Switching from Canon to M9

[bsaber]

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I've been lurking for the last two days and finally decided to join to ask more experienced Leica users for some thoughts and opinions.

 

Some background first. I started off in photography with an AE-1 and 50mm f/1.4 and loved shooting with it even to this day because of the manual controls. My Canon lenses consist of the following: 17-40L, 24-70L, 70-200 f/2.8 non-IS, 35L, and 50L, you'll see that I have all L lenses, but for the past year the zooms have been mostly gathering a beautiful coat of dust. Even for my photo shoots with models have been shot with only primes. It's just the way I shoot, it feels... right. Perhaps it's due to the fact I started out with a prime and smaller well built camera.

 

Recently I acquired an X100 and now my 5D2 and 7D have started to get that beautiful coat of dust that the zooms have. I've played with rangefinders before and LOVE it. Granted the X100 isn't a rangefinder but it certainly has the "ethos" of one. Ok, maybe not but it reminded me of the rangefinder shooting style. I've spent a good few days thinking and reading about the M8 and M9 and it has planted a seed. If I sell all my Canon gear (minus the flashes, 5D2, and 17-40L), the M9 with voigtlander 35mm f/1.4 and voigtlander 50mm f/1 is within range AND leave me with some money left over for accessories.

 

Am I crazy to even think of this? Just wondering what everyone else thinks... I should also note that the 35L, 50L, and 7D have been put up for sale.

 

I won't be completely without a good DSLR setup, my cousin, sister, and business partner also have a good DSLR setup that I can borrow from at pretty much any time if the need arises. My hope is to shoot portraiture and weddings eventually. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

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[sblitz]

rent first then buy ..... i started with a canon tl and then a canon new f1 and collected a slew of fd lenses..... my first camera was a konica rangefinder with a fixed mount 50mm lens...okay so in the mid 00s i started buying lumix p&s to shoot some digital .... then the m9 .. why? i wanted something small and light, control like a my old cameras, ff, iq that reminded me of film ... love it, haven't looked back, no regrets .... if i were a professional might have different issues which is the reason why i say rent for a while and then see...

[bsaber]

Thanks for the input, sblitz. Considering that I have easy access to good L lenses and Canon primes from my cousin and business partner, does that change your stance? I have shot rangefinders before and feel it fits my style of shooting.

[kaiwing]

I switched to M9 in April after using Canon 1D3 for almost 3 years. I have background similar to you, starting from Canon AE-1 Program, F1 and new finally knocked the door of Leica. I still keep the Canon gears.

Leica is another breed and I think you are not crazy thinking of Leica.

One good thing after owning a Leica is that you know you have to learn to be satisfied with what you have at the moment because it is hard (in term of budge and availability) to buy another Leica lens. My wife simply says: don't think about buying another lens in 2 years!

I have no regret although I only own a M9 body plus a 28mm elmarit. I think the best feeling is that Leica is surprising light. You won't feel tired after taking photos a long whole day.

[Jeff S]

Am I crazy to even think of this?

 

No.

 

Welcome to the forum.

 

Jeff

[bsaber]

I switched to M9 in April after using Canon 1D3 for almost 3 years. I have background similar to you, starting from Canon AE-1 Program, F1 and new finally knocked the door of Leica. I still keep the Canon gears.

Leica is another breed and I think you are not crazy thinking of Leica.

One good thing after owning a Leica is that you know you have to learn to be satisfied with what you have at the moment because it is hard (in term of budge and availability) to buy another Leica lens. My wife simply says: don't think about buying another lens in 2 years!

I have no regret although I only own a M9 body plus a 28mm elmarit. I think the best feeling is that Leica is surprising light. You won't feel tired after taking photos a long whole day.

 

Thanks for your input. If you were in my position, would you do what I "plan" to do? I keep downsizing, often times removing the battery grip from the 5D2 when shooting long events, using only the primes and leaving the zooms in the car. A rangefinder setup just seems more to my liking.

 

No.

 

Welcome to the forum.

 

Jeff

 

Thanks, Jeff!

[AGeoJO]

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Needless to say, people's preference varies quite a bit. I am using a Canon DSLR system in combination with a Leica M system and not one thing or the other. Actually, I took both systems out on trips and depending on what it is, I use one system over the other and from time to time even both. There are situations that I prefer the AF or, of course, the long focal length reach of a DSLR system. In my book, they co-exist together rather than exclusive from each other.

[vk2109]

Hi there !

