going digital

[cp_ste.croix]

So I think I've finally been convinced to enter the digital world for a couple of different reasons, specifically: multiple iso settings from shot to shot without changing film, immediacy of review/processing images (a big deal for me as I find that film is sometimes preventing me from just grabbing my camera when I go out spontaneously).

With that in mind, I'm torn on which way to go. The M9 is the dream, but, at $7k, a pipe dream at best. I could, realistically afford an M8 or a 5dmkii/d700 slr. The advantage of the leica is that i love shooting with rf's; i'd probably want at least one new lens to get the 35mm equivalent and leica lenses are far more expensive than their canon/nikon counterparts. the advantage of the dslrs is the high iso performance and being able to shoot with longer lenses plus no crop factor.

As i see it, it costs out about the same. Any one have any thoughts on the matter?

 

[berlincontemporary]

The original EOS 5D still has an unbeatable price / performance ratio for any "classic" photographer entering full frame digital. With EOS you have lots of options in adopting manual lenses, M42, Olympus OM, Nikon F.

I also tried a D700 a while back but I did not like the files compared to my 5D. Besides its much more expensive.

 

[tbarker13]

I use both an M8.2 and a D700.
If I were forced to choose one digital camera, it would probably be the D700.
Fabulous in low light. Great image quality. A much less expensive way to get full frame. I've tried both canon and pentax. All good cameras. But I find the controls of the D700 to be much more user friendly.

My choice of the D700 over the M8 would be partially based on reliability, versatility and the fact that I use the camera for some paid work.
If I were basing the decision purely on which form factor I prefer, I'd keep the M8.

 

[jesse1dog]

Guess it depends on how you want to use the camera.
If you have no experience with digital go for a 'cheapy' and work up from there.
A Panasonic Lumix FZ5 is an interesting beast!
I started off with a Nikon Coolpix 775 with only 2MP, but often you don't need more than this. It's still my 'natural' camera to grab. You might be able to pick one up for less than $20!

jesse

jesse

 

[user237428934]

Guess it depends on how you want to use the camera.
If you have no experience with digital go for a 'cheapy' and work up from there.
A Panasonic Lumix FZ5 is an interesting beast!
I started off with a Nikon Coolpix 775 with only 2MP, but often you don't need more than this. It's still my 'natural' camera to grab. You might be able to pick one up for less than $20!

jesse

jesse

Joke of the day.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

Well, you posted this in the Leica M8/M9 forum.

You have a good set of lenses for the Leica.

Get an M8. Several in EX+ and better condition come up in the classified ads for under $2500. Try it out. If you love it, save for an M9 and use the M8 in the meantime. If you do not like it, put it back in the Classified ads. Prices on the M8 have been stable for a year, since I bought mine last January. Cheaper than renting.

 

[user237428934]

Prices on the M8 have been stable for a year, since I bought mine last January. Cheaper than renting.

This is absolutely true. Sold my M8 in 09/2009 and bought another one again in 12/2010. Same condition, paid 100 EUR less compared to what I got over a year ago. Not a big risk here.

 

[cp_ste.croix]

Thank you everyone, Brian you bring up a good point in that the M8 may be the best of the lot to hold value and therefore it might be best to start there.

 

[Mcary]

The way I look at it is by getting the M8 I still have funds left to buy film and chemicals. Which means I'm not stuck with shooting digital all the time which is pretty much would have happened if I'd gotten the M9 which would have severely stretched my budget. Also I feel that I need to get some better glass. namely a 28mm or 35mm Summicron before I even think about getting an M9/M10. Which puts any plans of getting a FF M body 2-3 years down the road at a minimum.

 

[pachuco]

I've had both the M8 and 5DmkII and can tell you that they are both vastly different cameras. Follow your heart and get the one you truly want. Just understand the limitations of both of these cameras before you pull the trigger on one. Just one thing to point out since it's the reason many people switch to digital, it's really hard to argue with the image quality at all ISO's on the Canon. The low light capabilities on the M8 require a much better understanding of how the sensor works. Some people get amazing low light results with the M8, me not so much...

 

[Fraser]

I have a couple of 5dmk11s for work and I have to say its the best camera straight out the box, where as my M8 I only use when not at work takes a lot of work to get the best out of it but maybe thats what makes it fun (more like shooting film🙄). Don't dismiss the 5dmk1 as already said, £700 for a full frame camera is pretty good going.

 

[squirrel$$$bandit]

I love the M8 and don't particularly long for an M9, lovely as it is. I've since sold my other film gear and bought a Pentax K5 for low light, wide, and tele shooting. Very happy with this combo.

 

[rpilottx]

Disappointed in M8.2

Disappointed in M8.2

I am at about the same point as you coming from a film background. I ordered a M8.2 from Tamarkin hoping for the best. I kept it a day and sent it back-it was well made, had the Leica feel, and I really wanted to keep it but was totally unimpressed with the noise above ISO 640. Am back to film but have a Nikon D7000 on order and if that turns out to be too big (shot a lot with the Nikon F and motor back in the 1970's) I will try the Fuji X100.

The M8.2 was mint and $3900 from Tamarkin while the D7000 with 35f1.8 is $1400. Don't plan on spending $7000 for an M9 as photography is only a hobby. If the above does not work, then it is back to an M2, TriX and a wet darkroom.

 

[squirrel$$$bandit]

I think the extra money people pay for an M8.2 is madness. I got my M8 from Tamarkin for $2400 with a one-year warranty, found that it had the red line problem, sent it to Leica NJ and got a new sensor for free. It has been flawless since. And I love having 1/8000, and rather like the framelines, though many photographers disagree on that one.