wem Posted July 30, 2009 Share #1 Posted July 30, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hey guys, I am new on this forum and am still a Canon equipment owner. Currently, I own the following equipment: · 5d mark II (February) · 70-200 F4 IS (September) · 24-105 F4 IS (September) · 17-40 F4 (February) · 85mm F1.2 L II (February) · 24mm F1.4 L II (March/April) · 580 EX II (February) · 2x CF 16 GB high speed I am thinking about moving to a leica m8 with a 28 elmarit, a 50 1.1 nokton and a 90 summarit. What do you guys think about that move in terms of technology and image quality? I am willing to sacrifice some for the benefit of size and portability. I will be selling (or trading) all my Canon stuff for this, so I need to make sure it is what I want ... Thanks for your comments! Wem Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted July 30, 2009 Posted July 30, 2009 Hi wem, Take a look here Canon -> Leica. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
epand56 Posted July 30, 2009 Share #2 Posted July 30, 2009 Wem, I'm not the right person to suggest you what to do since I have no experience with big DSLRs. But besides listening at the hints and suggestions that serious people will tell you here, I would try the M8/M8.2 for a little while if I were you (and if you have the chance), before doing the jump. I don't know which is the kind of photography you are into, but that could weight on the balance as well. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
delander † Posted July 30, 2009 Share #3 Posted July 30, 2009 Wem, You have three zooms to cover a lot of your focal lengths. Not so with Leica mainly primes. Also difficult with the M8 to go above 90mm (some do use 135). Although the M8 is just half the number of Mp of the Canon that is not a problem because the visual resolution provided by the M8 without an AA filter is excellent. Modern Leica primes are of course very sharp and older lenses have less contrast etc a great variety of 'looks'. I have a 1ds3 and a similar set of Canon lenses. Do you do a lot of zooming/AF work? Macro. This is more difficult stuff with the M8, only attempted by a minority. The manual focus with the rangefinder is of course a different and in my case a enjoyable way of making photos. The M8 viewfinder is much better than the Canon. For me the M8 is a much nicer camera to use, smaller less noticeable (I prefer small lenses), much simpler etc so i use it 90% of the time, 10% Canon for action stuff. Have you used a rangefinder before? Jeff Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wem Posted July 30, 2009 Author Share #4 Posted July 30, 2009 Wem, I'm not the right person to suggest you what to do since I have no experience with big DSLRs. But besides listening at the hints and suggestions that serious people will tell you here, I would try the M8/M8.2 for a little while if I were you (and if you have the chance), before doing the jump. I don't know which is the kind of photography you are into, but that could weight on the balance as well. Thanks for your response! I should have included this in my first post: you can see on my Flickr what kind of pictures I take (in my free time, at least). I have recently received an old Voigtlander Vitoret DR from my grandfather. I like the style of picture taking, but the quality is insufficient (of course) and I want it digital. Hence the move ... Any other thoughts? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marty Posted July 30, 2009 Share #5 Posted July 30, 2009 Welcome! May I ask why you got the 5D2 in the first place? There may be a legitimate reason to keep it. I have never shot Canon so I don't know about the quality of your lenses. Your lens wish list seems to cover most of your current range. One suggestion I can make is to try out an M8 before you buy if you can. Then if you like it, start with one lens. You may well realise that you didn't urgently need all that other glass in the first place, just like you have come to realise that you may not really need that DSLR body... Good luck! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wem Posted July 30, 2009 Author Share #6 Posted July 30, 2009 Wem, You have three zooms to cover a lot of your focal lengths. Not so with Leica mainly primes. Also difficult with the M8 to go above 90mm (some do use 135). Although the M8 is just half the number of Mp of the Canon that is not a problem because the visual resolution provided by the M8 without an AA filter is excellent. Modern Leica primes are of course very sharp and older lenses have less contrast etc a great variety of 'looks'. I have a 1ds3 and a similar set of Canon lenses. Do you do a lot of zooming/AF work? Macro. This is more difficult stuff with the M8, only attempted by a minority. The manual focus with the rangefinder is of course a different and in my case a enjoyable way of making photos. The M8 viewfinder is much better than the Canon. For me the M8 is a much nicer camera to use, smaller less noticeable (I prefer small lenses), much simpler etc so i use it 90% of the time, 10% Canon for action stuff. Have you used a rangefinder before? Jeff To be honest, I hate using my zooms (with the exception of the 70-200 F4 IS). They are not sharp enough for me and I feel like I'm losing quality when using them. So I mainly use the 24mm and 85mm primes. When it comes to range, most of my pictures are wide, some are at 85mm and the remainder around 135 or less. So on the m8, the proposed set of 28, 50 and 90mm would be great I think. I rarely zoom (sometimes for landscapes to choose perspectives, but I wouldn't miss it). I don't do macro. I really like manual focus (I have also an EG-S screen), but I think it's going to be much easier on an m8. I don't shoot action stuff (well I do sometimes, but only because I *can*). The only rangefinder I used before is the Voigtlander mentioned above. I really liked it. I like thinking about my pictures. In terms of IQ, do you think the m8 is any less than your 1Ds3? And to what extent? Only in terms of pixelcount? Thank you for your response! