schmolinski Posted July 23, 2011 Share #41 Posted July 23, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) If I need a backup of my M9 I am going to rent a 2nd M9. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted July 23, 2011 Posted July 23, 2011 Hi schmolinski, Take a look here "The Best M9 Second Body Alternative". I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
mblaze Posted July 24, 2011 Share #42 Posted July 24, 2011 If I need a backup of my M9 I am going to rent a 2nd M9. Where is there an M9 rental market? In NY at least, as far as I know, you can rent all manner of Nikon, Canon, and Sinar gear, but I'm not aware of any place that rents Leica digital. (I'd love to be wrong about this). And for the record, my backup camera if I'm shooting the M9 and want a second small camera is an X100. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
timetraveller Posted July 24, 2011 Share #43 Posted July 24, 2011 My backup is a Fuji X100 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anasebi Posted July 24, 2011 Share #44 Posted July 24, 2011 If you need interchangeable lenses as a 2nd, there really is no alternative besides renting a second M9, settling with an M8 or film. If you want to have a non rangefinder to play with M glass the Sony Nex is it. Best image quality by far the best at manual focusing lenses fast. There's also Samsung NX line. If you have an irrational hatred of megabrands that start with 'S'; you can go elsewhere by micro 4/3rds. But they all have that horrid crop factor and to this point; that vastly outdated 12mp sensor. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_tribble Posted July 24, 2011 Share #45 Posted July 24, 2011 My experience is that a second M9 is the only sensible solution for backup - but I'm also with those who recommend a high end DSLR as an essential part of the toolkit (IMHO one with long, fast glass attached). EXAMPLE - on a job yesterday the most used tool was the 5D2 + a very old non-IS 70-200 2.8. I was dealing with concert performances + kids and there was no way I could have got close enough even with the 135. While I also used M9s mostly with 28 / 50 attached, the Canon was essential. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tompoes Posted July 30, 2011 Share #46 Posted July 30, 2011 As back up i use a Pentax K5 with 31mm and 77 mm prime lenses en two top quality zoom lenses 16 - 50 and 50 -135 mm. This combo functions as a backup and offers an excellent solution in low light situations. ISO 3200 is no problem. This package is rather complimentary to the Leica M9 set up. Furthermore the K5 body is very small and offers a high build quality weather resistant body. You combine a ferarri with a bmw and as such a good fit. Micro 4/3 as a back up is not in my books, here you combine a ferrari with a low end car. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest stanjan0 Posted August 1, 2011 Share #47 Posted August 1, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) I bought the M9 because my Nikon D3 and lens were getting too heavy for me at my age. My wife and I are going on a 70 day cruise. I will bring the D3 as a back up with a few of my Nikon lens, as I wouldn't want to miss our experience's on the cruise. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick De Marco Posted August 1, 2011 Share #48 Posted August 1, 2011 Thought I would say X100, which is a great camera to carry around But during my current trip in Italy I actually found the leica M3 to be my nest second camera It is simple where the M9 can be complex It is bullet proof And I can use the same lenses, although invariably stick with a sweet 50mm Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
frank_dernie Posted August 4, 2011 Share #49 Posted August 4, 2011 A month ago or so, I bought a new Panasonic GH-2 body, as I fantasized, that it might pair well with Leica tele lenses, to extend the reach of my 135mm. Well, let me tell you, that the GH-2, as a fine camera, it might be, sits in a closet with less than 100 exposures made and I see not really any meaningful use for it. It works as advertised, but it is a far cry in usability from any RF camera, that would take my LTM and M lenses. The writer of the linked article has to be understood about what kind of shots, what kind of purpose of the second body (truly just backup?) he is referring to. I do mainly handheld quick photographs in candid situations in low light with mostly fast lenses of f1.4 or faster. For tele shots, I use a 135/3.4, Canon 100/2 LTM and Leica 90mm lenses - all handheld. The GH-2 really is heavy on the eyes for using manual focus lenses. It is an extremely