of lenses, but since I have a LEICA (first an M8.2 and now an M9) I very rarely use the D3.... and my pictures are as good or better!

As far as my back is concerned it is definitely better.

Obviously the DSLR still dominates for macrophoto and wildlife.

The lack of autofocus with the M9 is not really a problem after some training. Manual focusing is much easier than with the DSLR.

[dpitt]

Maybe keep the D300 with the 70-200?It will complement your Leica M set nicely with some telephoto capabilities.

[Erik Gunst Lund]

Nikon DSLR and Leica DRF are two completely different camera systems...

I can only say that I have kept my D3 and some of Nikons best primes instead of their large 2.8 zooms and added a M8 with three good lenses...

[Peter H]

Maybe keep the D300 with the 70-200?It will complement your Leica M set nicely with some telephoto capabilities.

 

That's exactly what I've done, and I couldn't be happier. And the physical benefits are not to be underestimated.

 

I also believe my photography has improved considerably as a result, but then I'm biased!

[PBatemanJ]

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Hi;

I saw your website and I think perfectly fine using M9 and even better except for a few very closed shot. Having one DSLR with zoom would be good. I am using 95% M8 with 50mm and M9 with 35mm, but in few occasions, I need to use 5D2 and 2.8 zoom.

It might be good idea to have different systems as backup, too. You can get DSLR later if you need. They are cheap compared with Leica system.

SATOKI

Edited May 14, 2011 by PBatemanJ

[damianofedeli]

Thank you everybody for your answers. I'll take my time to take a decision and I'll let you know what I've decided....

[delander †]

Are your existing Leica lenses 6-bit coded? Although the code can be input manually in the camera it is not so convenient. Something to bear in mind. Having looked at you website I also think that the M9 would be ideally suited to a large proportion of your work.

 

Jeff

[damianofedeli]

no, unfortunately my lenses are not coded...

 

thank you for your attention

Damiano

[jaapv]

I would hang on to the 70-200 and get a (used) prosumer Nikon body for it if I were you. Or keep the D300.

[ezc203]

My only concern with sticking to a camera like the M9 solely would be high ISO performance. I'd keep the Nikons around just for high-ISO performance alone.

[scottygraham]

Damiano,

 

I did the exact thing you are thinking of doing, and do not regret my decision one bit. At first, I missed my zoom lenses and getting in close. Now, I just don't "see" those shots anymore and have adjusted my style of shooting accordingly. I can't tell you what a pleasure it is to travel with the M9. I carry the M9 with the 35mm attached, and have a 50mm and the 18mm Super Elmar in small pouches on my belt, and that's it...what a difference from walking around with my huge camera bag, two Nikon bodies and an assortment of lenses. The M9 is a big change, and it will be frustrating at first, and you might have regrets, but in the long run, I am sure you will be happy.....especially when you open those gorgeous files on your computer.

 

If you are interested, I wrote an article for Steve Huff's site about making the switch from Nikon to Leica. I actually disagree with some of the things I said back then (mainly what I said about street shooting....I now disagree with myself). I want to write an update after using the M9 for over a year now....but, in summary, I am extremely happy with the M9, and am now officially a Leica Fan Boy.

 

Here is the link to what I wrote....I got a lot of shit for my HDR photos, but to each his own....

 

Making the move – Nikon DSLR to the Leica M9 by Scott Graham | STEVE HUFF PHOTOS

[damianofedeli]

Thank you Jaap, Eddie, for your answers.

Scotty: I'll read with attention your interesting review, waiting also for your updates...

ciao!

Damiano

[Guest Holy Moly]

Hi Damiano,

 

you have amazing photographs which could have been done with a digital Leica.

Using a D300 and some primes and zooms I would recommend the following strategy:

 

Stay in the Nikon system for flashwork (the best among DSLRs) with the longest zoom AND

quit the D300 and the other Nikons to get a D700 and keep the zoom plus Nikkor 50/1.4..

 

The 35/50 will be perfect for the M9 but keep in mind that the M9 hasn't the high Iso capability of the Nikon so you have to buy Summiluxes or use for this special sessions the Nikon. Having the best of both world isn't cheap but in the long run not expensive......

[jaapv]

I cannot see it as a hardship to have a couple of Summiluxes I would, if at all possible, recommend the 50 asph and 24 asph, however, there is not much to be said against an older 50 Summilux. and a 28 Elmarit version III or IV for your type of work.

[tdtaylor]

Many of us have made the move from Nikon or Canon to the M9, and my guess, from reading the forum, is most of us kept some DSLR equipment. I echo other thoughts of keeping the D300 and several simple lenses that complement the M9. They are very different after all.

 

Sounds like you have a good stable of Leica lenses for your style of shooting. If you plan on using the Leica for flash work (if you haven't already), plan on spend a fair amount of time experimenting. The world of flashes is very different between Leica and Nikon- one of the reasons I keep my D700, 24-70 and flashes.

 

I have retained quite a few Nikon lenses, but slowly find myself selling off redundant lenses, especially the large ones, like the Nikon 200 f2 VR ( and cut down on doctor's bills for the back). It also happens to be a great time to sell equipment.