Considering selling Nikon S2, SP to fund M9 - crazy?

[Jarle Aasland]

I'm considering selling my S2 and SP (both with 50mm f/1.4 Nikkors) to help fund a Leica M9.

I don't use them as often as I should, and I'm really in love with the M9 (you can read my review here: http://www.nikonweb.com/m9).

I know it's a stupid question, but I'll ask anyway. What would you do?

(Oh, how I wish Nikon would announce a full frame digital rangefinder camera!)

Jarle

 

[Keith]

It is a stupid question I agree! 😛

BUT ... if you really want an M9 and feel that you can sell your Nikons without regret, go for it.

After all ... we're only here for a short time! 😀

 

[Sonnar Brian]

Wait 10 years. Prices will be down and it will be an antique Digital. Then it will fit in with your other antique digitals.

 

[kshapero]

Go for the M9 and don't look back.

 

[Roger Hicks]

Dear Jarle,

As sane as it gets, in my book.

(But then, we are talking about photography.)

Cheers,

R.

 

[Pickett Wilson]

Throw those old clunky Nikon's under the bus. Digital is the present!

 

[Roger Hicks]

Throw those old clunky Nikon's under the bus. Digital is the present!

Unless you shoot black and white.

Cheers,

R.

 

[markwatts]

Hello Jarle,

I think I am about 10 years older than you. Colleagues are dropping left and right. If it is what you want, get it. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. But take a bank loan (tell them you want a new kitchen, sex change, anything) but don't sell the Nikons<s>

 

[Eric T]

Get the M9 - definitely. I like my film Leicas but I just don't use them. And it hurts to buy film and pay for film processing when I have other cameras where this is not necessary.

 

[Steve Bellayr]

You will also need lenses to go with this camera and that will increase the budget substantially. You mentioned this in your essay. The M9 will not perform with longer lenses or in motor drive or under extremely low light situations as you discussed. If you shoot with those options needed then you will run into difficulty. As far as the lenses go you will need 35/50/75 or 90. That will add another (approximately) 5k. Will selling the S2 & SP add 12k to the budget? If you do sell both those lenses you will loose the sonnar design experience that those lenses possess. Initially you might want to sell one of the Nikons and keep the other. The second can always be sold at a later date to fund additional lenses. But you are in luck as the availability of the M9 is not good you still have months to think & plan the purchase. (There might be some open stock by April...that's what I have been told by a dealer.)

 

[peter_n]

Whatever you do keep the Nikons, you'll regret it if you sell them.

Leica admit they cannot match the demand for the M9 and are seriously back-logged with orders for it. Get on a list with a dealer if you want, in the meantime you have months to eat bread & cheese and cosy up to your bank manager. You also have the opportunity to ask yourself if you really want to buy a beta product.

I can see an M9 in my own future but I'll wait until the camera is sorted and has a processor with better performance - the first M9 is beta, just like the first M8 was. It is a better beta than the M8, but still nowhere near sorted.

 

[Pickett Wilson]

The OP said he doesn't use the Nikons much, so what the point in hanging onto them?

 

[migtex]

Jarle,
If you sell the Nikon's you and your M9 will be cursed....
Now, what you really wanna do exactly?!

On less serious mood... Markwatts present the right solution, a loan from the bank!
You can always sell the M9 later and just lost half of it... (you have been cursed remember ;-) )

If you think (feel) you "need it", just do it...

 

[MCTuomey]

if you're not shooting the nikons much, yes sell them and buy something that you will shoot. keith's right, silly question. photography isn't a spectator sport.

if you're at heart a collector, i don't know what to say.

 

[-doomed-]

It is a stupid question I agree! 😛

BUT ... if you really want an M9 and feel that you can sell your Nikons without regret, go for it.

After all ... we're only here for a short time! 😀

I'd agree with this, get the M9, you only live once.

 

[back alley]

after my heart attack...i do as i please.

i love my digital rd1 cameras and i change lenses to suit my fancy and current thought process.
regrets? not a one.

 

[LeicaFoReVer]

get the bloody M9! 🙂

 

[Tom A]

If the M9 is what you want - get it - but know full well that the moment you have forked out $6000+ for it - Zeiss.Nikon/Sony etc will announce a new rangefinder with full frame and more Mp etc at 2/3rds of that price. This is Murphy's Law!
I would sell the SP - as you get the most money for it - keep the S2 and a 50 - just in case! There is the problems that haunt any digital - "sudden death syndrome" and unless you have two of them - you would be left without a camera whilst the M9 is in Solms for resurrection.
Life is too short for desiring things that one wants - and not getting it. The problem I have with the M9 (which I do not desire!) is that it is the lenses that attracts me. Not the 50f0.95 - but things like the 21f1.4 and the 24f3.8 - and those two are more than the M9 anyway. Oh, I will get them at some time - but at the moment I have enough glass to keep me busy.
So go forth, flog the SP and order the M9.

 

[Jarle Aasland]

Thanks everyone! Amusing and thoughtful replies. Not sure I'm closer to a decision, but I really appreciate your comments!

Jarle

 

[tightsqueez]

Sleep on it for awhile - you'd be surprised what you wake up with the next morning.

I was in the same boat some time ago and instead opted for new glass. I thought it was a better long term value. When it comes down to it, it's the end result that matters; the image. If it's burning you up then by all means get one.

But just remember, if you do get one and your images don't get better we will all make fun of you in the most jealous way.😀