uncomfortable body to hold, operate, balance with very awkward controls and difficult to operate buttons. It can be programmed, to somewhat be more usable with a few functions, being more logically set to the few programmable buttons (again in awkward to reach positions with this very small DSLR shaped miniaturized body). I have held a EPL1 body, which (without further testing it) feels a lot more natural to the hand, when using Leica M bodies. It does have though similar limitations for shooting Leica glass like the GH-2. If one is into video and happens, to have a stock in Leica M glass - run for a GH2. If somebody has smallish hands, likes plastic "playful" cameras and maybe one or two extra AF lenses for it go for it (not minding the very high prices these go for - seriously, a kit zoom for an equivalent price to a full frame Nikon consumer zoom of similar range???). … otherwise hands off ! I am not sure, what to make with that new GH-2. I might even curse myself, finding my way into a camera store and purchasing one of these better short fast AF primes, to use it as a PS camera. I don't know. Now if there would be a way, to transplant this GH-2 into a proper camera body (Nikon Fm), it would be a whole different thing. Interesting! I bought an Olympus E-P1 as a small take everywhere camera and could not get used to it's lack of viewfinder. I found the menu system somewhat counter-intuitive too. I changed for a Panasonic GH1 which I find ergonomically and intuitively much better! So the exact opposite taste to yours! I have an adaptor for M lenses on it, and the Nocti makes a fun portrait lens, but I hardly ever use it with the M lenses. I always carry it though because of its video facility. OTOH I do have a M8.2 which is the M9 back-up. Frank Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
menos I M6 Posted August 5, 2011 Share #50 Posted August 5, 2011 Interesting!I bought an Olympus E-P1 as a small take everywhere camera and could not get used to it's lack of viewfinder. I found the menu system somewhat counter-intuitive too. I changed for a Panasonic GH1 which I find ergonomically and intuitively much better! So the exact opposite taste to yours! I have an adaptor for M lenses on it, and the Nocti makes a fun portrait lens, but I hardly ever use it with the M lenses. I always carry it though because of its video facility. OTOH I do have a M8.2 which is the M9 back-up. Frank Interesting indeed Frank, thats how different people are! I like the M first and foremost for it's insane speed and simplicity of operation - the film bodies more so, the digitals still. The GH2 really is a slow camera to use by comparison (shooting M lenses). I suppose, it is a very fine point and shoot, simple camera with an excellent AF lens attached and probably the most handy video solution for still shooters around as well (I have no interest in video currently). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
henning Posted August 5, 2011 Share #51 Posted August 5, 2011 The GH2 really is a slow camera to use by comparison (shooting M lenses). I suppose, it is a very fine point and shoot, simple camera with an excellent AF lens attached and probably the most handy video solution for still shooters around as well (I have no interest in video currently). Since I only have one M9, this question often comes up for me as well. Mostly, I take an M8 along with a lens I only use with it and some filters. Sometimes, if I also need a bit longer reach I take a Panasonic GH2 or other model with one of their generally outstanding lenses. I find the handling as good or better than most SLR's even though my hands are not that small, and the output is quite good, but as others have noted, the ultimate quality is generally not what makes the picture. It's quite easy to take the GH2, the 14-45 or 14-140 and the 20/1.7. Those combos are as fast as the M9, give or take depending on the situation. I certainly don't take the 5DMkII as a 'backup'. It gets used for things that can only be done with a camera like that, such as when a 70-200 IS isn needed or one of the TSE's. Henning Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted August 5, 2011 Share #52 Posted August 5, 2011 I bought the M9 because my Nikon D3 and lens were getting too heavy for me at my age. My wife and I are going on a 70 day cruise. I will bring the D3 as a back up with a few of my Nikon lens, as I wouldn't want to miss our experience's on the cruise. It is too heavy yet you are taking it with you on holiday? For a cruise I would be thinking of a DLux5 or VLux30 as backup. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
