Is Leica for me?

[andrew00]

Hey,

I currently have a 5dmk2, an X100 and a GRD 3 (as well as an old polaroid 680!).

I find myself more and more shooting with the X100 and less the 5dmk2.

I'm much less 'tech' interested and much more 'experience' interested. I.E. I'm bored of having loads of stuff doing nothing and want the simplicity of shooting that produces the enjoyment of doing so. I rarely enjoy taking photos with my 5dmk2 as it's so much - the bulk, the gear etc.

I've also shot a lot of music videos and being gear focused has affected my enjoyment of them, it was a passion that became a chore with the emphasis on stuff. I like the X100 because it's small and I can talk to the person, I can look them in the eye, help them to feel comfortable etc. My friends wince when I bring out a DSLR and are disarmed and relaxed in front of the X100.

To me, this suggests I'm looking more for a Leica M9 type shooting - something that is smaller, more about the experience. I like portrait/fashion/editorial type of shooting and want to do more. I don't know if the M9 is suitable for this but that's the type of stuff I do, but as I said, I want something small, light, compact and not 'gear' focused.

What do you think?

 

[krötenblender]

I think, you should try before buy...

A M9 or any real RF is a whole different thing compared to the X100, and as you can read here in many threads, many hardcore-RF-users are disappointed by the X100, because it does not have the real RF-feeling.

Maybe RF will be it for you, but before you pay the money for an M9, you should really try it extensively. Maybe buy a R-D1 or an M8, which are much cheaper, or rent an M9.

Besides that, I can fully understand you. I have a DSLR and would not give it away, because it can do things I need and which are not possible with a RF, but my everyday-cameras are RFs. I always have one with me, but I started small with a very cheap film-RF, and needed to have it a while, until I really knew, RFs are simply it for me.

 

[usayit]

The retro/nostalgic looks aside the user experience between M9 and X100 are not at all alike.

Try before you buy.

 

[FrankS]

What's wrong with just continuing to use the x100?

 

[dave lackey]

Hey,

I currently have a 5dmk2, an X100 and a GRD 3 (as well as an old polaroid 680!).

I find myself more and more shooting with the X100 and less the 5dmk2.

I'm much less 'tech' interested and much more 'experience' interested. I.E. I'm bored of having loads of stuff doing nothing and want the simplicity of shooting that produces the enjoyment of doing so. I rarely enjoy taking photos with my 5dmk2 as it's so much - the bulk, the gear etc.

I've also shot a lot of music videos and being gear focused has affected my enjoyment of them, it was a passion that became a chore with the emphasis on stuff. I like the X100 because it's small and I can talk to the person, I can look them in the eye, help them to feel comfortable etc. My friends wince when I bring out a DSLR and are disarmed and relaxed in front of the X100.

To me, this suggests I'm looking more for a Leica M9 type shooting - something that is smaller, more about the experience. I like portrait/fashion/editorial type of shooting and want to do more. I don't know if the M9 is suitable for this but that's the type of stuff I do, but as I said, I want something small, light, compact and not 'gear' focused.

What do you think?

IMO, you are using the wrong measure. It is not what reaction you get from friends, but rather what you need as a tool to do the job. Professionally, it is one thing but personally, it is another.

First of all, with a RF camera, forget shooting sports or any action where you need to zoom in and grab as many shots as possible. That is why they make huge DSLR's. Do you need to shoot macro? Then, the DSLR is for you. If all you do is photograph friends when in close quarters or on the street, then, a RF camera will work far better than a huge bazooka on the DSLR.

The X100 is not a rangefinder. It is a very good digital camera. For personal use, why would you want to change? Most people change to a RF camera because of interchangeable lenses. Do you need that? How about the manual focusing? Is that something you like or can live with? How about the M8 or M9 or even the X1? What do you really need? And I mean need?
You see, there are a lot of questions you need to ask yourself rather than asking us. That would come later.:angel:

There are many more and varied reasons for buying a Leica RF camera but you need to really research this before jumping in. Good luck with your decision.

Oh, btw, people are easily parted from their money. Do you REALLY need to change cameras? Or is it the materialistic urge again? With the cameras you have, you pretty much have everything covered, digitally anyway, so why change?

 

[seakayaker1]

Why Not?

If you were to buy a new or used M9 or other range finder and a lens or two there is a great chance you would enjoy the experience. If you do not enjoy the experience there is a great chance you would recoup a large portion of your investment with the re-sale value of Leica/Rangefinder cameras and lenses in today's market.

So why not go and take the plunge and find out if 'Leica is for me?"

 

[SciAggie]

My friends wince when I bring out a DSLR and are disarmed and relaxed in front of the X100.

This comment alone makes me think you might enjoy a rangefinder. In my experience, rangefinders are wonderful for putting people at ease and allowing me to shoot very relaxed candid shots. The cameras are not as intimidating and by virtue of the location of the eyepiece, people see more of your face and your expressions. That was probably the biggest surprise I had moving to rangefinders.

The suggestions to try first are valid. I would also suggest that the M8/ RD1 are still very viable cameras to consider. And there are all the film versions.

Good luck!

 

[arnulf]

Of course it is a good idea, as has been pointed out above, to try it before you buy it. An M9 is not a cheap affair.

But my immediate response to the way you describe how you're enjoying your X100 is that you are probably a rangefinder guy. I can tell. If you can afford to take the plunge I'm actually willing to bet that you'll not regret it.

I say do it! You'll love it! 🙂

 

[ashfaque]

Another vote for trying before you consider buying. 🙂

 

[jamato8]

If you have to ask the question then no. (just kidding)

I have the 5DII and other Canons that I use for my work. I also use the M9 for my work but there are places that I can't do what I need to with the M9. So they are all an option. My preferred camera is what will work for the moment but my preferred camera is the M9. Partly because of the feel and having used Leica since the late 1960's and for the results. If I am on, it is on though it took quite some time to get all my lenses dialed in for focus and the 135 f4 I have I had to learn how to calibrate the lens myself in order to get it right on.

I would take the suggestions seriously though and borrow or rent one but it will take some time to get into the swing of the camera. I can even track with mine but again, you have to have it in hand quite a bit and just get the ebb and flow of the camera. IMO

 

[Nikon Bob]

The M9 might be for you but I would try before you buy as in rent one if possible. Especially since you don't mention if you have any experience with a rangefinder and how it is manually focused.

Bob

 

[magicianhisoka]

I like portrait/fashion/editorial type of shooting and want to do more.

the reason why i highlighted this part of your post was to point out something. at the end of the day, the camera is there to do a job. it doesn't matter if its a point and shoot or a medium format camera. so when anyone wants to jump to rangefinders, i'd get them to think about what they have to give up.

but judging from your interests, a rangefinder might just be perfect for you. for portraits and fashion, the most important thing is lighting and off camera flashes can still be used with a DRF.

i think you should take the leap of faith. or wade in slowly. its not a matter of a 5dmk2 or a m9. they can be seen as complements more than substitutes. hope that helps!

-a former canon DSLR flunky