Einst_Stein Posted April 12, 2012 Share #1 Posted April 12, 2012 Advertisement (gone after registration) Face it, M9 is clumsy. So you'll need a lot of accessories. But what to start with? No, Lens is not part of my topic. That's an expert's toplc. This is the lesson I've learned: 1. Hand grip. I have a Leica made. Don't worry if it says for M8, unless you want a perfect match on the leather finishing. Forget about the hand strap. None of them works. I've hear some third party grips or plates, but I have no idea how are they. You might want to add the thumb stops. I don't have it yet, but it seems necessary. 2. 1.4x or 1.25x view finder enlarger. I like 1.4x better, but it's expensive. You can find third party 1.25x for about half or 1/3 of the price. Works wonderful. 3. Leica M 90 degree finder + table top tripod. Very useful if you shoot landscape a lot. Don't bother for portraits. There are two choices on the 90 angle finder. The Leica made and Voigtlander made. The Leica version only works well on 50mm and longer, while Voigtlander only for 15,21,(24)/25mm. I'd also recommend two choices for the table top tripod. A Leica version and a Manfrotto version. The Leica version contains the pods and the ball head, sold separately. (Not the 14320). I like this better. The leg angle is flexible, I often use it with "150-60-150" degree to stand on the non-even, narrow width, awkward condition. The Manffrotto is much cheaper (~1/5), but is lower and has fixed leg angle (120-120-120). Not as flexible. By the way, the table top tripod can also be used as the breast-level support. Not exactly gun-shooting, but somwhat similar. 4. Leica CF flash. It's light, small, and cheap (I paid $15). good for out-doors fill light. A friend gave me a Contax TLA 200. It's small, cute, and looks much better on M9, but it uses expensive battery. Leica CF use two AAs. Indoors flash is much more demanding. I don't use it, and I don't know a good one yet. 5. Misc: Camera bag and ground tripod are supposed to be important too. But I don't have any recommendation yet. I had Gitzo 0541. It matches Leica M9 perfectly: light, robust, sturdy, and expensive. But I've never needed it yet, so I returned it. I also have a should bag, it fits better with college kids. But I think a backpack with should bag convenience is still desirable. maybe someone can give a recommendation. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted April 12, 2012 Posted April 12, 2012 Hi Einst_Stein, Take a look here Must Have M9 Accessories. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
pico Posted April 12, 2012 Share #2 Posted April 12, 2012 Face it, M9 is clumsy. So you'll need a lot of accessories. No. The M9 is not clumsy. With the exception of the M5, the M form-factor has not changed significantly since the M3. We got along well with it for longer than you have been alive. OTOH, some recent lenses are much larger on the whole than they once were which might be influencing people to find hand grips - made by Leica or in my case, RRS, and I use a number of appliances to use the Leica only because I have hand injuries and literally, handicaps. Just use it. 3. Leica M 90 degree finder [...] Have you even used the 90 degree finder? It does not give you full-frame. I should post the 90 degree finder I built. Even I hate it. When I do my 'bay ads to dump some hardware, I'll post a picture of it. Average cost is $10. I swear, sometimes I think that Leica should put an age restriction or warning on their cameras. Like: "This IS your father's (or grandfather's) camera." Get over it! . Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Double Negative Posted April 13, 2012 Share #3 Posted April 13, 2012 The only thing I'd recommend as "necessary" would be a thumb grip - be a Thumbie or Thumbs Up. Especially if you like those faster/larger/heavier lenses. Though even with lighter lenses, they really add an extra measure of grip, comfort and support. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Einst_Stein Posted April 13, 2012 Author Share #4 Posted April 13, 2012 The only thing I'd recommend as "necessary" would be a thumb grip - be a Thumbie or Thumbs Up. Especially if you like those faster/larger/heavier lenses. Though even with lighter lenses, they really add an extra measure of grip, comfort and support. I think the thumbie would be especial useful for people who hold the M9 mainly with the right hand. If you have the habit to hold it with both hands, it could be less compelling. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bybrett Posted April 13, 2012 Share #5 Posted April 13, 2012 Lightroom or similar (yes I know it comes in the box but supposing you bought a used M9) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stussy2k Posted April 13, 2012 Share #6 Posted April 13, 2012 Replace stock strap. Whilst many opt for fairly narrow/slim straps in cloth/leather material (Artisan&Artist ,Luigi,LuxeCase,etc.). I tend to go for the wider variations for better comfort. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
StephenPatterson Posted April 13, 2012 Share #7 Posted April 13, 2012 Advertisement (gone after registration) Face it, M9 is clumsy. So you'll need a lot of accessories. But what to start with?No, Lens is not part of my topic. That's an expert's toplc. This is the lesson I've learned: 1. Hand grip. Well, this is really something to consider. When I was strolling in Pamplona, (and carrying too much stuff, but is my own fault), before running with the bulls, I hit a patch of sh!t and almost fell, so a grip would have been a wonderful accessory. Leica should give them away free, as any intelligent person should know. Excellent thread!!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
