chrisleica Posted October 6, 2009 Share #1 Posted October 6, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) I'm seriously considering becoming an active leicaphile (as opposed to a virtual leicpahile as I am now). My reasons for this transition are as follows: I previously owned a Nikon D200 and D2Xs separately, before I decided to sell up. They were both excellent cameras, but I came to the conclusion that I did not want to carry relatively large pieces of camera equipment (including accessories) around with me. So I started looking at smaller alternatives. I had an initial interest in the M8, but was soon put off by the well-documented shortcomings, which, for a camera of that price were inexcusable. Leica appeared to have redeemed themselves somewhat with the M8.2 and now the full-frame M9. Now I have to decide which way to go... Having read numerous Leica reviews (Sean Reid/Steve Huff/Jonathan Slack/Erwin Puts/Pebble Place), I think it is fair to say that the M9 is not the best small format digital camera available, because it is trumped by the high end DSLR offerings from CaNikon, with respect to overall capabilities (low ISO, fps, metering options etc.). However, I recently rented an M8.2 and 35 summilux and was immediately impressed by the sharpness of the images (even though they were only snaps - technique is a work-in-progress) and the film-like rendition (not plasticky). I also enjoyed taking pictures with a compact camera with a simple interface and did not feel self-conscious (besides knowing that I was walking around with the most expensive camera + lens that I had ever used !) Price is the obvious stumbling block and I know that there are better-value-for-money cameras out there (micro 4/3 anyone ?), but my impression is that even after using these "alternatives", I would still be pining for the Leica experience. My head says M8.2 + 35 Summicron My heart says M9 + 50 Summilux and maybe the 28 Elmarit... Am I going to regret this seduction ? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted October 6, 2009 Posted October 6, 2009 Hi chrisleica, Take a look here Seduction. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
vdb Posted October 6, 2009 Share #2 Posted October 6, 2009 Wether an M8 or M9, stop resisting and go with the passion;) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smb Posted October 6, 2009 Share #3 Posted October 6, 2009 You need to look at the crop factor. The M8.2 is not full frame sensor therefore the 50mm functions as a 75mm. Why do you need the Summilux? All Leica lenses are outstanding. How often will you be shooting at f1.4? How often will you need ISO 6400? Just because a piece of electronic/photographic equipment has certain functions does it mean that you will be using them? Many DSLRs have high speed motor drives but how often will you be using that function as opposed to having to carry it about for hours? M9 + 50mm Summicron sounds nice. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bo_Lorentzen Posted October 7, 2009 Share #4 Posted October 7, 2009 Chris, If you can swing it - just do it. . Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bixi Posted October 7, 2009 Share #5 Posted October 7, 2009 Hi Chris, Compulsively I have to reply to your post. Three weeks ago I was in a very similar situation you're in now. I used to be the owner of a Nikon (D700). Not anymore though. Now I'm owning a Leica M9 with a 50 Summilux and a 28 Elmarit. And I'm so happy that I'm in this position. I don't think of my Nikon anymore. Good luck with your decision making. It sounds like fun! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisleica Posted October 7, 2009 Author Share #6 Posted October 7, 2009 Just because a piece of electronic/photographic equipment has certain functions does it mean that you will be using them? Many DSLRs have high speed motor drives but how often will you be using that function as opposed to having to carry it about for hours? Granted. Ideally, I'd have the D3x and the M9 . However, I have to pick one system. Right now I'm leaning towards a DRF, because I wanted a compact system whose image quality was comparable to that of the D3x, for example. If size was not an issue, I'd probably go with the D3x, even though I would be less likely to take street shots. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Ricard Posted October 7, 2009 Share #7 Posted October 7, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) I think it is fair to say that the M9 is not the best small format digital camera available, because it is trumped by the high end DSLR offerings from CaNikon, with respect to overall capabilities (low ISO, fps, metering options etc.). You can't just compare specs on different types of products. Comparing a rangefinder and a dslr is pointless. It's like comparing a car and a motorcycle and then concluding that the car is better because you don't get wet when it rains, and you can hear the radio, and it's warmer in the winter, etc. People who buy motorcycles don't do so because its "better" than a car based on a comparisson checklist they performed. They buy a motorcycle because they WANT it. If you want a M9, you should buy it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
larryk34 Posted October 7, 2009 Share #8 Posted October 7, 2009 This is the best possible time for you to buy a M8 or M8.2. They can be obtained for half of their original cost in perfect working condition. I never had even one of the problems others that surfaced with the early M8s, not even a focusing problem, not even a problem in the corners without lens coding. Since you're used to a 1.5 crop on Nikons, the 1.3 crop of the M8 will seem great to you. Pick up a used m8.2 and one used lens of your choice. The used lenses always seemed to be in new condition to me. Use this for a couple of years like we have and if you're still hooked, look for a used M9 and a new lens. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Ash Posted October 7, 2009 Share #9 Posted October 7, 2009 I would go for a one camera/one lens approach first. Get to know this system by heart and add another lens later. With the M9 I would choose the 50 summilux first. Regards Steve Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lars_bergquist Posted October 7, 2009 Share #10 Posted October 7, 2009 Remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde: "Do never rashly reject a temptation. It may never return." When you die, you will regret more things you did not do, than things you did do. The old man who survived the Age of Martin Luther Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
