Find a used M9-P instead of going with an X-Pro2?

[jaapv]

I have owned and used three M8 cameras, two M 9 ones, presently still have an M9, Monochrom and M240, and the cameras have never let me down - and I travel extensively and into harsh conditions. Yes, they need maintenance from time to time, and on rare occasions a repair, but so do other cameras.
I would not let that argument distract me - in my experience it comes from reading too much on Internet forums.

The RX1 is a nice camera, but in terms of use it does not come close to a digital M. Nor does it offer anything special in image quality, except for in-camera noise reduction (not bad at all btw)

reading your post, I would go for the M9-P. Or wait for the M240 prices to come down as soon as the new M hits the market.

 

[jazzwave]

Leica M9, Full frame, $3200 (used, good condition)
Fujifilm XPro-2 , crop/apsc ,$1850 (new)

You can consider Sony A7 series as well, full frame

Happy shopping..🙂

~ron~

 

[Fraser]

I wouldn't bother buying m9p I would either go cheaper with an m9 or just a little bit more for m240.

 

[jsrockit]

M9 prices are already below X-Pro2 prices. M9-P prices should be about at the level of X-Pro2 + a lens.

No they are not...

 

[willie_901]

You already have M/LTM lenses you like.

So far you are not handicapped by low light conditions.

In my view there is only one disadvantage of pursuing any of the M9 variants. Unless the first generation sensor assembly has been upgraded to the new IR filter version, sooner or later the camera will have to go back to Leica for a new sensor. No one can predict when an original M9 sensor assembly will delaminate. One can only say it at some point it will delaminate.

You own other cameras. Being without the M9 for 1 to 4 months might not be an issue for you (right now 4 months seems to be the U.S. turn around time for normal citizens?) .

The X-Pro 2 body/lens system is a good one. The XF lenses combined with its data stream technology overcome the perceived disadvantages of the APS-C sensor area. With the Fujifilm M adapter you can repurpose some of your M lenses. It is possible to use the X-Pro 2 as a virtual RF camera as the AF can be operated manually with XF lenses. It has effective focusing aids for M lenses.

My advice is to find a nice pre-owned M240. The user experience will be close to using your M6. The signal-to-noise ratio and dynamic range is almost identical to the X-Pro 2's. In my view a M240 delivers more value per dollar spent compared to a M9.

However, I do not embrace the 'CCD sensor assemblies delivers the best possible rendering' voodoo. If you believe that, than buy a nice M9 and accept the inevitable inconvenience of a sensor replacement.

 

[nongfuspring]

The xp1 (let alone the xp2) gives significantly better files than the M9 at anything above base ISO. To be controversial, I even prefer the xp1 files to the M240 at medium to high ISO. I'm not a fan of Leica IQ, but I do understand the user experience is pretty special and you have some enviable lenses.

Personally, I would go back to the M6 and stock up on film for the moment. If you're not in a rush M9-P prices will be coming down in the near future because of that new M and the early buyers premium on the xp2 will wear off.

 

[Ken Ford]

Why put off doing what you really want to? (unless you can't afford it)

That's kind of my thought process. For that matter I could even afford a new Leica RF, but I won't let myself spend that kind of money (I keep telling myself this, anyways.)

The M9-P appeals much more to me than the M9 - it's all about the cosmetics. Shallow, I know - but there it is.

 

[Ken Ford]

You already have M/LTM lenses you like.

So far you are not handicapped by low light conditions.

In my view there is only one disadvantage of pursuing any of the M9 variants. Unless the first generation sensor assembly has been upgraded to the new IR filter version, sooner or later the camera will have to go back to Leica for a new sensor. No one can predict when an original M9 sensor assembly will delaminate. One can only say it at some point it will delaminate.

You own other cameras. Being without the M9 for 1 to 4 months might not be an issue for you (right now 4 months seems to be the U.S. turn around time for normal citizens?) .

The X-Pro 2 body/lens system is a good one. The XF lenses combined with its data stream technology overcome the perceived disadvantages of the APS-C sensor area. With the Fujifilm M adapter you can repurpose some of your M lenses. It is possible to use the X-Pro 2 as a virtual RF camera as the AF can be operated manually with XF lenses. It has effective focusing aids for M lenses.

My advice is to find a nice pre-owned M240. The user experience will be close to using your M6. The signal-to-noise ratio and dynamic range is almost identical to the X-Pro 2's. In my view a M240 delivers more value per dollar spent compared to a M9.

