jai Posted June 26, 2011 Share #1 Posted June 26, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) Guys I've just ordered an M9-P and a 35 Lux ASPH. I have been using my 5D MKII with a 17-40, 24-70 and 70-200 f/2.8 for a long time. I have taken great photos.. and I have taken some amazing videos. What is the warranty on lenses and body? Is the Leica warranty different in each country? I'm buying it in Asia. Its international warranty right? What are the yearly services to be done to keep my Leica in optimum condition? How much would it cost? Is it really difficult for people (SLR users) to get used to knowing the focus distance, or focusing through the RF viewfinder? I've always been good at guessing distance, I even did a 3 hr shoot in a Club (in the dark) and constantly manually adjusting the distance I was shooting. Would this be an advantage on my Leica journey? Would I be able to be enjoy my Leica completely? Or would I be missing my 5D soon and wishing I hadn't spent all my money on Leica and go back to my Canon (I don't do auto focus much and worked mostly in manual) I know the pros of Leica's size & weight against a DSLR. Please tell me other objective things to make me happy on the move. Without an extra handgrip or other accessories, is it possible to hold the M9 for long hours while walking through a city just by wrapping the strap around your right hand and thus loosely gripping the M9-P body? Can 'dropping' the camera on the table (like when you misjudge the height of the surface) by 2 inches damage the camera. Is the 35 Lux and M9P strong to take a soft beating? Or are they all fragile? Does mis-calibration on the M9 happen due to extreme use and how do you notice it? A lot of questions, but I feel like if I ask them in one rapid-fire round, I'd save you the hassle of writing in a million times. Cheers J : ) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted June 26, 2011 Posted June 26, 2011 Hi jai, Take a look here Please help! New to Leica .... I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
wda Posted June 26, 2011 Share #2 Posted June 26, 2011 Jai, Welcome to the Forum. A brief reply because I am short of time right now. As a newcomer, spend a little time exploring the SEARCH button for each of your concerns. You will be amazed at the wealth of information available to you. Once you have digested the contents of many relevant threads, do come back to us with specific questions which are still outstanding. Normally I would answer more fully, but I am literally packing for a short break. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Henry Posted June 26, 2011 Share #3 Posted June 26, 2011 Welcome to the forum and welcome to the club of M, Jai Warranty : it is 2 years for the M9 worldwide "Is it really difficult for people (SLR users) to get used to knowing the focus distance, or focusing through the RF viewfinder?" It's a RF camera The use of the M9 is different from a SLR . I have also Leica R8 and I went to the M8 and M9 for digital: the M9 is less bulky than the SLR,you can take it anywhere and can be photographed without people noticing. You get quickly to the use of RF like me. I advise you to buy a handgrip + 1 spare Leica battery and also card as Sandisk (8 or 16 GB). Take your photos in DNG +/- Jpeg Good pictures Best Henry Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jai Posted June 26, 2011 Author Share #4 Posted June 26, 2011 Thanks David and Henry I did some research. But no finds on discussion on durability of the M9 and the 35 Lux. I'm very careful with my stuff. But are they fragile or really take a beating; as I've 'heard' journalists write - which I think was addressing the film M series. And yearly maintenance/services (and cost) to keep unit in optimum shape? J : ) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PasMichiel Posted June 26, 2011 Share #5 Posted June 26, 2011 you can use the stripes on your lens too. It tells you when it's sharp Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jai Posted June 26, 2011 Author Share #6 Posted June 26, 2011 you can use the stripes on your lens too. It tells you when it's sharp lol Pas I didn't get that! stripes on the lens for sharpness? : ) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Henry Posted June 26, 2011 Share #7 Posted June 26, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) Thanks David and Henry I did some research. But no finds on discussion on durability of the M9 and the 35 Lux. I'm very careful with my stuff. But are they fragile or really take a beating; as I've 'heard' journalists write - which I think was addressing the film M series. And yearly maintenance/services (and cost) to keep unit in optimum shape? J : ) Jai, I have an M8 for 2 years now,my M9 for less than one year: i have no problem For normal use or intensive, i think they are solid cameras and they are Leica For my M9 i cleaned once the sensor and