M9 in the Field.

[pico]

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I'd be afraid of the problems with SD cards.

 

I've had cards inexplicably losing images, the camera corrupting files, with certain cards the card suddenly becoming unusable.

 

This happens with my M9 on a scale unprecedented with any other digital camera I have ever tried.

 

What cards do you purchase, from where, and do you know how to tell a counterfeit from the real thing? There is software to test cards to see if they are genuine, and up to par.

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The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[k-hawinkler]

What cards do you purchase, from where, and do you know how to tell a counterfeit from the real thing? There is software to test cards to see if they are genuine, and up to par.

 

 

pico,

 

Thanks for the info.

I would like to test my half dozen cards.

 

Could you please give me a pointer to the testing software for a Mac?

 

Thanks, K-H.

[edmond_terakopian]

I'd just like to help put things into perspective; we all get upset if a camera we are using, for whatever reason, let's us down-this could be a fault or human error, it's still upsetting. We could be photographing our family, a nice still life, landmark, landscape and so on, or be on assignment. The passion for the image is the same.

 

However, add to this days spent in discomfort, making your way to a conflict zone. Carrying heavy bullet-proof vest, plates and helmet, all your clothing, medical supplies, food, water, camera gear, laptop, sat phone and so on. On top of this, you are literally putting your life on the line and responsible to your picture editor, news editor, editor, colleagues on the ground, soldiers you are embedded with (or whomever you're doing the story on) and all the readers who buy your paper or all the papers and magazines from around the world who subscribe to your wire service/agency. Now we're talking serious and real stress.

 

Charles,

 

I'm sorry the M9 didn't work out on that trip. I've been using one for press work (no more conflict zones for me!) for almost a year now and I love it so much I'm budgeting to get a second body (I never really liked the M8 or M8.2). Like you, I come from a film Leica M background. I think your work is stunning and using Leica glass will just make your work sing even more. I suggest you have a chat with Leica and get them to really check your camera out; it sounds like you may have a dodgy one.

I personally only use Sandisk 16Gb Extremes and they work perfectly. I shoot RAW and process through Aperture (thoroughly recommend you check it out as you can dump PhotoMechanic and Photoshop and do it all in one app. I use Photoshop around 2% of the time now!). I easily get 300 shots per battery; they do need a couple of charges/discharges through use to start working well. I have a colleague who's getting even more shots from his older M8 batteries as they settle down! The finder's lines seem fine to me. The buffer could be larger and faster, and the screen's not great, but the camera really works well for me.

 

I hope this is of some use!

 

Cheers,

 

Edmond

 

P.S. Congrats on the World Press ;-)

[michali]

I’ve come into this thread at a fairly late stage. After having read through the original poster’s comments and the responses from various members, I finally decided to throw my 10 cents into the fray.

 

The main reason I feel the need to comment, is that I believe I’ve had a reasonable amount of experience with using my two M9s in some fairly harsh and testing environments over the past 22 months. This ranges from several weeks in the Namib Desert (having been back there a couple of times in the last 22 months, and scheduled to go back again in September), to remote volcanic salt mines in the Northern Frontier District in Kenya (daytime temperatures in summer are in excess of 48C), to 2 1/2 weeks earlier this year in Antarctica. I’m presently completing an assignment on the rapidly escalating rhino and elephant poaching situation in Africa; which while not entirely a war situation (it’s fairly close), I’ve nonetheless encountered some rather hair-raising moments.

 

The only cameras I carry with me in all these situations were/are the 2 M9s and either my M6 or M7 as back up. In the process of preparing for these trips, my view is that one has to accept that any piece of equipment, whether mechanical or electronic has its limitations and it is always going to be severely tested by the environment/conditions that it’s used in, plain and simple. One therefore has to plan accordingly; not to do so would be entirely naïve and foolhardy in my opinion. Needless to say there are far too many variables involved, including an element of good or bad luck.

 

While I sympathise with Mr. Ommanney and the problems he encountered, one can’t make empirical conclusions on the reliability of the M9 based solely on his negative experience. In much the same way that I cannot stand up and unequivocally state that the M9 is the most reliable camera I’ve ever used, based purely on the fact that in all my travels I haven’t had any issues or failures to date........touch wood.

[thrid]

Viewfinder - the frame lines and (in)accuracy of the frame lines are identical to what you get with the M6. My guess is that you just never saw how inaccurate they were when using the M6 as you had to wait for the film to be developed.

 

A question - did you have any problems with dust or any other environmental factors?

 

Actually the frame lines in the M9 are not like the M6 and newer cameras. Instead they are more like what you would find in the M2/M4/M5.

 

The frame lines in the M6 and newer camera indicate coverage at .7 meters, which makes them quite inaccurate at normal working distances (2 - 15m, infinity).

 

The M9 frame lines show coverage at 1m like the older pre M6 bodies (M2/4/5). They are noticeably more accurate than the original M8 and M6, MP, M7

[ho_co]

... The frame lines in the M6 and newer camera indicate coverage at .7 meters ...

 

First time I heard that. Leica thinks they changed the frames in the M8, not in the M6.

