Backup options for M8/M9 at a decent price that will take M lenses

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eleskin

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I posted on another thread in this forum why a used M8 should be $1,800 -$2,000. The market thinks otherwise (not bad when I think my investment I made in 2007 is holding up well, but not good if one wants a backup).
I like many on this forum have only M mount lenses, and am not in the mood to spring extra cash for other system lenses and bodies. So what choices are out there to mount M lenses on various bodies to get decent results as a backup? I am willing to put up with limited ISO as long as one can get a high quality image to print a sharp and clear 17"x22" print. I am well aware of the Olympus and Panasonic offerings with adapters. So based on the experience of users here, what is the best solution short of breaking the bank for an overpriced used M8?

Or is the best solution breaking down and buying a DSLR or other system?
(I do like the small digital PEN - nice little camera - may be the logical choice)
 
If it is truly a back up rather than a #2 body. Pick up a Pany D-lux3 or Canon G9/10/11 as suggested above. If you must have M-mount take a Bessa R2 classic/A/M and keep trans loaded. You can get close or better with a good scan to your M8 files. I'm not sold on using M lenses on the m4/3 bodies. If it's a BU body you will have to carry a whole matching set of lenses to make up for the crop factor of x2 with m4/3.
 
or an M2? and why just a few rolls of film? how about a few in your bag and brick or two in the fridge?

with a pre-M6 film M, you truly have a reliable back up because you don't ever have to worry about batteries and electronics. what could be simpler?

jaapv said:
What about an M3 and a few rolls of film?
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Olympus E-P2 with a CV adapter will use all your M Lenses... I am currently waiting for my dealer to get a used M8 but I have been shooting with the E-P2 using cv 15,35 1.2,50 1.1 and 28 2
 
A backup camera can be more than just another camera you lug around just in case the first choice breaks down. It can have features that the first choice doesn't have, perhaps features that aren't used so often but nevertheless are useful every now and again. As such buying an M3 and a few rolls of film simply doubles up the weight you need to carry around, but it doesn't double up the usefullness, in fact compared to the M8 it is less useful.


My backup cameras are m4/3 with an adapter, or I just use the excellent kit lenses. At the moment I think the Olympus EP-2 with the EVF would be the most useful. You get in-body image stabilisation with 35mm lenses good for 2-3 stops (imagine a Summilux wide open and effectively three stops faster), but also useful for telephoto lenses. Your longer Leica lenses become proper telephoto lenses with the crop factor. You get video. With an Olympus or Panasonic lens attached you get the ability to do macro, you get AF, ....anyway, its a long list of things you don't get on the M8. But equally you can use it just as simply as you do the M8, with MF, manual or aperture priority, etc. They don't weight much and just carrying the body and an adapter takes up no more space than a small flash.

Steve
 
I've seen some "user" grade M8's falling below the $1800 mark lately. M9 production is catching up. If you do not mind a well used camera, they are out there. If it is a backup, cameras with 25K+ clicks are "shaken-out" and have life left in them.
 
I use a G7 Canon as a digital backup. My wife likes to use it (everything automated :( )
I bought the M8 to upgrade from the G7, just because I couldn't live with the auto-focus that is on/off and it's not impossible to manual focus, but it isn't easy either and it doesn't give really good results.
But since you want to print 17"x22" I'm not sure that the G7 is sharp enough for that.
You could also use a M6/m4/m3 as a backup. A good body will cost more than a Canon G11, but not that much more.
 
The best backup would be well.. another M8. If anything, to avoid having to know two different cameras and carry two sets of batteries.

Next, I would choose my R-D1. Crop factor between M8 and the R-D1 are close enough. It has a nice 1:1 viewfinder and it has an M-mount. The R-D1 is almost always my backup for the M8. I regret selling my Tri-elmar (28-50-35) as it was so well suited for the camera.

Next, I would choose a m4/3rds camera body with adapter. I have the G1 purchased used and it replaces the R-D1 when I see a need to take advantage of the 2x crop factor. Works well with the Summarit 90mm.

Finally, the very capable LX3. Carrying it adds no more bulk than a flash. 24mm efov, macro, optics, raw, and handling are all nice.
 
Double Negative said:
If it's just meant as a backup, there's no need to get into a whole new system and its associated expense. If you don't mind giving up the M lenses, what about a solid P&S with a zoom? Something like a Canon G11 is quite capable and a great backup camera (I use a G9 myself).

Otherwise, yeah - go with Panasonic or Olympus. Probably the best way to maximize your investment in M glass.

this is something that i have been pondering, as i can't afford a second digital M.
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