Who hasn't bought an M9 and why?

[delander †]

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I'll wait until they are readily available. I've learnt to let the initial exhilaration subside and take a more considered decision. Too often in the past I've gone out and bought just released stuff, only to switch shortly after to another latest and greatest.

I've got two M8s and in hindsight not getting them upgraded or an M8.2 was the right decision. Eventually I would like to get 2 M9s because I have found having two cameras is very useful. Not sure about a mix of M9 and M8 though. And then there is the X1 coming soon.

 

Although I can print A3+ easily from the M8 I've always thought that it could do with some more Mp. I'm not too worried about high iso performance, if the M9 has about a 1 stop improvement that would be great. Other stuff on the M9 looks neat, but as all my lenses are coded it is not so important to me. I am pleased that in operation they have retained the simplicity of the M. A better LCD for image review would have been nice but not essential.

 

I was really impressed by the Leica factory tour posted on Dpreview it made me feel that the camera was 'worth it' but I note that over on getdpi someone already has a line on the M9 sensor a problem which plagued a number of M8s.

 

Jeff

 

PS and what about Leica's self constructed rangefinder testing apparatus. A very sophisticated and highly engineered version of the angled ruler. It must have taken them quite a while to design and construct, but it does show the effort they put into updating the rangefinder calibration for the digital sensor.

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[Guest John66]

By the sounds of things, if you want to shoot uncompressed DNGs, the camera (which has a small buffer) will get bogged down with slow write times, and low battery performance.

 

Puts reckoned he only got 100 frames from a fully charge battery - although this may have been the result of using a brand new battery - but even then it is not good.

 

The whole package already feels sluggish, unlike the film versions which seem to work as fast as your fingers can operate it. I don't think anybody needs high FPS on an M camera, but we do want an instantaneous feel.

 

It seems a film M will be the only sensible FF Leica for some considerable time.

 

Definitely not buying another slug. Sold my M8 last month just at the right time, but even then at a considerable loss. Will stick with my MP - don't use it often, but when I do, it is great.

 

The recent investment in M cameras for some must have been enourmous - M8, then a full upgrade or New M8.2, additional lenses to account for the half frame, and all those little extras like batteries and new sensibly sized chargers, and now the M9... The total cost is enormous!

 

Slowly turning into a rip-off!

[bschaffel]

Aside from being happy with the wonderful quality of the images from my 8.2, a FF sensor changes the effective focal length of the three lenses I own in a way that doesn't suit my shooting style.

 

I currently own 24, 35, and 75mm lenses which effectively give me a moderate wide angle, normal and moderate telephoto coverage. All three lenses are handled by the brightlines obviating the need for an external finder. If I move to the M9, I end up with a lens that's too wide for most of the subjects I shoot, loss of "normal," and a telephoto that might be good for portraits but not quite so good for multi-purpose use.

 

I also love not worrying about the screen so much with its sapphire glass. The one area I do have envy for is lower noise, if it's a significant reduction. On everything higher than 640, I usually have to apply noise compensation in software carefully.

 

M9 looks like a great camera, but not one that will make a difference for me.

 

-Bob

[Guest malland]

Having now seen Jono Slack's evaluation and the first part of Sean Reid's excellent review — I didn't find the Luminous Lightroom article useful — I'm still tending to keep my M8.2 rather than upgrading, although I'm waiting for the second part of Sean's article to see more about performance at ISO 2500. Things that I don't like on the M9 are as follows:

 

1. Removal of the LCD on the top plate for easy view of battery condition, to which current ISO setting should have been added.

 

2. Setting frame line at 1m rather than the 2m on the M8.2, which I greatly prefer.

 

3. Elimination of the sapphire LCD on the back whose scratch resistance I appreciate on a camera of this quality.

 

4. Keeping a 230,000 pixel LCD rather than using a 900,000 pixel one, which provides much better visibility in bright light.

 

Basically, I like the M8 files up to ISO 640 and don't need the improvement the M9 provides, but was hoping for substantial improvement at ISO 1250, and more particularly at ISO 2500. At this stage, unless I can see great improvement over the M8 in ISO 2500 files, I would keep on using my M8.2 until the M9 includes improvements for most the points above, which I consider likely in the future. Yes, I would prefer to have FF and not to use IR/UV filters and to have manual entry of lenses as well as more direct ISO control...but that will have to wait.

 

—Mitch/Potomac, MD

Scratching the Surface©

[Guest Essemmlee]

There don't seem to be any available for purchase; maybe that's why we haven't bought an M9.

[offshore]

My M8 will produce color, b&w, b&w IR with IR filter, color IR with filter don't know yet if the M9 will be as versatile as it sounds like Kodak put an IR blocking filter on the sensor. My M8 isn't broke and I am.

[sgoetzin]

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Still shooting film (B&W) with my M6 + cron 35 with great satisfaction. So no need for digital stuff at the moment.

