Just when I decided to skip the M9...

[gdi]

I get the call that a Steel Grey one will be in this week for me. I had decided to stick with the M8, but now that it is available (and I need to commit or let it go tomorrow) I am again facilitating!

I like the idea of fullframe and no filters (though I have all the filters and wide angle lenses I need), but the difference in image quality (even the high ISO noise) seems fairly subtle from the samples I have seen. It would be easy if there was a major leap in IQ.

I suppose I have to decide how much I want to keep my Mamiya 7II kit and some other stuff tonight. But I would appreciate any opinions from those who have switched form the M8 to M9 - was makes it worth it to you?

Thanks

 

[sepiareverb]

I'm just going through this same decision- although I don't have one waiting for me. As an educator I can qualify for the discount (I got my XPAN through a similar program) but only until the end of the year.

The VF will likely make the biggest difference for me- I've never gotten along well with the framelines in the M8 when using the 28 and especially the 24.

That and having the 28 Summicron 'back' with a 28 FOV.

 

[Ken Shipman]

I understand completely. I got the call today - it will arrive tomorrow or Friday. I also thought about skipping. Of course our situations are likely completely different, but I have decided to do it. It will be my M9. The wear will be mine, the dings will be mine, the faults will be mine. It ain't gonna get cheaper...new anyways. I'm not going to be able to afford it more next year or the year after. I have rationalized away the M8 crop factor for the past 3 years. Enough already. By this weekend I will be using my M9.

 

[gdi]

I'm just going through this same decision- although I don't have one waiting for me. As an educator I can qualify for the discount (I got my XPAN through a similar program) but only until the end of the year.

The VF will likely make the biggest difference for me- I've never gotten along well with the framelines in the M8 when using the 28 and especially the 24.

That and having the 28 Summicron 'back' with a 28 FOV.

I wouldn't worry about the discount program it will continue next year as well. If I were able to do that it would make my decision for me!

 

[gdi]

I understand completely. I got the call today - it will arrive tomorrow or Friday. I also thought about skipping. Of course our situations are likely completely different, but I have decided to do it. It will be my M9. The wear will be mine, the dings will be mine, the faults will be mine. It ain't gonna get cheaper...new anyways. I'm not going to be able to afford it more next year or the year after. I have rationalized away the M8 crop factor for the past 3 years. Enough already. By this weekend I will be using my M9.

Good for you! I agree the M9 will not be cheaper in the near future
and that is another reason I am still considering it.

 

[photogdave]

Having the opportunity to shoot with the M8, M8.2 and M9, but not being the position to afford any of them, I feel qualified to offer an objective opinion.
Go for the M9. It totally kicks ass! Toats ma goats!
Seriously, to this date the M9 is the only digital camera I've laid my hands on and my gut has said "you like this, you want this". For me it's not the big changes - full frame, more pixels etc., but the little changes. The easier to use exposure compensation mode, the discreet and soft release mode, the more traditional frame lines.
I really enjoyed my brief time with the M9!

 

[thompsonks]

Surprising how many of us are in this position. I'm guessing Leica will lose some customers from waiting lists as this kind of re-thinking goes on.

I'd decided to stay with M8u & M8.2 – only to hear the next day that M9 had just been shipped.

IMO the really important question is 'how large do you print?' I tested the M9 on its birthday against M8 & could see more resolution - & potentially better tonal transitions - in the M9 files when printed 14x21."

If I printed only only on 13x19 & not 17x25 (Harman) paper, I don't think I'd see enough difference to justify the M9's expense. Since it's on its way, I'm crossing my fingers about visibly better IQ in large prints.

Kirk

 

[larryk34]

Whenever I decide to get out of my (prepaid deposit) order and get one next year if I'm still interested by then, it dawns on me that the M9 I ordered probably won't come until next year anyway! So much for that idea. I'm sure I'll take it whenever it comes. Logic? I want to make photos with it now, not some other time in the future.