[dwbell]

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no, if you read dpreview you will see there are many incompetant photographers who buy a Canon 5Dii or 1Div, etc, who are just rich and asked their "friend" what the best camera was.

 

I am sure there are people that dislike Leica due to the status symbol, but you will be surprised how many people outside this forum who have never heard of Leica. Its nothing like Rolex.

 

I would like to challenge another assumption that just because someone is a pro that they know everything, or are even any good outside their field. A war photographer wants a camera that is tough, takes 1000s of pictures per battery, has AF (yes!) and is mostly automated. We have moved on from the Capa school.

The OP probably wants to shoot off 100s of pictures with only one keeper. As a M9 shooter I like most of my pictures to be keepers. This is a totally different style!

 

There are a great many people who do take great striff pictures with Leica M (see ones of Egyptian uprising), but in general the M9 (or M7/MP if you like film) is for someone that wants the most possible clarity available today in a non-studio camera who also appreciates thinking about their photography and the precise control of manual focus.

 

The OP is not one of these people and bought the M9 under a false premise. That is not the M's problem, its his!

The M9 has nothing to apologise for!

 

No offence Colonel, but I do honestly think that Leica will first listen to the concerns of a multi award winning, international acclaimed photo journalist and then, if they still have time they'll pop in here and thank you for your support in suggesting such people shouldn't buy a Leica for their work.

[colonel]

No offence Colonel, but I do honestly think that Leica will first listen to the concerns of a multi award winning, international acclaimed photo journalist and then, if they still have time they'll pop in here and thank you for your support in suggesting such people shouldn't buy a Leica for their work.

 

I think you missed my point.

I think enough award winning photographers use the Leica M9 to prove a point.

All because one photographer takes good press pictures in one theatre doesn't mean he/knows know anything about another.

I'd like to see him try with a hassleblad HD4-40.

[dwbell]

I think you missed my point.

I think enough award winning photographers use the Leica M9 to prove a point.

All because one photographer takes good press pictures in one theatre doesn't mean he/knows know anything about another.

I'd like to see him try with a hassleblad HD4-40.

 

Ok, maybe you missed my point. Are you aware of his work? It's not all war zone reportage. I'm guessing he knows his camera's and how they should serve him in which environments. I'm also guessing, without appearing rude, that he would take your opinion with more than a pinch of salt. You have, I believe, had the M9 for almost half a month now? And the M8 for 6 months before that?

 

So, again with all due respect, I can't take you telling the OP that the problem is his not the camera's particularly seriously. Whilst I will defend your right to an opinion, always, a qualified opinion will in most situations hold more water.

[colonel]

Ok, maybe you missed my point. Are you aware of his work? It's not all war zone reportage. I'm guessing he knows his camera's and how they should serve him in which environments. I'm also guessing, without appearing rude, that he would take your opinion with more than a pinch of salt. You have, I believe, had the M9 for almost half a month now? And the M8 for 6 months before that?

 

So, again with all due respect, I can't take you telling the OP that the problem is his not the camera's particularly seriously. Whilst I will defend your right to an opinion, always, a qualified opinion will in most situations hold more water.

 

sure, I'm an amateur, so what.

I have had three Leicas, M8, M8.2 and M9. All reliable. I have also had a 5Dii and D700.

 

I have seem some amazing portfolios taken with the M9 and plenty of professional work. Do you think that none of these exist ?

So the guy did not get on with it! Whats your logical conclusion ? The M9 is rubbish, no pros use it!!

So fine. Patently not true, but if it makes you happy

 

The M9 is a considered camera for those that shoot like that. Its not a machine gun camera. Why would anyone expect different based on any reviews ?

[jgwill1]

My two cents for what it's worth. First of all let's dispel the myth that the Leica film cameras were the most reliable in the world. God forbid that you should ever drop one of them in the field or even knock the side that housed the rangefinder. As for the frame lines, even after years of use, I often didn't quite know what i was going to get, particularly if I was aiming at some kind of deferential focus. Added to that, I've had light leaks, rewind cranks broken, you name it! Frankly, if you chose your camera purely on reliability grounds then the Nikon FM2 was the camera for you, with the added advantage that you could knock nails in with it, or use it as a self defence tool if necessary. The Leica M was a wonderful camera that you used and loved in spite of its idiosyncracies. It enabled you to work in a certain manner, with a certain level of intimacy for which you were prepared to put up with all its quirks. I still own an MP and an M6 and I could never even think of selling them.

 

Now, to the M9. My first admission is that I don't own one. So there are probably going to be people reading on here who are far more qualified to judge the camera than myself. That said. Leica UK were kind enough to lend me one when it came out, and for a few weeks it became part of my working kit for a British Sunday paper. Needless to say, I was very impressed with the image quality at base ISO and even at the the higher settings I didn't find the noise unpleasant. The frame lines seemed absolutely fine to me; no surprises there beyond what I would have expected with a film body. The rangefinder seemed contrasty and bright as per the MP and focusing was easy [though the body I was lent had a very slight back focus problem]. As for the batteries, well, after the D3 anything is a disappointment. I didn't use the camera in adverse conditions but I fully appreciate the problems Charles obviously had.

