Placed a deposit on an M9!

[w44neg]

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Recently, I've been going through a new photography equipment phase. I'd had a Canon 600D for a while and wanted to upgrade to full frame.

 

So I did, and then found the camera I bought had known issues. What ensued was several months of trying four different high end DSLRs until, finally, I came to a conclusion.

 

I took one of the DSLRs on a trip abroad. Everything was perfect with the photos, but the camera itself was big, clumsy and heavy. It was an excellent piece of kit, don't get me wrong, but it wasn't very easy to lug around.

 

So I've decided to go back to a cheaper full frame DSLR, and a Leica M9 for my travels.

 

I'm praying that it's the right thing to do but I think over time, after I get used to a Range Finder, I'll hopefully know I've made the right decision. The DSLR will cover my sports/macro/landscape photography, and the M9 will be my everyday and travel camera.

 

I'm looking forward to it, but now I'm searching for the right case and a couple of other bits. I fancy dark brown leather accessories but finding these at "normal" prices is no mean feat!

 

Thanks for reading.

[stevesurf]

Best of luck with the M9; a wonderful camera that will serve you well! As far as cases, I am very partial to Leicatime's leather quality; expensive, but so well crafted and available in some wonderful colors. Luigi has a line of "basic" cases, here.

 

Some of the colors he offers are pretty unique, like the aged brown version:

and here.

[pfhrased]

Congratulations - I'm sure you'll love it!

[YLS1]

 

So I did, and then found the camera I bought had known issues. What ensued was several months of trying four different high end DSLRs until, finally, I came to a conclusion.

 

 

And you don't think the M9 has known issues? The M9 and M8 have more known issues than any other cameras that I'm aware of. I bought a new M9 just over a year ago and it's in the shop for the 3rd time. It's been in the shop about as much as I've had it in my hands. Right out of the box it needed a new sensor and mother board. Too many problems with it to go into here.

 

I would rethink the decision. I can say after 45 years of using M's professionally I'll never waste my money on another digital Leica product.

[Ecaton]

As much as I like my M9, but for easy and cerafree travel an A7® easily beats it. The Sony does not provide the same shooting experience but you do not seem to have a RF past, wherefore this intangible Leica "advantage" is not something you might miss with the Sony.

[Jeff S]

I'm looking forward to it, but now I'm searching for the right case and a couple of other bits. I fancy dark brown leather accessories but finding these at "normal" prices is no mean feat!

 

Have you used an M9 yet? If not, you might try it before you decide to add things that may prove unnecessary.

 

Jeff

[w44neg]

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Oh dear, I'm quite shocked that even leica aficionados aren't recommending the camera.

 

One of the DSLRs I tried was indeed the A7r. Nothing like I expected. For starters, the shutter slap really was an issue... I can hand hold a Nikon at very low shutter speeds but the sony produced very blurred images because of the shutter. This was after coming from a D800e by the way. Also, the EVF was just awkward to switch between with the display and it made it feel like a point and shoot.

 

Now I did consider the Fuji X100s but the picture quality, although good, doesn't seem to be the same on terms of colours at least. It does have an optical viewfinder though but no interchangeable lenses. The RX1r is another option but if I disliked the A7r, I'll dislike that too.

 

The M9 is something very different but I fully understand this and have no qualms with that.

 

If the M9 is such a bad decision, what sort of "known issues" are causing this to be the case? I should add that the camera comes with a 12 month Leica warranty on both the camera and 35mm summicron lens.

 

Also, what alternatives should I consider as I'm guessing some of you have found more rounded systems?

[BrianUK]

And you don't think the M9 has known issues? The M9 and M8 have more known issues than any other cameras that I'm aware of. I bought a new M9 just over a year ago and it's in the shop for the 3rd time. It's been in the shop about as much as I've had it in my hands. Right out of the box it needed a new sensor and mother board. Too many problems with it to go into here.

 

I would rethink the decision. I can say after 45 years of using M's professionally I'll never waste my money on another digital Leica product.

 

Give the poster - w44neg - a break! He hasn't yet even got his M9 in his hands.

 

Every camera has issues, life has issues. The fact that you've had problems with your M9 don't mean the poster will with theirs. There are plenty of M9s out in the world being used - professionally and otherwise - without issues, as testified by this forum.

 

What facts do you have that 'The M9 and M8 have more known issues than any other cameras that I'm aware of.' ?

[jaapv]

Don’t worry, it is just the usual effect of people with unfortunate experiences gravitating to an Internet forum - not specific for Leica or even cameras. Nearly all users are just happily shooting their camera and not posting on this forum.

Not that these individual cases have no legitimate reason for complaint, but as a statistic it must be seen in context.

