Selling my Canon 7D and buy an M9?

[Larsnl]

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I'm wondering how it would be if i sold my Canon 7D with my lenses, and bought an M9.

At the moment I own a 50mm cron, and thinking of buying a 35mm of some sort.

 

My main use is:

• Portraits. Both in studio (strobes) and natural lights.

• Journalistic work, like conferences, concerts and events.

• Street photo. But here I want to use analog most of the time.

• Now and then, there is a sports event (football or lacrosse). But I have the opportunity to borrow equipment, like a 5D or something.

 

I have noticed that 90% of the time, I use a 30mm on my 7D (48mm equivalent).

 

I've been using DSLR for about 10 years, so it's a bit scary to give up the speed and convenience of it.

 

Is there anyone else here that have done this conversion from DSLR to rangefinder for professional use?

[jonogilmour]

Whilst I am no professional, I have used my DSLR (60D) to do photography at events, weddings, etc.

 

I bought my M-E a couple of years after getting the Canon, and having not used a manual focus lens, I was surprised at how fluid the transition to the Leica was. Of course, you lose all of the complex features of the DSLR, so setting things up is an infinitely more simple experience on the M9.

 

I still use my Canon, however primarily for flash work, and anything requiring a focus distance less than 0.7m, but at all other times I will opt for my M-E. I do a lot of street photography, and what others say about the efficacy of the M system for street are not wrong, it's a joy to use. I particularly enjoy the weight reduction from the Canon; your arms will feel better for it too.

 

I recently was able to get out and finally try my Canon screw mount 135mm on the street, and despite what some say about longer lenses on rangefinder cameras, I found it even easier to use than my 70-200 on the Canon. This is partly because the focus patch takes up most of the 135mm frame, so focusing is even easier than with a 50, so portraiture and reportage with a 90+mm lens is great with the Leica.

 

Of course you lose the ability to track moving subjects efficiently as in sport photography (though not impossible), but as you say, a borrowed 5D would be just fine now and then.

 

One thing I do worry about occasionally is using the hotshoe. Leicas tend to have a tighter fit than, say, Canons, so getting flash triggers and other bits in and out is a little hit and miss (for studio work) and can put undue pressure on the hotshoe.

 

Just my 2c

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[Jean-Michel]

Hi,

Keep your Canon equipment. It will be worth more to you than any money you might get from selling it. I work with both an M9 and A Canon 5d2 -- they are not interchangeable in what they are used for. If buying a Leica today, I would buy the new M, not an M9 (nothing wrong withthe M9, but the new one has quite a few advantages over the older model).

Jean-Michel

[sanyasi]

I don't work professionally. If I were in your shoes, I would not make the trade. Canon makes an excellent camera. I find Leica M series to be great travel cameras. They are also great for many other types of photography, but I think the Canon gives you greater flexibility. I shoot a lot of jazz musicians in performance and I have shared many photos with them. They and many others are always stunned by the images--mostly black and white photos. I find my Canon to be far better and more effective than my Leica for my style when it comes to live performance photography. I have never had anyone say, "that photo would be better if it had been shot with Leica lenses." Having said that I should note that Telewatte on this forum has made some excellent jazz musician photos with Leica equipment.

 

If I were you, I would stick with what I had, and consider trading up when Canon releases the successor to the 5D, Mark III, which will likely happen next year. I would suspect that will be a cheaper alternative and you will have more flexibility. Don't overlook the cost of Leica lenses.

[ktmrider2]

I have never used a digital SLR for any length of time (film SLR's since 1970). I recently moved to a digital Leica from owning just about every model of film M cameras made.

 

Don't know how much you would save on weight but size wise, I suspect a lot. Going from zooms to fixed primes can require you to change the way you work. If you can live with a max ISO of 1600 or so, I say go for it. You can always sell the Leica and go back to Canon.

 

Prices on used M9's are way down and you should be able to get one for $3500-4000 with a warranty. And lenses don't have to be outlandish as most M users have a couple favorite focal lengths. And both Zeiss and Voightlander make great usable lenses. The 35f1.2 Nokton is the fastest ever made in that focal length and a great lens for $1200 new. I own various M mount lenses from all three manufacturers and have a hard time telling the difference in the finished photo.

 

Go for it. There is nothing like a Leica. If you find you don't like rangefinders, you can always go back.

