willie_901
Veteran
I don't want a Leica. I never wanted a Leica. Does that make my Fujifilm a wanna be?
Ben Z
Veteran
I have to think it's not just that, because an M-E is $5450 and a mintish M9 can be had for more than $2000 less. That's a lot for a warranty considering Leica will replace the sensor of an M9 free out of warranty for known issues like cracks, dead-pixel lines, banding, and deteriorated coating...and even under warranty they won't replace it free if you scratch it cleaning it. A shutter is something like $750 and the LCD is around $1200 IIRC so even in the unlikely event they both went it would still be a break-even. I think there are some people who just want a new camera that no one has ever touched.
Lss
Well-known
And it is, but it is generally the least desirable digital M currently in production. The M is a better product, the M Monochrom is a special product and better at what it does. For most who are about to buy a Leica, the only advantage this camera offers is the price. And for most people who want one of the three, it is still very expensive.
A used digital M is the real entry-level digital M. The M-E gives you, like the marketing speak goes, the essentials. If you "just" want a new digital M-series Leica, it is the camera to get.
True, I bought the M9 for $7000... so $5500 would have been better.
Do you really think people buy a Fuji because they want a wannabe Leica? I, for one, sold my M9 once I used the Fujis... they were more versatile for my needs. They are different cameras.
It still seems to me that for anyone in the market for a Leica digital rangefinder, the M-E should certainly be on the short list. For everyone that is but this group.
Again, while you and I might be able to afford these, many cannot.
I've used both the M8 and the M9 in the past... they were worth it at the time, but are not anymore to me.
Roger Hicks
Veteran
To the OP: my review in American Photo might or might not help: http://www.americanphotomag.com/photo-gallery/2014/02/love-leica
Cheers,
R.
Cheers,
R.
Bill Clark
Veteran
Dear Roger,
Thank you for the link to your excellent review of the Leica M.
My hesitation to buy is based, perhaps I have the wrong impression, that in the digital world new models occur quite frequently. It can happen in few months. Spending almost 7k on a camera that will be updated with a new and usually better in so short amount of time I wonder if it's worth the investment. Or shall I say it's an expense? Perhaps it will work for a long time but who knows.
I have a Canon 20D that I bought in 2004 for about $1400 and it still works fine event after over 200k of shutter clicks. It is a back up camera now.
At any rate, thank you for your outstanding review. Nice to read your thoughts here.
Thank you for the link to your excellent review of the Leica M.
My hesitation to buy is based, perhaps I have the wrong impression, that in the digital world new models occur quite frequently. It can happen in few months. Spending almost 7k on a camera that will be updated with a new and usually better in so short amount of time I wonder if it's worth the investment. Or shall I say it's an expense? Perhaps it will work for a long time but who knows.
I have a Canon 20D that I bought in 2004 for about $1400 and it still works fine event after over 200k of shutter clicks. It is a back up camera now.
At any rate, thank you for your outstanding review. Nice to read your thoughts here.
TedPaul
Newbie
Had the 8 which I sold. Tried the Fuji and Oly with my R's. Bought the M240 and use my 3 M lenses. The R's are heavy although I have used the 500f8 on occasion. I really like the M240 and would not consider any other.
YYV_146
Well-known
The M type 240 is past halfways in terms of product life cycle - the M9 was announced in 2009 and replaced by the type 240 in 2012, so I would expect to see a new digital M some time in 2015, maybe even later this year.
Personally the digital Ms are all unfinished cameras. Too old the technology and too flawed the implementation to be used as work bodies, and too expensive for me as a "leisure" camera. Film Ms are all good and fine, but for digital Leica needs to step up its game.
Roger Hicks
Veteran
Dear Bill,
Thanks for the kind words. Like you, I live in fear of an ever-shorter product cycle, but so far my digi-Ms have been very good (M8 since 2006, M9 since 2009).
Cheers,
R.
ellisson
Well-known
Many thanks, Roger. Your excellent review of the M was very helpful. I must consider this camera's new features/capabilities in the context of my particular shooting needs/style/comfort....and budget!
Gary
Ben Z
Veteran
Halfway into the production cycle is my sweet spot for buying digital cameras. I save a bundle buying them as slightly-used or demos (my M240 was the latter, a thousand less than new), any serious mechanical flaws will have typically been brought to light, and firmware will have been updated to improve functionality. Owning them halfway into the next model's production cycle is not a problem for my ego.
ellisson
Well-known
Well, after much thought and input from my fellow Leica shooters, I bought a certified preowned Leica M9P with full 1 year Leica factory warranty at a good price. I am very comfortable with the M8, which just "fits" and feels right, and so the M9 will be much the same, but full format. And I still enjoy shooting my old Rollieflex cameras!
I appreciate the RFF and everyone's input. Many thanks,
Gary
I appreciate the RFF and everyone's input. Many thanks,
Gary
Kwesi
Well-known
Congratulations!! and welcome to the M9P club
ellisson
Well-known
Thank you, and I just got some more good news about my used purchase. I called the vendor (Miami Leica) and they got the camera directly from Leica (Certified Pre-owned), and it comes with a Leica two year warranty, not one just one year. Warranty card will be sent with the camera and the complete package. That makes me feel even better about the purchase.
Bill Clark
Veteran
Great news.
Have fun with your new camera!
Have fun with your new camera!
Ben Z
Veteran
That's awesome. I've been to that store and I know the gentleman who owns it, he's very active in LHSA. Great people to deal with.
ellisson
Well-known
Thanks Ben, I too, found them very easy to deal with. And they explained to me why my paypal payment went to "Dale Laboratories", which turns out to be the earlier, 'mother' company that includes Miami Leica. It was a bit confusing at first!!
Kim Sherman
Newbie
Congrats on the m9p! Good news about the warranty as well. I bought a mintish 2012 chrome m9p in December from my Leica dealer, and I have loved using it. I just recently sent ithe m9p to Leica NJ to have it checked out fully, and to have it matched up with my 50 Summilux asph. I am eagerly awaiting their return. The summilux was under warranty (the front element was loose, and Leica has tightened it), the m9p was not, but Leica has covered the cleaning and adjustment of the m9p as a warrantied camera all the same. I am grateful.
Last edited:
ellisson
Well-known
That's good news about customer service, Kim. We pay for quality gear, and its good service that keeps us coming back!
I also use my m9p with a newly acquired minty 50 summitux asph. This is a great combination!
gary
icebear
Veteran
The "product life cycle" only exist in marketing, don't worry about it. In case your "half way through" camera limits your ability to take good photos and you have money to burn, well then go listen to the call of the marketing folks. Otherwise I'd suggest to maximize the quality you are able to get out of your existing equipment.
The first part of Roger's sentence made me think "WHAT?" and I was missing the tongue in cheek smiley but then the latter part put things in perspective
.