From Canon 5DII to Leica M9

[zaronita]

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Hello to everybody.

 

I am an amateur not much experienced and this is my first thread (it seems that is not the first post !)

 

I just entered on the LEICA world, coming from a good (IMO) cámera: Canon 5DII.

I had LEICA R lenses: 21, 35 and 90. with their adapters.

So, I was obliged to manual focus, etc. etc.

 

I know that this is a "risk", but I am looking for "the flavour" of the photo.

 

I would appreciate all your suggestions and almost "what is going to happen to me" using this wonderfull camera.

 

Thanks

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[bocaburger]

I would appreciate all your suggestions and almost "what is going to happen to me" using this wonderfull camera.

 

Thanks

 

The first thing is, if you've never used a Leica rangefinder camera before, there's quite a difference between it and a reflex in terms of comparing what you see in the finder to what you will get in the picture. For one thing, as you increase focal length, you'll be composing through a smaller viewing area. Learning to pay attention to details in a small frame like the 90 or 135 is something not needed with a reflex. Also, everything always looks sharp in the Leica finder at any aperture. You will need to mentally remember what depth-of-field you get with each focal length at each aperture, and depending on where in the picture you focus. And just as the argument was made against autofocus some years ago, the rangefinder can lure you into placing the subject dead-center unless you consciously train yourself to avoid it. Also, at distances greater than 1m you will need to remember how much more than the frameline area will be captured in the file. The Leica also does not have evaluative/matrix metering so to get the best exposure you need to become familiar with what the meter "sees".

 

It all sounds more complicated than it really is, but using a rangefinder Leica to greatest effect does entail a bit of active effort on the part of the user. If you try to use it as if it were a modern reflex you might find yourself less than elated with the results.

[jaapv]

I guess I misunderstood your post. I thought you were going to use R lenses on it. It is possible, but not very practical What lenses are you going to use on the M9 ?

[zaronita]

The first thing is, if you've never used a Leica rangefinder camera before, there's quite a difference between it and a reflex in terms of comparing what you see in the finder to what you will get in the picture. For one thing, as you increase focal length, you'll be composing through a smaller viewing area. Learning to pay attention to details in a small frame like the 90 or 135 is something not needed with a reflex. Also, everything always looks sharp in the Leica finder at any aperture. You will need to mentally remember what depth-of-field you get with each focal length at each aperture, and depending on where in the picture you focus. And just as the argument was made against autofocus some years ago, the rangefinder can lure you into placing the subject dead-center unless you consciously train yourself to avoid it. Also, at distances greater than 1m you will need to remember how much more than the frameline area will be captured in the file. The Leica also does not have evaluative/matrix metering so to get the best exposure you need to become familiar with what the meter "sees".

 

It all sounds more complicated than it really is, but using a rangefinder Leica to greatest effect does entail a bit of active effort on the part of the user. If you try to use it as if it were a modern reflex you might find yourself less than elated with the results.

 

I know that it is quite different, and that is what I want to find: make an effort for every picture and to be me who makes the picture, "not the camera".

"One picture every 10 minuts... not 10 pictures every minute!.

Thanks.

[zaronita]

I guess I misunderstood your post. I thought you were going to use R lenses on it. It is possible, but not very practical What lenses are you going to use on the M9 ?

 

No, I know, but I prefere M lens. I just received 21 f2.8.

 

and waiting for

 

summilux 35 1.4,

"tele-elmar" 90 2.8 (not the best but very light)

Elmar 135 f4

 

I have been always travelling with my canon: 21mm, 35mm and 90mm, and using almost the time my 35mm.

 

My question is: Need I a 50 summilux ???

[jaapv]

The 50 Summilux asph is arguably the best lens there is, period. But in your case you have your work cut out getting used to the rather large stable of lenses you have coming. Maybe later.

[Guido]

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I know that it is quite different, and that is what I want to find: make an effort for every picture and to be me who makes the picture, "not the camera".

"One picture every 10 minuts... not 10 pictures every minute!.

