Buying an M9

[djdstone]

I've really fallen in love with the M9. I've been canvasing all my pro friends about the idea. I've been amazed that the discussion of a non Canon/Nikon camera is seen as heresy. Am I mad?

https://www.facebook.com/flakphoto/posts/173418406031991

 

[djdstone]

Oh the Facebook link was an interesting site about Photograhy bloggers which I thought you'd all like. I always find other peoples work very inspiring

 

[Renzsu]

Yes you're mad, clearly this is the only way to be a real pro:

 

[robklurfield]

Yes you're mad, clearly this is the only way to be a real pro:

either this guy is trying to take pictures of far off planets or he's very insecure about the size of his....

 

[djdstone]

Nice glass - as they say

 

[Paul Luscher]

Seems ironic. The day was, when no pro photog would be caught dead WITHOUT a Leica....

I wouldn't buy into what I call "band slavery." The very idea that only Brand X or Brand Y cameras are pro cameras is ridiculous. The formidable W. Eugene Smith photographed with all kinds of camera brands...including Minolta...which no one has ever considered as "pro cameras," image-wise ( if ya get my drift), never mind that they were quality equipment ( I speak from experience on that one).

 

[Paul Luscher]

That's "BRAND slavery," dammit!

 

[Sonnar Brian]

If you want an M9, get one. If I wanted a D3x, I would have bought one. I bought an M9.

 

[Roger Hicks]

If you want an M9, get one. If I wanted a D3x, I would have bought one. I bought an M9.

Exactly. And for me, a camera is an essential part of earning a living. Has been for 30 years. I don't need longer lenses than 135mm, so I'm happier with Leicas.

Cheers,

R.

 

[thegman]

Why not rent one for a few days and see how you like it. I think it truly depends on what you're doing with your camera, whether an M9 suits or not and only you'll know that. If you don't need long lenses or high ISO abilities, then maybe it'll work for you.

 

[jaapv]

Hmmm.. high-ISO Depends on the effect you want to reach. 2500 may not be as smoooooth as Nikon, but perfectly usable . This one could be a lot cleaner with a certain amount of postprocessing, but I don't even see the need.

 

[djdstone]

I'm going on a Leica event at the Mayfair shop in April - to see how I get on with the camera. They take you out and you can try them camera and some lenses and then take a card away with you to review your shots. I'm selling all my Canon gear to fund part of the purchase.

 

[Phantomas]

Yes you're mad, clearly this is the only way to be a real pro:

No, this is the real pro:

 

[Paul Jones]

Sold all my Canon pro gear for a leica M9 and haven't looked back. Love the freedom I feel using the Leica compared the the bulky 1D mk3 and lenses.

Its not the camera for every one, and is not capable of doing everything like the all singing all dancing Canon was, but what it is capable of it does extremely well.

 

[mfunnell]

Well, it all depends on what you want to photograph. I was quite glad of a long lens when I found this little girl (about 12' long):

The right tool for the task, and all.

But if you want an M9 and can afford it then get one. I sure would if I could.

...Mike

 

[MCTuomey]

I think professional use - the kind that makes your living - has little to do with enthusiast/amateur use. One instance: say you need one of your working cameras repaired. If I'm a member of CPS, I can have the work turned around from Canon-NJ or Canon-Irvine in 3-4 days. With Leica, well, it's weeks. An amateur can wait those weeks. Not many pros would, unless they have multiple M9's on hand.

Are you a pro? If not, I'd say you can ignore the "heresy" of choosing an M9.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

The longest focal length RF coupled lens for the M9 is the Komura 200mm F4.5. Beyond that, you need a Visoflex.

Reminds me to try my Komura 200/4.5 on the M9.

 

[drew.saunders]

I'm going on a Leica event at the Mayfair shop in April - to see how I get on with the camera. They take you out and you can try them camera and some lenses and then take a card away with you to review your shots. I'm selling all my Canon gear to fund part of the purchase.

I visited the Mayfair Leica shop this past July. I showed up as the typical American tourist-slob in t-shirt and shorts with my rumpled Domke bag slung over the shoulder, and the two young gents there were very nice and accommodating. They let me play with an M9 and let me mount the 50/0.95 on my M6. I took a picture of the camera in the window at 0.95 just to see what I could get. It should be a good opportunity for you.

 

[usayit]

If you are pro, buy whatever fits the business. If not, buy whatever fits you. Some people are simply too dense to understand that simple notion.... thus end up following the majority instead of thinking for themselves. Even worse, they just buy whatever they see in TV or publications.

No... not nuts for buying or wanting to buy whatever camera speaks to you....

Sold my Canon system as well