[BrianUK]

Larsni,

 

Have you considered hiring a Leica?

[louispreynolds]

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[250swb]

Keep the Canon. As has been said the Canon and a Leica are not interchangeable, they are a completely different discipline. So only buy a Leica when you can afford it without selling the Canon kit to fund it. You could start with a toe in the water with an M8, a CV lens, but even that could equate to another Canon body in price, and still not be truly representative of a Leica full frame camera.

 

Its a bad idea jumping ship without testing the temperature of the water first.

 

Steve

[FlashGordonPhotography]

I have done exactly this. I went from 20 years of Canon to Leica. If you can afford it then I would add the M9 and keep the Canon. There's no rule you have to choose only one. Also, if you can, a rental is a good idea. This isn't always easy outside the US but maybe someone in Oslo or Bergen offers the service.

 

The immediate downsides are that you'll lose a stop of noise and DR at higher ISO's. You'll lose macro (1:1 with precision framing), zoooms and anything longer than 135mm. The TTL flash circutry is from the stone age on the M9. You'll need to account for the more basic centre weighted metering of the M9. Battery life is a third of the 7D .The M9 is fussy with SD cards , has no weathersealing and let's face it, is expensive to buy and maintain.

 

On the upside the lower ISO image quality is astounding. You've got hundreds of great used lenses to choose from. The rangefinder is a brilliant thing for street and your conference work. The M9 can be faster in use than any DSLR if you get a hold of the zone system. It's smaller (but not much lighter - body wise), especially the lenses .The M9 is tactile and a pleasure to hold and use. You don't need t carry the manual. Manual focus works in places where AF just wont (yesterday I had to take shots through a wire mesh. M to the rescue).

 

So yes, you can definately do it. But it's up to you whether loosing AF is a problem or a feature. Same for high ISO or continuous shooting.

 

Of course the type 240 deals with almost all the M9's shortcomings if you have the funds.

 

Gordon

[tobey bilek]

While Leica has some unique advantages that appeal to many, it is not a universal system. As long as work is done in digital, little difference will be seen in the pictures. Film yes if you are a darkroom expert and do your own work. A consumer lab will not show it.

 

The M is a nice size compared to full frame dslr. 7D, I do not know.

 

Buying used requires experience. Either you need experience or a trusted dealer, not one with just a good return policy. You will want one who will not sell you something slightly bad which will not be recognized as such until after the return period. Stay off the auction site.

 

Modern lenses perform better on digital than old. The short optical register of the M is not ideally suited to digital.

 

Do not sell the dslr until you have had some experience with Leica.

 

Definitely buy an M9 or newer. The 8 can be made to work well if you learn the work arounds.

 

Read the M8 forum , uv/ir filters and coded lenses before going there.

[jaapv]

While Leica has some unique advantages that appeal to many, it is not a universal system. As long as work is done in digital, little difference will be seen in the pictures. Film yes if you are a darkroom expert and do your own work. A consumer lab will not show it.

The same goes for post processing

The M is a nice size compared to full frame dslr. 7D, I do not know.

 

Buying used requires experience. Either you need experience or a trusted dealer, not one with just a good return policy. You will want one who will not sell you something slightly bad which will not be recognized as such until after the return period. Stay off the auction site.

 

Modern lenses perform better on digital than old. The short optical register of the M is not ideally suited to digital.

This runs contrary to my experience.Digital cameras squeeze the best out of older lenses.

Do not sell the dslr until you have had some experience with Leica.

 

Definitely buy an M9 or newer. The 8 can be made to work well if you learn the work arounds.

 

Read the M8 forum , uv/ir filters and coded lenses before going there.

[tobey bilek]

The same goes for post processingThis runs contrary to my experience.Digital cameras squeeze the best out of older lenses.

 

True, but the modern ones are better than the old in the end if absolute resolution is your goal , you want a minimum amount of focus shift, and you want better wide open performance.

 

The older glass can be quite nice and I used mine for a while, but must admit to coming around.

[bocaburger]

Not a pro, but if I was I would not sell off the Canon gear until I had the Leica in hand, mastered the learning curve of using the rangefinder and viewfinder (framing), and was certain it was a good fit for my work.