 

Serge

[Rolo]

TBH - I want one and I told the dealer to add me to his list yesterday, but today I'm less committed.

 

I can't see any reason why Leica won't upgrade the M8 firmware with the improved high ISO algorithms of the M9. It would cost little to do, I presume, and it would make a lot of existing customers very happy and follow-up on the Leica perpetual upgrade promise. I have zero expectation for a hardware upgrade, so just improve via coding what we have please.

 

The M9 images shown so far don't embarrass the M8 IMO, so given better M8 ISO performance, the main M9 difference would be working with FF lenses and better quality extra-large prints from a single frame. Valuable, but no way will it open a door to image improvement for me. I do have MF digital for the BIG shots, so that might be influencing me, especially as I might need to sacrifice it to get two M9's, or to keep the M8 and an M9.

 

I'm not convinced that the M9 top plate changes are for the better - I like the small LCD. Using the cropped centre of the Leica lens must provide improved sharpness across the frame and reduce unwanted vignetting.

 

So, for this afternoon at least, I remain an M8 user.

[jamriman]

My pictures are not nearly good enough to justify so large an expense and they won't get better by that amount. It's out of my league.

 

I love the honesty of this answer. I agree but the addict in me always wants the latest new toy. I haven't sold my M8 since it just first came out which is an achievement for me since I buy a sell used equipment so often. This time though I will remain practical and just be happy with what I have for a year or so, and get a used one which hopefully I will be able to afford without selling precious Leica glass. If I feel the urge for a fix, I'll reread this post over and over again. Thanks for the therapy!!

[photolandscape]

I haven't, yet. I'll let others be the early adopters on the this one - at least for a month or two.

 

I agree. I remember long periods where my M8 sat in a line awaiting repairs nearly three years ago, plus the green streak/blob issue, dirty sensors, back-focusing, and much more. I don't want to relive that. Those who fail to learn from the past may or may not be doomed to repeat it. I hope not, but who knows. And on top of that, my income is down 70% from ten years ago, so I'd have to sell my perfectly fine M8.2 and dip into our shrinking savings. I'd rather use my M8.2 and head to Mexico and Cuba for a few weeks and make photographs and have a great time with the money.

[egibaud]

Many reasons:

 

I had 2 M8 bodies, still have a silver one it was time for replacement... but:

 

1- 5D MKII give me better pictures in low light so no point to replace with M8 / M8.2

 

2- M9 price tag is not coherent with my business

 

3- Now I see 2500 ISO results it does not make sense to buy something that it is not the best I can buy for what I need it for.

 

4- Red tint is still visible.

 

5- I coded lenses and Leica never did a menu selectable lens as we all asked. Now they do it when it with the M9, they could have been done via firmware update. I FEEL CHEATED.

 

6- They recommend a saphire upgrade for M8 and now they sell the "best" M ever, they do not even bother to fit a saphire glass. Thye probably did it to save money. I FEEL CHEATED.

 

7- The removed the LCD battery/capture counter, it was very handy, they probably did it to save money. I FEEL CHEATED.

 

8- Even if I have an M camera I still need to have a DSLR

 

9- I am selling all my Leica gear because it is too expensive to maintain two system Rangefinder / DSLR

 

10- Leica has decided to work with Lightroom, althought it is a great piece of software, I have seen that Capture ONE gives better results. What's the point of getting great raw files if we lose quality in post production. I know I can leave LR in the box and use C1... but Leica should only deal with the best.

 

11- What the point of having the best glass if I do not use it on the best body. Noise / red tint have bettered a lot, but for this price it should be 100% fixed and offer the best image in the market.

 

12- I feel the M9 is not the best camera can buy but the camera Leica needed to make if they did not want many of us to move onto Canikon or else.

 

13- The camera did NOT convince me for the jobs I do. Although I would have considered the M9 if I was 100% working in daylight.

 

14- LCD screen resolution is poor. The excuse that Leica user do not check the screen is stupid. The price range ask for the best screen as possible. saving money again. I FEEL CHEATED

 

15- ... probably many more reasons I forget now.

[ShyTot]

Many reasons:

 

I have 2 M8 bodies (1 left other sold) it was time for replacement... but:

 

12- I feel the M9 is not the best camera can buy but the camera Leica needed to make if they did not want many of us to move onto Canikon or else.

 

15- ... probably many more reasons I forget now.

 

Well Bud, I've read many times of your intention to move on. Respectfully, I suggest it's time you did ! Be a mistake to turn into a real bore.

 

There's no sign of you turning round and sure nobody here wants to hear the story 1000 times.

 

Personally, I was hoping that you might have a change of heart, but means little to me that your mind is made up. I wish you well and thanks for the entertainment provided whilst you were here.

 

So long, pardner.

[egibaud]

Well Bud, I've read many times of your intention to move on. Respectfully, I suggest it's time you did ! Be a mistake to turn into a real bore.