 

Welcome to the forum ! Well I also came from the canon world and used 10D and then 5D2. I had 17-40L, 24-70L, 35L,85L and 70-200 IS ( the first 2 were sold soon after I got the 5D2 and was then mainly using 35L/85L setup for 1.5yr+)

What I really like about the M9 is the size and the quality of image you get from it and the simplicity. the menus are basic but it's all I need.

 

and the MF is much better on an RF that DSLR unless you use the liveview. However RF is not for everyone and you try it first. an X1000 is totally different and I would first play around with an M and see if you like the focusing system....if you have an old film, it's also like the splitscreen Manual focusing.

 

if you are serious about photography, you can consider making the move...but try it first. As for DSLR, I would keep the 70-200 ( that's what I did) and a FF body. the 580EXII can be used as well and it has an internal metering which can be a plus in some conditions.

 

If you inttend to do weddings specially paid assignment, I would keep some DSLR before you fully master the RF system and move progessively.....

 

Good luck

 

Vadim

 

 

 

 

I've been lurking for the last two days and finally decided to join to ask more experienced Leica users for some thoughts and opinions.

 

Some background first. I started off in photography with an AE-1 and 50mm f/1.4 and loved shooting with it even to this day because of the manual controls. My Canon lenses consist of the following: 17-40L, 24-70L, 70-200 f/2.8 non-IS, 35L, and 50L, you'll see that I have all L lenses, but for the past year the zooms have been mostly gathering a beautiful coat of dust. Even for my photo shoots with models have been shot with only primes. It's just the way I shoot, it feels... right. Perhaps it's due to the fact I started out with a prime and smaller well built camera.

 

Recently I acquired an X100 and now my 5D2 and 7D have started to get that beautiful coat of dust that the zooms have. I've played with rangefinders before and LOVE it. Granted the X100 isn't a rangefinder but it certainly has the "ethos" of one. Ok, maybe not but it reminded me of the rangefinder shooting style. I've spent a good few days thinking and reading about the M8 and M9 and it has planted a seed. If I sell all my Canon gear (minus the flashes, 5D2, and 17-40L), the M9 with voigtlander 35mm f/1.4 and voigtlander 50mm f/1 is within range AND leave me with some money left over for accessories.

 

Am I crazy to even think of this? Just wondering what everyone else thinks... I should also note that the 35L, 50L, and 7D have been put up for sale.

 

I won't be completely without a good DSLR setup, my cousin, sister, and business partner also have a good DSLR setup that I can borrow from at pretty much any time if the need arises. My hope is to shoot portraiture and weddings eventually. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[kaiwing]

Thanks for your input. If you were in my position, would you do what I "plan" to do? I keep downsizing, often times removing the battery grip from the 5D2 when shooting long events, using only the primes and leaving the zooms in the car. A rangefinder setup just seems more to my liking.

 

 

 

Thanks, Jeff!

 

I don't thing it is downsizing. Keep the primes (if you think you will use Canon some day) as I guess they are still excellent in quality. Go for a M9.

You will like the simplicity of Leica. You will wonder how good the pictures look and how small the lens is (compared with Canon prime).

[bsaber]

and the MF is much better on an RF that DSLR unless you use the liveview. However RF is not for everyone and you try it first. an X1000 is totally different and I would first play around with an M and see if you like the focusing system....if you have an old film, it's also like the splitscreen Manual focusing.

 

if you are serious about photography, you can consider making the move...but try it first. As for DSLR, I would keep the 70-200 ( that's what I did) and a FF body. the 580EXII can be used as well and it has an internal metering which can be a plus in some conditions.

 

If you inttend to do weddings specially paid assignment, I would keep some DSLR before you fully master the RF system and move progessively.....

 

Good luck

 

Vadim

 

Thanks for the welcome and input, Vadim. I've played with a RF before (not a Leica M) and liked it.

 

I don't thing it is downsizing. Keep the primes (if you think you will use Canon some day) as I guess they are still excellent in quality. Go for a M9.

You will like the simplicity of Leica. You will wonder how good the pictures look and how small the lens is (compared with Canon prime).

 

Thanks for the input!

 

Needless to say, people's preference varies quite a bit. I am using a Canon DSLR system in combination with a Leica M system and not one thing or the other. Actually, I took both systems out on trips and depending on what it is, I use one system over the other and from time to time even both. There are situations that I prefer the AF or, of course, the long focal length reach of a DSLR system. In my book, they co-exist together rather than exclusive from each other.

 

I'm definitely going to keep my 5D2 and a few non-L lenses. Thanks for the input.

