So, Would You?

[ktmrider]

I can get a new Nikon D600 with 24-85 zoom for $1600 which seems like a pretty good deal. Presently, I have five M mount lenses from 15 to 90 mm and a new ME is $5400. I know about the Sony A7 for $1700.

I am giving serious consideration to the D600 with the kit zoom. Of course, I loose the speed of the M lenses but the ISO capabilities of digital makes up for lack of speed (and fast primes are available).

To me the largest drawbacks of dSLR's is the size but recently I have been carrying a blad around. So the question is a digital M for $4500 to $7000, a Sony A7 for $1700 which allows using my M lenses, or a Nikon or Canon full frame dSLR for $1600 with a 24-85 zoom.

I know only I can make a decision and I am hesitant to add another system but the Nikon 600 is calling. What do you think?

 

[Jan Pedersen]

It is difficult to make good and sound advice but i sense this if your first digital camera?
If it is i would go for it. Work with it and if you like it great. The size will soon be behind you, i have the D800 and yes it is big, i don't use it for street photography but for landscape and that kind of photography using tripod they are great cameras.
That said, if was told that i had to shed either my D800 kit (With Pro lenses) or my Hassy kit the D800 would be gone.

 

[ktmrider]

Jan, my only digital is a Fuji X100 which I love for its size. I am looking at a lot of travel this coming year (a month in Laos motorcycling in Feb and a RTW trip in August) plus a motorcycle trip to Alaska in May. I presently own a couple M bodies, five M mount lenses, a R6.2 and a blad. Honestly I don't need any more cameras.

Of course, this forum being what it is and things like GAS allows for lots of time to devise the PERFECT travel kit. A D600 is big but the 24 to 85 zoom covers almost all the M lenses. I love the old film cameras but also enjoy the ease of using modern technology.

My guess is I will travel with the M6 and 35/90 lenses and my X100 but I enjoy buying cameras and keep searching for the BEST system even though I know it does not exist.

I make my wife NUTS when I start talking cameras. Glad this forum exists.

 

[redisburning]

the perfect travel camera is the RX1 IMO.

it's probably the single finest 35mm focal length lens in existence. excellent sensor.

I mean maybe Im a debby downer but Id rather have a 5Dii than a D600 as I elaborated on in previous thread.

 

[Steve Bellayr]

Whether you choose the Nikon or the Leica is not the point. Ask yourself how good is the lens that comes with the Nikon as compared to the 5 M mount lenses? Also, consider that you photograph and which camera will be best for that type of photography?

 

[Jan Pedersen]

There's lot of advantage bringing a camera with a zoom lens instead of primes on a motorcycle trip. I don't have any experience with the new 24-85 zoom with VR but I had the old one without the VR and it was not sealed. soaked in dust like a magnet so If the new version is no better I would be a little reluctant to buy that lens. It's a very good performer otherwise.
This forum is good but it is expensive 🙂

 

[ktmrider]

If I am honest, I don't take enough photos to justify a new digital camera. I enjoy photography and would rather buy a camera over a new motorcycle, firearm, or car. Honestly, an M6 or M2 with TriX may be my ultimate combo just not as convenient as digital.

 

[Jan Pedersen]

Another thing to consider is, how large do you want to print when you are back from the trip. There's no question that you can make larger prints with files from the D600 than you can from any 35mm film camera.

 

[Pablito]

There's no question that you can make larger prints with files from the D600 than you can from any 35mm film camera.

Well that depends on your tolerance (or appreciation) of grain.

 

[Gary Sandhu]

I have a 24-85 on a d700: it's heavier than the d600 and no video but it has an AF-on button and better build (and fewer pixels) and better grip.
You would probable want to add a 35/2 or 50/1.4 for lower light.

However, if the rangefinder experience is what you're after then you have to get the M-E.
The lenses are better quality wide open. And the viewfinder brighter, as the 24-85's widest aperture is 3.5.
You'll lose auto focus, though.
Haven't used the sony but from what I hear it probable isn't the best option for wide lenses, and apparently it's loud and the EVF is, well, not a nikon prism or a leica viewfinder.

 

[back alley]

do you have to sell something in order to buy the d600?
isn't the d600 the model that had oil leaking onto the shutter? (or something like that) and nikon released the 610 to replace it rather than fix the 600?
why is it that you are thinking about a dslr now?

 

[Fraser]

Why not go secondhand and rather than the zoom go for something like 24mm 50mm and 85mm, just use the 50mm when you want to travel light. I recently bought an old Canon 5d to use with my 50mm 1.2 as I wanted to use it when not at work and my work cameras are 1 series and to big to carry around all day and to be honest now that I'm using that combo my M9 hardly gets any use. I think its getting harder and harder to justify Digital Ms.
Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[lynnb]

Another thought - do you really need full frame? And does it have to be Nikon? How about a weather/dust sealed APS-C and kit zoom - e.g. the Pentax K3 - which has good enough IQ and smaller lenses?

 

[Sejanus.Aelianus]

it's probably the single finest 35mm focal length lens in existence. excellent sensor.

I'm in no position to know whether that's true or not but I've been using Sony's R1 for several years and you may well be correct, based on my experience. I wonder if Sony have ever considered a R1 mark II? If they provided a faster response, 16MP and a better EVF but kept that amazing 14.3~71.5 (24~120 equivalent) lens, I'd be lining up with my grubby paw out as soon as I heard.

The old one is pretty good as it is...

 

[L Collins]

How about just using your x100? 😕

 

[NY_Dan]

One of my least favorite current Nikon G lenses is the 24-85. On the plus side it focuses to about 15 inches. BUT, there is a lot of color fringing. I've mentioned this to some pro photographer friends and store owners and they're in complete agreement that this is not a good performing lens.

If you're shooting assignments, then it's hard to work without using a DSLR. If you're shooting for yourself, then shoot with what puts a smile on your face. Last week I handled the Sony A7 -- it's nice. I was impressed that when you moved your eye to the viewfinder the back display shut off, and when you moved your eye from the viewfinder the back display came back on. However, looking at an electronic viewfinder isn't something I enjoy. With time I might.

If you buy the D600 you could sell the 24-85 and buy a fast 50 or 35mm. Sure the ISO makes up for slower lenses, but as a reflex camera you're also viewing subject matter through a "darker" lens.

 

[ktmrider]

Urge Passed

Urge Passed

I have successfully resisted the latest GAS attack so am passing on the D600. I leave in three weeks for a month in SE Asis including two weeks motorcycling in Laos. I will be taking my X100 and M6 with 35/90 and TriX.

Now I am also traveling along the AT in April, motorcycling to Alaska in June, and leaving on a RTW trip with my daughter in August. I may break down and get a digital M before the RTW jaunt. I have to say I enjoy Leica rangefinders the most of any camera and digital does have certain advantages. Or I may not and just travel with film as I have done for decades.