Jump to content

M9-P with new sensor or new M-E


srivastava

Recommended Posts

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Seeking some advice as I am unable to make up my mind.

I wish to buy a digital M. I shoot film with a Minolta CLE using the 40mm lens. Love the focussing and the rangefinder experience. My Vario X does not excite me any more as it is not a range finder.

 

I like the CCD range , and they are also affordable . I have tried both M240 ( too heavy for my wrists ) and the M10( no negatives except I can not afford it for next 2 years).

 

I am able to get a brand new M-E with 2 yr warranty for little more than an M9P with sensor change. Given that Leica will replace sensor on the mM-E if needed for next 5 years , am I better off buying that than the better looking M9-P?

I will be using my Rokkor M 40mm lens on the camera and I am ok with that, will probably activate the 50mm framelines so I will get more on the actual shot than the frame lines indicate.

 

 

I was toying with a used 262 due to it's weight but the M9 and M-E are both cheaper.

 

Many thanks

Rajat

Link to post
Share on other sites

M9-P has saphire crystal cover on your LCD which is nice!

 

The only reason to get the M-E would be warranty. 

 

But then again sooner or later you'd have to replace the sensor... 

  • Like 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

M9P without a doubt. A good used Leica is not worse than a new one, except for the "new smell" The M9-P is a more attractive camera than the M-E and likely to be worth more if you should ever decide to sell it on.

 

I am a bit puzzled by your weight remark. The difference between an M9-P and an M262 (without batteries) is 15 grams. (with battery 80, which is no big deal either)

  • Like 2
Link to post
Share on other sites

Well, 85 grams on a system that is likely to weigh something like 1 kg with lens, not to mention the possible weight of other lenses in your bag, is neither here not there IMO. Digital Leica M cameras are hefty cameras, whichever model one chooses. Even the M10 is not significantly different.

 

But you are probably right to avoid the M240. Once the idea of heavy weight has nestled itself in the mind, annoyance is sure to follow.

Link to post
Share on other sites

M9P without a doubt. A good used Leica is not worse than a new one, except for the "new smell" The M9-P is a more attractive camera than the M-E and likely to be worth more if you should ever decide to sell it on.

 

I am a bit puzzled by your weight remark. The difference between an M9-P and an M262 (without batteries) is 15 grams. (with battery 80, which is no big deal either)

Totally with you; have two M9P with sensor changed and these two bodies will stay for the next 5 years at least. CCD colors are fantastic and up to ISO 640 is full performing. If you then underexposed 2 stops it’s all most like working at 2500 ISO; do you really need more?

 

 

Inviato dal mio iPhone utilizzando Tapatalk

Link to post
Share on other sites

You are right , it might be psychological:)

The Minolta 40mm weighs almost nothing and I don't use any other lens. 40mm for street photography suits my style.

 

I think I will get the M9-P

I'm sure you'll really like it. You probably won't need it, but make sure the shop gives you a decent guaranty.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Come to think of it, Mark, the development of the M series is an interesting one: If you don't need the smaller size and retro features of the M10 (and the gradual improvements), the M240 is an excellent choice. If you don't need the EVF and slighly upgraded sensor of the M240, the M9 is preferable. Even the M8 is still a superb performer for those willing to work within its limitations.

 

It tells us a lot about the inherent quality of these cameras, despite quirks, foibles and Forum grumbles. :)

 

 

Link to post
Share on other sites

I have no idea why used M9P is better than new M-E. Welll... Make sure it is with recent sensor. If it is not, you might face the bill after 12 months.

 

The colour and removal of the preview level together with the general perception that the ME is a 'budget' model doesn't do it any favours.  

 

I'd go for the M9-P as well.  I still think the M9-P (in silver chrome, naturally) is the best looking digital M of all time.

 

As Jaap said, the P will also hold its value better.  I didn't lose a penny when I sold mine, and I had mine from new.

Edited by silverchrome
Link to post
Share on other sites

The colour and removal of the preview level together with the general perception that the ME is a 'budget' model doesn't do it any favours.  

 

I'd go for the M9-P as well.  I still think the M9-P (in silver chrome, naturally) is the best looking digital M of all time.

 

As Jaap said, the P will also hold its value better.  I didn't lose a penny when I sold mine, and I had mine from new.

 

I'm the image taker, not cameras in color collector or re-seller.

 

Paying less for new Leica camera makes more sense to me. But after all it is all about sensor now. As I mentioned, if M9-P has old new sensor installed, the chance of paying for correct sensor after 12 months is high. If M-E is purchased officially now as new, the sensor is covered for next five years.   

Link to post
Share on other sites

Even an image maker can appreciate the preview lever and virtually un-scratchable back LCD, no? I miss the preview lever in my M262. The first used M9 I purchased the back LCD was scratched to hell and back. I wound up giving it to a friend when I purchased an M9 that had been converted to M9-P specs.

 

If the M9 with the replaced sensor now has the new sensor (which my M9-P has), it should be good. I had the sensor in my initial M9 replaced before the new replacement was available, so they obviously used an old/original version of the sensor, and it did indeed develop corrosion again.

Edited by Gregm61
Link to post
Share on other sites

Enjoy the "feel" of that vulcanite material and hope you never have to have the sensor replaced. Last year when I sent my M9-P in to have the sensor swapped, they had to use the normal covering because the vulcanite was no longer available.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...