Nicolai
Established
How did this turn out for you timo73? Anything changed or are you still trying to sell off some other gear?
Just a bit curious.
Just a bit curious.
Switch from M9 to OMD - Am I Stupid?
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CK Dexter Haven
Well-known
I'm not a fan of the M9 and wouldn't want the OMD under any circumstances.
That said, i would do one of two things on a trip of this magnitude:
1) get a Bessa to use film with those lenses, as a backup; or
2) get something like a Fuji X100 to use as a backup and/or if you want AF and a more casual shooting experience at some points during the trip.
Unless, of course, you have an 'f8 and smaller' aesthetic, and the m4/3 sensor size isn't going to be an impact on the kind of images you want.
That said, i would do one of two things on a trip of this magnitude:
1) get a Bessa to use film with those lenses, as a backup; or
2) get something like a Fuji X100 to use as a backup and/or if you want AF and a more casual shooting experience at some points during the trip.
Unless, of course, you have an 'f8 and smaller' aesthetic, and the m4/3 sensor size isn't going to be an impact on the kind of images you want.
blimey
Established
here is my take. i've used the M8u and 35mm lux for all my travels in the past 2 years. i've taken the workhorse to hawaii, singapore, sydney, aruba, montreal, around the u.s.
What I hate is only 1 thing: Taking a picture where you want to be a part of is difficult. I have to zone focus or set the rangefinder accordingly with a small trip pod, and use the timer. forget asking someone to take a picture of you.
here comes the OMD with 75mm lens. it is digital, af and fits well with traveling. i can get a smaller lens but not now. it is rugged so i am not so worried with taking it to the beach or dusty environment. what i hate, auto focus. i swear i can focus way faster with my m8u. but now, i can take it at night. low light capabilities is quite good coming from using just the m8u for the past 2 years.
What I hate is only 1 thing: Taking a picture where you want to be a part of is difficult. I have to zone focus or set the rangefinder accordingly with a small trip pod, and use the timer. forget asking someone to take a picture of you.
here comes the OMD with 75mm lens. it is digital, af and fits well with traveling. i can get a smaller lens but not now. it is rugged so i am not so worried with taking it to the beach or dusty environment. what i hate, auto focus. i swear i can focus way faster with my m8u. but now, i can take it at night. low light capabilities is quite good coming from using just the m8u for the past 2 years.
Lss
Well-known
The same applies really, just zone focus and hand the camera over. You may experience cut limbs from time to time, since some people don't understand the frame lines even if you try to explain. Sometimes you will even run into people who know how to use a rangefinder or are interested enough to learn it on the spot.
Eric T
Well-known
I like to travel with a Fuji X-Pro1 and fast primes and an m43rds camera with good quality zooms (Panasonic 7-14mm, PanaLeica 43rds 14-150mm, and Panasonic 100-300mm).
If I need to travel lighter, I leave the Panasonic 100-300 and Fuji 60mm at home.
I have an M8 but just don't use it anymore. I also have a Canon 5D Mark II and lenses but that setup is just too heavy to lug around. I need to sell the Leica and Canon.
If I need to travel lighter, I leave the Panasonic 100-300 and Fuji 60mm at home.
I have an M8 but just don't use it anymore. I also have a Canon 5D Mark II and lenses but that setup is just too heavy to lug around. I need to sell the Leica and Canon.
Tom Diaz
Well-known
Think hard about a Ricoh GXR-M. You can get one for about US$1200 including the electronic viewfinder.
Then you have a very high-quality backup body that is well optimized for M lenses like the ones you have.
Don't get me wrong--I would not sell an M9 to get a Ricoh, but if you could manage it then you would have the M9 (which I consider still the greatest) with an exceptional backup body that is much cheaper than any Leica.
You are not crazy to worry about your main camera failing on a long trip--that happens to all of us all the time. However, chances are it won't happen and you'll happily use the M9 the whole time.
If you like having a second body around your neck with a different lens, so you don't have to do a quick lens change, you're like me. However, that is not the main reason I want a second body on a long trip.
Tom
Then you have a very high-quality backup body that is well optimized for M lenses like the ones you have.
Don't get me wrong--I would not sell an M9 to get a Ricoh, but if you could manage it then you would have the M9 (which I consider still the greatest) with an exceptional backup body that is much cheaper than any Leica.
You are not crazy to worry about your main camera failing on a long trip--that happens to all of us all the time. However, chances are it won't happen and you'll happily use the M9 the whole time.
If you like having a second body around your neck with a different lens, so you don't have to do a quick lens change, you're like me. However, that is not the main reason I want a second body on a long trip.
Tom
Timmy P
Established
I normally take away a good DSLR for most trips, but it's size and price have been killing it for me recently. I think an OM-D would be an awesome camera. I read this blog and will likely take my OM-D away with me next time. Seems to deliver excellent quality.
http://www.eidolonfilms.com/2012/10/11/olympus-om-d-em-5-review-near-perfect-travel-camera/
I don't think a second OM-D is needed though, just take an analog camera along with you. Unless you're going super remote places I think you could find another one in the countries you go to. I think selling the M is a good idea, because when you think about it, if you wanted to re-buy it later you would probably lose little, or maybe even make some money. I bought a M8 for $4k, sold it for $3.8k, and if I bought one now I'd have even more cash haha. And it would free up even more cash for the trip itself. Seems like a win-win to me.
My two cents, hope it helps!
http://www.eidolonfilms.com/2012/10/11/olympus-om-d-em-5-review-near-perfect-travel-camera/
I don't think a second OM-D is needed though, just take an analog camera along with you. Unless you're going super remote places I think you could find another one in the countries you go to. I think selling the M is a good idea, because when you think about it, if you wanted to re-buy it later you would probably lose little, or maybe even make some money. I bought a M8 for $4k, sold it for $3.8k, and if I bought one now I'd have even more cash haha. And it would free up even more cash for the trip itself. Seems like a win-win to me.
My two cents, hope it helps!
Teuthida
Well-known
One camera, one lens. Simplifies everything.
Roger Hicks
Veteran
retow
Well-known
I would not let the M9 go for a OMD but buy a NEX 5N with m-adapter or GXR M as a spare tire type of back up to the M for the trip and to ad versatility.
timo73
Member
Hi Nicolai,
Sorry for such a delayed reply, been away for a few weeks.
I ended up keeping the M9, selling some other bits and pieces (not all photographic ) and buying an OMD, plus a few lenses. Trouble is, I'm now wondering whether its worth keeping the M9 as the OM is an awesome little camera and easily beyond my skills as a snapper.
I'll wait for all the furore and interest in the new 'M' to settle down and perhaps sell the M9 then....but then I'm as fickle as the next person when it comes to GAS and who knows, perhaps I'll keep it😀
Archiver - Some amazing pictures posted, thank you
Godfrey
somewhat colored
Nicolai
Established
Good to hear that you like the OM-D!
I have an M8 and really wanted to buy a OM-D, but I ended up with a Nikon D7000.
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