 

[250swb]

I suppose I have to decide how much I want to keep my Mamiya 7II kit and some other stuff tonight. But I would appreciate any opinions from those who have switched form the M8 to M9 - was makes it worth it to you?

Thanks

I haven't used an M8. But coincidentally I was asked by a friend what it was about the M9 that I liked (other than going back to Leica after I stopped using film). And my answer was that I hadn't seen detail and tones like it since I stopped using my Mamiya 7II.

So I can't compare it with an M8, but doing the sums it seemed both sensible to jump in early as regards price hikes, and sensible because I'd rather be using it than thinking about using it. The fact that it exceeds MF film quality images when used carefully is a big leap for me, even though my photography is not always geared towards outright IQ (I like 'snapshot' as well as 'landscape').

Steve

 

[Richard Marks]

It's quite simple. You really have to try one against your M8 and decide from there. I would seriously advise against committing without a reasonable evaluation especially given the very limited available experience.

I think a lot of enthusiasm has been lost due to lack of availability.

I sold my M8 very well just before the m9 launch and got a D700 just to tide me over. I have been so impressed I'm not nearly sure about an M9

I really am concerned that the LCD screen and electronic hardware have not advanced. Also I had a lot of problems with my particular m8 and very dismissive customer service.

Richard

 

[Tom Diaz]

I get the call that a Steel Grey one will be in this week for me. I had decided to stick with the M8, but now that it is available (and I need to commit or let it go tomorrow) I am again facilitating!

I like the idea of fullframe and no filters (though I have all the filters and wide angle lenses I need), but the difference in image quality (even the high ISO noise) seems fairly subtle from the samples I have seen. It would be easy if there was a major leap in IQ.

I suppose I have to decide how much I want to keep my Mamiya 7II kit and some other stuff tonight. But I would appreciate any opinions from those who have switched form the M8 to M9 - was makes it worth it to you?

Thanks

The switch was worth it to me. "No more filters" is a big win, because I interchange the lenses with an M6TTL. Also, my 28mm and 90mm lenses are a 28 and a 90 again.

Tom

 

[jaapv]

Having the opportunity to shoot with the M8, M8.2 and M9, but not being the position to afford any of them, I feel qualified to offer an objective opinion.
Go for the M9. It totally kicks ass! Toats ma goats!
Seriously, to this date the M9 is the only digital camera I've laid my hands on and my gut has said "you like this, you want this". For me it's not the big changes - full frame, more pixels etc., but the little changes. The easier to use exposure compensation mode, the discreet and soft release mode, the more traditional frame lines.
I really enjoyed my brief time with the M9!

For somebody with limited experience of the cameras you are very perceptive. You hit the nail squarely on the head. And the colour rendering is way better too.

 

[Ben Z]

It ain't gonna get cheaper...new anyways.

That's why I'm waiting until there are refurb M9's. I don't mind pre-owned as long as it comes with a warranty. Even if the IQ of the M9 was a quantum leap over the M8, which it's not, I wouldn't spend 7 grand on it. Buying the M8 new was a decision I completely regret. It was an uncharacteristic lapse of good sense and lack of self-restraint on my part that cost me dearly. If I'd waited two short years I could've had a refurb M8 for half price, the same way I got my 5D.

 

[tonyj]

This morning's Ken Rockwell column may help you to make a decision.

Enjoy your camera!

 

[jaapv]

That's why I'm waiting until there are refurb M9's. I don't mind pre-owned as long as it comes with a warranty. Even if the IQ of the M9 was a quantum leap over the M8, which it's not, I wouldn't spend 7 grand on it. Buying the M8 new was a decision I completely regret. It was an uncharacteristic lapse of good sense and lack of self-restraint on my part that cost me dearly. If I'd waited two short years I could've had a refurb M8 for half price, the same way I got my 5D.

As I recall you got it on a 0% offer on your credit card , Ben, surely the interest gained must help😛
And I am sure you got some priceless images in those two years.

