viability of m8 for weddings...

emraphoto

emraphoto

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allright folks... the groundwork first. i HAVE shot weddings. i used to shoot them on a regular basis but then my schedule kind of got in the way. i have also shot in a studio environment for about 8 years. i do have a good foundation when it comes to shooting people.
what i'm currently pondering is if it's really viable to shoot weddings on a regular basis on the m8 (my schedule has kind of thinned out as of late). i had pretty much committed myself to shooting with an m8, an r-d1s body, a vc 351.2, a vc 15mm heliar, a 50mm 'cron, a 75mm heliar and a pair of sf-24 d's (of course throw in a bagful of cards, a storage device, gaggle of battery's etc.) BUT the last few day's i have been second guessing the viability of said set-up. my other option was a 5d, a 30 or 40d as a back-up, a couple of 580's and the usual stable of glass.
i haven't owned a dslr in a fairly long time and have been quite comitted to rangefinders but i can't really afford to bugger the decision up (read: my wife will kill me) thus i want to be very sure it's a sound one.
i shot weddings on two contax g2's, a strobo bracket, couple of sb-24's and a mamiya 645 for quite some time and quite enjoyed the g2's HOWEVER they were both EXTREMELY reliable and of course had AUTOFOCUS.
is anyone shooting full time with the m8?? weddings??? care to throw your two cents in??? i would be extremely appreciative!!!
i plan on purchasing all my gear over the next week or two and really want to make sure i make a sound (and not gear lust) decision.
merci
john
 
take a look at the results GabrielMA gets with his M8, that might be helpful. He also has a blog so you should find some shots with it there too.

Good luck.
 
John..

I know at least one photographer (maybe 2) that use the M8 for weddings. I myself am considering one to go along with the 5D.

Dave
 
emraphoto said:
if im shooting raw is that such a big concern? wb i mean
Click to expand...

Good point John.

I know that even the 5D can't get it bang on every time and the changes in lighting during a full day of wedding work means that using auto WB may be "ok" for some shots and totally blow others.

I was considering the M8 for pure B&W work anyway and everyone I've read has said that for that, the M8 excels.

Dave
 
i was kind of leaning the same way dave... the m8 would be pure b+w... the r-d1s was going to handle the colour.
i really rarely, and i mean rarely shoot jpef anymore so i would be comfortable dealing with wb issues afterwards.
 
Yep..
I don't think I've ever shot jpeg except for a P&S camera.

My idea is that the M8 would be used for some portraits, getting ready shots, and some of the ceremony. My 5D's would do the detail work, groups, and help out with the ceremony and reception.

But ya.. strictly B&W with the M8.. colour with the 5D.

Dave
 
The only weddings I've shot were for friends, and they always had a pro hired to do the traditional stuff, I was there mostly for candids. That said, if you've shot weddings before with a film M camera, that's pretty much how it's going to be with an M8. If you haven't, I sure suggest you rent or borrow one and try it out before you commit that much money.
 
I'm a professional wedding photographer and have lots of experience in shooting weddings with film M's and Canon Pro DSLR's. I'd love to shoot with the M8, but whilst I consider it to be a great camera, I don't consider it to be reliable at all.

My view is that delivering the goods is paramount, and dual card cameras are essential for me (I know that most don't shoot dual card) as telling the bride there are no images - it happens with digital ...... is just not on the agenda.

If the M8 was reliable, I would introduce it into the kit bag and start shooting the non-essential shots to build confidence. I need to say that I do not have personal experience in anything more than a demo with the M8, so i may be concerned over nothing, but it does appear to me that only a fool would turn up at a wedding with just an M8, or even two of them. I would have no real concern if I found that the MP, or my Canon II N, was the only camera I had on the day.

It's a great pity, because I really enjoy the results from my MP, but when taking good money it's my responsibility to reduce risk. They insure for Professional Indemnity here and compensation claims are made if you fail to deliver the goods. You'd get spanked if the groom turned up in Court with a list of internet threads on the M8's poor reliability and the insurance company would walk away from you, I expect.

What would be your backup camera? Another M8?
 
I think the M8 is pretty reliable. Actually just done a fashion shoot this afternoon. It kept up with the action very nicely. Had an M6 in the bag though!!
My biggest reservation is actually the flash. I use the SF24 for fill if necessary, but wish there was something a bit more flexible.
 
Richard Marks said:
I think the M8 is pretty reliable. Actually just done a fashion shoot this afternoon. It kept up with the action very nicely. Had an M6 in the bag though!!
My biggest reservation is actually the flash. I use the SF24 for fill if necessary, but wish there was something a bit more flexible.
Click to expand...

A metz flash is much more flexible and works on a M8 with the right foot.

cheers,
Michiel Fokkema
 
Michiel Fokkema said:
A metz flash is much more flexible and works on a M8 with the right foot.

cheers,
Michiel Fokkema
Click to expand...

Hi Michiel
Im sure a Metz would be a bit more flexible, its just that it would totally unballance the camera. Also Im not sure the TTL interface in the M8 is all that great. This is one area where it really can not touch a Nikon/ Canon speedlite set up.
Out of interest, does it still do the big 'pre flash' with a Metz on TTL

Richard
 
emraphoto said:
"What would be your backup camera? Another M8?"

r-d1s and a back-up back-up m6ttl
Click to expand...
Always have my M6
If the lighting is really harsh and bright Id seriously think about using some film for a wedding.
Richard
 
Richard Marks said:
Hi Michiel
Im sure a Metz would be a bit more flexible, its just that it would totally unballance the camera. Also Im not sure the TTL interface in the M8 is all that great. This is one area where it really can not touch a Nikon/ Canon speedlite set up.
Out of interest, does it still do the big 'pre flash' with a Metz on TTL

Richard
Click to expand...

I've no idea. I don't own a M8.
i do own a canon 20d and that does a pre flash when I use the metz on ttl.
It is so annoying that i don't use it on ttl. just on A and that does work brilliant.
i do agre that any good flash on a m will make it unbalanced. But what do you want? Good flash or bad flash?
Cheers,
Michiel fokkema
 
"Invest in an Expodisc and shoot custom WB if you are worried or want to cut down on PP work."

thanx a million, great bit of advice!

as far as flash goes i really would only pack it for fill outside.
 
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