Get rid of my Leica? Help me make a decision.

chilohm

chilohm

Jack Sloan
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I have an M6TTL with 35Cron ASPH, 50Hex, 90Elmarit-M. I really like it. I also have a Contax G2 kit (29/45/90) which I "like" less, but use more...
I tend to use the Contax for candid portraiture which is what I usually do, as it is fast, I can use the autofocus, and the lenses are plenty sharp/fast enough.
Trouble is, the cost of processing is starting to get silly. Is it time to swap one for something digital? Here are my thoughts so far:
  1. Sell the Leica kit and buy a Nikon D700 (sorry RF purists!). Pluses - The Leica is worth more, the D700 is versatile. Minuses - I would lose the lovely Leica glass.
  2. Sell the Contax kit and get a second hand M8. Pluses - Get to keep the Leica glass. Minuses - M8 - Flawed compared to M6TTL in terms of crop factor etc. No auto focus for candid portraits. Low used prices for Contax G gear.
What are your thoughts?
 
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Well if the Nikon D700 is the one you want to use when you shoot digital, then go for it, it's an awesome digital SLR, I was almost tempted to switch from Canon to Nikon when a friend of mine got his Nikon D700...

I never use or even saw a Contax G2 in front of me, so I don't know. Anyway go with your instincts ;-)
 
FWIW, the 45mm AIP is (in my opinion) the equal of Leica lenses, as well as being small and relatively cheap, by Leica standards anyway. The maximum aperture of 2.8 isn't that limiting on a camera with high-iso like the D700.

Personally I'd stick with the G2 for the moment and hold out for a smaller full frame Nikon in the future, but that's just my shallow side talking - the D700's a bit big and ugly for me.
 
What good is the "lovely Leica glass" if you don't use it? Nikon glass is pretty nice, too, and if you shoot photos through it, much better than glass you don't. As much as I love Leicas, if I were to make the choice, I'd go with the D700 (well, I actually shoot Canon DSLR's, but Nikon is great, too).
 
keep what you use, sell what you don't.

if your M6ttl doesn't fit the shooting you do, then the only reasons you'd keep it must be related to an unspecified future use or an impulse to collect gear.

you could sell the leica body, buy the d700, try it for awhile, then see whether you're comfortable selling the leica glass. you can always obtain another leica body later if the dSLR wasn't your cup of tea.

have you thought about an AE RF (M7 or ZI)? autoexposure would speed up the handling. maybe that would give you the time needed to MF. just an idea.
 
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Aodhan. Thanks. I know the d700 is ugly and big. That's another detractor. Not so much for aesthetic reasons as much as how intrusive it is. Having a RF pointed at you is so much less Kalashnikovesque... I'll have a look for the lens you mention.

Pickett. Thank you too. I do really enjoy using my Leica and use it most days, but when push comes to shove, the G2 comes out more often than not. I think you're right, but I'm probably just trying to keep everything. It's so tough being a materialist...

Shane. Thanks for your response. The G2 is fantastic. The lenses really are as sharp as any Leica glass I have tried, and although the auto-focus and battery dependence is an aquired taste, it is seriously easy and fun to use.
 
Thanks Mike. An AE RF might be quicker, but the cost of development/scanning is still the same... I know you are right about selling what is not used, but I do use the Leica, and really enjoy using it too. The cost of processing is really my major reason for the re-think.
 
The Lumix G1 will take the Leica lenses (with adapter). Sell the M6TTL for $1200 and buy the Lumix for $700 and send me $500;-) Problem solved.
 
Sell the G2 - it's a crutch you're leaning on.
It is a lovely camera, but you'll never learn to focus quickly and accurately as long as you keep choosing it above the M6.
Better to acquire a new skill than more cameras. You will feel proud to be shooting your manual M6 long after the novelty of the Canon would have worn off.

Then buy and M8 ;)

That said, if you must go DSLR and can't live without AF why not go for something like the Panasonic G1? You can use your Leica glass on it and it is smaller than most DSLRs.
 
Change from film?

Change from film?

It may seem a radical step, but think carefully about changing to the Leica M8 or M8.2. I'd reached a somewhat similar situation to yours, where problems with film processing were inhibitting my photography with my M2 outfit. Firstly I bought a digital slr, loved the medium but felt unhappy with the camera . Then my wife asked why I didn't make the digital switch with the Leica, feminine logic cutting to the real point without any sentiment. I bought an M8 earlier this year and haven't regretted it for a moment. My old lenses all work pefectly and I've had no problems at all. The Capture One software is great, the images have real quality, and the camera is a delight to work with.
 
If I were you, I would keep the 35cron, for an option to go back to leica and sell the rest.

Get your D700 and get happy, it's a very good DSLR and there is so much very good old Nikonglass you can use.
 
Oh hey Jack,
Decisions...Decisions,,,, A Hard Call

I actually just sold my Contax & Glass set...:eek:
kept my M4 & leica Glass
& OM1 w zuiko 50 1.4

MInd YOU . the shots you took w/ the Contax Blew my MInd...Superb !

If it were ME
I would go for the M8 (you've got the Glass)
(even w/ all M8's problems , /purple fringe, coding lenses) its Grand for B&W and then who needs coding;
The Price is Right...

The D700 takes great shots but its a BIG Beast and Rangefinders really Rule ....:D

Best of Luck with your Decision
No matter what You do
It will Work...You're Talented
Best- H
 
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Whatever you do, you'll regret it more or less, sooner or later. The trick is to try to keep it less. and later.

Personally, I'd get rid of the Contax without a backward glance -- I had an outfit for a year -- and go for the M8 or better still M8.2 (I've been using the M8 since it came out. followed by an M8.2). I know this will get me hate mail from Contax owners but hey, it's personal preference, NOT divine inspiration.

Or do the sums and see what it's going to cost to stick with film. How much film do you shoot? What does it cost you per year? What is the depreciation/opportunity cost of a new or indeed used digicam?

Cheers,

R.
 
Jack,

And now for something completely different.......

Sell both.

Buy a D700 and get some AF prime Nikkors, no zooms. 20/2.8, 35/2, 85/1.4 IF, 180/2.8 ED IF.

Buy a GR-D III

And go and have fun. Lots of folks here thing you should use manual focus, manual exposure, film and such. Use what you feel comfortable with. What you use to make great pictures and have fun is not important. What is important is that you have fun and keep trying to make better pictures.

B2 (;->
 
I'm no expert but I get the impression that Contax equipment is harder to find than Leica stuff. If you sell the Contax and change your mind, it might be more difficult to replace. I love my Leica's but have been tempted by the new Nikon's also. Good Luck. Joe
 
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