Backup body? x100 or another M8u

[konradhorst]

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I took the X100 and I´m happy.

[framestore]

Just so you know, M8u is assumed here to mean upgraded.

 

;)

[framestore]

Forget x100, another M8 or m4/3.

I ordered the sexy M9-P black :):)

[Brighton1975]

Having owned, then sold the X100, I would not recommend this camera. Without a shadow of doubt I would get the Sony NEX 5n or 7, and use your Leica lenses on that (slightly bigger crop factor but not a deal breaker).

 

The sensor is higher spec, and the focusing is an absolute joy compared to the X100.

 

This isn't being a snob against the X100 - it's just not a very good camera compared to cheaper and more versatile alternatives.

[enboe]

The M8/M8u/M8.2 and M9/M9P series cameras are all very reliable, so a backup isn't that necessary unless it's a once-in-a-lifetime shoot. You could always rent a second M for those few situations.

 

The X100 is a different beast. It's quite capable, but you won't have the tight control of your images that you do with an M. That being said, I would not hesitate to recommend one. Rental is an option for someone on the fence.

 

A second M digital is the path you chose. A lower-cost M path would have been an M film body (M6, etc.), with a photo CD processed at the time of development. You would have a different perspective due to the full-frame sensor (film), and you would have to pull off your UVIR filters when you switch between film and the M8 to avoid a cyan vignette in the corners. Note: you also will have to pull the filters when switching lenses between the M8 and M9.

 

One final path: a high-quality pocket point and shoot. The S90/S95/S100 series are great little pocket cameras with great daylight image quality. The older models can be acquired for ~$250 through Canon's refurbished camera sight.

 

Have fun shooting that M8 and it's new sibling, the M9P.

[Ulev]

I think backup camera and complementary camera are different. Backup camera need to be pretty much the same as main camera. My main cameras are M8+50mm and M9+35mm and they can be backup camera as well. Complementary cameras are 5D2 and X100 (and sometimes DP1). I sometimes use 5D2+28mm or DP1 when I need wider lens. 5D2 is used paid work, too. They are not decided by spec, but by actual shooting experiences.

SATOKI

 

+1

 

A backup camera is a camera you can use when your "main" camera fails. Using the same lenses is the key here.

When you gonna combine two different systems, you have to drag alone two systems.

Ok, in case of the X100 that's not much to drag :-)

 

Anyway, a good idea to carry an X100 as well but I'd call it a second camera, not as much a back-up one.