Jump to content

used M9


skuromis

Recommended Posts

Yes, go ahead ... esp. if you own the odd LEICA-lens already. The M9 is still a VERY good camera,

without too many bells and whistles.

 

The screen is outdated, o. k., but this is not exactly the media to present your photographs to the public.

 

And: Welcome to the forum!

 

 

Best

GEORG

Edited by k_g_wolf
  • Like 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

It depends what sort of photography interests you, and what your budget is. Also how you feel about the camera body. (some of us prefer the M9/M9-P's appearance).

 

In terms of the photography, the M9 is more limited - you can't use adapted lenses, you can't use an evf for easy macro or telephoto etc, and the low light performance isn't wonderful.

If you want a good range of wide or standard lenses for street photography, landscape or portrait, there's absolutely no reason not to get one. Limitations sometimes help you focus.

 

It also has a different look to the M 240, in terms of output, thanks to the CCD sensor. Some people prefer it.

 

In terms of technology - the M9 is never going to stop being a Full Frame camera that creates stunning images.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi

 

I think there are quite a few M9's on sale at the moment but be careful with the condition and especially the sensor. I bought one recently from a dealer with around 10,000 actuations and cosmetically in good condition. After taking some photos I noticed a lot of dust marks and then checked the sensor which was very dirty. I took it to Leica in Mayfair for a sensor clean and they said the sensor was damaged by previous attempts to clean it. They said that they could send it to Solms where there was a good chance the sensor would be replaced for free. I decided to take it back to the dealer who without question offered to replace it which I did for another M9 with 150 actuations and 20 months left on the warranty/passport. This second body is perfect.

 

So two things come out of this, check everything and especially the sensor and you will end up with a great body. Secondly the great customer service from the Leica chain. To think that they would probably change a sensor out of warranty and damaged by poor cleaning for free is extraordinary, to me at least.

 

As to the technology I really like the M9 and it gives me the right balance of usability and output quality. The P has some nice cosmetic changes but I wouldn't hold out for one over the regular 9. I have an M on order (6-9 months away?) but am not 100% certain I will exchange yet.

 

Mark

 

Mark Jackson Photography

  • Like 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Thanks! Actually it will be the first Leica I own and I don't have any lenses (yet).

So my idea was to start with used equipment and thanks to the new M there are loads of M9 on the market. And prices are quite ok, roughly about 4,600 CHF (so just under 5k USD). The M-E is about 6.1k USD around here.

Lenses are certainly another 2k or 3k USD, at least those last a bit longer than (digital)bodies usually do.

My preferred pictures are portraits, sceneries, ..., also during sunsets a the time after (most interesting light). So far, ISO 800 to 1600 were quite the max I used on my DSLR (mostly 400 or less). Don't know what's the performance of the M9 here.

Concerning lenses, I somewhat love tele lenses from 80ish to 150ish mm. This is probably not the easiest with a Leica. On the SLR I mostly use the 50mm though, which works quite well with Leica M's (tested). So if I buy an M9, the damage is quite limited in case I miss my tele lenses too much and don't get along with e.g. the 90mm M lenses.

 

Again thanks for your thought, it helps me!

Marc.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Anything longer than 90mm on an M9 is almost impossible, at least if you want precise focus AND framing. But there isn't much you cannot do with that focal length range. Your portraits will only become more interesting when you include some background rather than using some long headshot lens, and your landscapes will be more dynamic if you are forced to search for good foreground elements rather than producing any flat long lens shots. You will love it, just embrace the restrictions and stick with it. ISO 1000 is the maximum I use personally, but not having a mirror helps with slow exposures.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Guest WPalank

In terms of the photography, the M9 is more limited - you can't use adapted lenses, you can't use an evf for easy macro or telephoto etc, and the low light performance isn't wonderful.

If you want a good range of wide or standard lenses for street photography, landscape or portrait, there's absolutely no reason not to get one. Limitations sometimes help you focus.

 

 

In terms of technology - the M9 is never going to stop being a Full Frame camera that creates stunning images.

 

I believe the OP's query is whether there is much of a difference between the M9 and M9P. Not whether there is a difference between the M9/M9P and M 240. That being said the subject line may have been changed since you posted.

 

To the OP, the M9 is a fine camera and besides dome cosmetic differences, the P has Gorilla Glass, which if you got a stellar deal on the M9, I believe you can always send it in for upgrade. My feeling on the M9 is that I will never send it in for upgrade unless I get a scratch. So far, so good.

Link to post
Share on other sites

I believe the OP's query is whether there is much of a difference between the M9 and M9P. Not whether there is a difference between the M9/M9P and M 240. That being said the subject line may have been changed since you posted.

 

To the OP, the M9 is a fine camera and besides dome cosmetic differences, the P has Gorilla Glass, which if you got a stellar deal on the M9, I believe you can always send it in for upgrade. My feeling on the M9 is that I will never send it in for upgrade unless I get a scratch. So far, so good.

 

M9-P is Saphire Glass.

Gorilla Glass starts with the M 240.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Guest WPalank

Thank you. A glass of some sort that isn't supposed to scratch. My point:

1) OP wants difference between M9 and M9P

2) Why upgrade to Saphire Glass until your regular glass (whatever that is called) scratches? You can't count more pixels through one or the other.

  • Like 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

I have 3 135mm lenses I use regularly on my M9, a late Hektor screw mount + adapter, an M-mount Elmar, and Tele-Elmar. I have no trouble focusing them dead-on. The Tele-Elmar however I had to take apart and mill down where the lens head seats against the focus mount, as it needed to rest closer to the focal plane. The other 2 lenses were fine as-is (luck no doubt). Framing is what it is...but an eyepiece magnifier or an accessory bright-line finder can help (I use neither...lazy).

 

To the OP, the only issue I can see with buying a used M9 now is the sensor crack issue, but so far Leica has been replacing them free out of warranty, and they seem to still have a supply of them.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...