Struggling to fall in love with the M9

[chris_tribble]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Now, I'm home and looking at these pictures. There are a few oddities in a couple of the pictures.

A white door in one of the jpegs has a pink streak on it but not on any of the DNG's, is this moire ?

On the other hand I've printed off a rough 50% crop and it looks pretty good.

so, do I jump or not ? I really have the need to get myself taking pictures again,pictures for me.

I'm hoping that using an M9 will do this for me and that I can get competent enough for me to use it for my work. It's just such a lot of money !!!!!!!!!! I would appreciate your wise words.

 

Neil - helpful if you can post some of the problem images... difficult to comment otherwise. Do you know which lens / was there a filter on it / was it coded? etc...

 

re use, looking at your portfolio, I would imagine many of your clients would prefer / need the results you'll get from longer lenses + your DSLR. However - some of the images (and these I really liked - e.g. Charles Dance, Ian McKellen) show a direction you could myabe develop using a range finder. You should have a look at Thorsten's recent posting on using the M9 back stage at the Denmark Fashion Week... (http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-m9-forum/116515-new-page-overgaard-leica-m9-article.html#post1236576). His work matches my experience. For wider angle, "in there" work + spontaneous portraiture the M9 takes a lot of beating. Combine this with your Nikon and you've got a very powerful set of resources...

 

So long as you're OK with the technical quality of the images, you should be happy.

[jonoslack]

Now, to re engage myself with the craft of photography I'm almost certainly buying an M9.

(snip)

I'm hoping that using an M9 will do this for me and that I can get competent enough for me to use it for my work. It's just such a lot of money !!!!!!!!!! I would appreciate your wise words.

 

Neil Genower - Portfolio

 

Hi Neil

Just do it - I can't believe that you won't love it, of course, it won't do everything for you like the D3 (but then that's the whole point).

As far as the image quality vs the D3, I think it's a different world - I've just been doing a wedding book taken with the D3 a year or so ago - they were fine, but just didn't have the zing of the M9 without an AA filter.

Of course, there are also more idiosyncrasies with the M9 as well, but I don't think there will be anything you can't get around.

[Advertisement]

The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[londonuk]

Ok, thanks for all your helpful comments.

The decision process was driving me mad, so I went into town today (London) and bought an "ex collectors"

in otherwords unused Elmarit 28mm (£790) and an ex demo M8.2 with full upgrade and 1 year left on the passport for £2000.

 

Having read, particularly Sean Reid's review of the M8/M8.2 and Steve Huff's along with his pictures I felt that an extra 3000£ wasn't worth it for me at least. I've just knocked off a couple of jpegs and it's looking very nice !

It's mind boggling what info and counter info one gets on this internet. Also the shop where I bought the Elmarit suggested the M8 is a bit of a loser (apart from in B/W) said there is back focus on virtually all lenses at 50mm and more. an accusation the shop that sold me the M8 totally countered.

I'm looking forward to playing with my "real camera". BTW does anyone know where I can get the camera profiles for the M8 to drop into Lightroom ?

Thanks again. I'll post when I've done a few.

[gwelland]

It's mind boggling what info and counter info one gets on this internet. Also the shop where I bought the Elmarit suggested the M8 is a bit of a loser (apart from in B/W) said there is back focus on virtually all lenses at 50mm and more. an accusation the shop that sold me the M8 totally countered.

 

It sounds to me that one of your dealers isn't doing you any favours in spreading FUD.

 

The back focus accusation is ... well ... I'll stay polite and you can fill in the words. Let's just say that it's untrue. As regards the pedigree of the M8 vs M8.2 vs M9 - it's certainly true that the M8.2 built upon and improved upon the M8, but it's certainly no loser. Likewise the M9 has built upon and improved from the M8.2.

 

Enjoy the M8.2 & Elmarit. A nice place to begin your Leica digital experience.

[gravastar]

...................................... BTW does anyone know where I can get the camera profiles for the M8 to drop into Lightroom ?

Thanks again. I'll post when I've done a few.

I've found the X-Rite Color Checker Passport to be excellent for generating M9/8 profiles for different lighting conditions, including a dual one for mixed daylight/tungsten sources. If you already have a Macbeth Color Checker Target you can use that with the X-rite software instead of the smaller Passport target. The Passport target is a smaller more convenient version of the larger target.

 

You can download the software for free from here. More information here.

 

Unfortunately the license agreement prohibits sharing or dissemination of profiles, so you have to generate your own.

 

Bob.

Edited February 23, 2010 by gravastar

[londonuk]

Thanks for your input and advise.

I'll check out the checker !

[Pindy]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

How else would you find out if you like it?

