S2 or M9!

[Tranber]

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Hello everyone,

 

My problem is this. After several years of traveling in SE Asia during which I was using a Leica M8, I decided to ask me to Paris.

I realize a lot of portraits, and I think working in the studio again, but also outside.

So I hesitate to invest either on an M9, which allows me to use M lenses, an S2 to meet the demands of a demanding clientele.

I have the opportunity to buy a S2-hand from a colleague.

What would be your advice? M9 or S2?

Thank you for your opinion!

[Constable]

Both!

 

Sorry!

 

Ed

[Tranber]

Both!

 

Sorry!

 

Ed

 

Unfortunaly, I can't. Not enough money in my pocket!

[Constable]

That's why I apologised.

 

I guess it depends how much you have invested in M series lenses. But on balance I would go for the S2

 

Ed

[Tranber]

That's why I apologised.

 

I guess it depends how much you have invested in M series lenses. But on balance I would go for the S2

 

Ed

 

I have three lens, 90 ASPH APO f2; Tri-Elmar, and 28mm/2

 

If I choose M9, I have to buy a 35/1,4 or 50/1,4

 

Difficult to weigh up the pros and cons!!!

[JMacD]

I believe kidigital sold his M9 and collection of wonderful lenses at the peak of the market price to finance his S2 system. Smart timing while M lenses are in short supply. This might suggest that you do the same and go directly to the S2. But two questions remain.

1. Finding lenses for the S is very difficult too.

2. There is the issue of medium format versus 35mm. A good review out today can be read here.

Thoughts on Medium Format Cameras

 

The writer is a landscape photographer and very high on medium format and the S2

 

I have both the M9 and the S2. I may do a kidigital and sell the M9 system once I get a S 120mm lens. I initially laughed when David Farkas said he uses his S2 for travel over the M9. Now I use the S2 80% of the time, and I have just one lens.

[Tranber]

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Thank very much all!

 

I will take time until new year to think about.

 

My dealer tell me already He can buy all my Msystem if I buy a S2!

 

Both S2 & M9 are very good system. Now I have to meditate!

[c6gowin]

Keep in mind there is price increase for S lenses at the first of the year. In fact, some dealers have already increased their prices.

[Tranber]

Keep in mind there is price increase for S lenses at the first of the year. In fact, some dealers have already increased their prices.

 

Thank's. In Euro zone I don't think so! but I'm gonna check to my dealer tomorrow!

[donloh]

i choice M9

[albertknappmd]

I have both but if I had to do it again, I would opt in an instant for the S2 as it is a one of a kind thrilling camera.

Albert :)

[albireo_double]

For portraits outside, I'd keep the Cron 90 Apo and the M9; in my view it is better than the 50 Lux at producing essentially the same "look" for portraits. I had the 50 Lux Asph and sold it recently; keeping just the Cron 90 Apo and the Cron 35 Asph for my M9. For studio work, I'd rent/buy a second hand MFDB system (e.g. Hy6/Sinar eMotion 54/75LV or one of the older Leaf backs - I still haven't seen more character, especially for portraits, than what the Zeiss & Schneider lenses for the Hy6/AFi can do - e.g. the Planar 110 F2 or the Apo-Xenar 180 F2.8). No need to spend a ton of cash on the S2 and wait for the unobtanium lenses, in my view.

[mwilliamsphotography]

If you haven't worked with MF Digital, be sure to read up on the limitations compared to a 35mm DSLR.

 

If you haven't worked with MF Digital, also be prepared to have your eye-balls blown out of their sockets : -)

 

If a M digital to 35mm DSLR is an apples to oranges comparison, a M digital to S2 is an apples to watermelons comparison.

 

The notion of keeping your M9 and renting a Medium Format solution is sound advice ... advice I personally ignored because I like to work spontaneously when the mood strikes me, or a paying opportunity arises, and I like to be fully in practice with a camera system. But most of all because I like to work with the most resolution I can, to provide creative options when working in post.

 

However, I didn't face the issue of losing my M9 kit to get the S2 ... so I don't know what I would have done if I had to do that.

 

-Marc

[Jeff S]

The OP's last post was 6 months ago. Hope he's enjoying whatever he's using.

 

Jeff

[wda]

I have three lens, 90 ASPH APO f2; Tri-Elmar, and 28mm/2

 

If I choose M9, I have to buy a 35/1,4 or 50/1,4

 

Difficult to weigh up the pros and cons!!!

But that would still give you great performance and money to spare. I think your decision depends on who your professional clients are and what are their expectations in terms of quality and end product.

[gjames9142]

I tried an S2 for a week, and came to the conclusion that I didn't need it. I live off the sale of prints, so quality is important to me. The S2 file is enormously impressive, the ergonomics are quite good, but I actually don't like the too-perfect look of MF -- the work of that guy in Luminous Landscapes would be typical of what I don't want prints to look like. The other problem with the S2 is that there is a tiny choice of lenses, and no one seems to have them in stock or know when they will become available. Hardly a way to entice professionals. They seem to be largely in the hands of rich amateurs.

[Ivan Muller]

I have a med format digital, not a leica, but if I have to do it all over again I probably would go 35mm only. Med format is a totally different kettle of fish. Big, heavy, slow, much less depth of field and as far as I am concerned you have to print very large to really see the difference. Of course with the S2 you have AF, precise framing etc etc so I suppose the differences are more complicated and the S2 might actually be easier and faster to use than the M ( but I don't have a M, so couldn't say from experience)

 

My criteria would be how much quality do you need and how much return would I get on my investment - would you be charging more if you used the S2? If not I would stick with the more economical investment with higher returns....after all its just a tool.