M8.2 as second / back-up body?

[jaapv]

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So what you are saying, as you cannot use longer lenses nor stand closer you would have to crop the M9 down to M8 sized images or both cameras down to the same FOV. In that case you are right, the larger surface of the M9 is wasted and the thicker IR filter kicks in. But when you have the same situation in low light, I cannot follow. If you use the same crop as the M8 on the M9 the noise improvement is marginal.

 

If, however, you use the full frame of the M9 opposed to the M8 you will double the pixel number and widen the FOV, so with a longer lens/shorter distance, you will be able to double the size (as surface area) of your print at the same resolution.

[Jeff S]

If, however, you use the full frame of the M9 opposed to the M8 you will double the pixel number and widen the FOV, so with a longer lens/shorter distance, you will be able to double the size (as surface area) of your print at the same resolution.

 

Isn't this contradictory to the point you made to me that it's not about printing bigger? It seems based on the above that's exactly what the M9, with a longer lens, will allow one to do, and still keep resolution. Or did I miss the point again?

 

Jeff

[jaapv]

I always take the blame for being obscure

 

The point about print size not mattering is when I discussed image quality things like colour and contrast transitions.

 

The point about double the pixel number double the possible print size (without upressing) was meant for resolution only.

 

So assuming you use the full sensor sizes of the M8 and M9.

 

Print at equal (out of camera) resolution thus at different image sizes: The M8 will hold a small advantage in clarity (IR filter!) and the M9 will show slightly less noise.

 

Print at equal size thus different out-of-camera resolution, the M9 will show better image quality and considerably less noise.(higher pixel number)

 

These differences will hold even as you go to the printer resolution at the end of the postprocessing process.

[Jeff S]

This makes sense, thanks Jaap. Regarding print size, my question was really about resolution, since I had already understood your earlier points about color and transitions.

 

So. while it took a while to come full circle (isn't the internet a wonderful way to hold a conversation:(), I'm back to my initial understanding about M8 versus M9 potential.

 

Unless I add an M9 to the arsenal at some point, I really won't know the practical implications for my own work. But this at least better helps me sort through the anticipated outcomes.

 

Then the M10 will introduce new considerations. Meanwhile my M8.2s get the job done well given my current needs, especially for black and white.

 

Jeff

[delander †]

When the M9 first appeared I kept my M8 and tried working with both cameras for a while. For me it just did not work out. I would take out the 2 cameras and 4 lenses and coupled with the need to have IR filters on the lenses for use with the M8, pairing up the different lenses with the 2 cameras never seemed easy. So after a couple of months I part-exed the M8 for another M9. Another factor was the pixel density/size being the same on both cameras. I knew that I could always take a M8 picture with the M9 (if that makes sense?)

 

On the subject of sharpness from the two cameras, I did some rough tests which to my eye did not show any meaningful difference, I posted them here: http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-m9-forum/101775-m9-v-m8-sharpness.html

 

I would advise to get another M9 if funds allow.

 

Jeff

[Doc Henry]

Jeff ,

It is also what I have found when I compared the two cameras and

with or without filter UV / IR

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-m9-forum/98684-m9-versus-m8-1-tests.html

Best

Henry

[Revdockj]

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I kept my M8 when I got an M9. Getting a second M9 is not an option for me (getting my first M9 was almost not an option). I use my eight Leitz lenses on my new M9, but I still use my M8 for one particular scenario: I often go out with a 35mm on my M9 and a 75mm on my M8, and nothing else. I'm very happy with the results.

 

Ken

[ramosa]

When I upgrade from my M8 to an M9--or more likely M10--I will need to sell the M8 to fund the new purchase. That said, I don't think I'd want a second body, especially one with a different field of view (crop versus FF). But that's just how I see things, and lots of folks (especially those who make a living with their Ms) will rightfully disagree.