NLewis
Established
All SLRs are best when you are primarily focused on photography. This could be landscape, posed portraits, or even street stuff but you'll look like a photojournalist. If you want a camera to carry with you while doing other things, like travel, then SLRs are not so hot.
I get the impression that you are not so serious about this sort of thing that the D700 is getting used much. It seems like you would prefer a compact, easy to carry camera.
I would suggest that you just keep the X100 and shoot it for a year. Sell the D700 if you like, or keep it for the year (it will depreciate). The X100's 35mm-equivalent lens is fine for landscapes. Stop shopping and swapping cameras.
I get the impression that you are not so serious about this sort of thing that the D700 is getting used much. It seems like you would prefer a compact, easy to carry camera.
I would suggest that you just keep the X100 and shoot it for a year. Sell the D700 if you like, or keep it for the year (it will depreciate). The X100's 35mm-equivalent lens is fine for landscapes. Stop shopping and swapping cameras.
They might be the most versatile, but that does not mean they are the best. And is this stating that if you use a rangefinder (or any non-SLR) you are not primarily focused on photography?
Bobbo
Well-known
They might be the most versatile, but that does not mean they are the best. And is this stating that if you use a rangefinder (or any non-SLR) you are not primarily focused on photography?
That's not what he said at all. He said an SLR is best used when photography is what you're focusing on, rather than toting a camera around town while grocery shopping. For that, a smaller, lighter camera is probably a better choice.
Paddy C
Unused film collector
You might want to think about why you really want an M9 (aside from gear lust).
There are only two reasons to consider it over another camera:
1. You have or want to use m-mount lenses (specifically Leica or Zeiss)
2. You want the true rangefinder experience.
IMO, you give up a lot to get these two things and if you don't already have the lenses it's worth noting that they are not going down in price. Any of them. This is one of the main reasons I recently sold my Zeiss Ikon and m-lenses.
There are other cameras that are light weight and capable. The NEX 7 should certainly be on that list as well as the new Fuji as Gavin mentioned.
There are only two reasons to consider it over another camera:
1. You have or want to use m-mount lenses (specifically Leica or Zeiss)
2. You want the true rangefinder experience.
IMO, you give up a lot to get these two things and if you don't already have the lenses it's worth noting that they are not going down in price. Any of them. This is one of the main reasons I recently sold my Zeiss Ikon and m-lenses.
There are other cameras that are light weight and capable. The NEX 7 should certainly be on that list as well as the new Fuji as Gavin mentioned.
I still do not agree. I hate SLRs and generally go out focusing on photography with non-SLR cameras. Or am I thinking what you guys are saying is not a universal thing but more for the OP?
celluloidprop
Well-known
I don't necessarily see how the NEX-7 is easy to use - manual focusing in that EVF may not be the match of a RF system. But I haven't seen it, so I don't know.
I'm waiting to check out the Fuji system, but it's tempting to get a NEX-5n for tripod work where I don't care about speed or the EVF.
I'm waiting to check out the Fuji system, but it's tempting to get a NEX-5n for tripod work where I don't care about speed or the EVF.
bene
Established
Yes its true that the Nex-7 manual focus would loose out to RF, focussing at say F4 . in day time.
But at night , it probably be better,
SuperUJ
Well-known
I am with you on this. I just don't understand this thread. Looks like the OP had already had the solution before posting. Leica M or not is personal preferences, the experience of using rangefinder cameras and photographic applications. For me, I have my RF on the street and SLR in studios. It's a wonderful time with many kinds of systems / sensors / films available these days. _JohnOr am I thinking what you guys are saying is not a universal thing but more for the OP?
