Is an M9 the right choice for professional location photography?

[percepts]

What do you rekon. Is it a good choice for varied location photography? Or would one of the DSLR's be a better choice. I don't think I'd need long lenses so that's not a concern.
I'm thiinking some architectural work and company brochures etc in their premises.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

If you need Perspective Control lenses, then look at an Canon or Nikon DSLR, or a micro-4/3rds camera. On the latter: companies make Adapters that allow lenses made for 35mm cameras to be used for perspective control. Another area where the 2x crop factor helps you out. The larger image circle of the full-frame lens is tunred into a PC lens on the smaller sensor.

 

[Turtle]

From what you say in the OP, the application would on average suit a SLR better, esp if doing architectural work. If you use a SLR with an accurate finder you will get more accurate compositions and be able to use shift lenses too. A digi M would be great for looser, more informal shots of people and scenery, but if I were you I would start with a SLR with the added advantage that, say a 5d II could be had with a fair few L lenses for a M9 body and get you well on your way.

 

[percepts]

truth be known I'm thinking of the M9 for some wedding photography but I'm wondering what else it would be good for. i.e. I'm trying to justify the cost againt what other work I could offset it against. I want one really but I know for Architectural I'd be better off with a 5x4 or 5x7 setup (I have lenses for that but no camera at the moment).
So maybe the question should have been what else would it be good for money making wise apart from weddings.

 

[alecgold]

Classicly the leicas have been good for news reporters, traveling and family life. But there are several photogs here that use them for corporate photography during presentations, openings etc. Etc.

 

[250swb]

What do you rekon. Is it a good choice for varied location photography? Or would one of the DSLR's be a better choice. I don't think I'd need long lenses so that's not a concern.
I'm thiinking some architectural work and company brochures etc in their premises.

As you don't seem to be a professional already (or you would know the answer) I'd say go for the DSLR and a tilt/shift lens if you can afford one. Otherwise the cheaper option, better quality, but more cumbersome, would be a second hand 5x4 Sinar.

Your DSLR will be able to do everything from macro to long telephoto, both of which an M9 can't do. And the lenses will be cheaper when you need one for a special job (to buy or hire).

Steve

 

[Roger Hicks]

Turn the question around. How badly do you want an M9? And with that in mind, do you think you will be able to use it satisfactorily for other kinds of work? If you can't persuade yourself that you can, don't buy it. Personally, I find an M9 far more versatile than some people, and when it comes to shift, I do that as much in Photoshop as with my shift lenses or cameras (Nikon, Alpa and LF).

Cheers,

R.

 

[percepts]

the shift issue is a not a major one for me. We don't have high rise buildings like they do in the US. Getting to optimum camera position can pretty much negate the need for it. Not always possible but often it is.