Trade M9 for m4/3

[CaptZoom]

Never used an OM-D, but I can't believe the GH3 has better ergonomics than an M9, I had a Lumix G1, and it was very confusing in IMHO.

I get the weather sealing thing though, I've missed shots because I was in heavy rain with camera I didn't want to get wet.

Not better ergonomics, rather good ergonomics. On the M9, my only complain is the location if the ISO button. It should be close to the shutter release, or at the very least some place where I can use it without having to take the camera away from my face. I will definitely upgrade my M9 to a new M when they include weather sealing (done with the new M), and relocation (or availability of a custom button) of the ISO to a readily accessible area.

 

[CaptZoom]

Don't do it. You'll regret it. However, perhaps you have a nice Leica lens that doesn't get used that much? Sell that and start your Micro 4/3 set-up. Nothing wrong with using both.

Good advice and sentiment.
I don't like having extra possessions, which means one camera system at a time. I think I get GAS every now and than which is when my interest in the m4/3 spikes. But I have to admit, the weather sealing is really tempting and I may follow your advice and for that reason and maintain a minimal setup just to use in adverse weather conditions.

Some one mentioned the Ricoh. I don't think the Ricoh is weather sealed, and that's a definite deal breaker.

Weather sealing in sunny SoCal!?!
Well, it does occasionally rain here, and I do take trips to the ski resorts. But mostly, I need the sealing for photos at the beach and when I photograph my child who has a knack for finding water to play with in most places we go: zoo, aquarium, parks, etc. To be honest, the M9 has survived a few splashes but I just as soon rather avoid that horrible sinking feeling of horror🙂

 

[Ruhayat]

Some one mentioned the Ricoh. I don't think the Ricoh is weather sealed, and that's a definite deal breaker.

What's the point of having a weather sealed body with no WR* lenses to go with it? You might as well go with Pentax - at least they have weather sealed zooms and 3 long primes. And the K30 is not that much bigger than the OMD, and smaller than the new GH3.

*WR - weather resistant

 

[OurManInTangier]

I sold my M9, replaced it with an OMd (plus 12mm, 20mm, 45mm, battery grip and some spare batteries as well as an adaptor for my 85mm f/2 135mm/f2.8 plus a useful wedge leftover.)

Obviously my circumstances are my own and it works for me, though IQ clearly isn't at the M9 standard which I do miss a little. However, I'm now looking for a beaten up old (basically cheap) film M as a hobby/pure joy to use camera...though I'm also intrigued by the Leica R range.

I agree with jsrockit, you may well regret it or regret aspects of losing the M9. For me its the slightly lower IQ which in some situations isn't noticeable whilst in others can be a little annoying. If you can afford to buy one and try them alongside each other it might be worth doing.

Good luck

 

[thegman]

If you sell the M9, and in 6 months you decide you made a mistake, you can re-buy for less, such is the nature of digital pricing.

 

[Godfrey]

...
I don't like having extra possessions, which means one camera system at a time. ...

I gave up on the religiosity of adherence to that ideal. There are tons of cameras in my closet. As long as I don't need the money, they can stay there and not bother me, until the closet is over-full. Then I sell what I am not using. When I need the money, I sell what I don't want, or what will bring in the money I need.

Sell an M9 for an E-M5? Sure, why not? If the E-M5 is going to work better for getting your photos made, do it. If it's just following another fad or stroking a case of GAS, well, only you will be able to know and curb that urge.

I hate to sell stuff I might have trouble replacing, but I've bought and sold hundreds of great cameras and lenses over the years. Know what? I've never found a case where I sold something and then could not replace any time I wanted, given the money. And have, on several occasions.

Do whatever makes you happy, whatever makes you able to do the photography you want. That's what matters. Life's to short to be anxious about buying and selling cameras.

 

[Godfrey]

The only full frame mechanical rangefinder on the market isn't special? 🙄

It's expensive, it's very high quality ... i guess it's special on those counts. Otherwise, it's just another camera.

 

[garygraphy]

My couple of cents worth - I actually jumped onto the m4/3 bandwagon with OM-D 12mm, 25mm and 45mm.

I was thoroughly disappointed after running around with this system. Can't exactly expect too much especially with the cheap lenses. It just could not deliver the resolving detail and micro contrast. You will sorely be disappointed if you are used to the M9's capability.

On the hand, I am looking at future iterations of the Sony RX1 with great interest.

 

[CaptZoom]

I gave up on the religiosity of adherence to that ideal. There are tons of cameras in my closet. As long as I don't need the money, they can stay there and not bother me, until the closet is over-full. Then I sell what I am not using. When I need the money, I sell what I don't want, or what will bring in the money I need.

Sell an M9 for an E-M5? Sure, why not? If the E-M5 is going to work better for getting your photos made, do it. If it's just following another fad or stroking a case of GAS, well, only you will be able to know and curb that urge.

I hate to sell stuff I might have trouble replacing, but I've bought and sold hundreds of great cameras and lenses over the years. Know what? I've never found a case where I sold something and then could not replace any time I wanted, given the money. And have, on several occasions.

Do whatever makes you happy, whatever makes you able to do the photography you want. That's what matters. Life's to short to be anxious about buying and selling cameras.