[Larsnl]

You got a lot of good pros and cons here guys. The weather sealing on the 7D is a good point. I've heard problems with moist and water damage on the M9. And low ISO performance. I don't think the 7D handles 1600+ very well either...

 

I own an M6 with 50mm summicron f/2. And I like the zen feeling I get when I use it. But that may be different with a digital M. I'm also quite used to manual focusing and manual exposure, as I've been soothing analog for a while (for street photo).

 

Maybe I should try thinking (when I use the 7D): "How would it be if I used a Leica in this situation".

 

A used M9 body in Norway. costs about $2500 - $3500, so it's cheaper than a new 5D.

[jaapv]

THE nummer of cases of reported water damage on the M9 is close to zero. There are a few reports, less than five, about the M8. I don't think that is a real consideration with anything approaching normal use.

[NZDavid]

...My main use is:

• Portraits. Both in studio (strobes) and natural lights.

• Journalistic work, like conferences, concerts and events.

• Street photo. But here I want to use analog most of the time.

• Now and then, there is a sports event (football or lacrosse). But I have the opportunity to borrow equipment, like a 5D or something...

 

As they say, horses for courses. I am wondering if an M (240) might be a better choice than the M9 purely for better high ISO performance. Think maximum shutter speed, aperture, and ISO in dim light.

 

Portraits: 50 or 90, 'cron or 'lux. Perfect.

 

Journalistic work, like conferences, concerts and events: Fast 35, 50, and 90. Lightweight, quiet and unobtrusive.

 

Street photo. 35 or 50, speed not quite such an issue, prefocus, or get right in there and don't upset people with a compact rangefinder!

 

Sports event: Still possible, worth trying, but hiring the heavy gun is an option, as you say.

[bocaburger]

Regarding water sealing on the 7D, it's only truly sealed if you're using lenses with o-rings on the rear flanges.

[FlashGordonPhotography]

Regarding water sealing on the 7D, it's only truly sealed if you're using lenses with o-rings on the rear flanges.

 

And with some care the M9 will be fine in some adverse weather. I've shot weddings, commercial and personal work with the M9, including a few stints in Norwegian weather. :-)

 

Gordon

[NJH]

Two opposite ends of the spectrum these cameras, I was thinking of buying a secondhand 7D at some point as I live near an RSPB reserve, lots of birds stop here on their migration south and north again, also occasionally spectate at air shows or big motorsport events. 7D and a rangefinder sound like two very complementary solutions to me.

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[colonel]

I'm wondering how it would be if i sold my Canon 7D with my lenses, and bought an M9.

At the moment I own a 50mm cron, and thinking of buying a 35mm of some sort.

 

My main use is:

• Portraits. Both in studio (strobes) and natural lights.

• Journalistic work, like conferences, concerts and events.

• Street photo. But here I want to use analog most of the time.

• Now and then, there is a sports event (football or lacrosse). But I have the opportunity to borrow equipment, like a 5D or something.

 

I have noticed that 90% of the time, I use a 30mm on my 7D (48mm equivalent).

 

I've been using DSLR for about 10 years, so it's a bit scary to give up the speed and convenience of it.

 

Is there anyone else here that have done this conversion from DSLR to rangefinder for professional use?

 

Id be wary about jumping into a M9 for professional use

I would keep your 7D and see how it goes. A 2nd hand M9 will only loose a small amount of value over the next few years.

 

I would say it's very fast to use, as there are very few systems to kick in. The IQ is in a different league to the 7D IMHO.

 

In terms of portraits the M9 is great. Lenses like the 50mm Summilux, 75mm and 90mm summarits are amazing. Also voigtlander and zeiss make some nice lenses including the zeiss 50mm f1.5 zm and the 85mm f4 zm and the voigtlander 75mm f1.8.

 

I don't really know about journalist work. It's more subtle then a DSLR but you need to get used to MF (a month or so).

 

For street photography it's great. Again you need to work at understanding aperture and speed and also the focus but it's much more rewarding then a DSLR.

 

For action unless you are happy with pre-focus the M9 might not be the camera to use.

 

In terms ISO I would say they are comparable. On the M9 the technique is different. I prefer to push a stop or two on ISO 640 but on the other hand I am happy up to 2500 especially in black and white but you need to process carefully in Lightroom and also I tend to try and underexpose on the M9 more.

 

Rgds