[BrianUK]

I think you've said it more diplomatically than me, jaapv!

 

Perhaps YLS1 will be able to enlighten us with facts about the M9 and M8 having more known issues than any other cameras that he's aware of?

 

I'd be interested to know. Genuinely.

[jcraf]

Oh dear, I'm quite shocked that even leica aficionados aren't recommending the camera.

 

One of the DSLRs I tried was indeed the A7r. Nothing like I expected. For starters, the shutter slap really was an issue... I can hand hold a Nikon at very low shutter speeds but the sony produced very blurred images because of the shutter. This was after coming from a D800e by the way. Also, the EVF was just awkward to switch between with the display and it made it feel like a point and shoot.

 

Now I did consider the Fuji X100s but the picture quality, although good, doesn't seem to be the same on terms of colours at least. It does have an optical viewfinder though but no interchangeable lenses. The RX1r is another option but if I disliked the A7r, I'll dislike that too.

 

The M9 is something very different but I fully understand this and have no qualms with that.

 

If the M9 is such a bad decision, what sort of "known issues" are causing this to be the case? I should add that the camera comes with a 12 month Leica warranty on both the camera and 35mm summicron lens.

 

Also, what alternatives should I consider as I'm guessing some of you have found more rounded systems?

 

There are always naysayers and those with negative opinions of any product, place or service. These may be justified, or they may not be. One of the downsides of the net, I fear.

 

As others have said here, the M9 is wonderful camera. Just have a look on this forum and at some of the work done with it, and the fantastic world of Leica glass.

 

I am certain you will enjoy it, and the Leica rangefinder experience. If you decide to go for it, let us know how you get on and perhaps post some pictures.

[MarkP]

I was new to Leica (digital) in 2010 from a Nikon (F3/T) film system and now I have an M9, Monochrom, and M240 (the M9 will probably be sold soon). I have never had an issue with the cameras except for a very slow minor repair after I dropped the M9, and a loose baseplate catch on the Monochrom).

 

I have more than my fair share of lenses and slow repairs have been my main source of frustration.

 

Having said that I love my Leica system.

Enjoy your M9 - the only problem may be that you may not go back to using your DSLR.

 

 

 

ps. I recently dumped my poorly made Luigi M9 case for an Arte di Mano. They also provide excellent service.

Like the Italian jobs they aren't cheap but are beautifully made - including in brown.

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-m9-forum/308871-m9-monochrom-half-cases.html

http://www.artedimano.com/

[w44neg]

I was new to Leica (digital) in 2010 from a Nikon (F3/T) film system and now I have an M9, Monochrom, and M240 (the M9 will probably be sold soon). I have never had an issue with the cameras except for a very slow minor repair after I dropped the M9, and a loose baseplate catch on the Monochrom).

 

I have more than my fair share of lenses and slow repairs have been my main source of frustration.

 

Having said that I love my Leica system.

Enjoy your M9 - the only problem may be that you may not go back to using your DSLR.

 

 

 

ps. I recently dumped my poorly made Luigi M9 case for an Arte di Mano. They also provide excellent service.

Like the Italian jobs they aren't cheap but are beautifully made - including in brown.

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-m9-forum/308871-m9-monochrom-half-cases.html

Arte di mano.

 

Oh my those cases look nice! Which version is your black one as the sites for cases seem to be their sticking point.

[MarkP]

Oh my those cases look nice! Which version is your black one as the sites for cases seem to be their sticking point.

 

Leica M9/Monochrom half case in Minerva Black with a matching Minerva Black strap, with black stitching for both case and strap and no tripod socket.

The latter significantly reduces the price - I would not use a camera on tripod using a case that isn't screwed directly into the cameras tripod socket and I hate cases that screw into the camera as they are such a pain when I want to remove them quickly. No case for me on the occasions when I'm using a tripod.

 

Email them directly.

 

Hope this helps!

[IWC Doppel]

Recently, I've been going through a new photography equipment phase. I'd had a Canon 600D for a while and wanted to upgrade to full frame.

 

So I did, and then found the camera I bought had known issues. What ensued was several months of trying four different high end DSLRs until, finally, I came to a conclusion.

 

I took one of the DSLRs on a trip abroad. Everything was perfect with the photos, but the camera itself was big, clumsy and heavy. It was an excellent piece of kit, don't get me wrong, but it wasn't very easy to lug around.

 

So I've decided to go back to a cheaper full frame DSLR, and a Leica M9 for my travels.

 

I'm praying that it's the right thing to do but I think over time, after I get used to a Range Finder, I'll hopefully know I've made the right decision. The DSLR will cover my sports/macro/landscape photography, and the M9 will be my everyday and travel camera.