algrove Posted April 13, 2012 Share #8 Posted April 13, 2012 I still think you should sell your M9. Clumsy! Ever hold a DSLR? Did you ever hold one in your hands before buying it? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff S Posted April 13, 2012 Share #9 Posted April 13, 2012 Well, this is really something to consider. When I was strolling in Pamplona, (and carrying too much stuff, but is my own fault), before running with the bulls, I hit a patch of sh!t and almost fell, so a grip would have been a wonderful accessory. Leica should give them away free, as any intelligent person should know. That's a bold statement. Jeff Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Einst_Stein Posted April 13, 2012 Author Share #10 Posted April 13, 2012 I still think you should sell your M9. Clumsy! Ever hold a DSLR? Did you ever hold one in your hands before buying it? When I'm ready to sell, I promise you'd be the first to know. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Einst_Stein Posted April 13, 2012 Author Share #11 Posted April 13, 2012 Have you even used the 90 degree finder? It does not give you full-frame. . Don't know what you are talking about. remember, Leica' 90 finder does not work well for wide angle, such as 28mm. but 50mm or longer is fine. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dannybuoy Posted April 13, 2012 Share #12 Posted April 13, 2012 Red Artisan & Artist cloth strap and a Thumbie. Those two things have made my M9 perfect. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
andybarton Posted April 13, 2012 Share #13 Posted April 13, 2012 I am not surprised that you are not considering selling your M9, given the amount of accessories you have amassed over the two months you have owned it. I am surprised that you bought all that lot, given that you don't like the camera. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
asmith Posted April 13, 2012 Share #14 Posted April 13, 2012 I find that the only "accessory" I need for a Leica M is a lens - and possibly a viewfinder if the lens is a wide one. Alwyn Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_tribble Posted April 13, 2012 Share #15 Posted April 13, 2012 Hmmmm. I find that the only "accessory" I need for a Leica M is a lens - and possibly a viewfinder if the lens is a wide one. This I agree with. Not convinced by most of the other postings. I've played with some of the things on this list but the grip and the thumbie and the half case and the magnifier have all gone. The essential accessory for me is the +3.5 diopter which compensates perfectly for my long-sightedness. Others won't need this. I also use and really like the Frankenfinder. IMHO everything else messes up a design whose elegant simplicity takes a lot of beating. And yes, I also own modern DSLRs. For me, a bare M body with the original strap can't be beaten. Tripods and the rest aren't accessories, they're additional tools that you require for doing specific jobs. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hlockwood Posted April 13, 2012 Share #16 Posted April 13, 2012 The only thing I'd recommend as "necessary" would be a thumb grip - be a Thumbie or Thumbs Up. Especially if you like those faster/larger/heavier lenses. Though even with lighter lenses, they really add an extra measure of grip, comfort and support. The Thumbs Up makes all the difference in the world. I use it on my M7 and now on my M9-P. I've added the A&A strap so that the camera can be reposition easily when worn bandolier fashion. Harry Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pig882009 Posted April 13, 2012 Share #17 Posted April 13, 2012 I do not have any of these accessaries. But I enjoy shooting with my M9. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rramesh Posted April 13, 2012 Share #18 Posted April 13, 2012 Face it, M9 is clumsy. So you'll need a lot of accessories. I think what you need to do with an M9 is to go out and take some pictures. I don't understand why you need so many accessories. If you still need more accessories, then consider a hot shoe mounted torchlight so you can see where you are going. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bill Posted April 13, 2012 Share #19 Posted April 13, 2012 Perhaps the best "accessory" would be to step back and adjust your mind-set so that you appreciate the tool for what it is rather than what you think it should be before you start hanging bells and whistles from it? Regards, Bill Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stunsworth Posted April 13, 2012 Share #20 Posted April 13, 2012 Face it, M9 is clumsy. So you'll need a lot of accessories. As an M8 owner I haven't found the camera clumsy or found the need to buy lots of accessories. Forget about the hand strap. None of them works I use a hand strap all the time, I've no idea what you mean by 'none of them works'. You might want to add the thumb stops. I don't have it yet, but it seems necessary Never used one, never felt the need to use one. 1.4x or 1.25x view finder enlarger I have one but hardly ever use it. In practice I haven't found that it makes much difference. Leica M 90 degree finder + table top tripod. Very useful if you shoot landscape a lot. Don't bother for portraits I shoot some landscapes, never felt the need for either. I'm not saying that the accessories you mention are useless, just that very few people need them all - or rather I personally don't. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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