menos I M6 Posted August 5, 2011 Share #53 Posted August 5, 2011 It is too heavy yet you are taking it with you on holiday? For a cruise I would be thinking of a DLux5 or VLux30 as backup. I would do exactly as Stan. I would bring the D3 + Nikon lenses in a big bag, let the wife take care of the bag, while I am out, fishing for a holiday companion with my lightly M9 Finally, I would bring those heavy fast telephoto primes out of the locker. Seriously, I think Stan doesn't haul a heavy Nikon system around, while shooting a small and light camera. Stan, enjoy the cruise! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted August 5, 2011 Share #54 Posted August 5, 2011 My wife is lucky - I hand my gear to the Tea Bearer. And yes, Stan have fun Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest stanjan0 Posted August 5, 2011 Share #55 Posted August 5, 2011 Jaap, Menos, thanks for your best wishes but, Jaap the trip will cost me more than 6 figures American. I can't afford a new camera so the D3 and one or two lens will be my back up. Menos, you have some sense of humor, I like it. You know I'll soon be 80 years old and November is my 60th wedding anniversary, so this cruise will cover both celebrations. No hard feelings as I know you both were funning, keep well and keep shooting. :) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
norm_snyder Posted August 5, 2011 Share #56 Posted August 5, 2011 Currently I am using my M8 as a backup while my M9 is in New Jersey getting tweaked back to proper operation. Sevice and communication from Carmen Vargas has been great, by the way. The M8 will do, but having seen this this morning, I was wondering if there is a Ricoh GXR in my future: PRESS RELEASE: Ricoh Announces Leica M Mount APS-C Module for GXR system | STEVE HUFF PHOTOS Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
menos I M6 Posted August 5, 2011 Share #57 Posted August 5, 2011 Jaap, Menos, thanks for your best wishes but, Jaap the trip will cost me more than 6 figures American. I can't afford a new camera so the D3 and one or two lens will be my back up. Menos, you have some sense of humor, I like it. You know I'll soon be 80 years old and November is my 60th wedding anniversary, so this cruise will cover both celebrations. No hard feelings as I know you both were funning, keep well and keep shooting. :) Stan, I have to pull my hat and congratulate you and your wife! My wishes are honest and my humor always the same - no negative points meant - never. Just a nice guy with a sharp tongue, as you know me ;-) Good, to see you around here and elsewhere. Enjoy the trip, take many photos and best wishes to your wife. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
carbon_dragon Posted August 5, 2011 Share #58 Posted August 5, 2011 I don't have an M9 yet to need a backup for, but I do have an M8 and I've seriously considered the M9. I'm just waiting for it to go down in price a bit when the M10 arrives at some point. Anyway, one thing that hasn't been mentioned about the M8 is that in addition to being quite a good camera on its own, it's IR problem is in fact a great advantage to my mind. With an IR filter instead of an IR cut filter in place, it's a dynamite infrared camera and would make a great partner for the M9, able to get shots the M9 couldn't. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Holy Moly Posted August 5, 2011 Share #59 Posted August 5, 2011 in autumn available: Ricoh M-mount GXR Mount A12 module announced and previewed: Digital Photography Review very interesting how the module can be tweaked to achieve the fully potential of M lenses. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
salim Posted August 7, 2011 Share #60 Posted August 7, 2011 I dont think you can call it a backup. But when I travel I take two bodies. The M9 with 35 Cron and soon the 50 lux. And as well Canon 5D MarKII with 17-40mm and 24-105L lens I keep the Canon in the hotel most of the time, is only in situation where I target a specific scene or landscape/seascape. I will never put my M9 in such extreme situation, simply because it was not built for that, the 5D onb the other hand is weather proof and can handle seascape and odd angle landscape especially with the lens I have, not to mention the various filter I am carrying. So the M9 is with me 24/7. The canon comes into play when I target a specific scene, otherwise stays in the hotel. Should the M9 fail, I can always pickup the canon with the 24-105mm lens is which is perfect for day to day photography anyway PS/ My wife carries the Fuji X100 so Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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