twice for M8 I rarely change my lens and I have a Summilux 50 mm asph on my M9 and a Summilux 35 asph on the M8 A lover of 40 years of Leica Best Henry Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xmas Posted June 26, 2011 Share #8 Posted June 26, 2011 Guys I've just ordered an M9-P and a 35 Lux ASPH. I have been using my 5D MKII with a 17-40, 24-70 and 70-200 f/2.8 for a long time. I have taken great photos.. and I have taken some amazing videos. What is the warranty on lenses and body? Is the Leica warranty different in each country? I'm buying it in Asia. Its international warranty right? If you buy it in the UK you get an insurance for most damage as well What are the yearly services to be done to keep my Leica in optimum condition? How much would it cost? I use mine until they fail, keep the hood on the lens... Is it really difficult for people (SLR users) to get used to knowing the focus distance, or focusing through the RF viewfinder? I've always been good at guessing distance, I even did a 3 hr shoot in a Club (in the dark) and constantly manually adjusting the distance I was shooting. Would this be an advantage on my Leica journey? Would I be able to be enjoy my Leica completely? Or would I be missing my 5D soon and wishing I hadn't spent all my money on Leica and go back to my Canon (I don't do auto focus much and worked mostly in manual) stop guessing, the rangefinder is real easy to use, it is bright down to starlight, it indicates direction of focus error, but if you need to be exact you may need to sway with a moving subject. More difficult in starlight. I know the pros of Leica's size & weight against a DSLR. Please tell me other objective things to make me happy on the move. when you open the package you wont need me to tell you anything... Without an extra handgrip or other accessories, is it possible to hold the M9 for long hours while walking through a city just by wrapping the strap around your right hand and thus loosely gripping the M9-P body? I use a short wrist strap on right hand all day, thumb on release, camera cradled in palm of hand, with frame vertical, will take shots with 28mm, without moving arm, prefocused at 2m, aperture f/5.6 or smaller. Nylon (synthetic) braided cordage is best. Some people fit a dummy lever, for additional purchase, but they are strange. Can 'dropping' the camera on the table (like when you misjudge the height of the surface) by 2 inches damage the camera. Is the 35 Lux and M9P strong to take a soft beating? Or are they all fragile? Does mis-calibration on the M9 happen due to extreme use and how do you notice it? Never had a rangefinder go of in 45 years, you can check it on distant object, for infinity. There are those that do have their rangefinder drift, donno how they manage it... A lot of questions, but I feel like if I ask them in one rapid-fire round, I'd save you the hassle of writing in a million times. Dont worry, this is a friendly forum. When you get the first batch on the computer you will notice that the RAW files (dont use JPG) are unprocessed, and there is no alias filter, if you are shooting in low light, there is little anti noise processing, you will get used to these things. You also need an M2 with ISO 400 monochrome for vintage shots, cheap if dinked and vulcante chipped badly. M4-2 cheaper still. Noel P.S. some (new) shutters throw sticky particles on to the sensor get a sensor cleaning kit just in case Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
250swb Posted June 27, 2011 Share #9 Posted June 27, 2011 And yearly maintenance/services (and cost) to keep unit in optimum shape? J : ) If it isn't broken it does not need to be fixed. You are worrying too much, it is just a camera, use it with common sense at it won't let you down. Steve Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
vertekijker Posted June 27, 2011 Share #10 Posted June 27, 2011 I agree with Steve. I have used rangefinder cameras for over 30 years, and the M8 and M9 these last years, no need for yearly servicing and all that - have fun with your camera. When you look at your files you will know how to improve on your pictures! Just don't drop it - that happened to me for the first time ever three weeks ago, fortunately I was standing on a lawn! ----------------- Frans Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NZDavid Posted June 27, 2011 Share #11 Posted June 27, 2011 Welcome also. I'm quite amazed you would actually order these items without actually having tried a rangefinder camera first. Or have you? I'm wondering what made you do it!? Rangefinders aren't for everyone, but as you already said, size and weight are big advantages over that bulky DSLR. Many pros use both. Other big advantages are excellent optics, even at full aperture, and simplicity of controls -- concentration on essentials, menus are kept minimal, there are actually real dials for shutter speed and aperture. Focusing