[pgk]

I have 5D2 and M8 based systems. L glass includes 24, 35, 50 and 85 + some specialist lenses, but no zooms (I haven't owned a zoom for years and have never felt the need to re-buy one). M8 includes 35 & 50 'lux lenses. M personal preference is the M system which I use far more than the dSLR BUT, they have very different strengths and weaknesses and you want to be very, very sure that the M will cover your entire needs before swapping - in an ideal world you should probably own both. If you can try to get hold of an M somehow to see if it does what you want before buying.

[bsaber]

I have 5D2 and M8 based systems. L glass includes 24, 35, 50 and 85 + some specialist lenses, but no zooms (I haven't owned a zoom for years and have never felt the need to re-buy one). M8 includes 35 & 50 'lux lenses. M personal preference is the M system which I use far more than the dSLR BUT, they have very different strengths and weaknesses and you want to be very, very sure that the M will cover your entire needs before swapping - in an ideal world you should probably own both. If you can try to get hold of an M somehow to see if it does what you want before buying.

 

I know what you mean. Canon lenses are relatively cheap in comparison. And once I do get into portraiture and weddings, I plan to rebuild at least with Canon's non-L primes. My zooms have been sitting unused for such a long time. I never see a need to use them for over a year now. It's just such a big decision to make... my biggest fear is the lack of versatility. Even though I haven't had a need for anything more than a 35, 50, and 85 prime. All of which I have access to from my cousin and business partner (who prefers to shoot with zooms anyway).

[bsaber]

Here's a thought, if I sell everything minus the flashes, 5D2, and 17-40, get the M9 with two voigtlander lenses but end up not liking it. Couldn't I easily sell the M9 and voigtlanders because they hold their value well? Then use that money to get the 35L, 50L, and 135L which is what I want my kit to be eventually anyway? Just thinking... any thoughts?

[delander †]

If you buy an M9 I would not buy CV lenses at the beginning. Get a 35 or 50mm summicron/summarit.

 

If you have any RF/focusing problems with the Leica CV combo you wont be able to get Leica to check the lenses. With a new Leica lens that work would be done under warranty.

 

Also don't forget that new Leica lenses come 6-bit coded, which the camera reads and applies the corresponding image edge corrections. Not really necessary for 50 mm and up but useful for WA lenses and if you want the lens info included in the exif.

 

Jeff

[jaapv]

Let's be precise. Leica will adjust the RF whatever lens you may be using, as the camera will not be adjusted with your lens on the camera - never - it will be adjusted against the standard reference.

For lens adjusting on a CV lens you must indeed look elsewhere, and it seems to be problematic to get service from time to time, from what I have heard, unless the lens was purchased through for instance Cameraquest.

[delander †]

I was precise, you wont be able get Leica to check the lenses.

 

Jeff

[jaapv]

So you were, let's change my intro to: "Agreeing with what Jeff said" . Just trying to prevent the common misapprehension that lens and camera must be adjusted as a set.

[delander †]

That's fine Jaap, with your original first phrase I felt I was getting a reprimand:)

 

Jeff

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[jaapv]

Sorry about that, Jeff. Wholly unintentional.

[RoySmith]

Here's a thought, if I sell everything minus the flashes, 5D2, and 17-40, get the M9 with two voigtlander lenses but end up not liking it. Couldn't I easily sell the M9 and voigtlanders because they hold their value well? Then use that money to get the 35L, 50L, and 135L which is what I want my kit to be eventually anyway? Just thinking... any thoughts?

 

Welcome to the forum. I too came from the Canon world. SLRs and rangefinders are different tools for different jobs. I got a M9 about a year ago.So far I have kept my 5D and 7D and 6 lenses and still use them for sports and macros and super wide (with 16-35mm 2.8L).

I love the M9 for portraits,environmental portraits and as a travel camera. By wanting to keep your 17-40mm you must like wide angle shots. The M9 is very good for wide angle but you need accessory viewfinders which are surprisingly expensive. My most used lens on the 5D was the 24-70mm 2.8. I now have Leica 24mm, 35mm, and a 50mm lenses. On my wish list are the 16-18-21mm WATE and the 75mm cron. I agree with the suggestion to start with a 35mm Summicron. Its a super all purpose lens, is small, and works for environmental portraits and travel. Keeping your 5D2 and 17-40mm until you can get something that wide for the Leica is a good idea. If you use the 70-200/2.8 in the telephoto range you may want to keep that as well. There is nothing to compare with Leica glass and the rangefinder style of shooting.

 

Cheers,

Roy