M8 migration to M9 or every other generation (M9.2 or M10)?

[filtertone]

I thought about this for quite a while when the M9 was introduced and I decided not to upgrade from my M8.2 at that time. Recently however, due the fact that M9s are so difficult to get, prices for used M8s and M8.2s have shot up well past what they were in the fall of '09. I decided to take take advantage of this situation and was able to sell my M8.2 on eBay for over $4K. I put this toward an M9 which I just received days after the M8.2 sale.

Reasons for me include the fact that my favorite lens (a Summilux 50/1.4 ASPH) is now much more useful to me now as it's a true 50mm without the crop factor of the M8.2. The low-light capability of that lens is very good, and with the extra stop of ISO from the M9, it's even better. I also prefer to use the camera in full manual mode, and having the dedicated ISO button on the M9 is a big plus for me. I'm also looking foward to the release of the new 35 Lux, and on the M9 it will be a true 35.

I think the wait for an M10 will be significant. My local Leica rep said the M9 is it (I know Leica reps aren't privy to all inside company info, but it was an interesting comment). Plus, if and when and M10 is introduced, the full-frame M9 will be worth more than an M8, and I will have had the use of the M9 in the interim.

 

[eleskin]

If the M9 is "it", at least give the buyer the option of real chrome. For some reason, this painted stuff does not remind me of the classic craftsmanship like the M3 does or even my M6. For these prices, I should have just as much choice as when I buy a car. By the way, I am attracted to the M8 not only because of greater value ($2k or so a better buy than the M9 for my reasons listed above), but I love the real silver chrome finish way better than the grey paint.

 

[Roger Hicks]

Seems a valid criticism to me. Their choice of going with the grey paint this time around is... Puzzling. Brassing on a black paint body is a thing of beauty, but I'm not so sure about grey! And the lack of a chrome version entirely is just strange if you ask me.

They have to keep SOMETHING in reserve for the M9.2...

Cheers,

R.

 

[Bill Blackwell]

... it makes more sense to skip the next generation of camera and buy every other generation. For me, this means using my M8 and then buying the M9.2 or M10. ... The M9 just gave us a bigger M8 sensor with some improvements, but not many thousands of dollars worth (I can buy another M8 for 2K - I need a second one as a backup-so this makes economic sense). ... I think a second M8 makes more sense for now. In a few years, I may consider a used M9 and/or a new M10. ...

That was my thinking (and logic) precisely. I was not planning on buying an M9 at all. That was until I was offered up one by my friendly Leica dealer, Tony Rose (I had completely forgotten I was on the waiting list). It took me all of 15 minutes to decide to take it.

 

[Jeff S]

In fact, I thought my M8 files were sharper and the M9 mushy in some cases.

Were there any consistent factors involved in your experience (e.g., at higher ISOs, with b&w vs color, or just in general)? Have other M9 users experienced this?

I've seen comments from some Canon users that the 5DII files compare less favorably to the 5D files for similar reasons.

Do newer generation cameras, which generally offer better performance at higher ISOs, have some some similar phenomenon going on with the software (or internal filters, etc.) that is 'smoothing' out the files to some greater extent?

I can't say, since I only own the M8.2, which btw is fine for now given my smaller print sizes. At some point, I need to decide on a back-up...and for now the only other consideration is the M9...anything else is hypothetical. And, I've yet to be able to buy a hypothetical camera.🙂

Jeff

 

[pachuco]

I wish I could even find a M9 to try out. For now the M8 is plenty of camera for my needs. I bet I won't have the cash to afford a M9 until the M18 comes out.

 

[DRabbit]

I'd love an M9 but I also LOVE my M8 (original). The only thing I worry about is what I'll do if it dies on me. At it's current price, the M9 just isn't worth that upgrade to full-frame from a 1.3 crop.