Trade my Mamiya 7II System for a Second M9?

[Washington]

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I know how tough this is believe me. I have had stuff on the shelf that wasn't

used for years..... and yes, up here at 7500' altitude with no moisture, dust

is "magnetic" on anything. Yet, I have taken it down and used it to advantage.

If I were you I would not sell your present equipment. My take is about myself

who has pulled similar stunts only to regret doing so. Just my thoughts: nothing more.

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[Rolo]

If all my lenses were out on the new body, than clearly there would be a calibration issue. But this is not the case. Any speculation/experience from the experts?

 

Jeff, I had the same issue when my first M9 was replaced after my lenses had been to Solms for calibration. I was invited to send them back again for calibration and I chose to send my MP as well. On both occasions the lenses were modified; was not told if the sensor was adjusted.. Paperwork stated that the MP was within calibration.

 

Don't have any knowledge how Leica would match a set of lenses to two bodies, but presume they would set to a mid point for both.

[jplomley]

Cheers Gary. Did the same thing with Leica NJ...all lenses, both M7's, the first M9 and the M8 went in for a complete calibration. It took two round trips but everything was finally adjusted perfectly. But it just baffles me that with all my lenses now perfectly adjusted for both M7's and the first M9 (sold the M8 to fund the second M9) that only three out of those five lenses are perfect on this second body. I'm off to northern Cuba in two weeks so there is no time to have anything tweaked. So the plan is to dedicate the 28/50 lenses to the pair of M7's and the 35/75 to the M9's paying careful attention to the fact that the 75mm only focuses properly on the first M9. The 21mm will be the wide angle floater.

 

As an aside, I sure hope Leica introduces an EVF in the M10 to negate all this nonsense of lens/body calibration. I've been using the EP2 lately with an adapter for my Leica glass, and with the EVF I've never missed the intended focus plane as a result of back or front focus, focus shift, or miscalibration. As soon as your focussing is done right off the sensor, all of these problems go away.

Edited January 25, 2011 by jplomley

[dottimar]

Hi Borowiec,

 

had a look at your work "The New Heartland": absolutely brilliant !

 

Used the M9 perhaps?

 

Thanks

 

Mario

[Rolo]

Jeff,

 

how did the mix of cameras turn out, what was the split and the driving forces for using any ??

 

Did you save the Mamiya for the big shots, B&W shots, etc ?

[jplomley]

Hi Gary,

 

On my last two trips, the Mamiya has been left at home. One trip to New Orleans saw both M7's in action only, while my recent trip to Cuba saw 80% M9 action, 20% M7 action. IMO, the M9 image quality is so good, it is difficult to justify the $2.00/frame expense of the Mamiya at the rate I would burn through film, not to mention the enormous file handling requirements when scanning the medium at 3200 ppi in 16-bit mode. So for street work and prints up to 16x20, I think the M9 wins hands down, especially in lieu of its discrete form factor and availability of fast lenses. In my experience, people just are not concerned with my presence when I shoot the little Leica.

 

Having said this, if I am able to return to Cuba next year for my Beautiful Decay project, being more architectural, I may consider the Mamiya and slow speed film (Across-100 and Provia-100F), simply because if I decide to have a gallery of the project in the future, I will be able to print exceptionally large from drum scans. However, I suppose I could just stitch M9 frames, but I'd rather shoot the entire scene in one capture. Have even considered taking the Arca Swiss 4x5 for this project, but am always concerned about undue attention, not to mention the fact once I am under the ground cloth, I'm a sitting duck. I always like to be very aware of my surroundings in countries such as Cuba.

 

Cheers,

[Guido]

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Thanks for this insightful discussion. Like the OP, I have been spoiled by the image quality and convenience factor of the M9 (which is with me 99% of the time) and therefore I've been pondering the sale of my Mamiya 7II rig for some time now. Merciless, I already got rid of all 35mm film gear which still carried some value, leaving me with only a Canon A-1 for occasional fun shooting.

 

But the M7II was (and is) a tough one to consider. For now, I've decided to keep it. Especially after reading this thread and thinking about the possible seller's remorse I'd have to endure. Not sure I could survive it. I recently took the M7II loaded with a roll of Ektar out for a ride, and I was just blown away by the dynamic range, the smooth color tones, the definition in the highlights, and the impressive detail. The resolution of the M9 comes close, but no cigar. And in almost all other aspects (except for its single-ISO speed), the M7II is the clear winner.

 

Still, I don't know how much longer I'll be able to justify putting up with the nuisance and required time for developing and scanning film. I find myself increasingly believing that that precious time could be invested better into fostering my creativity instead of hanging around at the kitchen sink - which will eventually bring up the question of selling the M7II again...