 

I'm looking forward to it, but now I'm searching for the right case and a couple of other bits. I fancy dark brown leather accessories but finding these at "normal" prices is no mean feat!

 

Thanks for reading.

 

You won't look back if you give it a little time to get used to the manual controls.

[w44neg]

Leica M9/Monochrom half case in Minerva Black with a matching Minerva Black strap, with black stitching for both case and strap and no tripod socket.

The latter significantly reduces the price - I would not use a camera on tripod using a case that isn't screwed directly into the cameras tripod socket and I hate cases that screw into the camera as they are such a pain when I want to remove them quickly. No case for me on the occasions when I'm using a tripod.

 

Email them directly.

 

Hope this helps!

 

It certainly does... http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?depth=1&rurl=translate.google.com&sl=auto&tl=en&u=http://m.artedimano.cafe24.com/product/detail.html%3Fproduct_no%3D83%26cate_no%3D36%26display_group%3D1&usg=ALkJrhiT9L4e1ottBp2oxBm3Pp6qfwFe8Q

 

That seems to be the one that looks like yours, so I just need to work out the colours now as they do t seem to have many photos that give a good idea of the colours available. I do like the shiny black smooth leather case in the collage photo on the above page though.

 

Once I've got used to the camera, I can see the case being a very handy birthday gift ;-)

[YLS1]

Give the poster - w44neg - a break! He hasn't yet even got his M9 in his hands.

 

Every camera has issues, life has issues. The fact that you've had problems with your M9 don't mean the poster will with theirs. There are plenty of M9s out in the world being used - professionally and otherwise - without issues, as testified by this forum.

 

What facts do you have that 'The M9 and M8 have more known issues than any other cameras that I'm aware of.' ?

 

No not every camera has issues like the M9.

 

Do a little research before forking out thousands for one.

 

RFF has an entire section devoted to M digital problems.

 

Search on the forums

 

White spots on the sensor

 

Cracked sensor

 

Coffee stain on sensor

 

Banding

 

RFF alignment

 

Freezing / camera locks up

 

Battery life

 

SD card issues

 

Missing images on the SD card

 

Excessive high ISO noise

 

Strap lugs

 

Parts ran out for the M8 and leica offered a trade in allowance - does this suggest many many repairs

 

I think these were related to sensor and LCD problems

 

Now research problems with Nikon and Canon. You'll find very few actual issues that are common to many cameras.

 

Just do your homework before putting money down that you can't get back. In all the years I've been shooting this is the one camera I regret buying.

 

Just do some research and don't be blinded by the red dot.

 

No not every M9 has problems but there is a significant number that do. Yes when working properly they make nice images but many other cameras do too. I'm afraid after so many problems with my camera I've lost all confidence in the M digital cameras. I had planned to buy a new monochrom until I had problems with my M9. Do yourself a big favor and do your research with unbiased eyes. I learned my lesson and will never fork out my hard earned money for a Leica digital product again.

[Nick_S]

This list seems to be rather excessive. Not all these points even apply to an M9 and a number of others were dealt with by firmware upgrades.

 

Nick

[IWC Doppel]

This list seems to be rather excessive. Not all these points even apply to an M9 and a number of others were dealt with by firmware upgrades.

 

Nick

 

My M9-P has been in my shoulder bag for nearly two years, innumerate lens changes and 12k+ actuations, its been on the beach, handheld in the sea, in the snow and rained on more than once. It's never missed a shot

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[YLS1]

My M9-P has been in my shoulder bag for nearly two years, innumerate lens changes and 12k+ actuations, its been on the beach, handheld in the sea, in the snow and rained on more than once. It's never missed a shot

 

12K in two years is nothing to brag about. I'm not trying to be ugly to anyone but that's nothing in the world of professional camera use. 12K a week or even a month is what the camera should take. On some jobs I shoot 12K in three days.

 

Forget the fans and forget the ones of us that complain. Just do you homework and make certain you want to take the risk. It's a big investment.

 

Consider the professional world. If there was a clear advantage to any camera all of us making our living from photography would use that camera. Now consider what cameras are dominant in the industry and why. Nikon and Canon rule the photo world and there's a reason. I used Nikon in the early days of digital and then went full frame with Canon. When the Nikon D800 came out it was so far ahead of everyone in image quality in the DSLR world I just had to go back. It's so close to the quality of my MF Hasselblad digital It's frightening.

 

Consider why we use these cameras, image quality is outstanding, lenses are excellent ( you will debate this I'm sure), noise at high ISO, extreme high ISO options, wide selection of very high quality glass from 14mm to 800mm, reliability, cost, versatility and professional service are just a few of the advantages.

 

What is the reason you want a Leica, tradition, lifestyle, image quality, reliability, size and weight? Do your research and forget the fans and make your own decision.