 

[gdi]

Well I have looked at a lot of M9 photos ( and even reviews!) and I haven't seen much that looks a lot better than the M8 results when filters are used. Granted I am looking at web photos, but the color fidelity should still translate.

So I made my decision this morning and called and let the camera go to the next person in line. (Though I guess I should have bought it and put it on the bay to make a few grand, as Rockwell suggests!)

I am sure I could get prints a few inches larger with the M9, but I rarely find my self pushing the size limits of the M8. And when I do, I can just go film in medium or large format. And anyway, if I recall the M8 hype correctly, it was said to be the equal of 4x5 !! So my thinking is more along the lines of Ben's - I'll wait a year and then reassess and look for a good used one or a refurb.

But enough of my rationalizing! 😀

Thanks for the input!

 

[Richard Marks]

Well I have looked at a lot of M9 photos ( and even reviews!) and I haven't seen much that looks a lot better than the M8 results when filters are used. Granted I am looking at web photos, but the color fidelity should still translate.

So I made my decision this morning and called and let the camera go to the next person in line. (Though I guess I should have bought it and put it on the bay to make a few grand, as Rockwell suggests!)

I am sure I could get prints a few inches larger with the M9, but I rarely find my self pushing the size limits of the M8. And when I do, I can just go film in medium or large format. And anyway, if I recall the M8 hype correctly, it was said to be the equal of 4x5 !! So my thinking is more along the lines of Ben's - I'll wait a year and then reassess and look for a good used one or a refurb.

But enough of my rationalizing! 😀

Thanks for the input!

You may well be right, but to have got that far I still say its only fair to at least take the test drive if you have the chance. Web pics are no way to make a decision around a £5,000 camera. You would not buy a car that way.

The issue here in the UK is no demonstration models so I can not possibly evaluate. I may well have lost all interest by the time it pitches up. A used Hasselblad digital back still looks tempting for similar money. (yes I know its not a rangefinder).

Richard

 

[gdi]

You may well be right, but to have got that far I still say its only fair to at least take the test drive if you have the chance. Web pics are no way to make a decision around a £5,000 camera. You would not buy a car that way.

The issue here in the UK is no demonstration models so I can not possibly evaluate. I may well have lost all interest by the time it pitches up. A used Hasselblad digital back still looks tempting for similar money. (yes I know its not a rangefinder).

Richard

Yes, of course the only way to become familiar with the camera is to use it. A rental would be best, maybe next year I'll try that.

 

[jaapv]

Well I have looked at a lot of M9 photos ( and even reviews!) and I haven't seen much that looks a lot better than the M8 results when filters are used. Granted I am looking at web photos, but the color fidelity should still translate.

So I made my decision this morning and called and let the camera go to the next person in line. (Though I guess I should have bought it and put it on the bay to make a few grand, as Rockwell suggests!)

I am sure I could get prints a few inches larger with the M9, but I rarely find my self pushing the size limits of the M8. And when I do, I can just go film in medium or large format. And anyway, if I recall the M8 hype correctly, it was said to be the equal of 4x5 !! So my thinking is more along the lines of Ben's - I'll wait a year and then reassess and look for a good used one or a refurb.

But enough of my rationalizing! 😀

Thanks for the input!

Print size is not a convincing argument for the M9 over the M8. But colour fidelity is. Transitions are much smoother and nuances are rendered better. That you have not seen the results yet is because there is a learning curve in postprocessing; only very recently have we seen properly profiled RAW converters like C1V5 and the latest ACR that are able to handle the M9 files correctly.
I would rate the colour quality pecking order, in the Leica stable, M9 -1 DMR - 2 and M8- 3.

 

[Ben Z]

As I recall you got it on a 0% offer on your credit card , Ben, surely the interest gained must help😛
And I am sure you got some priceless images in those two yers.

Good points. Now then, if I'd only been able to put that other German-made toy I bought this year on a 0% card, I'd have saved enough to get that M9 now 😀