luigi bertolotti Posted October 7, 2009 Share #11 Posted October 7, 2009 Welcome to the forum Chris... and I add welcome PROBABLY to the Leica users' community ... just some observations : A) This isn't the right place to ask if you are wrong to decide to buy a Leica... M8.2 or M9 is mainly a question of money: as you have experienced, M8.2 (and M8) are excellent cameras. There are still discussions on where is the definitive advantage of M9 in terms of final image quality , but of course full frame and 18MP are a plus: if you can afford, go for M9. C) Better, I'd say, spare something on initial lens set and take M9, because you will have lot of time to complete and make it better your lens set... it's the most significant addictivity when one uses a Leica... . D) Initial focal(s) choice depends on your taking attitudes :M9 + 50 is natural, but the matrix of possibilities to spend a certain sum is so vaste that I leave to you this pleasant and funny exercise (just an example... with the money for a new lux 50 asph, one can easily buy 1 Leica + 2 CV or 2 Leica used + 1 Zeiss + 1 CV etc... ) Go for Leica, start to take pics, post them here and enjoy this community !! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fotomiguel Posted October 7, 2009 Share #12 Posted October 7, 2009 Sometimes the heart is more intelligent than the head! If you buy the M9 with the 50mm summilux, you have the best camera possible with the best lens for a long long time. If you buy the M8 and the 35cron, you have a very nice camera and lens, but you won't be completaly happy and in two years, you'll sell your gear and buy the M9 and the summi. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rick_dykstra Posted October 7, 2009 Share #13 Posted October 7, 2009 When you die, you will regret more things you did not do, than things you did do.r I agree with Lars but would say instead, 'Before you die, you will regret ...) One of my favorite thoughts and sometimes a sayings is, "When I'm sitting in a rocking chair in my nursing home will I be worrying about [something] that went wrong or how much [something] cost? No. I'll be wishing that I'd been always been kind to the people I knew and I'll be thinking about the things I did and the things I enjoyed. And I'll be playing with my old cameras which will most likely be working better than me." Hi Chris. It sounds like you're in the business of taking photos for fun rather than money. So, get the M9 and a 50 'lux and start enjoying yourself. While you're at it, you'll make the pros you bump into envious. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_tribble Posted October 7, 2009 Share #14 Posted October 7, 2009 If it's for fun and you don't depend on long lenses or machine gun burst mode auto everything JPEG capture get the M9. If it's business, keep the Nikon - and get the M9 as soon as you've earned enough. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisleica Posted October 7, 2009 Author Share #15 Posted October 7, 2009 Thanks to all to supplied words of wisdom. I notice that the UK pound has taken a hammering recently (1 UKP = 1.7 CDN$). Can anyone recommend a good UK dealer. Cheers, Chris Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Douglasco Posted October 7, 2009 Share #16 Posted October 7, 2009 Ivor at Red Dot I have had a nice Digilux 2 from him and I have just reserved an x1 with him. Red Dot Cameras - Leica Cameras, Leica Binoculars, Metz Flashguns, Manfrotto Tripods, Leitz Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisleica Posted October 8, 2009 Author Share #17 Posted October 8, 2009 One thing I forgot to ask. Has anyone compared an actual print from a digital M with other brands? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wparsonsgisnet Posted October 8, 2009 Share #18 Posted October 8, 2009 One thing I forgot to ask. Has anyone compared an actual print from a digital M with other brands? Of course, that's why we all use Leica glass (unless you expect to be taking sports photog, all those long, white lenses in the corner of the court are Canon's). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
misha Posted October 9, 2009 Share #19 Posted October 9, 2009 Go to a store that has both m8 and m9. try both. one will have your name on it good luck misha PHOTOGRAPHY BY MISHA FRIEDMAN Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
delander † Posted October 9, 2009 Share #20 Posted October 9, 2009 One thing I forgot to ask. Has anyone compared an actual print from a digital M with other brands? Well yes. I print A3+ from a Canon 1ds3, a Canon 50d and a Leica M8. They all make great prints but I use them for different situations. I do action stuff, mainly aeroplanes (and macro) with the Canons with some very good lenses such as the 300 F2.8L IS. I use the Leica for more general photography inc people, street and landscape. Today I received an M9, and I have kept 1 M8. The difference between the M8 and 9 appears to be from my initial quick tests mostly a bigger image for any given lens. Crop the M9 image to that of the M8 and the M8 is just as good in terms of sharpness, it may in fact be a little better. High ISO stuff and colour I have yet to look at. Although these are my very earliest impressions it confirms my view that the M8 remains one helluva camera. The M9 shutter is quieter but not by that much. The M9 is slower to write to the card. The M9 black paint is a better looking finish than the M8 black chrome, but not as nice as the M8 silver chrome. The step on the end of the M9 top plate can look rather ugly and pointless when viewed from a certain angle. Both cameras seem to be built to the same standard. There are some electronic refinements on the M9 which I personally find of little value. Regarding a first lens, I would go for a 35 or 50 cron with the M9 and a 28 cron with the M8. So head or heart? Both are great rangefinder cameras. It all comes down to available funds really. Jeff Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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