For this, you don't need a different camera, especially not another digital camera. If you're not able to make an effort for your pictures with your 5DII now, an M9 is not going to help you in any way. The Canon is not making your pictures; it's you.

[zaronita]

For this, you don't need a different camera, especially not another digital camera. If you're not able to make an effort for your pictures with your 5DII now, an M9 is not going to help you in any way. The Canon is not making your pictures; it's you.

 

Perhaps my english is not enough to explain.

 

I want to make an effort to take a picture. This is what I enjoy. This is why I am here .

 

I was in the same way with my Canon: using manual focus lens and M option.

 

With this M9, I enjoy to take a picture and I want to spend the necessary time.

 

"The Canon is not making your pictures", Yes, please, I know it, but well, put authomatic mode... and the camara makes a lot of work for you.

 

Thanks

[Manolo Laguillo]

'Rangefinder vs Reflex' is not the only big difference between the M9 and the 5DII.

 

Size and weight is for me of paramount importance: it means the difference between making photos (because I have my camera always with me) and not making photos (because the camera is at home...).

 

If we add the unbelievable quality coming out from the M9 + Leica lenses (IMO, the quality the small and tiny M9 delivers is equal to analog medium format...), we have a terrific combo:

 

Small & Light (= extreme portability) + Highest Quality = being able to work nearly everywhere, with the best results.

 

.

.

.

 

I had a 5DII + 24TS + 45TS, and sold everything to help finance a M8.2 + several lenses. And in may came the M9... Never happier !

[zaronita]

'Rangefinder vs Reflex' is not the only big difference between the M9 and the 5DII.

 

Size and weight is for me of paramount importance: it means the difference between making photos (because I have my camera always with me) and not making photos (because the camera is at home...).

 

If we add the unbelievable quality coming out from the M9 + Leica lenses (IMO, the quality the small and tiny M9 delivers is equal to analog medium format...), we have a terrific combo:

 

Small & Light (= extreme portability) + Highest Quality = being able to work nearly everywhere, with the best results.

 

.

.

.

 

I had a 5DII + 24TS + 45TS, and sold everything to help finance a M8.2 + several lenses. And in may came the M9... Never happier !

 

Yes!

 

I agree totally with you.

 

I was concerned, on my trips, because of the weight and the size.

 

I tested (on the canon) the LEICA lens... and I decided to come to the M9.

 

There are other good cameras... but lens.

 

The only con... The price !!!

[aymoon]

Size and weight is for me of paramount importance: it means the difference between making photos (because I have my camera always with me) and not making photos (because the camera is at home...).

 

This is a major reason for me moving back to the M format. I only got my D3 for the sensor (which I love by the way), but I was never interested in using any of the automatic functions. Every time I used it, I wished I could have a camera with a sensor that good, in a nice discreet package, plus simple manual controls for shutter speed, aperture, iso and focus. That's all I need. I almost always left my camera at home as there was no way I was lugging it around when doing other things. I only took it out when I was going out just to take photos. Hence, the M9 will be a godsend! That baby's staying with me

[h_A_Z]

I for one will not (at least for now) get rid of my 5dmk2. Why? Because it is such a good camera! Yes it is big and bulky but it is still produces very good quality pictures. But I love my M6 more Both of them has a place and time to be used IMHO

[farnz]

Zaronita, bienvenido!

 

I, too, use Leica R lenses on my 5DII for the same reason as you and M lenses on my M8. You already understand that there will be a difference between your dSLR and rangefinder cameras so you're half-way there (many people don't understand and waste their money).

 

I think you'll really enjoy an M9 with the lenses you're getting but the price of an M9 is a lot to risk to find out that it doesn't appeal to you. May I suggest that before you buy your M9 you find a cheap rangefinder film camera (a Voigtlander Bessa will take your M lenses but will be a little more expensive) and try it for a few weeks? This way you will already know if you like using rangefinder cameras before you buy your M9.

 

Pete.

