Anyone sold an MP to fund an M9?

[andalus]

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I am buying an M9, which as everyone knows is expensive. My MP has served me well since early 2004 and is in fine condition, just very slight brassing. Yes, I have the funds for the M9 but I am wondering if anyone has bought the M9 and offset the cost a bit with an MP sale? And what the thinking was when the MP was sold. Would I be better served just storing the MP (I know I won't use it much if at all going forward). Is it not like untouched money in the bank, to be tapped if really necessary in future?

[NB23]

I am buying an M9, which as everyone knows is expensive. My MP has served me well since early 2004 and is in fine condition, just very slight brassing. Yes, I have the funds for the M9 but I am wondering if anyone has bought the M9 and offset the cost a bit with an MP sale? And what the thinking was when the MP was sold. Would I be better served just storing the MP (I know I won't use it much if at all going forward). Is it not like untouched money in the bank, to be tapped if really necessary in future?

 

I have to question your insecurity. I mean, are you joking?

This, and the people that ask other members to convince them to buy some particular cameras and lenses ala "please convince me I need a summicron"...

 

The market is full of MPs. You can buy, sell, and buy and resell MPs everyday for the next 3 years without problems.

[Nikkor AIS]

No you should sell your MP to me and promise to use it everyday. Seriously I don't understand how having a M9 means that you need to stop using your film camera. And To me having a second body is no brainer. Especially when your other body is a digital. If your new M9 needs to get serviced for some reason. Or your batterie dies or if you want to do some real photography(just kidding...sort of;)) you will be glad you kept your trusty Lecia MP that has served you faithfully. In all the time Iv been on the this forum I cant think of one person who has said"Im sure glad I got rid of my Leica MP". If you got the coin keep it, I doubt you will regret it. On the other hand I really want a black MP with a little brassing so the offer still stands if you want to give give your Leica MP a new home.

 

Gregory

[Steve Ash]

I would not sell the MP if it is financially possible. One of the big advantages of the M system is that you can enjoy both film and digital usage with the same great lenses.

 

Regards

Steve

[Xmas]

Hi

 

Before you put the M9 in a box or shelf remove the battery...

 

If the film situation was more difficult in 5 years time it would only be the collectors/strokers buying...

 

Sell the M9 buy a BP M4.

 

Noel

[Marty]

I don't buy the "keep it as backup" argument. If you are unfortunate enough to need a service then just buy a P&S on the spot to tide you over. Choose one with M-mount adapter if you have to. If you rely on M9 quality then only a 2nd M9 will do. You are perfectly right to expect that the MP will get no use, and to sell it for that reason. You offset the benefit of selling it now against the (un)likelihood of ever wanting it back. Nothing wrong with collecting either, but if you bought it for practical use then you will just feel guilty having it on the shelf collecting only dust. I am not saying the two are incompatible. The MP is for those who want it, period.

 

Disclaimer: I have an M9 and am preparing to get an MP because I do want it but one or the other goes out the door if it is not being used.

[SteveYork]

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I can understand his post. Having too much money tied up in "Leica stuff" can be anxiety producing. Here's what I would do: Keep the MP for now. Get the M9. Monitor the use of our equipment for the next year. At the end of the year, sell what you don't use.

 

With Leica it's hard to theorize what to do re: equipment, and we all do it because it cost so much. But you have to put it into practical, real world terms -- do you use it.

[SteveYork]

I would not sell the MP if it is financially possible. One of the big advantages of the M system is that you can enjoy both film and digital usage with the same great lenses.

 

Regards

Steve

 

Good point. Good name too. The modern optics of M mount lenses really make film Ms viable.

[mole73]

I am buying an M9, which as everyone knows is expensive. My MP has served me well since early 2004 and is in fine condition, just very slight brassing. Yes, I have the funds for the M9 but I am wondering if anyone has bought the M9 and offset the cost a bit with an MP sale? And what the thinking was when the MP was sold. Would I be better served just storing the MP (I know I won't use it much if at all going forward). Is it not like untouched money in the bank, to be tapped if really necessary in future?

 

Since December 2009 I own an M9 besides my MP.

 

For me it is the perfect companion:

one body full of modern times, the other body full of Mechanical Perfection.

