Selling My Film Cameras for an M9 -- Wise?

Vince Lupo

Vince Lupo

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After having had a very frustrating week trying to get some film processed in my neck of the woods (Baltimore area), I'm crying 'uncle' and have decided to sell many of my film cameras to finance the purchase of an M9. My M2, M5, Robot Royal 36, Contax II, Hasselblad, screw mount Leicas, etc (I will probably hang onto my Contaflex TLR and maybe a screw mount Leica that I've had since 1988). I'm going to keep all my Leica lenses, but I've pretty well decided to do this. I just hope I'm making the right decision, but it seems that the 'photo' labs in this area are forcing me to do this, not to mention the proverbial 'writing on the wall' as far as the way the technology has been going.

So I'd like to know from those of you with an M9: Is it worth the $6995 admission price? My plan would be to incorporate it with the rest of my professional equipment, but also to use for all of my 'personal' work. It would be a secondary main camera to my D700 for the pro work, but my main camera for my personal work. I've thought of an M8, but I know the crop factor would drive me crazy, so I've settled on the M9. It's just the whole concept of spending that much money on one piece that scares me. But, it would definitely get more use than my present crop of film cameras.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts....
 
I have given Penn Camera a try -- the closest location is Reisterstown Road, which is about 30 minutes away from me. One hour round trip to drop off film, one hour round trip to pick up the film. A roll of 120 is $22 for process and print. Not worth it, at least for me. That was one of the things that pushed me this week.
 
just to keep playing devils advocate, have you thought of mailing the 120 off? Precision camera does the develop and the high megapixel scan of the film for something like $11.99
 
I would sell everything except the Leica lenses and the Hasselblad. Keep and use the Hassy until Medium format becomes to expensive to feed and develop.

I can't logically continue to purchase film and pay for processing or chemicals when the internet is where most of my stuff ends up. My 6x7cm is still worth the expense for me though.
 
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In your described position I wouldn't hesitate if finances allowed. At some stage in the future this is a decision we may all have to make ... if not for black and white then certainly for colour.

As much as I love my D700 I'd consider selling body parts for a full frame digital rangefinder.

It's a shame the M9 is the only game in town!
 
back alley said:
if had 7 grand worth of gear to sell i would do it...in a heartbeat!
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me too, but once I added stuff up, I still would have to sell my car....

But, for a professional photographer who will use it as a tool in his business, it makes a lot more sense.

If you aren't close to that $7k mark if you have a clearance sale, I would suggest you just sell the things that you really don't wan't/need and keep your favorites. It will me a few more $ out of your pocket, but no seller's remorse.
 
Mudman said:
just to keep playing devils advocate, have you thought of mailing the 120 off? Precision camera does the develop and the high megapixel scan of the film for something like $11.99
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Mudman beat me to it, I was going to say the same thing but I wanted to clarify the total cost. I just sent off a roll of 120 to Precision Camera. The total cost, including shipping, that was charged to my credit card yesterday was $14.49. Of course, I had to pay postage to ship the roll to Precision Camera. Note that if you are requesting uncut negatives, Precision charges more to ship the package back to you.

It's still a good deal since you get high resolution scans in addition to having your film developed.

Ellen
 
Ehm, develop your own film? It's very easy, it's A LOT cheaper then having a lab do it. And you have full control. If that is your issue that it's a hassle to get film developed by a lab, do it yourself. If you are trying to find an excuse to buy a Leica M9 then go ahead :)
 
I'm planning to pick up an M9, too. Sadly that plan revolves around playing the state lottery.

Vince, in your situation I'd do it in a heartbeat.
 
Sam's Club is on my way home, does a good job with 35mm.

I'm probably going with an M9 in the next year. I am having a good time with the M8.
 
And when the M10 comes out, how will you pay for that? :D
Look, if film's not your thing move on. Everyone else in that boat already has.

Those of us on the film boat will continue paddling in the opposite direction.
 
Vince Lupo said:
I have given Penn Camera a try -- the closest location is Reisterstown Road, which is about 30 minutes away from me. One hour round trip to drop off film, one hour round trip to pick up the film. A roll of 120 is $22 for process and print. Not worth it, at least for me. That was one of the things that pushed me this week.
Click to expand...

Ouch, that is pretty steep. I only use them for color film, develop only. Prints I get elsewhere. I scan everything at home and I develop my own black and white film.
 
Don't sell the medium format gear. You'll just end up buying it again if you have kept it this long. I'm not in the M9 camp. I don't think the output will be 3 times better than your D700. If it's just for personal use though..... You only live once :D
 
I would go with the M9...:eek:
and keep the Barnack & Cron ...:D

Best of Luck in making your decision

QUESTION: with re: to what your Clients Expect..what is the ratio between Film & Digital output ??
 
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I did that when I bought my M8. I had no regrets for a while. Then I began to miss film. So, I started slowly reloading my arsenal (small as it was, it's still pretty small).

Vince, I think you're smart to keep all of your glass, since some of those bodies you can easily replace if you change your mind later, but I found it tougher to find the glass I wanted at prices that didn't make me wince (the gear I sold in 2008, I'd bought way back in 1983 so I faced some sticker shock).

That was my biggest regret: not holding on to the glass. You'll love yours on your M9 and you can always get back into film rather quickly with a user M body.

So, go for it and enjoy the ride.
 
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