 

So, why didn't I buy one? Quite frankly one reason alone. I couldn't justify spending five grand on a camera with a buffer that allows you only seven frames. Now I'm sure there are people out there who will remind me that this is an Leica M and is not meant to be used for 'hosing down' subjects; 'decisive moment' and all that. Well yes, I can understand this reasoning to a degree. But what happens if your 'decisive moment' comes on the eighth frame and you are twiddling your fingers waiting for the buffer to clear? There are many ways that I use my Leica film cameras. Sometimes I linger quietly with my thumb hooked around the film advance lever. Sometimes, if I can predict that I'm going to need to shoot quickly I'll attach the Leicavits, a wonderful invention, and a happy medium between an over active thumb and a noisy motor drive [ which I also own but rarely use].

 

If only the M9P had addressed the buffer problem. I really don't know any professional who would prioritise superficial aesthetic qualities over a good buffer and weatherproof housing. Who are Leica going to for their feedback? Those lucky enough to have their ear must be honest with them. We need solid, constructive criticisms not glowing advertorial reviews. [Have I blown my chance of ever borrowing one again?]

 

A year later, I'm still tempted to drop the money on an M9, but where my heart says yes my head still says no. This doesn't stop me becoming green with envy when I see M9s hanging seductively around colleagues' necks, but I think for me at least I've made the right decision, though of course I reserve the right to change my mind!

 

Justin Griffiths-Williams

[dwbell]

<snip>

 

We need solid, constructive criticisms not glowing advertorial reviews.

 

<snipe

 

Quite, and from the most hard working, demanding professionals there are. A "great cam" from someone who uses it twice a month for pictures of their cat isn't going to advance the line at all, and Leica know that. We all benefit when constructive criticism is taken on board.

 

If you're Justin Griffiths-Williams from the Sunday Times, which I think you probably are then thanks for popping in and very much like your portrait work.

[jaapv]

Thank you for a well-reasoned post, Justin. I would like to point out, however, that you do not need to wait for the buffer to clear. As soon as the camera writes an image, it is ready to take an image again, etc, So after you have filled the buffer in rapid succession (eight frames usually with the current firmware), the camera will carry on shooting at a rate of approximately one shot per two seconds ad infinitum (well, until the card is full or the battery empty anyway). Of course if you lift your finger for a few seconds it will speed up again correspondingly.

[jaapv]

Quite, and from the most hard working, demanding professionals there are. A "great cam" from someone who uses it twice a month for pictures of their cat isn't going to advance the line at all, and Leica know that. We all benefit when constructive criticism is taken on board.

 

.

 

In this forum we do not subscribe to the rather pejorative view that all amateurs are unimaginative cat shooters and all professionals Robert Capa reincarnations. We have brilliant photographers in both catagories aboard.

[dwbell]

In this forum we do not subscribe to the rather pejorative view that all amateurs are unimaginative cat shooters and all professionals Robert Capa reincarnations. We have brilliant photographers in both catagories aboard.

 

With respect I didn't suggest otherwise, nor was I pejorative in any way. I am an amateur myself. BMW, Audi and Mercedes ask experienced racing drivers to test their cars around the Nordschleife in the Eifel. They don't generally ask my sister who, drives it twice a week to yoga. It stands to reason. Notice I used an example of someone who shoots his cat twice a week as being not the best for the required feedback to Leica engineers - I didn't group any one person, or group of persons, into a class inferior to my own. Nor did I class or attempt to categorise someone who shoots cats twice a week as inferior or without talent.

 

I shot my cat yesterday evening. It's a great shot. I think.

[jaapv]

In that case we have removed a wrong impression people might have.

[Peter H]

With respect I didn't suggest otherwise, nor was I pejorative in any way. I am an amateur myself. BMW, Audi and Mercedes ask experienced racing drivers to test their cars around the Nordschleife in the Eifel. They don't generally ask my sister who, drives it twice a week to yoga. It stands to reason........

 

And yet its her money they're after.

 

Which actually puts her in the driving seat.

[jgwill1]

Thank you for a well-reasoned post, Justin. I would like to point out, however, that you do not need to wait for the buffer to clear. As soon as the camera writes an image, it is ready to take an image again, etc, So after you have filled the buffer in rapid succession (eight frames usually with the current firmware), the camera will carry on shooting at a rate of approximately one shot per two seconds ad infinitum (well, until the card is full or the battery empty anyway). Of course if you lift your finger for a few seconds it will speed up again correspondingly.

 

Yes, i was aware of that. Perhaps i could have worded it better. Sorry for the confusion.

 

@dwbell

 

Thanks for the compliment. Much appreciated.

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[dwbell]

In that case we have removed a wrong impression people might have.

 

That Ei incumbit probatio qui dicit, non qui negat doesn't apply here?

 

(That was a joke - in case we misunderstand each other.)

[dwbell]

And yet its her money they're after.

 

Which actually puts her in the driving seat.

 

Oh absolutely, completely agree. It's my money Leica is after. Yet it's the development based on those racing drivers comments, based on those hard core pro photographers feedback that moves the product ahead of the competition and enables them, in turn, to demand a premium from the likes of me. Simply through having the best product out there.