Selling DSLR Outfit for an M - Any Regrets??

[SuitePhoto]

After much thought about where I want to go with my photographic endeavors, I've come to the conclusion that I would use a M on a much more regular basis when compared to my DSLR.

I have a Canon 1D Mk2 with an array of lenses that I bought a few years back when I had a small photography side business. Now that I've gone in a non-photography direction professionally, The 1D rarely comes out of the bag because I find it unwieldy for personal use. The camera is way too intimidating to use casually around people and is too conspicuous for any type of street shooting.

I'm wondering if anyone else has gone this route and regretted it? I know I'll lose the of convenience having access to shots instantly after capture, but I feel like this necessity is of little importance to my current shooting style. The idea sounds like a great idea right now, but I am slightly worried that I might regret not having an SLR in the future... Thoughts?

 

[Tim Gray]

I switched over to RF a couple years ago and have liked it. I started with a 300D. Maybe you should try picking up one of the smaller Canon SLRs though, like the 500D or the 50D. Or even the 5DII.

Anyway, RF may be right for you or it may not. I have an SLR system when I need it, but I have no problems shooting film still. In fact I rather like it.

 

[felix5616]

I had a Canon 1DSII with several canon L lenses. I used it primarily to shoot fast action(when my dogs were playing, running and wrestling) for landscape and travel the canon was too big and heavy to carry around. Canons wide angle glass was not very good(except the new 14 LII lens).
i shoot with an M^ and R4A with 21mm frame lines. I have a CV 12mm, zeiss 15mm, 18mm and 25mm lens, leica 35mm ASPH summicron and 50mm summilux. All my rangefinder gear conmibed weighs about as much as the 1DSII.
If i were a photojournalist I would stick with the canon.
Recently i picked up mamiya ZD with 150mm AF lens for shooting everyday action around my house, and the mamiya ZD is lighter than the canon.

 

[Jamie Pillers]

I'm going through the same tortured thought process myself. I hope someone here provides some wise words that can make the decision easier. Otherwise, its the old "jump off the cliff and see what happens" approach for me. We can always buy back into digital later, right? After all, its always getting better and cheaper! 🙂

 

[thomasw_]

Hi Mike,

If I read you correctly, it sounds as if you are concerned about 2 things:>
1. losing digital convenience
2. size and handling of the kit

I discern no distinct disdain for film or intrinsic interest in film. So the question must be addressed by you: why would you want to shoot film or process it?

But there is good news. A M-system RF kit is available in digital; this would take of both your concerns as I read them.

There's no need to give up digital unless you prefer film. If you do prefer the look of film, then that's another matter.

My 2 cents.

Best, Thomas

 

[kxl]

Unless you need the money, I don't see why you would choose one over the other.

I enjoy shooting RF's, but the ocassional wedding and other indoor events require a DSLR and Nikon's fantastic CLS lighting system. Also, other photo opportunities call for macros or long lenses, both of which favor DSLR's over RF's.

 

[whickus]

i had a canon 350d, an eos 3 and 5 lenses that i sold off just before christmas in order to afford an m7 and a few lenses. no regrets so far and i don't think there will be. rangefinders (especially leica m bodies) just seem more elegant in use than big bulky slrs.

 

[DRabbit]

I sold all my Canon gear (5D, lenses, flash, etc.) to finance my M8 purchase two years ago. However, I budgeted in money to buy a small dSLR and ended up getting the Olympus e410 for those times I want or need or dSLR.

No regrets at all.

 

[swoop]

I sold all my SLR gear for an M8. Totally worth it as it fits my style a lot more. I could never work with an SLR on a regular basis.

I did end up getting another one for those times I needed a SLR. Table top studio work, food reviews, and those days I'm not in the mood t work and leave it on auto everything.

 

[SuitePhoto]

Sorry, I should have been a bit more specific. I had a Bessa R a few years ago that I loved, but sold it because I was in school at the time and had no time to deal with film. So I am very familiar with how RFs work/handle and the workflow of film development/scanning. Now looking back at the shots that I took with the Bessa, I recognize the special 'dimensionality' that film gives over the DSLRs I use daily - I just find myself being drawn to the shots that originated on film.

