Nick De Marco Posted November 3, 2011 Share #1 Posted November 3, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) I had to get my Canon 5D Mark II out of the cupboard yesterday for a boring studio shoot. Find and dust off the battery charger etc. Hadn't used it for many months. It made me realise just how happy I am to have gone over almost exclusively to M cameras. I am now used to taking an M9 and at least one or two more film Ms (or a Hasselblad XPan, or X100) with me for walkarounds or travel trips. The 5D II, with a zoom lens (would not usually use a zoom but for studio it's easier) feels like such a big, heavy beast. It was not comfortable in my hands. I remembered that the controls are all over the place and so complicated. And I felt too self-concsious to 'slip' it out of my bag and use it on the street like I do with an M. I can't imagine getting it out on the tube and photographing the passenger opposite me which I do far too often with an M. It was, as I knew, the ideal tool for the dull studio shoot. But it shall go back into the dusty cupboard no doubt for some more months until I have to do something like that again. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted November 3, 2011 Posted November 3, 2011 Hi Nick De Marco, Take a look here Canon 5D Mark II. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
colonel Posted November 3, 2011 Share #2 Posted November 3, 2011 your post looks like a diary entry The 5Dii is a fantastic camea. I used to only use it with primes, the 50mm f1.2 was the main lens I had on it. The main difference between it and the M9 is that the M9 goes with me everywhere and produces the most achingly clear pictures I have ever seen. Definitely worth the price Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick De Marco Posted November 3, 2011 Author Share #3 Posted November 3, 2011 Agreed Colonel I used to use the 5DII mainly with prime lenses, such as the 35mm f1.2L, which is great but still big. Or I put Zeiss, Leica or Olympus lenses on it with an adapter, but manual focussing is more difficult. The 5DII certainly outperformed my old M8 - and was one reason I pated with it But since having the M9 I can have at least the same quality (so long as I am < 1600 iso) but I much nicer, smaller camera with those wonderful lenses Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Double Negative Posted November 3, 2011 Share #4 Posted November 3, 2011 I totally hear you, Nick. LOL. My 1D Mark IIn is feeling very lonely these days as well. Since getting back into RFs in 2008 it has seen less and less use. Damn shame, too - as I've got a boatload of nice L lenses. Might be time to trade 'em in for some L...eica glass. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ailekim Posted November 3, 2011 Share #5 Posted November 3, 2011 I have a 5DmkII which I use mainly for video.Personnally, I don't find it a fantastic camera. I have been disappointed with the L prime lens I have, the 35mm f1,4. If I use it for stills, I put my old R lenses on it and it becomes a better machine. Less convenient, but it makes the R lenses shine out. Specifically the 100mm Macro elmarit Apo. I also have a 35mm lux R and althoug it is a problem to use because it protrudes in the back, I find that it is a better lens than the Canon L 35. And this was a surprise! Because it is about 20 years old. I much prefer the Nikon D-700 to the Canon. But the camera that is always with me is of course the M9! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
M. Valdemar Posted November 3, 2011 Share #6 Posted November 3, 2011 Why do people keep comparing the M9 to various DSLRs? They are completely different machines made for different purposes. There are things you can do with the Canon 5D Mk II that would be impossible with the Leica M9, and vice versa. It's not like someone is forcing you to make an "either/or" choice at gunpoint. What is the point of these posts? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeinzX Posted November 3, 2011 Share #7 Posted November 3, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) I had a 5 D II , it was an excellent camera for a lot of purposes, but not for all, therefore iI sold it and got a 1 D IV, which covers all my requirements. But no doubt the coming new 1 D X will bring some new interesting features, esp. the very high ISO possibilities. But I am not sure, I will buy one, because I do not really need it and I use the Leica more (esp. outside), simply because of the weight, if possible. The 1 D IV plus the right lenses is a generalist, the M 9 more a specialist for focus lengths between 18 mm and 90 mm (I do not like the 135 mm lens on it). But it makes such a joy to make pictures with the M 9.... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_tribble Posted November 3, 2011 Share #8 Posted November 3, 2011 Just back from a job where I used 2 M9s and the 5D2 with the USM L 70-200 IS mk2 - a very fine lens IMHO. I couldn't have covered it without the 5D2 - and it would have been very limited without the 50 1.4 asph and 28 cron asph on the M9s. Horses for courses. But I also agree with Nick - most of the time the Canon stays at home. Too big, too heavy. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeD700 Posted November 3, 2011 Share #9 Posted November 3, 2011 D700, one prime (one of the new 1.4 AF-S's or the 2.0/50 Makro-Planar) at a time. Not small, not light, but doable and excellent IQ and ergonomics. It's amazing how little attention people pay to a relatively large camera (logo's etc taped over in black) if you act natural. A camera without front grip and thumb rest cramps up my right hand (I usually carry the camera I'm using in my right hand with a wrist strap), but I might be unique in that. Cheers, Michiel Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