anthony_semone
Established
I expect that if my Nikon gear sells as I expect it to, then I'll get an M9; or, as somebody, either here or on Fred Miranda said "It's only camera gear." If I don't like the M9, I'll just sell it, or, since I'll be getting it from Adorama, I'll have effectively 30 days to give a try, and if I don't like it, I'll send it back. I can then use the money for the forthcoming D800, ya know, the one with 28 trillion mp, weighs 12oz, shoots in digital medium format at 12fps and costs $29.95
bene
Established
I expect that if my Nikon gear sells as I expect it to, then I'll get an M9; or, as somebody, either here or on Fred Miranda said "It's only camera gear." If I don't like the M9, I'll just sell it, or, since I'll be getting it from Adorama, I'll have effectively 30 days to give a try, and if I don't like it, I'll send it back. I can then use the money for the forthcoming D800, ya know, the one with 28 trillion mp, weighs 12oz, shoots in digital medium format at 12fps and costs $29.95
LOL! If the case what lens are you looking for?
AgentX
Well-known
I still do not agree. I hate SLRs and generally go out focusing on photography with non-SLR cameras. Or am I thinking what you guys are saying is not a universal thing but more for the OP?
What he's saying is that, without regard to any particular user, an SLR camera is at ITS (the SLR camera's) best when you're entirely purposed with making images.
Whereas it's not at its best when you simply have a camera with you while you do something else (traveling for its own sake, spending time with the kids, etc.), with imagemaking as a side possibility.
He's discussing what he (the poster) believes to be a characteristic of SLRs. I don't know if he's right or not, as it's truly contextual...if you're a large format shooter, a digital SLR is pretty damned handy to have along compared to your Deardorff.
Yeah, I figured it out after a few posts and a snotty PM which stated that they had to spell it out in crayon for me...
Damn, I guess others never make mistakes when reading text... it's all good though.Mr. Thompson
Newbie
Anthony - I am in the process of dumping my Nikon gear, and also my M4/3. It started with a Nex 5n and rangefinder glass. The M9 didn't show up until a couple of days before Thanksgiving. I only shoot with the Nex for extreme low light or when I need to reach out further than 90mm. I couldn't be happier with the Leica, but I cut my teeth with a rangefinder. Just be sure you enjoy using a rangefinder, then have a ball.
migtex
Don't eXchange Freedom!
Selling a D700 for an M9?!!
No way!
No way!
RObert Budding
D'oh!
If you think that a Nikon D700 and a few primes are heavy, then you should hit the gym.
nebraska
Member
I did it. No regrets. Besides, the M9 will be a classic and still taking pictures long after the D700 will have been forgotten because Nikon will have produced another miracle worker for the photographically challenged.
hxpham
Established
That's not a nice thing to say. The D700 is a great, solid, reliable camera!
djcphoto
An Englishman Abroad
Nonsense. The M9 will be forgotten just as soon as Leica produce the M10. Look at how many M8 owners upgraded to 8.2, and M9 to M9P. At least the D700 replacement will offer additional photographic features or improvements, rather than ridiculously overpriced 'vanity' upgrades! Seriously, how many D700 owners would upgrade to a D700S if one of the main differences was simply the removal of the red flash around the front grip?
bene
Established
Interesting views of if the M9 will be a classic or not... I think it really depends :
on how long the Kodak sensor can survive.
How big to Print. Seriously You probably be able to make the hi quality 13 by 19 prints for a long time. Personally I want to print big so at times I hit the limits of the M9 Resolution.
Not to forget that handholding reduces resolution.
Depends on what you are doing.
I think the M9 can last me another 3-5 years. I'll prbably get the M10P if it has certain criterias and If I made it as a big shot artist haha
on how long the Kodak sensor can survive.
How big to Print. Seriously You probably be able to make the hi quality 13 by 19 prints for a long time. Personally I want to print big so at times I hit the limits of the M9 Resolution.
Not to forget that handholding reduces resolution.
Depends on what you are doing.
I think the M9 can last me another 3-5 years. I'll prbably get the M10P if it has certain criterias and If I made it as a big shot artist haha
f6andBthere
Well-known
What a ridiculous statement ... sorry but when I read something like this that mesaures one system against another with this sort of crap I can't just bite my tongue!