Keeping the DSLR kit and buying an M isn't an option - My wife and I would like to buy a house at some point in the future, so our extra cash goes in a pot for that and CC debt isn't an option.

I'm just finding that a DSLR of any type is very intimidating to most people when compared to when I did the same with my Bessa. So much so that I avoid using it in a casual situation. So now that I have no professional need for the DSLR, the M (I'm thinking an M6 with a 50 'cron) might be better suited to my needs.

 

[George S.]

In this day and age you need both. The DSLR for convenience, and the M system for enjoyment and achieving inner peace! Sell your present DSLR system and buy an Olympus 4/3rds DSLR and two lenses. One or two models back in the Olympus lineup can be had on the used market for chump change. You'll have the best of both worlds without hitting the credit cards.

 

[andrewteee]

I love my film rangefinder, but I could not get along without my DSLR. If you don't need a high-end DSLR then either downsize that first (I like Olympus) then consider the rangefinder, or keep the Canon and try out a less expensive rangefinder and see how it works out for you. A rangefinder and DSLR are complementary.

 

[Tim Gray]

Well since you've already used an RF and would be happy with film, I say go for it. Pick up a used M6 for $1k and a lens or two and you are good to go. A nice scanner and some film developing equipment will round out the kit.

 

[shadowfox]

In this day and age you need both. The DSLR for convenience, and the M system for enjoyment and achieving inner peace! Sell your present DSLR system and buy an Olympus 4/3rds DSLR and two lenses. One or two models back in the Olympus lineup can be had on the used market for chump change. You'll have the best of both worlds without hitting the credit cards.

Good advice. Trading your pro-Canon (including the lenses I presume) for one of the E-series Olympus body and two zuiko digital lenses (they are all as good or better than their Canon equivalents) will give you ample room to grow and probably leftover to help you build your film RF kit.

 

[FrozenInTime]

I'm selling all my olympus kit ( E-3,E420,7-14,25f/1.4,25f/2.8,14-35,50,150 ) as it's simply too heavy,bulky and conspicuous.

I've travelled a bit for holiday and work over the last few months and the olympus kit stayed at home.
So it's back to Leica Ms for me, however I will give the Olympus µ4/3 a go with Leica M lenses for panoramic stitching and macro work ( and while waiting for the M9 ).

 

[maddoc]

I don't earn any money with photography but went a similar route. Had a D1x with some nice lenses and got tired of the weight and size. Since I was spoiled by the "convinence" of digital, I first bought an Epson R-D1s with two or three lenses (first RF camera ever in my life) and some time later a Leica M6 and started also developing my BW film - after a break of 25 years - again. Needless to say, that the Nikon was soon sold and a short time later also the Epson.

Since I don't take any macro / sports / wildlife photos I don't see the point of having a DSLR. Being able to carry a relatively small M with one lens every day has given me much more opportunities to take photos than the bulky "convenient" DSLR.

 

[tbarker13]

I'm one of those that has both a RF kit (M8/M4) and a DSLR (Nikon D200). I find that they work together very well, each with its own weakness.
But if I had to choose just one, it would be a rangefinder - either the M8 or a film M.
Just depends on what you like to shoot. If your thing is telephoto /wildlife/sports/macro, I'd go with a DSLR. If not, the rangefinder is your best friend.

 

[kshapero]

similar dilemma. I get no joy from shooting digital. So I use my ZI and Nikon FM3a about 80% of the time. My Nikon D200 with manual lenses only, the rest of the time.

 

[ampguy]

this makes sense

this makes sense

I've gone back and forth and realize I need the dslr for sports and wildlife, and close-ups, so got a cheap d40x refurb for $279 that uses a lot of my old lenses, but still have an 18-70 kit lens for AF. But now going back to an M and cron for primary use - smaller, lighter, and with film, I tend to concentrate more on composition and pre-visualize more.

I sold all my Canon gear (5D, lenses, flash, etc.) to finance my M8 purchase two years ago. However, I budgeted in money to buy a small dSLR and ended up getting the Olympus e410 for those times I want or need or dSLR.

No regrets at all.

 

[Thardy]

I would just buy an inexpensive RF and keep my Canon stuff.