Back to basics with the Leica M9-Professional
- Thread starter dave lackey
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jsrockit
Moderator
I misunderstood too... but I think you're right.
jsrockit
Moderator
Yes, we all know that...but I'm sure that's not what's happening here... they are posing for a picture while pretending to use a camera.
Perfect response!!! Honestly, all you all have to realize a simple fact, your thoughts are just opinions, and all our opinions are just as wrong as everyone else's.
In which direction do the toilets flush down there? Doesn't really matter does it, as long as the job gets done right?
jsrockit
Moderator
What does make a pro camera then (without sounding like an advertisement)?
Hatch
Established
It would if he'd use it to race with.
A Hyundai would not meet the standards set forth and not therefore not qualify as a Formula One car. If he jumped in and won a rally race with it, assuming it had the proper safety equipment, then yes, it is a race car. There a standards and qualifications which need to be met for a car. It isn't the same for a camera. Those qualifications are set by each individual pro photographer, what camera meets their needs and what can produce the image in a format acceptable to their client. No one camera will satisfy every pro, but every Formula One car has to be, at least to a minimum standard to satisfy Bernie and the F1 officials.
dave lackey
Veteran
Keith, I respectfully disagree. Why is TOTAL versatility a requirement of a professional camera?
IMO, and most everyone I know, a professional photographer is one who primarily earns a living in photographing the motifs of his choice. After 40+ years as a professional in architecture, civil engineering and land planning, we used pencils and pens before computers came along. They looked different than our kids' wooden pencils but they were USED in our profession to earn a living. Those were our professional instruments. Computers came along and in order to use them, they had to be of a minimum capability (NOT total versatility), to be of use. They became our professional tools of choice, not a search for the TOTAL versatility you mentioned. If it were, the professional camera would be unobtainable because there is no absolute TOTAL versatility in any camera ever made.
Metaphors aside, I earn a living as a photographer. By definition, that makes me a professional photographer and that is the occupation claimed on my IRS tax forms. The tools I purchase and USE are the Leica M3 and R4 and they are listed as professional tools that I use to make a living. If I had the cash available, I would be using a M8/8.2/9, by choice.
In the past, I used many Nikon DSLRs to make money and/or a living in photography. I sold them all recently and by choice, I use the equipment I have in the bag for A LIVING.
Any other definition of a professional or his tools introduces bias, emotions, attitudes, etc. and is simply not a valid definition. If one does not go along with this post, fine, it is not my problem. Everyone has their own thought processes, just don't argue with someone if you disagree.
Again, that is your opinion, but as you know there are a boat load of pros that still find a Leica versatile enough. It may not fit for you, by why should other only accept what fits your needs?
jsrockit
Moderator
That's assuming that the Pro needs the versatility. We all know, in many different jobs, that Pros use specialized tools.
user237428934
User deletion pending
If you assume that someone can buy and use one camera only, then of course it should be the most versatile tool. But then I don't understand why someone buys Nikon because everyone knows that Canon has a more versatile and bigger lens lineup 😉
I think versatility is not the most important aspect in choosing a camera.
back alley
IMAGES
oh please........
who really gives a rat's ass if a camera is deemed professional!?
i've made money with all sorts of gear and never once wondered if my camera was pro enough!
go out and take a few snaps, clear your heads...
who really gives a rat's ass if a camera is deemed professional!?
i've made money with all sorts of gear and never once wondered if my camera was pro enough!
go out and take a few snaps, clear your heads...
Vince Lupo
Whatever
The M9P upgrade is very tempting, but not cheap! I contacted Leica USA, and they will be offering two options starting next month: i) $1295 gets you the sapphire glass, plus your choice of covering (vulcanite, leatherette, smooth finish); ii) $1995 gets you replacement of both top and bottom plates (either silver-chrome or black paint), plus the sapphire glass and choice of coverings.
They are taking names now for the 'list', and will be contacting people next month when they are ready to start the process. I'd probably want option #2, but at 2K it's a bit hard to swallow.
They are taking names now for the 'list', and will be contacting people next month when they are ready to start the process. I'd probably want option #2, but at 2K it's a bit hard to swallow.
Roger Hicks
Veteran
Dear Keith,
Any sane professional uses the right camera for a particular job: 'versatility' doesn't necessarily count for much.
You must know the old saying, "Jack of all trades, master of none."
Cheers,
R.
jsrockit
Moderator
I'm not tempted by this at all... $2,000 for what amounts to accessories? No thanks. However, if $2,000 was nothing to me, I would imagine that $8,000 would be nothing to me and I would just buy a new M9-P. Are they throwing in an extension to your warranty at least?
Vince Lupo
Whatever
Yeah I think it's a 1 year warranty extension.
I'll likely not go for it -- I think I can put 2k to better use....like mortgage payments!
I'll likely not go for it -- I think I can put 2k to better use....like mortgage payments!
Sonnar Brian
Established
No camera is completely versatile- especially digital cameras. Stuck with one kind of detector.
My last "professional" use required a Macro lens on an Infrared camera. I used a full-spectrum Olympus EP2 , modified by Steve's Camera. The IR absorbing glass is replaced by a clear cover glass. I would have to stack several IR cut filters and mess with the white-balance to use it for visible images.
Of course if I were using film, I'd load the Nikon F2 with Ektachrome IR for this type of work, and with Kodachrome for visible work. That's versatility.
My last "professional" use required a Macro lens on an Infrared camera. I used a full-spectrum Olympus EP2 , modified by Steve's Camera. The IR absorbing glass is replaced by a clear cover glass. I would have to stack several IR cut filters and mess with the white-balance to use it for visible images.
Of course if I were using film, I'd load the Nikon F2 with Ektachrome IR for this type of work, and with Kodachrome for visible work. That's versatility.
hendriphile
Well-known
From the 1st page of this link:
"Parisian Leica shooter pose with his film Leica M3"
But it's really an M2.
"Parisian Leica shooter pose with his film Leica M3"
But it's really an M2.
shadowfox
Darkroom printing lives
Agree that pictures beyond page 1 are good, some very good.
Agree that page one is a real yawner.
Agree that page one is a real yawner.
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