Hypothetical: Talk me in/out of an M9

[jschrader]

Certainly, I fully admit that what I am talking about in terms of something being "created" in a certain way is more emotional than logical.

And I certainly agree that nothing can beat a mechanical Leica - not even a digital Leica - in terms of being the true thing.

Digital cameras offer some workflow advantages, if one needs digital pictures. The costs are a short lifetime and a high price.

 

[jsrockit]

Why buying an M9 when a M8 can do it, even better?

Care to expand upon this?

 

[leicapixie]

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=136986

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=136986

Sell everything but the x100 and the rf lenses. Use the x100 for low light in Haiti and shoot everything else with the m9. Rent a Nikon workhorse when a paid gig demands it. The aesthetic quality of your work will improve dramatically.

😱

Many years ago, i purchased a Magnum photographer's lens.
It came with the "Special Magnum Powder" sprinkled lightly on lens, caused magic photos. I still have both.😀

I have used RF and SLR since the early sixties.
The SLR created better images, always..
Keep your Nikon. It will outlast the Leica.Digital.:angel:

 

[sojournerphoto]

I stopped using slr's a few years ago. Don't think my pictures are any different, but I prefer working with the rf

 

[David_Manning]

So, Takkun...now you have your answers! 😉

This thread is a perfect example...everyone's experiences and opinions are different. Choose what you want based upon your needs, then your desires. Free advice: Just don't overextend yourself financially for any camera or system (unless you're betting on a legitimate business model).

My own opinion: I've owned them all, they are tools with strengths and weaknesses. None are magic, though some can inspire more than others. If you have multiple systems, go dSLR and RF. If you can only realistically afford one camera or system, make sure it has the flexibility you need. I personally own a 5DmkII, X100, X-Pro 1, and an M9. They all have their own limitations.

My perfect toolset is the 5DmkII and M9. If I could only own one (or one system), it'd probably be the X-Pro 1...it's a hybrid that does everything pretty well.

Realism aside, my favorite is the M9, and I've used it for 98% of my shooting since I bought it. It was an emotional investment in my passion...and I think I'm better for it. This has demonstrated to me, however, how often I require ultra-low light capability, fast shooting speeds, or longer glass (about 2% of the time).

 

[Takkun]

Thanks for the input, everyone. It's nice to hear the various experiences, since a lot of what I read online were of people starting entirely from scratch, or, instead of upgrading, took the plunge.
I'm probably keeping the Nikon for the time being, again because I don't need to be buying anything new, and film is keeping me plenty busy. The next few freelance shoots I'm doing are, quite thankfully, all film. Gotta love clients looking for that look.

The XPro was incredibly tempting. I read Zack Arias' review a while back and test drove one before I bought the X100, and that was enough of a temptation to get rid of the gear. But I think I just like the optical RF far too much, and my vintage Canon and Leitz glass. I've got pretty bad eyesight and am mildly colorblind (great profession to pick, eh?) so rangefinders were a godsend for me, and when I need AF, Fuji's is ridiculously simple to figure out. I just don't want to buy into a third system.

Epson, when is the R-D2 coming out, again?