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wem Posted July 30, 2009 Author Share #7 Posted July 30, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) Welcome! May I ask why you got the 5D2 in the first place? There may be a legitimate reason to keep it. I have never shot Canon so I don't know about the quality of your lenses. Your lens wish list seems to cover most of your current range. One suggestion I can make is to try out an M8 before you buy if you can. Then if you like it, start with one lens. You may well realise that you didn't urgently need all that other glass in the first place, just like you have come to realise that you may not really need that DSLR body... Good luck! Thanks Marty! I got one as an upgrade to the 400D that broke on me. Kind of a leap, but one that made sense. I think in Canon's Dslr world, the 5D II is perfect for my shooting: portraits/people, some landscape and events. The thing is that buying an m8 and lens is quite expensive and to get funds, I need to sell equipment ... The reason for my to propose this set of lenses is to get a WA (which I often use) as a walkaround. A lens for shots in low(er) light. And a lens for portaits/landscape compression. I am not young enough to claim that this is all I will ever need, but I'm sure it covers all I am doing at the moment. Wow guys, thanks for all these responses! I really appreciate it! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
khiromu Posted July 30, 2009 Share #8 Posted July 30, 2009 To be honest, I hate using my zooms (with the exception of the 70-200 F4 IS). They are not sharp enough for me and I feel like I'm losing quality when using them. So I mainly use the 24mm and 85mm primes. When it comes to range, most of my pictures are wide, some are at 85mm and the remainder around 135 or less. So on the m8, the proposed set of 28, 50 and 90mm would be great I think. I rarely zoom (sometimes for landscapes to choose perspectives, but I wouldn't miss it). I don't do macro. I really like manual focus (I have also an EG-S screen), but I think it's going to be much easier on an m8. I don't shoot action stuff (well I do sometimes, but only because I *can*). The only rangefinder I used before is the Voigtlander mentioned above. I really liked it. I like thinking about my pictures. In terms of IQ, do you think the m8 is any less than your 1Ds3? And to what extent? Only in terms of pixelcount? Thank you for your response! Well, you have your answer there... "Hate zooms" and "like manual focus" By the way, M8 has a crop factor so 28mm will be close to 35mm on your 5D. If 24mm worked well with your 5D, then you may want to go wider such as 21mm or 18mm. For 85mm part, you can use either 50mm or 75mm. I personally came from Nikon, and I planed to keep a few, but since I have never used Nikon since I got M8, I have sold all DSLR kit. Hiromu Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
epand56 Posted July 30, 2009 Share #9 Posted July 30, 2009 Wem, the difference with a RF camera like the M8, IMO, is that you generally have to ponder on the picture more than with an AF camera. It is a slowest kind of photography to me (that's why I often miss my target... ). Any time it is quite challenging, but that's what I like and I would never change my M8 with another camera, even if sometimes (air shows for example) I would llike to have a 200 lens or more. But you can't always have anything you want. What I can tell you is this is the first time in my life I really LOVE taking pictures. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted July 30, 2009 Share #10 Posted July 30, 2009 I'm not entering the snakepit of "best image quality" Let's keep it to the observation that the M8 is included in the discussions when we are at the top end of the Canon and Nikon offerings. I would say: to all intents and purposes it is brilliant. The only problem might be that getting good high-ISO results is possible, but a bit of an esoteric art. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wem Posted July 30, 2009 Author Share #11 Posted July 30, 2009 Wem, the difference with a RF camera like the M8, IMO, is that you generally have to ponder on the picture more than with an AF camera. It is a slowest kind of photography to me (that's why I often miss my target... ). Any time it is quite challenging, but that's what I like and I would never change my M8 with another camera, even if sometimes (air shows for example) I would llike to have a 200 lens or more.But you can't always have anything you want. What I can tell you is this is the first time in my life I really LOVE taking pictures. Hi Enrico, that 'slow' photography is exactly what I'm after. It's only fast if you anticipate and think it through in advance. And there is a price to pay for having *anything you want*. Jaap, Thanks for the IQ remarks. The samples I have seen correspond to what you say. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pgk Posted July 30, 2009 Share #12 Posted July 30, 2009 As a user of both the 5D2 and M8 all I can say is that they are both very different cameras. Both are highly competent performers and I personally will use the appropriate one for the job in hand. The attributes of the M8 are, as can be seen from this forum, not appreciated by everyone, but when they are appreciated by an M8 owner and when they suit his/her style then they make the camera a real asset. Its a tough call - I wouldn't like to have to choose between a 5D2 or M8 and if I did I'd probably suggest that the 5D2 is the more versatile option. However can I suggest that first you try an M8 and then, if you like it, sell sufficient Canon gear (I didn't like either the 17~40 nor 24~105) to buy an M8 and one lens before burning all your bridges? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
diogenis Posted July 30, 2009 Share #13 Posted July 30, 2009 Wem, you seem like one you gonna love that switch, however please note that current model is m8.2, or is it the older one you are after for economy? There are many advantages buying the newest... Also take a good look on that 50mm summilux @ 1.4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted July 30, 2009 Share #14 Posted July 30, 2009 Hi, I would suggest that you keep the 5D and 24mm and 70-200 zoom, sell the rest to fund and M8 and 28 Elmarit and 75 Summarit to begin with and see how you go. If you take a variety of subjects - which you appear to - then you will miss the SLR at times. As you use the M your style of photography may change accordingly and you can grow the M system and could sell the Canon when you're more certain. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted July 30, 2009 Share #15 Posted July 30, 2009 Ah, yes the Summilux 50 asph. I must confess I came late to the party, only buying it a couple of months ago - but it is absolutely an amazing optic. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
epand56 Posted July 30, 2009 Share #16 Posted July 30, 2009 Hi, I would suggest that you keep the 5D and 24mm and 70-200 zoom, sell the rest to fund and M8 and 28 Elmarit and 75 Summarit to begin with and see how you go. If you take a variety of subjects - which you appear to - then you will miss the SLR at times. As you use the M your style of photography may change accordingly and you can grow the M system and could sell the Canon when you're more certain. Savvy. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
enty Posted July 30, 2009 Share #17 Posted July 30, 2009 I, too, have a cupboard full of Canon gear, but bought an M8.2 in March. I love the Leica experience, but I'll be honest, it is not easy to start with - I'm sometimes too slow and out of focus, which has led me to miss many shots (kids especially) which I would have captured with my 5D. But the quality, when I get it right, is lovely. And I like the fact that I (not the camera) am making the decisions. Having said that, I am sticking with it as I enjoy the whole photography process much more. I like travelling light. I have started to sell some Canon lenses, but will keep some gear for the time being as I can see me still using it from time to time - the systems are not mutually exclusive unless cash constraints require one to be sold to fund the other. I think I'll become a better photographer with Leica. But for the days when I just want to snap away, Canon still suits the purpose and produces excellent images. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wem Posted July 30, 2009 Author Share #18 Posted July 30, 2009 Hi, I would suggest that you keep the 5D and 24mm and 70-200 zoom, sell the rest to fund and M8 and 28 Elmarit and 75 Summarit to begin with and see how you go. If you take a variety of subjects - which you appear to - then you will miss the SLR at times. As you use the M your style of photography may change accordingly and you can grow the M system and could sell the Canon when you're more certain. Well, this would be a great option, I admit. However, I don't think that selling the 85L, 17-40 and 24-105 would provide me with sufficient funds for the m8 and these lenses ... If anyone is interested, however ... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wem Posted July 30, 2009 Author Share #19 Posted July 30, 2009 Wem, you seem like one you gonna love that switch, however please note that current model is m8.2, or is it the older one you are after for economy? There are many advantages buying the newest...Also take a good look on that 50mm summilux @ 1.4 Well, it is for economy reasons indeed ... That's also the reason why the summilux in not on my list. :-) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
diogenis Posted July 30, 2009 Share #20 Posted July 30, 2009 Well, it is for economy reasons indeed ... That's also the reason why the summilux in not on my list. :-) Figured that... ok I pass Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.