A second body to accompany my m9.

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Hi everyone,

I'm currently considering to buy a second camera to accompany my m9 for travel purposes. This camera will serve as a small handy but reliable complement. Also this camera will most likely be handed to strangers from time to time to ask them to take a picture of me and my fiance. So i wont need complicated ones.

My current options are the epl-1, gf1, x1, dlux4, s90.

Mostly the camera will only be using one lens if its switchable.

Any thoughts are welcome.. Or even other recommendations.

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[AlanJW]

I had same question and ended up with an X1 which I have had for about 10 days. So far I am very pleased with image quality. I did get a viewfinder As the LCD is hard to see in daylight. The 35mm effective focal length is perfect for a non interchangeable lens camera. It is expensive. that's a big negative. Low light high iso is very good. No scientific tests or comparisons to my M9. Much better iq than canon G 10. The bigger sensor is a big plus. But you must decide for yourself.

[ashwinrao1]

Ditto above. I couldn't afford another M9, and am not a big fan of having the 1.3x/UV-IR cuts to deal with for having an M8. Tried out a GF-1, and we didn't get along. Ended up with the X1 for a M9 companion and a GRDIII for everyday pocket camera. Seems like a useful camera.

 

Another, maybe better option, would be a film Leica M body...I have an MP that takes a ride alongside my M9 on occasion, loaded with tri-x or HP-5....

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It's not easy getting good film scans where I live, and mostly the price of the Leica film bodies here are also unforgiving.

 

Hence my options would be small pocketable (somewhat) and not too expensive.

 

Even IF I can afford another M9 (Which I don't), I'd still not buy one. Since as I mentioned above, this camera will be frequently passed over to strangers, and me asking them "Hi, do you mind taking a picture of me and my fiance please?"

 

Thanks!

 

So far the S90, X1, and the Ricoh GDRIII gets the most attention.

[Jerry_R]

GF1 - get 20mm f/1.7 - very very sharp and fast standard prime.

(you can also attach M lenses easily and have fun)

(or E-PL1, ideally with above prime)

 

If not GF1 - than smaller camera, like Lumix LX3 or TZ10.

If you like video, you can consider also taking into account Sony HX5.

[Viv]

Canon S90.

[Ed_K]

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I would vote for the D-lux4, less expensive than the X1, just in case the stranger did drop it by accident when taking your holiday photo

[ezc203]

I have an X1 that backs up my M8 perfectly. I would definitely recommend and suggest the X1. However, I think the GF1 / EPL-1 are also very good alternatives. Between the two, I prefer the GF1 over the EPL-1.

[swamiji]

My vote is for the D-Lux 4. Small, inexpensive, Not bad IQ, does Videos of sort.

[rljones]

2nd the Canon S90.

 

Another is the Ricoh GXR with A12 50mm lens. This lens/sensor has really nice tone curve while adding macro capability to M9 with larger sensor than S90.

[k-hawinkler]

I am wondering whether one doesn't need a second M9 in order to minimize the time one is without one due to repairs/adjustments of various kind?

 

K-H.

[ericperlberg]

I would say you have a series of priorities to establish. The way I'd personally approach this is to decide

 

How important is size and weight vs. image quality.

If image quality trumps size and weight (you're not looking at large cameras in any case)

 

how important is ultimate image quality at all ISOs and esp high ISOs with a fixed lens vs. the flexibility of sharp and good image quality up to about ISO 800 with a range of lenses.

 

If the highest image quality trumps flexibility get the X1 if you can afford it. It doesn't have video so you'll have to live with that too.

 

If you can't afford an X1 or feel that flexible and v. good image quality with multiple lenses and video wins then decide if you'd rather have in-body image stabilisation and a very good electronic view finder and can live with mediocre auto focus in which case go with the E-P1 or the cheaper EP L1

 

OR would you rather have fast autofocus but IS in some lenses only and a mediocre finder (get a GF1).

 

If you want the fast autofocus AND a v. good electronic finder then get a Panasonic G1 (no video) or Panasonic GH1 (a G1 with video) or get a Panasonic G2 (updated G1 with video) when they come out in a few weeks.

 

If you'd rather have a more compact camera with a fixed zoom lens at the expense of some image quality esp. at higher ISOs then get a d-lux 4 or a lumix LX3. Since this is a Leica forum and the d-lux 4 is a nicer looking camera, get a D-lux 4.

 

Some people like the Ricohs. I have an almost new GX100 that you can buy for cheap. The Ricohs have great ergonomics and are solid IMO but personally I never like the image quality though I suppose for snaps on hols they're absolutely fine. If you can overlook the IQ they're nice cameras. If you might take IMPORTANT images with this camera then you will sacrifice significant IQ IMO.

 

I bought the X1. The file quality strikes me as unusually high for a compact camera rivalling a mid range DSLR like the Nikon D300 with a high quality lens. It's small and unobtrusive and well built with the usual Leica quirks. But it may be more camera than you want for holiday snaps. But then, ... you did bother to buy an M9.

 

Good luck

Eric

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I'm waiting for the X1 to arrive in my local dealer, so I can try to hold and get a feel on it.

[Jerry_R]

If not GF1 - than smaller camera, like Lumix LX3 or TZ10.

Leica rumors indicate, that Leica selected TZ10 to sell under its brand.

It should be announced in 2-3 weeks...