 

I quite agree. I bought a D700 after buying a 5D mkII (and used Canons for years) and instantly knew it was the DSLR I was meant to use, ergonomically. That said, I have barely touched the D700 since buying my M6 TTL in October. Talk about "coming home". I can't begin to get enthusiastic about DSLR photography anymore, though I'm loathe to sell the D700 because I think I'll regret it.

Edited February 24, 2010 by Pindy

[tdtaylor]

I quite agree. I bought a D700 after buying a 5D mkII (and used Canons for years) and instantly knew it was the DSLR I was meant to use, ergonomically. That said, I have barely touched the D700 since buying my M6 TTL in October. Talk about "coming home". I can't begin to get enthusiastic about DSLR photography anymore, though I'm loathe to sell the D700 because I think I'll regret it.

 

Wow. I'm in this house also. I need my D700 for those things the M9 can't do well, but I have no NAS (Nikon Aquistion Syndrome) anymore. I actually contemplate selling Nikon equipment now... so what happened :D:D I actually argue with myself to keep my Nikon equipment!

[menos I M6]

I quite agree. I bought a D700 after buying a 5D mkII (and used Canons for years) and instantly knew it was the DSLR I was meant to use, ergonomically. That said, I have barely touched the D700 since buying my M6 TTL in October. Talk about "coming home". I can't begin to get enthusiastic about DSLR photography anymore, though I'm loathe to sell the D700 because I think I'll regret it.

 

Talk about bad timing ;-)

 

2 weeks before I came over my first RF camera, a chrome Leica M6 classic with 50 Lux ASPH, I bought a brand new Nikon 300 2.8 VR.

 

After I had my first weeks with the M6, I was completely hooked by full manual RF cameras and see and do photography quite differently.

I did not take one serious photograph yet with the 300 VR - just keep it along my D3 for the rare motor sport events, I can manage to visit.

 

I sold all the other DSLR stuff, laying around except a 50 1.4 AF-S and a 70-200 2.8 VR.

 

I only use the Leica cameras now and truly enjoy this hobby.

Don't sell the D700 - it does things, where no Leica can go.

[scottygraham]

I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed reading this thread...I guess I really liked it because I am in the position now where I am trying to decide whether or not to sell my Nikon gear for the M9...a very tough decision for sure....like you (Bob), I cannot afford both systems...I don't want to have buyers remorse after selling my D700 and all my lenses...

 

In any case, would sure love to hear an update....what was the outcome of the video that was posted of your unlawful arrest? Are you more "in love" with your M9 now, or do you still have buyer's remorse?? I noticed you don't have many new photos from the M9 on your website...

 

Also, since you are very much into taking photos of your dog, I thought you might enjoy this video I saw today on youtube....the video was taken with a high speed video camera.....I looked it up, and the cost for such a camera is about $118,000.....and we thought the M9 was expensive....good thing I am not into video....but check out this video, it is really good....

 

 

Cheers,

 

Scotty

[TacTZilla]

Hi Scotty.

 

Thanks for the video link - very amusing (shame about the product - I feed BARF)

 

I'm really liking the M9, but I still haven't had loads of opportunity to use it due to workload and family health issues. I don't regret buying it as I know I will get much pleasure and learn a lot by using a rangefinder. I would like a D3 as well, but I can live without one for now. For some reason my friends don't want to go out shooting with me any more ;^). Only kidding. Rather than shoot a bit each day I tend to go out for the day and shoot a lot in one session. I haven't had any days out for quite some time. Part of that was to do with the arrest and partly because I got out of the habit due to the length of time between selling the D3 and getting the M9 and subsequent events.

 

Update on the arrest - I was very surprised by the impact of the Guardian interview and video. It was going to be anonymous (hence the way it was shot) to protect my friend, but just as the story was going to print, we were convinced to put my name to it. I've had incredible support from all over the world and a few criticisms too (understandably). It's had nearly 15,000 hits on youtube alone. I also noticed this morning that someone has submitted a freedom of information request on the issue... Arrest of Photographer in Accrington - WhatDoTheyKnow

 

The matter is now in the very capable hands of my solicitor (who is a specialist in civil liberties) so, hopefully I may have another D3 to keep my M9 company at the expense of the local constabulary before too long.

 

It's probably not possible as yet, but if you can hire an M9 for the weekend, you should be able to work out if it's worth selling the Nikon gear for it.

 

Regards

Bob

[brill64]

Am I missing something?

 

yes.

Edited March 5, 2010 by brill64

[roydonian]

There are many people (mostly men) who spend copious annual sums on camera gear who have absolutely no eye or intellectual connection for photography. The snap their lives, their kids, their travels with the same dull-minded and uninspired energy, excited mainly by the hammer rather than what they're building. (And, yes, Leicaphiles are among the most often indicted groups in this description.)

 

That sounds like me – I’m not a very inspired photographer and am in no danger of ever winning a prize at the camera club.