 

There's no sign of you turning round and sure nobody here wants to hear the story 1000 times.

 

Personally, I was hoping that you might have a change of heart, but means little to me that your mind is made up. I wish you well and thanks for the entertainment provided whilst you were here.

 

So long, pardner.

 

ShyTot. As you can see I am answering the question made here.

 

"Why haven't you bought an M9?"

 

I am not opening new threads telling why this and why that as others do. I feel I have the right to be around here as much as you have. I have the right to give my opinion when asked.

 

So if it bothers you when I answer what I feel and do it in the right place, you are free not to read me.

 

Bye

[Daniel Ortego]

Is this a trick question? Well, it is rather pricy and it will put a dent in my budget although I want it. Now, I suspect a bug or two, or maybe three, but somebody has to be the first, so what the heck.

"Damn the torpedoes and full speed ahead"

Regards,

[arnaudhaifa]

Because I am so satisfiyed with my M8. It is a great tool for my heart and my eyes and that is enough!

[ShyTot]

I am not opening new threads telling why this and why that as others do. I feel I have the right to be around here as much as you have. I have the right to give my opinion when asked.

 

So if it bothers you when I answer what I feel and do it in the right place, you are free not to read me. Bye

 

Hey, I said respectfully. When you were actively shooting M, I really appreciated your stuff. Real nice work.

 

I'm sorry you're going, it was good to have you around. I read your conclusions and respect your decision to move on. It's right for you.

 

But what I'm saying here is that your comments are now a gripe and are really coming over as negative from somebody who's no longer being constructive. So go now, whilst you have admirers and please come back if ever you change your mind. Canon is good and they're waiting for your positive input. Adieu

[Shootist]

I'll start. Me, and lack of funds.

 

 

Second that and for the simple fact the M9 is too expensive even if I had the funds.

My M8, I sold one recently, still works fine.

 

I've said this in another thread. Leica is getting ridiculous with there pricing across all products.

 

If I hadn't bought a M8 or two and lenses years ago I wouldn't be buying a M9, and lenses, now.

The whole kit is just out of my reach. Especially in todays economy.

 

I'll wait a year or 3 and see what the M10 has to offer and maybe buy a used M9 at that time.

 

The one thing I do like about the M9 is the batteries are the same as the M8. That assures me that I can get batteries for years to come. That was my big concern as NO digital camera is worth anything without access to batteries.

If Leica continues with the same style body in the M10 then maybe even those batteries will work in a M8. Otherwise in 10-15 years the camera is a throwaway or you would need some type of adaptive pack for batteries.

[jimleicam3]

I would love to get one, however,...need a new couch, part of the house needs painting, and the number one reason...my wife wants new drapes!

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[egibaud]

Hey, I said respectfully. When you were actively shooting M, I really appreciated your stuff. Real nice work.

 

I'm sorry you're going, it was good to have you around. I read your conclusions and respect your decision to move on. It's right for you.

 

But what I'm saying here is that your comments are now a gripe and are really coming over as negative from somebody who's no longer being constructive. So go now, whilst you have admirers and please come back if ever you change your mind. Canon is good and they're waiting for your positive input. Adieu

 

I'll keep checking the site the same way I check Nikon and Canon forums. Actually, I am not against Leica, I just feel disapointed, first disapointed of not being able to move onto M9 for price reason and then disapointed by what I see today because it is not up to my expectation for low light shooting.

It is like meeting an ex girl friend hopping something could hang you back and start all over again... but what I see makes me sad, and cheated.

 

I see M8 removed from catalogue and no anouncement of firmware upgrade... so I see my last M8 body leave me too. And I honestly loved them, they felt great in my hands, they felt like tools, DSLR feel like plastic toys although they have metal (some).

 

I feel my 2 M8 bodies have been great tools as long as they were the best tools for me.

 

Sometime input from people like me, although you do not see it as constructive, is something good. If a client says no to me, it is often more important to know why than to hear a yes.

 

Anyway I still have an M8 body, and beleive it or not tomorrow I am shooting a wedding, and my silver M8 is coming along and I'll more than probably use it while the light is still bright enough. No doubt about it.

 

I am not negative, I feel sad, just sad. My M girlfriend is not as beautiful as I remember her, she went for surgery and she does not come out as beautiful as the surgeon promissed she would. Sad story, believe me.

 

Bye,

 

Eric

[johnalex141r]

My M8 was a "Leica Demo" unit - and has performed flawlessly.

 

I think the M8 is a better camera than I am a photographer.

 

Will I purchase an M9? Yes, but sometime later than sooner.

 

I think another lens or two will come first; something 50mm/f2; (zeiss or leica) and maybe the Zeiss 18. Still getting used to my 28 Cron and my CV lenses.

 

Congratulations go to Leica for producing the M8 and M9.

 

JohnS.