 

To be true, most of the time the M9 is on my way, but sometimes when i want the pure feeling I am proud to have the MP...

 

Greetings

Robert

 

PS: Never sell an MP...

[rsh]

Though I use the M9 and R9/DMR 98% of the time, I am keeping the MP and 2 M5s for nostalgia sake. I always take and M5 or an MP as a backup.

[andalus]

thanks for the posts and perspectives to all. food for thought. meanwhile, excited that the M9 will be showing up in the next month or so.

it is worth noting that the true genius of Leica is in their lenses. whether you shoot digital or film, those lenses are what makes Leica images so special. bodies are just things to mount them on and are useful for that alone. bodies that are not or not likely to be used probably should be sold, aside from the sentimental value and pride or ownership of a fine tool.

[leicanut2]

I am like Steve, when I ordered my M9 I took a close look at my insurance bill and all the Leica stuff that was on there and almost had a heart attack. I never made alot of money so how I got all this I don't know. Then I did a search to see how many MP's where made. Answer, way more than the original MP so unless your a collector, sell it.

I am now down to the M9 and a 35 and 50 summilux, ALL the other stuff I sold. So I did not have to take any cash out of pocket to get it and have enough left to maybe but a new new third lens. I am just not sure if I want or need a third lens.

 

Cheers Jan

[mole73]

thanks for the posts and perspectives to all. food for thought. meanwhile, excited that the M9 will be showing up in the next month or so.

it is worth noting that the true genius of Leica is in their lenses. whether you shoot digital or film, those lenses are what makes Leica images so special. bodies are just things to mount them on and are useful for that alone. bodies that are not or not likely to be used probably should be sold, aside from the sentimental value and pride or ownership of a fine tool.

 

For the analogue bodies your point of view is correct. But for the digital M8, M8.2 and M9 it is wrong.

 

Since the introduction of digital photography the body has a deep influence in the results.

 

Robert

[Guest ccmsosse]

I would not sell the MP if it is financially possible. One of the big advantages of the M system is that you can enjoy both film and digital usage with the same great lenses.

 

Regards

Steve

My first Leica was the M9 and I am now getting a MP too - film and digital alongside one- another - I am excited.

[FiZZ]

I'm still hesitant over a digital M. The only reason I see a person needing to buy it is if said person is on an assignment and film is hard to find in that area. The price is ridiculously expensive for a consumer product like a digital camera, especially since it won't be worth much in, say, 10 years, until a film M.

 

That being said, I would personally never sell an MP. I would never sell a Leica, period. Then again, I also collect cameras.

[Julian Thompson]

My first Leica was the M9 and I am now getting a MP too - film and digital alongside one- another - I am excited.

 

The experience will be a happy one. This is my current setup and it works fabulously well - will be interested to hear what you think too.

[antistatic]

 

PS: Never sell an MP...

 

I'm thinking of getting this as a tattoo

[Xmas]

For the analogue bodies your point of view is correct. But for the digital M8, M8.2 and M9 it is wrong.

 

Since the introduction of digital photography the body has a deep influence in the results.

 

Robert

 

Hi

 

Confused I'm hoping my MP chokes on his expense sheet.

 

Don't see what difference a M8 or M9 makes other than, out dragging the Joneses, burning highlights, reliability, re-calibration of lenses, and needing an umbrella for rain. A Barnack will take as good photos as an M if you can keep your fingers of the speed selector.

 

Noel

[Chroma project]

Absolutely, sell it get loaded for a wonderful brand new M9! I assume you've got the Leica MP for the delightful film look, true! That's why you need/will get Nik's silver efex pro for ever better BW prints than the soon-ended era of small format film.

 

Good luck.

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Hallo,

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[symmetron]

I sold my MPs and lenses to fund an extensive Nikon setup. In hindsight, in my case, selling the MP bodies made sense; selling the lenses didn't. There were no digital M's on the horizon and Leica was on the ropes. Of course the lens issue doesn't apply to your case.

 

I still have R8s, Minilux, and a Leicaflex and although I don't use them much, I refuse to get screwed on selling them.

 

My advice to you would be to hold the MP for awhile if you can, and then sell it if you don't see yourself using it, especially if you don't need the $$$ to purchase the M9.