Oh The MULLING !!

dcsang

dcsang

Canadian & Not A Dentist
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I've come to realize that I may be slowing down when it comes to shooting weddings regularly. It's not that I "want" to but it's just the way it's going right now. There's a lot of new folks/younger kids in the industry and this is not my "bread and butter" job anyway but I've noted that out of the weddings I've shot over the past couple years only 3 have been with my DSLRs.

Add to that the fact that the 2-3 baby/family/personal portraits I've done this year, I really do not take the D700s out to "play" that often. I'm always reaching for my M7s and Rolleiflex.

So today, after coming back from a trip in which my only digital camera was my GRD III (only shot an M3 with a 50mm & 25mm plus my Rolleiflex), I've been mulling over getting out of the DSLR vein entirely. I honestly don't reach for the DSLRs when I want to "play".. I know they're just tools but they're a bit heavy/bulky.. I've become accustomed to traveling more compact.. lighter.

But I need to really think this over carefully to be sure I make the right (for me) decision.

I know, for a fact, that I can work/shoot a wedding/portraits/events with my M bodies - that's not a question. I also know I like what I get out of my film M's - what I have been considering is moving over to an M9.. I really don't want to be "let down again" as I was with the M8 and that blasted vertical line of dead pixels that happens on those Kodak sensors.

I'm just "thinking out loud" here... and there's no real questions that I have as there's more than enough information here (and elsewhere) to satisfy any morbid curiosity I may have.

Thanks for reading,
Dave
 
I've been mulling over the same thing! Get rid of the D700...? Keep it, but then it doesn't get used.... what to do, what to do?

Photography is just fun for me and I have much more fun with the M & my GF1 than that beautiful beast of a camera. At this time, I highly value portability and sometimes find even the smaller M taking up too much space...hmmm.

If you can do your paid gigs with the more enjoyable tools, then it might be best to move on from DSLRs. From your OP, I don't see any reason for you to keep them.

As for the M9, I'm fortunate enough not to have any issues with it (now that I have SD cards that work properly). It's a fantastic tool that you'd be able to use for work and "play"... but again, your previous experience with the M8 obviously weighs a lot more than what i have to type.

Good luck!
 
I'm lucky with my D700 in that the paid work I get with it is in conditions that even stretch that amazing camera's ability to see in the dark. The other day I was shooting in lighting that had me using 6400, f2 and down to 1/5 second shutter speed. Nothing much can exist in that zone and produce a usable image so the occasional thoughts I have of an M9 are quickly quelled when looking at exif data.

And I do have those (M9) thoughts too Dave I must admit because the subtlety of my long gone M8 is really missed at times. The agression of a large DSLR in a dim quiet gallery environment is a reallity at times and I find myself wishing for a small discreet digital rangefinder with the high ISO ability of my Nikon.
 
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Keith said:
I'm lucky with my D700 in that the paid work I get with it is in conditions that even stretch that amazing camera's ability to see in the dark. The other day I was shooting in lighting that had me using 6400, f2 and down to 1/5 second shutter speed. Nothing much can exist in that zone and produce a usable image so the occasional thoughts I have of an M9 are quickly quelled when looking at exif data.

And I do have those (M9) thoughts too Dave I must admit because the subtlety of my long gone M8 is really missed at times. The agression of a large DSLR in a dim quiet gallery environment is a reallity at times and I find myself wishing for a small discreet digital rangefinder with the high ISO ability of my Nikon.
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Keith.. this too is my concern. The high ISO, even a usable ISO3200, would be appreciated - the D700's ISO3200 and above has sort of spoiled me in a way...

Cheers,
Dave
 
Mulling can be dangerous. I mulled my way out of a Canon 5D and 24-105 and into an M8.2 via a load of OM gear an M6 and an M7 with an X100 somewhere in between. I'm now mulling over keeping or shedding the M7 and X100 - the OM gear is definitely going and the M6 has already gone. So, if you think you would like an M9, then just do it, don't take any other circuitous route. If you find you don't like it you can always go back. At some point I'll probably pick up an M9 - I just like to take a scenic route:D
 
It's simple, isn't it? If you do not use D700 and it's worth something - sell it now, or leave it on shelf for potential use. Is this finance driven decision, at all?
 
btgc said:
It's simple, isn't it? If you do not use D700 and it's worth something - sell it now, or leave it on shelf for potential use. Is this finance driven decision, at all?
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it's not necessarily finance driven but as Double Negative has said, there is that whole issue of "potential cash" - This has more to do, I think, with what I obviously prefer using from an equipment perspective.

Cheers,
Dave
 
dcsang said:
The high ISO, even a usable ISO3200, would be appreciated - the D700's ISO3200 and above has sort of spoiled me in a way...
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Its sounds like you have more than one D700... is that right? If so, I'd keep one of them. In these days and times, I'm of the opinion that anyone shooting digital should have a high-ISO camera they can pull out and use. Fast lenses and slow shutter speeds are great, but depth of field and no blur can be equally cool.
 
jsrockit said:
Its sounds like you have more than one D700... is that right? If so, I'd keep one of them. In these days and times, I'm of the opinion that anyone shooting digital should have a high-ISO camera they can pull out and use. Fast lenses and slow shutter speeds are great, but depth of field and no blur can be equally cool.
Click to expand...

This may be the best solution - relieve myself of one of the two D700 bodies I have and perhaps a "long" lens (70-200 f2.8 VR) and a short one (50mm f1.4 G) and a few other knick knacks that can help "offset" some of the cost of the M9

Cheers,
Dave
 
Roger Hicks said:
Dear Dave,

Have you read the Muller-Fokker Effect by John Sladek?

Cheers,

R.
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I have not... but I just looked at the synopsis via Wikipedia - sounds like an enjoyable read - probably a lot more enjoyable than thinking about the M9 *LOL* :D

Dave
 
Sounds like an easy choice to me...not because I love rf cameras so much but because DSLR's don't retain their original value: the earlier you sell the more you regain. If you change your mind...a few months later you'll buy a DSLR at the same price with more bells and whistles.
 
I "hate" you guys who have a D700 and not using it.

I wanted that camera so badly but the current used prices for it is ridiculous.
 
I must admit though...on the trail to the mystical Leica M9...Leica M9p, I got stuck on the Epson R-d1(s)...and I'm happy to be on this plateau for the time being...
 
i'd like an m9 just because i can't have one...i will never be in the position to afford one comfortably.

the rd1 is really all i 'need' for personal photo happiness.

the x100 is pure gravy...

though i am thinking of getting a used nikon d90 with a long lens...
 
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