won't be blitz fast like your AF DSLR. But it is very precise. It just takes some getting used to. Of course there is no mirror blackout and the finder is exceptionally clear even in dim light. I would always use the neckstrap. Leicas are rugged but like all precision equipment need care. I wouldn't want to drop one. Have fun! David Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jai Posted June 27, 2011 Author Share #12 Posted June 27, 2011 Thanks Steve & Franz, was just worried. I thought it (M9) was like buying a Ferrari - you need to have them looked after to perform well. However I'm happily wronged. Leicas are made to perform and go on... what a relief. David you are right - I haven't tried a rangefinder. I just used an M6 from a tourist in Rome in december to see how it feels like to focus and how the viewfider feels. I move to RF for all the reasons you just mentioned. The 70-200 f/2.8 IS Canon is probably the best lens ever produced by Canon (lets not debate .. I might be wrong). But like I feel - everything the DSLR is, gets in the way of witnessing a scene and shooting. I feel with the RF I can do that, and not have to look through the focusing lens is a real change - but maybe thats why people swear by RFs. I might be wrong but I feel RF is going to help me just witness and capture light : ) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted June 27, 2011 Share #13 Posted June 27, 2011 I'm sure member Tina Manley won't mind me repeating an image she posted before - her camera has taken a few knocks - but soldiered on: Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/155367-please-help-new-to-leica/?do=findComment&comment=1716267'>More sharing options...
Xmas Posted June 27, 2011 Share #14 Posted June 27, 2011 I'm sure member Tina Manley won't mind me repeating an image she posted before - her camera has taken a few knocks - but soldiered on: Hi Jaapv That is useful shows the thumbs up (a third party add on) is taking some paint wear. It would get in my way. Noel Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pico Posted June 27, 2011 Share #15 Posted June 27, 2011 Without an extra handgrip or other accessories, is it possible to hold the M9 for long hours while walking through a city just by wrapping the strap around your right hand and thus loosely gripping the M9-P body? There are many kinds of hand grips available. Leica makes one. Really Right Stuff makes one. Some chap in China carves them from good wood (over-priced and I cannot attest to their strength). Fotodiox has one. You can get hand made leather half-cases with a built in hand grip or wrist straps from Luigi Crescenzi Leicatime Luigi Crescenzi : leica cameras leica compur mp elmar 250 reporter leicavit. and more Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted June 27, 2011 Share #16 Posted June 27, 2011 Or just use it without any grip - for many that is the easiest way. Or read about grips in this thread: http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/customer-forum/152135-get-grip.html Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jai Posted June 27, 2011 Author Share #17 Posted June 27, 2011 I'm kind of a purist, so don't want to visually spoil the beauty of the mono-block Leica design with the Leica hand grip. Thumbs Up - way too expensive. I'll just design a new hand grip, make in leather and then post it here for you see. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
vertekijker Posted June 27, 2011 Share #18 Posted June 27, 2011 Yes it is expensive, but it gives you such a secure hold of the camera and I actually find it quite attractive. I ordered a new one just now for the M9P. -------------- Frans Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jai Posted June 28, 2011 Author Share #19 Posted June 28, 2011 Humidity and fungal growth in lens and M9? Ok - so I just got off the phone speaking to the technical department, Leica, Germany. I asked him if the Summilux lens (or all new lens) are not weatherproof and would I have problem with high humidity (Singapore) and would that affect my lens and give me fungus growth in the lens. He said to have open air on my equipment and that every two years to have them cleaned for fungal growth. Right from the horse's mouth.. or is he wrong? My canon lenses are all weatherproof. But my 30 yrs 50 Canon lens has has fungal attacks off and on. Do I expect the same from my 35 Lux? or is just not true. Do I need to drown my lens and m9 in a sachets of silicone? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted June 28, 2011 Share #20 Posted June 28, 2011 I'm not convinced weatherproofing is relevant as the seal is broken when you take the lens of the camera. Common sense is the answer IMO. Keep unused gear in airy conditions and certainly not in cases and do a CLA from time to time. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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