D800E compliments M9?

[Photoskeptic]

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I became disillusioned with the lack of good 35 and 50mm F mount lenses, so I sold my d3x. I'd wait for the M10 or FF Sony etc that takes an M mount lens

 

Recommend Zeiss 50 Makro-Planar in ZF.2 mount. I used a 35 1.4G for a week - fine lens but the focal length is not my favorite.

I also use a NEX-7 w/Novoflex adapters for Leica and Nikon lenses. The 75 Summarit continues to impress on this body.

 

I think an 800E would be a fine compliment to an M digital - now if I could only find one for sale!

[chris_tribble]

BTW, you have some very nice pictures on your website.

 

Seconded!

[andyedward]

A word of caution for West Coast Leica owners/Nikon buyers: Nikon Repair in Torrance, CA is a real PIA to deal with. As Leica owners, we are accustomed to great service from Leica. While it may take time, Leica cameras and lenses come back functioning perfectly 99% of the time. And Leica often goes the extra mile, adjusting and cleaning the gear even though that is not why it was sent in. On the other hand, Nikon repair (and the gear often needs repair or adjustment) often blames the photographer even though the gear failed, demands receipts, and ridicules older equipment. They are, in a word, Draconian.

 

Sour grapes? Maybe. But when the same experience occurs several times over several decades, it is a problem.

 

Maybe one of these days, Leica will give us a 24x36 DSLR with a line of auto focus lenses and yet still uses legacy Leica R lenses in a $5,000 - $8,000 price range. I know, dream on.

 

BTW: I still own Nikon gear. Not much any more, but kept enough for a macro or long telephoto shot. And, yes, I find the 800E a tempting camera as well. I'm just not ready to trust Nikon again, especially with a camera with so many reported problems.

 

I had no problems with nikon repair UK when my now sold d3x went in for a minor repair. They cleaned and gave it a thorough inspection "for free" and I didn't feel overcharged. I will give nikon a miss until they get their act together and improve QC. If Nikon improved their QC and upped their game lens-wise, I wouldn't mind paying more for their lenses.

 

If you want a leica alternative to nikon dslrs, keep an eye on leica S system pricing, especially when the S3 is announced. The 70/2,5 (55mm equivalent) is now £3k, and S2 bodies will drop considerably

[farnz]

Is that the one you attach to your glasses and flip up or down when moving in or out of the sun?

I think that's a 'Visor-flex', Erl.

 

Pete.

[glenerrolrd]

Surprised that no one mentioned that the files look considerably different . If you final product requires that you show a group of images (as in a book or exhibit or even your portfolio) ..then differences between how the systems render ,should not compete with the images themselves .

 

If the intent is to pick one system or the other for a specific shoot ..its a smaller issue . But lets say you are doing that priceless vacation and you want to be able to shoot both . This is an example of where the Nikon and Leica “ looks” may be an issue

 

I have and use both systems . I don t mix the files in any collection .

[algrove]

Well said Roger.

 

By the way do you use your 800e for wildlife tele shots? I plan to use the 800e for Yellowstone area and Alaska to begin with. Sound logical since I want reach, a lot of reach?

[glenerrolrd]

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Well said Roger.

 

By the way do you use your 800e for wildlife tele shots? I plan to use the 800e for Yellowstone area and Alaska to begin with. Sound logical since I want reach, a lot of reach?

 

I use the D4 with the 400/600 lenses for sports . The issue with the D800E and the long glass will be keeping the lens steady enough to minimize camera motion. The 40MP files show everything little flaw in technique . It can be done but you will need great care and a high shutter speed. Same problem all the MF users complain about .

[andyedward]

I use the D4 with the 400/600 lenses for sports . The issue with the D800E and the long glass will be keeping the lens steady enough to minimize camera motion. The 40MP files show everything little flaw in technique . It can be done but you will need great care and a high shutter speed. Same problem all the MF users complain about .

 

I read that fluid video tripod heads dampen the shutter vibrations which are amplified by such long lenses

[bpalme]

I use the D4 with the 400/600 lenses for sports . The issue with the D800E and the long glass will be keeping the lens steady enough to minimize camera motion. The 40MP files show everything little flaw in technique . It can be done but you will need great care and a high shutter speed. Same problem all the MF users complain about .

What make the D4 better for that?

Less mega pixels so a cleaner looking photo?

I've never owned those types of gear.

[andyedward]

What make the D4 better for that?

Less mega pixels so a cleaner looking photo?

I've never owned those types of gear.

 

Better high iso performance needed for high shutter speeds

[bpalme]

Makes sense.. Thanks.

[SpiritShooter]

I am contemplating the very same thing.

 

Too bad Nikon doesn't really have the optics to match the camera, but the new TS/PC Scheider-Kreuznach 50mm 2.8 seems to be the perfect lens for all my photographic needs that M9 cannot fulfull. Though its a heavy beast, and I would probably not use it for much regular photography.

 

 

I bought the Schneider TS 50/2.8 and tested it. I returned it shortly thereafter as the lens is not very sharp. I was quite disappointed with it.

 

The T&S operation was amazing. Smooth, accurate and make the Canon and Nikon mechanisms looks like toys.

 

But, as I said, I was extremely disappointed with the lens performance.

[FlashGordonPhotography]

In real time use, how does the Nex7's EVF perform? I am reticent to commit to NOT having a true OVF. My main camera is an M9. I would consider using all my Leica lenses (well some of them) on a Nex7 alongside the M9.

 

Seeking users opinions.

 

The EVF in the NEX7 is very very good, but not perfect. It's the same unit as is used in the Alpha 77 but the eye relief is smaller so it doesn't look quite as nice as the DSLT version. The contrast is too high. This can be offset by lowering the contrast of the jpeg engine. Since I only shoot raw, this is what I did and now the EVF is great. If you only shoot jpegs you may not like it.

 

The amount of information you can show is astounding, or you can just turn it off. The refresh rate is high and the amount of tearing is low. It's not an issue in normal use. I often use the electronic level function.

 

I absolutely detest the eyecup. I find it very uncomfortable and I have removed it. It now lives in a drawer. I will eventually look for a larger, softer one. If you wear spectacles the sensor that switches the view from the LCD to the EVF can be annoying for right eyed shooters. I have adjusted my eye position, to make it more reliable, but it took a while.

 

Focus peaking is brilliant. You will be able to focus as fast as you can with the M9. Sometimes faster. The EVF also shows live exposure, if you wish. So you can see exposure, and an optional histogram, before you shoot, rather than "chimping" afterward.

 

I think you really need to see one of these before you make a decision. Love or hate is a very personal choice here. I prefer my rangefinder window over an EVF. But I prefer the EVF to a SLR pentaprism.

 

Gordon

[erl]

Thanks Gordon. You supplied a lot of 'user' info which is exactly what I was looking for.

 

My dentist is coming over tomorrow night to 'swap prints for teeth work' and he has a Nex7. I will ask him to bring it with him.