Probably the best advice yet. Thank you.

As for owning only one system at a time, I try to own less things each year. So strictly speaking, I can have more than one system at a time, I just have to give up other things to make up for it. At the moment, I'm not willing to do this.

 

[CaptZoom]

I accepted a two year contract for exclusively shooting commercial photography for a firm. So it seems, I'll be giving up the M for the next couple of years.

I didn't care for the 5DMk2 and Canon's control layout (or lack there of), so looks like I'll either be giving the new Sony a try with Ziess lenses or the Oly.

 

[MCTuomey]

I gave up on the religiosity of adherence to that ideal. There are tons of cameras in my closet. As long as I don't need the money, they can stay there and not bother me, until the closet is over-full. Then I sell what I am not using. When I need the money, I sell what I don't want, or what will bring in the money I need.

Sell an M9 for an E-M5? Sure, why not? If the E-M5 is going to work better for getting your photos made, do it. If it's just following another fad or stroking a case of GAS, well, only you will be able to know and curb that urge.

I hate to sell stuff I might have trouble replacing, but I've bought and sold hundreds of great cameras and lenses over the years. Know what? I've never found a case where I sold something and then could not replace any time I wanted, given the money. And have, on several occasions.

Do whatever makes you happy, whatever makes you able to do the photography you want. That's what matters. Life's to short to be anxious about buying and selling cameras.

+2 Well said. I had to chuckle: "ooh, closet's full - time to sell."

 

[CaptZoom]

I would base my choice on the needs of the firm. It might be your best choice could be a Nikon D800 with either AF-S Nikkors or Zeiss ZF manual focus lenses. Particularly if you need to provide much flash lit imaging, the Nikon works very well.

Lots of flash...lol!?!
I've been using strobes with my M (blasphemy, I know). I use my M9 as a studio camera and if you think the 90 f2.8 is good in natural light, you'll be blown away with what the lens does when fed with optimal lighting🙂

I'm keeping the Nikon option open. The firm wants me to create images for their catalogue. They manufacture home goods and want the catalogue to have the same vibe as that from Williams & Sonoma, Pottery Barn, and Crate & Barrel. They're building a studio to my specs in their warehouse! Next week I'll try out the M9 to see if I can make it work and how much time it takes. Though, I'm sure something with live view will work better. Having live capture via laptop would be spectacular.

 

[Lss]

No doubt you can make the M9 work in that setting, if you already have a lot of strobe experience etc. with it. But it sounds like you will be in a studio setting all the time, and I assume you will not be photographing live subjects. Therefore I would go with whatever makes it easiest to work tethered. Ideally, I would probably have one or two cameras permanently on tripods and one to move around freely with.

 

[jarski]

OM-D seems very capable camera, small and weather sealed, good high ISO. but would never change M9 to that. they compliment each other more than replace.

 

[Godfrey]

+2 Well said. I had to chuckle: "ooh, closet's full - time to sell."

LOL! It is funny, also happens to be where I am right now. My space is limited, and there is too much in there. So I've sold a few things already and will be selling a good bit more of the excess in the next few weeks.

It's an equipment cycle I've become all too accustomed to in the past twenty years... 🙂

G

More is more, except when it is too much.
Then less is more, until it's not enough.
This applies to all things.

 

[mfogiel]

I think it is a good idea, afterwards you will be able to trade the 4/3rds system for an Iphone, and finally trade the Iphone for postal pigeons.
BTW, I've heard that Holga is the new rage in town. Simplify...

 

[CaptZoom]

I think it is a good idea, afterwards you will be able to trade the 4/3rds system for an Iphone, and finally trade the Iphone for postal pigeons.
BTW, I've heard that Holga is the new rage in town. Simplify...

My sarcasm detector seems to be malfunctioning.

 

[CaptZoom]

No doubt you can make the M9 work in that setting, if you already have a lot of strobe experience etc. with it. But it sounds like you will be in a studio setting all the time, and I assume you will not be photographing live subjects. Therefore I would go with whatever makes it easiest to work tethered. Ideally, I would probably have one or two cameras permanently on tripods and one to move around freely with.

I think the company will be buying a camera as well. I'll know more on Monday, but the supervisor seems keen on purchasing one. If that is the case, I'll have access to that camera as well.

 

[Sunti]

Agree

Agree

Wise words.

I gave up on the religiosity of adherence to that ideal. There are tons of cameras in my closet. As long as I don't need the money, they can stay there and not bother me, until the closet is over-full. Then I sell what I am not using. When I need the money, I sell what I don't want, or what will bring in the money I need.

Sell an M9 for an E-M5? Sure, why not? If the E-M5 is going to work better for getting your photos made, do it. If it's just following another fad or stroking a case of GAS, well, only you will be able to know and curb that urge.

I hate to sell stuff I might have trouble replacing, but I've bought and sold hundreds of great cameras and lenses over the years. Know what? I've never found a case where I sold something and then could not replace any time I wanted, given the money. And have, on several occasions.

Do whatever makes you happy, whatever makes you able to do the photography you want. That's what matters. Life's to short to be anxious about buying and selling cameras.

 

[Gigibond]

OMD plus a Leica "film" body is the right combo
ciao