New to-be-owner question?

[tmldds]

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I have been using an M8.2 and just ordered an M9. Is there anything I should watch out for? I use CS4 to process everything. I am using a pre-asph titanium lux and a 90 cron. I am considering either a 50 cron or lux. I am a little concerned with the supposed back-focus problem with the lux. I would appreciate any advice I can get. I am still keeping my 8.2 for now since it has been so dependable, great for B&W, just not very good at high ISO shots. Thank you, Tri.

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[likalar]

Tri,

 

After seeing many of the fine shots you've posted, I think you are a perfect candidate for the faster lenses. Yes, it seems there's often a bit of sorting out after mating the faster lenses to a new M9 body, but not always. A few searches will help. Best of luck; you'll love it!

 

Larry

[tmldds]

Thank you Larry for the encouraging words. I will have to quote you when I inform my wife of my purchase earlier today!

[Bill W]

Tri,

Nice shots. I was looking through them and thinking that I had seen some of these places on the Texas and then realized you are in Port Neches. Keep up the good work and get the lux 50.

[tmldds]

Thanks Bill. BTW, I love your "Various Things Series". Tri.

[vdb]

Congrats Tri. You won't regret it.

The 50 1.4 is one of the finest lenses of all time. My favorite and most used on my M9.

But it is expensive and I hear a bit hard to come by...

The 50 cron is perhaps the most underpriced Leica lens around....wonderful lens and I wouldn't hesitate to buy one while you wait for a lux....you can always re-sell and not lose a penny.

I've had my m9 since early October...not a single issue. Keep my M8 in storage as a back up....but haven't needed it.

Will look forward to some images from you.

Any idea when it it will arrive?

[jkphoto]

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The 50 1.4 is one of the finest lenses of all time. My favorite and most used on my M9. But it is expensive and I hear a bit hard to come by...

 

When referring to 50 Lux in this manner, is the reference to the pre-ASPH or the ASPH or does the comment apply to both?

[vdb]

When referring to 50 Lux in this manner, is the reference to the pre-ASPH or the ASPH or does the comment apply to both?

 

I am referring to the asph version. Have never tried the pre-asph but have seen fine work from it as well. No doubt a much softer lens.

[jonoslack]

I am using a pre-asph titanium lux and a 90 cron. I am considering either a 50 cron or lux. I am a little concerned with the supposed back-focus problem with the lux.

 

Hi Tri

and welcome!

Not sure which pre-asph titanium lux you speak of (is it the 50 or the 35?).

 

If you're considering a 50 lux, then with the Asph lenses there is no focus shift issue (that was with the 35 'lux) because of the floating element. If there is any back-focus then you can get it calibrated (mine certainly doesn't have any).

 

But maybe you will just be muddying the water . . . I've reduced my leica lenses from 11:eek: to 7, but I still sit there wondering which to put in the bag / on the camera. Sometimes I think it would be easier and better with less.

[tmldds]

Hello everyone,

 

Thank you very much for your insightful comments. My lux is a 35 pre-asph and I love it! My 90 cron... work in progress... My next lens is definitely going to be a 50 lux. I have not decided whether to get the asph for the ultimate sharpness, or the pre-asph for the lower price and a softer rendering (this is from what I have read, not from personal experience at all). I have to evaluate what I ultimately like to get out of my subjects before purchasing the lens. I will use my 35 with the M9 at the beginning to get over the learning curve. I cannot wait for my new baby to arrive by the end of the week!!!

[Jeff S]

Your profile indicates it's the 35 Summilux in titanium. Lens preferences are personal depending on your shooting style, subject matter, etc. So, I hesitate to give advice.

 

In terms of number of lenses, however, I've followed the advice I got from my first Leica dealer more than 2 decades ago...own no more than 4 lenses, and get to know them well.

 

In that period, using film M's and now an M8.2, this philosophy has served well in practice. I've generally owned a 28, 35, 50 and 75 (or 90, not both). The crop factor on the M8.2 has not caused me to adjust this in any way. I do use the 28 more than 35 now, but that has as much to do with my preference for the rendering of the 28 Summicron asph over the 35 Summicron asph, rather than the crop.

 

I own the 50 Summilux asph and it's my favorite current lens, along with the 28. I've had no issues with it, but that wouldn't worry me knowing that Leica can adjust as needed.

 

BTW, my personal adaptation of my original dealer's rule is to not carry more than 2 lenses on an outing (I'm not a pro, so I have that luxury). So, it's one body and one or two lenses. With the M8.2, that's usually the 28/50 combo, or the 35.

 

If I owned an M9 in addition, I wonder if I would just keep the M8.2 as a back-up, or if I would carry both bodies with a lens as my norm. I'd have to try it, and my guess is that whatever ended up working for me, might not work for you. So, my best suggestion is go slowly, use and get to know what you currently have...and only then decide what you're missing, and why, based on your style. In the meantime, your feet will eliminate the need for lens changes.

 

Jeff

[msk2193]

Tri,

 

You will be waiting a whilte for the 50 Lux. I have had mine prepaid (to honor the '09 pricing) and on order for some time now!

I had to send the M9 with the 24, 35, and 90mm to Leica in NJ, and had all of ti back within a week. Everything works well now. I am a little worried that I might have to send the 5o and M9 back once i receive the lens, but they assure me that everyting ought to work as is.

You will love the M9 with any lens!

[Jeff S]

You will be waiting a whilte for the 50 Lux.

 

As of last week....http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/customer-forum/121774-50-summilux-asph-available-silver.html

 

Jeff

[tmldds]

Thank you Jeff and Michael for the wise advices... I cannot wait for the first click with the lens on, and then onto the adventure full of discoveries...

[pgmr1]

Greetings Tri. I am sniffing at the M9 and various lenses. My gear has been Nikon for decades so I am not in a position to advise. This is to compliment your Smugmug photos, and to ask a couple questions. 1. How did you light Rachel on the interior side, away from the window? Very smooth even light with no apparent shadows, nice. 2. Can you please provide the password for nude galleries. This is why I rejected Smugmug and built my own, their need to protect the public from seeing a nipple. Thanks, and thanks for sharing.

 

On the Leica side of things, my first camera was Konica rangefinder with fixed manual 50mm 1.8 lens, no meter. It was razor sharp. The M9 and lenses are a way to return to the style of my youth (and then some!)

[adan]

"Is there anything I should watch out for?"

 

1. The M9 LCD depicts pictures rather differently than the M8/8.2 LCD - darker and with much more contrast. The first shots you make, you'll wonder "what in the H*LL has Leica done to the meter and dynamic range" - until you look at them on your computer.

 

2. Get some form of the ColorChecker and create your own profile for the camera - the one "embedded" by Leica is scary, and the one provided by Adobe in Camera Raw still needs tweaking.

 

3. The M9 sensor still seems just a hair sensitive (IMHO) to highlight blowout compared to the M8 sensor. The newest (1.116) firmware seems to have adjusted the match between the meter and sensor to a better fit, but it is easier to blow out skies or faces until you get a feeling for the difference between the 8 and 9.

 

4. The framelines have changed - not just the deletion of the 24 and the addition of the 135 lines, but also the 75 and 90 lines will be different in accuracy from those in the M8.2, at least.

 

5. And, of course, you lose the 1.33x crop factor, which will glorify your 35 'lux, but may come as a shock when using your 90.

 

At least - those were the mental gear changes I had to make in moving from the 8 to the 9. Not too hard, but it took some time.