 

It also sounds like my father, who spent decades slowly building up a screw-Leica outfit that he took great pride in but could barely afford, and used it to photograph his family and his travels.

 

“Dreadful, unskilled and uninspired imagery?” – well, perhaps in the judgement of some that’s all that he and I have ever produced. But thanks to his images and my own, I have a window into the past – both the past of my own family and also the past of places I have visited. For example, I can to longer walk in the garden of house of the Vestals in the Roman Forum, or see the bronze coins burned into the floor of one of great Forum buildings when it was put to the torch the day Rome fell. In an age of mass tourism, such places are now fenced off and out-of-bounds to visitors. But I and my Leica were there, and thanks to my slide collection, these sights are not lost to me.

 

I could have taken the same photos with a cheaper camera. But I chose to take them with a Leica because I enjoy the sensual pleasure of handling and using a finely-crafted instrument. Since I purchased my first Leica some 45 years ago, these cameras and their lenses have been my companions through life.

 

But looking back at the early advertising literature for the Leica, this shows the camera being used to take family and holiday pictures. So I guess that in my own way I am “keeping the faith” with the Leica’s creators.

[scottygraham]

Bob...thanks for the update. I look forward to more of your photos with the M9, and yes, I will look into trying out one of the M's before taking the plunge...good luck with your case as well.

Brill...just read this thread from the beginning, and you will be caught up...

Roydonian...nice response. Why not? Who says you have to be an accomplished photographer to use a Leica? If you can afford it, go for it !! Never too late to improve your skills, however...

[diogenis]

That sounds like me – I’m not a very inspired photographer and am in no danger of ever winning a prize at the camera club.

 

It also sounds like my father, who spent decades slowly building up a screw-Leica outfit that he took great pride in but could barely afford, and used it to photograph his family and his travels.

 

“Dreadful, unskilled and uninspired imagery?” – well, perhaps in the judgement of some that’s all that he and I have ever produced. But thanks to his images and my own, I have a window into the past – both the past of my own family and also the past of places I have visited. For example, I can to longer walk in the garden of house of the Vestals in the Roman Forum, or see the bronze coins burned into the floor of one of great Forum buildings when it was put to the torch the day Rome fell. In an age of mass tourism, such places are now fenced off and out-of-bounds to visitors. But I and my Leica were there, and thanks to my slide collection, these sights are not lost to me.

 

I could have taken the same photos with a cheaper camera. But I chose to take them with a Leica because I enjoy the sensual pleasure of handling and using a finely-crafted instrument. Since I purchased my first Leica some 45 years ago, these cameras and their lenses have been my companions through life.

 

But looking back at the early advertising literature for the Leica, this shows the camera being used to take family and holiday pictures. So I guess that in my own way I am “keeping the faith” with the Leica’s creators.

 

Yep, somehow Ken felt the need to remind the rest of us where exactly we stand, but he also didn't took the effort to at least what was said on this thread before sending most of us down the drain .....

[Ecaton]

Yep, somehow Ken felt the need to remind the rest of us where exactly we stand, but he also didn't took the effort to at least what was said on this thread before sending most of us down the drain .....

 

It's not about us, but about him, you know, the "look at me syndrom",..... went through that at the age between 15-17 or so.

Without us unskilled and untalented enthusiasts, Leica would not be in business. Who said only engineers should drive Ferrari's or award winning Chefs dine in the most exclusive places.

[diogenis]

Imagine his surprise, when someone tells him that Leica is exactly the camera for the "rest of us", or at least that's what they want when they make em

[ken_tanaka]

Gentlemen: My comments in post #109, above were not pointed at anyone in particular. "Roydonian" excerpted a few sentences to make a point, and that excerpt has begun growing its own un-designed, unintended legs.

 

Please read my complete comments before accusing me of not being in tune with this thread topic.

[Ecaton]

Imagine his surprise, when someone tells him that Leica is exactly the camera for the "rest of us", or at least that's what they want when they make em

 

Yes, and for the "many people" who "consistently create simply wonderful imagery" there is the disposable stuff, notably film cameras:).

[Advertisement]

Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[diogenis]

Fine Ken, but I was referring to your earlier statement which was about Bob, and all the rant about how the Ms are now obsolete(?) and complex(??!!) and all that....

Simple solution: Sell the M9 and move back to an slr camera.

 

Rangefinder photography is not for everyone's tastes. As noted earlier it does take more effort and takes quite a bit of practice to become accustomed to the camera. But even the most adept rf snapper will have to concede that the camera is significantly more limited than an slr. Frankly, that's why the 35mm rangefinder teetered on extinction and still does, Leica excepted.

 

Sixty years ago the rangefinder was the fastest and most compact way to grab good candid snaps. But today that's no longer true. There are a plethora of alternatives.