M9 + M2 = M8 + MP + 35lux. Worth it?

[Robin Harrison]

I note that dealer prices of secondhand M9s have hit the £4k mark.

The way I do my maths, I could pick one up, any should enough left over for a user M2 if I sell my:
- M8.u
- MP
- 35mm pre-asph summilux

I should also point out I have ample cover in the 35mm department (UC Hexanon, f1.2 Nokton, 2.8 Summaron).

Do you think this is a good/fair/wise exchange, and what is you're main thinking?

 

[efix]

I'd keep the M8 + MP + 35 Lux. What a wonderful combination. A ~50mm f/1.4 on digital and a 35mm f/1.4 on film. The MP is the best M there is, and while an M2 would most certainly get the job done, it hasn't got a meter and lacks the 28/75/135 framelines. The M8u is every bit as good as the M9 at base ISO.

So, if you do not absolutely NEED or WANT a full frame digital M, keep what you've got, as I believe that combo is hard to beat.

 

[Glass Addict]

Why not sell the other 35mm lenses and keep the 35 summilux? It'll go nicely with the M9.
If you don't need a meter and some framelines, I can't see why not M2 is not a good choice.
If you do need a meter, you can always attach an external one as well.
I'm sort of biased because I moved from M8.2 to M9.

 

[bobbyrab]

Personally I bought an M8 and sold it within a month, partly because I didn't like the crop, but mainly I didn't like the colours, there's a horrible salmon pink signature to a lot I see from the M8 which I don't see in the M9, people say it's essentially the same sensor but bigger but i'd disagree. Is there a big difference in price between an M2 & M6, value for money I would say has to be the M6, pose value M2.

 

[a10101100]

Why not sell the other 35mm lenses and keep the 35 summilux? It'll go nicely with the M9.
If you don't need a meter and some framelines, I can't see why not M2 is not a good choice.
If you do need a meter, you can always attach an external one as well.
I'm sort of biased because I moved from M8.2 to M9.

i second this.. more likely you'll regret getting hold of that lux!

 

[thegman]

If you're not desperate for an M9, then I'd wait, they've only got further to fall in price, and the 'lux will likely only rise. If you are desperate, then go for it, the heart wants what the heart wants.

 

[andredossantos]

Id make the deal for the M9 + M2. Simply because I prefer the M2 over the MP and I am not a fan of the crop.

 

[Bobfrance]

IMHO.

The M9 is a better digital Leica than the M8 and the M2 is a nicer film camera than a modern MP, which is just an M6 in an Armani suit.

However if you tie most of your money up in digital cameras you will lose more of it over time than you would if it was in classic Leica film cameras or lenses.

 

[f16sunshine]

Lenses....

I only occasionally miss the corners of my lenses shooting with an M8. Getting the corners back in digital is the primary reason I would go to M9. Sure there are others but, primary for most is the larger sensor. Look at your lenses and see what you will gain by getting all of the corners back. Does that character addition make it worth it to give up the now more than ever highly coveted Summilux? You are still shooting film so you know what you are missing in full frame and can make it up there. I'm with Bob France. The MP is not an upgrade from the M2 (although an M5 would be ).

 

[Robin Harrison]

Why not sell the other 35mm lenses and keep the 35 summilux?

It's an option, but these days the Summilux goes for close to what the others would bring combined! For me, the UC-Hexanon has the best ergonomics, the Nokton has the speed, and the Summaron the most pleasing rendering. The summilux is a compromise in most regards, but would probably be the one I would keep if I could only keep one. Which makes the logic behind selling it a little suspect...hmmm.

 

[Robin Harrison]

However if you tie most of your money up in digital cameras you will lose more of it over time than you would if it was in classic Leica film cameras or lenses.

That is very true. The saddest thing is that since getting the lens serviced by Malcolm Taylor last year, it hasn't left the house, because it is the single most valuable lens I own and appreciating in value on the secondhand market. That's no way for a lens to live.

 

[doolittle]

That is very true. The saddest thing is that since getting the lens serviced by Malcolm Taylor last year, it hasn't left the house, because it is the single most valuable lens I own and appreciating in value on the secondhand market. That's no way for a lens to live.

That is no life for that lens alright. Send it to me and it will live the life it deserves. It will get rained on, dust too. It might even get the odd ding, but it will be happy

 

[Glass Addict]

Question

Question

It's an option, but these days the Summilux goes for close to what the others would bring combined! For me, the UC-Hexanon has the best ergonomics, the Nokton has the speed, and the Summaron the most pleasing rendering. The summilux is a compromise in most regards, but would probably be the one I would keep if I could only keep one. Which makes the logic behind selling it a little suspect...hmmm.

All lenses have their own merit. But, I think you are asking the most important question... If push comes to shove, which lens will be the last to leave the bag?
Answer should tell you what to keep and what to sell.

 

[Gid]

From an investment point of view stay with what you've got - in the short term you're not going to lose any money and may actually gain some value. As has already been said, second user M9s will continue to drop in price especially with the release of the M9P and you may get better bang for your buck by sitting tight. Crop factors don't bother me that much and the M8 does more than enough for me, but if you find that bothersome, make the switch. It is a good dilemma to have

 

[Bobfrance]

That is very true. The saddest thing is that since getting the lens serviced by Malcolm Taylor last year, it hasn't left the house, because it is the single most valuable lens I own and appreciating in value on the secondhand market. That's no way for a lens to live.

This is true. My Summilux ASPH has almost doubled in value since I bought it just over a year ago. I don't always feel entirely comfortable using it and don't really feel that the quality over, say a Hexanon, really warrants the hike in price. However I'm aware that it may continue to rise in value and if I sell it I may never be able to afford another, so there may be no going back once it's gone.

I do use mine a lot as I don't have much in the way of alternative 35mm lenses, so I've made sure it's well insured.

How would you feel carrying an M9 around which is worth even more?

 

[magicianhisoka]

I'd go for whichever combination allows me to have the best glass. If the m8 is your first foray into the digital realm, you might be a little displeased with the results without processing. I'd stick to film for the time being and wait for the markets to move.

Oh darn, upon closer reading I realize that you already had the m8. My bad. I can hardly see a difference between the 8 and 9. And I honestly don't feel the extra stop of usable iso and larger file sizes can justify the price even now.

 

[Steve Bellayr]

I'd get rid of the other three lenses. The Summilux is superior. Keep the MP as it is superior to the M2 and get rid of the M8. Always try to move up.

 

[Roger Hicks]

IMHO.

The M9 is a better digital Leica than the M8 and the M2 is a nicer film camera than a modern MP, which is just an M6 in an Armani suit.

However if you tie most of your money up in digital cameras you will lose more of it over time than you would if it was in classic Leica film cameras or lenses.

Highlight 1: And with a better viewfinder.

Highlight 2: Are we talking about photography or 'investment'?

Cheers,

R.

 

[abumac]

Do it!!!!

 

[sepiareverb]

Depends on many things. Most important perhaps are:

1) How big do you print?

2) How attached are you to your current lens kit?