GarethC Posted November 3, 2011 Share #10 Posted November 3, 2011 Why do people keep comparing the M9 to various DSLRs? They are completely different machines made for different purposes. There are things you can do with the Canon 5D Mk II that would be impossible with the Leica M9, and vice versa. It's not like someone is forcing you to make an "either/or" choice at gunpoint. What is the point of these posts? In fairness, he wasn't comparing, he was contrasting. It's funny, I have a D-Lux 4, M9 and 5D Mk2 and I kept the Canon for the video but now find myself shooting video with the D-Lux. I do enjoy the Canon for landscapes though, the experience of filters, tripod etc gets me more engaged with the landscape. The M9 just seems ot get me more engaged with everything else and chatting with a semi pro video shooter yesterday he was amazed that a camera with lens attached and 3 other lenses would go in a bag "that small" Horses for courses though. It's just that my landscape opportunities seem few and far between nowadays. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick De Marco Posted November 3, 2011 Author Share #11 Posted November 3, 2011 Quite right If Valdamar had read my post instead of getting hot under his collar he would see it wasn't meant to be a comparison. And I'm the first to accept the 5DII has diferent uses and strengths - that's why I took it out for the studio shot yesterday! I'm just saying, that after a bit of a break, I realise again how much more I enjoy using a Leica M than a big DSLR. Purely subjective, as most of the stuff here is Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mmradman Posted November 3, 2011 Share #12 Posted November 3, 2011 I also have a 35mm lux R and althoug it is a problem to use because it protrudes in the back, I find that it is a better lens than the Canon L 35. And this was a surprise! Because it is about 20 years old. I much prefer the Nikon D-700 to the Canon. Just curious.. Did you manage to attach Lux R 35mm to your DSLR? How did you comapre it against Canon equivalent? Agree on D700, nice camera Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeD700 Posted November 3, 2011 Share #13 Posted November 3, 2011 Cameras like the M9 should dangle from your neck I suppose. Not something I would like, walking around, but preferences will vary. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lct Posted November 3, 2011 Share #14 Posted November 3, 2011 Not sure for the 5D2 but the ergonomics of the 5D1 are better studied than those of M8 & M9 IMHO. The Canon doesn't need a hand grip or a thumbie to be used and is very comfortable as is in my hands. This is of course a bulkier camera, less so than R8 or R9 with DMR though, but try to use an Apo-Telyt with a Leica M folks. Elmarits 135 here. 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/165448-canon-5d-mark-ii/?do=findComment&comment=1833882'>More sharing options...
colonel Posted November 3, 2011 Share #15 Posted November 3, 2011 Cameras like the M9 should dangle from your neck I suppose. Not something I would like, walking around, but preferences will vary. hate that, don't even have a strap for it I use a small Kata DC-433 bag and just handle hold when taking pictures Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeD700 Posted November 3, 2011 Share #16 Posted November 3, 2011 So you carry it in a bag, and take it out of the bag when you want to take a picture? When using one lens I never use a bag; just carry the camera. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
colonel Posted November 3, 2011 Share #17 Posted November 3, 2011 So you carry it in a bag, and take it out of the bag when you want to take a picture? When using one lens I never use a bag; just carry the camera. No I carry it in my hand. The bag is necessary, don't you ever sit down for a coffee ? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeD700 Posted November 3, 2011 Share #18 Posted November 3, 2011 Of course; I then put my camera on that coffee table, or on an empty chair next to me. No problem. Only when carrying more than one lens (no more than two though; f.i. a 24 and a 50 or a 35 and an 85) do I use a bag. A customized (by me; Billingham insert) Tumi messenger bag or a Domke bag. I prefer walking around in my lunch hour with just the camera and the 24, 35 or 50. I leave the messenger bag (which doubles up to carry documents I need for work) at the office. Main argument here is the ergonomics of the D700 are so good I can carry it (Gordy's wrist strap for safety and comfort) hanging by two fingertips and you hardly feel the weight. You raise it to your eye in a fraction of a second, having set the correct ISO value and desired aperture in advance, assessing the light. I hardly look at what the display says. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
akiralx Posted November 3, 2011 Share #19 Posted November 3, 2011 Agree on D700, nice camera It is indeed, v good camera - especially when linked to 200mm VR f/2. Rather larger than an M set up though... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeD700 Posted November 3, 2011 Share #20 Posted November 3, 2011 Finally. A lens that dwarfs the D700 body... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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