[zaronita]

This is a major reason for me moving back to the M format. I only got my D3 for the sensor (which I love by the way), but I was never interested in using any of the automatic functions. Every time I used it, I wished I could have a camera with a sensor that good, in a nice discreet package, plus simple manual controls for shutter speed, aperture, iso and focus. That's all I need. I almost always left my camera at home as there was no way I was lugging it around when doing other things. I only took it out when I was going out just to take photos. Hence, the M9 will be a godsend! That baby's staying with me

 

Right: that's all: shutter speed, aperture, iso and focus ! And take the toy everywhere with!.

 

Last Friday, dinning, and taking just two pictures trying the camera on the whole night...

 

http://picasaweb.google.es/didakros/08CenaPlaya?authkey=Gv1sRgCLOD9rCrtYfYrAE&feat=directlink

 

Because the TOY was with me !

 

thanks aymoon

[zaronita]

I for one will not (at least for now) get rid of my 5dmk2. Why? Because it is such a good camera! Yes it is big and bulky but it is still produces very good quality pictures. But I love my M6 more Both of them has a place and time to be used IMHO

 

I hope never sell my 5DII. It's another thing.

But i am begining to love my Leica.

Thanks h_A_Z

[zaronita]

Zaronita, bienvenido!

 

I, too, use Leica R lenses on my 5DII for the same reason as you and M lenses on my M8. You already understand that there will be a difference between your dSLR and rangefinder cameras so you're half-way there (many people don't understand and waste their money).

 

I think you'll really enjoy an M9 with the lenses you're getting but the price of an M9 is a lot to risk to find out that it doesn't appeal to you. May I suggest that before you buy your M9 you find a cheap rangefinder film camera (a Voigtlander Bessa will take your M lenses but will be a little more expensive) and try it for a few weeks? This way you will already know if you like using rangefinder cameras before you buy your M9.

 

Pete.

 

Too late Pete

I am enjoying my M9 3 weeks ago... Really enjoying!

for me LEICA is "El sabor de la fotografia" (the flavour of the photography ?)

thanks

[farnz]

Too late Pete

I am enjoying my M9 3 weeks ago... Really enjoying!

for me LEICA is "El sabor de la fotografia" (the flavour of the photography ?)

thanks

Zaronita,

 

Glad to hear you're enjoying your M9! Is your 5DMkII staring jealously at your M9 and slowly gathering dust?

 

Pete.

[zaronita]

Zaronita,

 

Glad to hear you're enjoying your M9! Is your 5DMkII staring jealously at your M9 and slowly gathering dust?

 

Pete.

 

It seems a joke... because the dust is in my M9 sensor:rolleyes:

 

But don't panic!

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Hallo,

Look here: Interesting Leica gear

[aymoon]

Right: that's all: shutter speed, aperture, iso and focus ! And take the toy everywhere with!.

 

Last Friday, dinning, and taking just two pictures trying the camera on the whole night...

 

Because the TOY was with me !

 

thanks aymoon

 

Good stuff!

 

Honestly, my dream camera would have nothing more than the features stated above, plus a quality high-res screen, the best chip on the planet (high latitude, tonal range and resolution etc.), and quality glass. No menus, no mirror pls!. That's all you need to take the best picture in the world imho. Leica's are meant to denote simplicity, right? Then why not give us just that??

 

Back to the OP, which I think was beautifully stated and quite understandable, I still like the feeling of not being able to see what I've just shot, so I only click the shutter when I know I've got what I want, which is something I actually have to think about, rather than trying my luck and modifying my approach again and again, which is what digital encourages. I still get butterflies when I'm picking up freshly developed film

[aymoon]

Back to the OP, which I think was beautifully stated and quite understandable, I still like the feeling of not being able to see what I've just shot, so I only click the shutter when I know I've got what I want, which is something I actually have to think about, rather than trying my luck and modifying my approach again and again, which is what digital encourages. I still get butterflies when I'm picking up freshly developed film

 

ooops... wrong thread!

 

I'm new here, ok???