However, I do not embrace the 'CCD sensor assemblies delivers the best possible rendering' voodoo. If you believe that, than buy a nice M9 and accept the inevitable inconvenience of a sensor replacement.

I think an XP2 can work for me - I believe I can leave it in MF mode and use the back button for focus on demand. And from what I've seen Fuji optics are great.

But...

I have some great Leica glass that I really like. I wouldn't be happy using them on a cropped sensor (been there, done that with my NEX - I want my 35 to be a 35).

I'm not in a hurry to do this. Maybe I'd do best to sit tight until the right M9-P comes along with a new sensor? That's if I don't talk myself into a new M-D first - that's a body I can get behind. I know next to nothing about the M240, I'll do some research.

I think it's time to start selling off excess stuff to create a sock drawer money stash. At least I have the freedom to jump on a good deal right now if I want to.

 

[Ken Ford]

Tell me about the M-P M240... as I mentioned upthread I'm not well versed in Leica DRFs.

 

[cz23]

That's kind of my thought process. For that matter I could even afford a new Leica RF, but I won't let myself spend that kind of money.

The M9-P appeals much more to me than the M9 - it's all about the cosmetics. Shallow, I know - but there it is.

Nothing shallow about cosmetics. I love the look of my MM, with no lettering or red dot.

I've also got an X-Pro1. Enjoy them both but the user experience is so different. Not sure what I would do in your shoes. I feel like it's too personal a decision to weigh in on.

My guess is if you went for the X-Pro you might always be thinking, if only....

John

 

[maitani]

imo if there's an itch for leica and existing leica glass, only a leica will do, just my 2c. a 9-P is a good-looking digital camera, be sure to get one with replaced non-corrosion sensor.

 

[squirrel$$$bandit]

M9 prices are already below X-Pro2 prices. M9-P prices should be about at the level of X-Pro2 + a lens.

Agree with jsrockit, that is super not true.

I've got an M9-P and an X-Pro1, and the latter satisfies my autofocus needs. But the former is really fun and special. I got it from Tamarkin.

 

[Lss]

No they are not...

Well, yes they are. Qualification: European prices, M9 private sales, X-Pro2 from a store. The cheapest fully functional M9 I know of went for about 30% below what the X-Pro2 costs today. That was an exception, but then again that is 30% below.

 

[papaki]

Pardon me, but the M9 is an obsolete digital camera. If it was about film cameras there would had been a reason buying it, but it is not.
It is not worth it even at 30% less the price of an X-Pro2.

 

[Ken Ford]

Nothing shallow about cosmetics. I love the look of my MM, with no lettering or red dot.

I've also got an X-Pro1. Enjoy them both but the user experience is so different. Not sure what I would do in your shoes. I feel like it's too personal a decision to weigh in on.

My guess is if you went for the X-Pro you might always be thinking, if only....

John

This. I've been down that path many, many times with cameras, musical instruments and other things. I tend to go with what seems rational instead of what I really like, and in the end I end up with the latter after a lot of pain.

Maybe I should just cut to the chase, suck it up, get a late model Leica and enjoy it.

 

[Lss]

Pardon me, but the M9 is an obsolete digital camera.

What is obsolete again? How does that affect the functionality or results?

 

[jsrockit]

Well, yes they are. Qualification: European prices, M9 private sales, X-Pro2 from a store. The cheapest fully functional M9 I know of went for about 30% below what the X-Pro2 costs today. That was an exception, but then again that is 30% below.

Ok, fine... but if I wanted to buy today... where can I get one for $1699?

 

[ramosa]

• AF or MF
• FF vs. APSC
• CMOS vs. CCD
• High ISO vs. Low ISO
• Weight
• Cost

Well articulated. Another factor is that there appear to be a series of firmware/hardware problems with the X-Pro2.

 

[Lss]

Ok, fine... but if I wanted to buy today... where can I get one for $1699?

I don't know where you can get one for that price. I could go and get one for 1800-1900 EUR this week. It would cost me 1890 EUR to get the X-Pro2 today. That's almost 2200 USD.

Anyway, I will take your word that the X-Pro2 is significantly cheaper than the M9 in your market. I mostly operate in my local market.

 

[jsrockit]

Another factor is that there appear to be a series of firmware/hardware problems with the X-Pro2.

It seems to be only a select few cameras...because I've had one since day 1 without any issues.