What would you do ?

[srtiwari]

As my trip to Dominican Republic draws nearer, it seems less and less likely that I will be able to buy an X100 before mid May. This means I have to decide quickly what to do with regards to getting and taking a Digital back up for my film gear.
Wonder which option you would exercise.
Here are the some general considerations-
1. I will be shooting indoors half the time, so high(er) ISO performance needs to be good.
2. Zooming capability preferable to having fixed focal length, as indoor shots will need wider angles.
3. Since I will carry Leica lenses (for the M), ability to use them on the digital (via an adapter) will be helpful.
4. Overall Image quality, and the ability to make (some) 20X30" prints desired.
5. Ability to shoot RAW preferred.
6. General convenience in using the system, including reliability, and the learning curve involved in becoming familiar with it.

 

[kehng]

sell the g1 with 20mm, 14-45 and combine that with the money you have for the x100 and get an M8 instead. when you get your m9 later you shouldnt lose that much on the m8

 

[dct]

I'm not in a hurry like you, but I think often at the moment in the future, when I would like to have a somehow compatible digital body for my increasing LTM/M-lenses.

Until half a year ago, the (payable) option was clearly a R-D1 or a M8. Nowadays, with all these adaptors to Sony-E and m4/3 mounts, the choice is much bigger. But also the answer not so clear and easy to me.

Image quality shouldn't be a serious issue anymore with today's technology in the new Sony-E and m4/3 bodies. You really have to make your own choice based on the usability preferences.

In your poll I checked a Nex solution and still using your G1.

 

[jsrockit]

X100 or M9...

 

[thegman]

I voted GXR, as I note high ISO performance is important to you, so I think Micro 4/3 is not the best choice for you. However, I see zooming is important too, and I think Micro 4/3 is stronger there than the GXR, a lot stronger I think. With zooming on GXR, you're basically using a small sensor compact, high ISO performance, if anything like the GX200 will be awful.

The GXR is pretty cool, expensive, but cool, so I'd consider it, but I guess you have to go into it knowing you're getting a system which will depend on Ricoh's investment, and that will be based on how well it sells. Micro 4/3 on the other is already established with two big players.

 

[isorgb]

m4/3 is not good for wide angle M-mount lenses. Corners are poor from 28mm.

 

[rover]

Wait, you already have a G1 and 20mm. This will serve you just as well as anything else if you give into gas.

 

[dshfoto]

Get an M8. I got so disgusted with trying to take film on planes, that I finally got an M8. It has made me reconsider digital photography as a viable alternative. An M8 and a good travel lens, like a used 50mm Summicron will keep you going for a long, long time.

 

[Matus]

Well, if you want zoom - you are bound to either NEX or m4/3. You already have G1 which probably does not deliver as clean high ISO as the lasted m4/3 or NEX - but it is there and you know it. The zoom lenses did not get any faster (f/stop wise). So - if you are happy with the low light performance with the G1 than just keep it.

If you skip on zooming the GXR could be an interesting alternative - though not cheap if you want to get both 28 and 50 lens modules.

considering using the M glass on non-Leica digital body - the best choice is probably the NEX. Still - you will lose the factor 1.5 (2 on m4/3) so no real wides - you need 18(14) mm lens to get 28 mm field of view on NEX(m4/3). Plus the color shifts.

The M8 could be an interesting option - but no zoom lenses either.

If you consider a compact digital camera than have a serious look at Olympus XZ-1 - the review over at DPreview shows incredible detail in RAW files, the camera has built-in 3 stop ND filter (like X100), has a very fast lens and the battery can be charged directly in the body via USB (finally !!).

 

[srtiwari]

My first choice would be to get an X100, but with uncertainty about its availability, and as much M glass as I own, the M9 becomes an inevitable temptation.

With regards to some of the responses-

1. When I said "Zoom", I was referring to the need for multiple focal lengths that would be called upon. But the X100/Sigma/GRD do not provide that.
2. I own a Lumix G1, but the IQ is not as good as I like, other than with the 20/1.7. I have NOT had much satisfaction using legacy glass. Adding a 45/2.8 was another option, but do I really want to get deeper into the M4/3rds ??
3. Is the M8/8.2 difference from the M9, largely to do with the magnification factor ? What about the IQ ?

Life is full of compromises 🙂( ) but these are exciting dilemmas ( 😀 )

 

[kxl]

Even if you could get an X100 in May, would you really go on a trip with gear you don't really know? YMMV, but I like a few months' worth of soak-in time with any gear I bring on a trip. SO, I would say bring the one you already own with sufficient FL coverage. For DR, I'd say the same angle of view as a 21mm to 50mm on FF 35mm body.

 

[uhoh7]

x100 in real life
http://streetreverbmagazine.com/201...r-the-fuji-x100-a-street-photographer’s-view/

today, nothing takes more glass with good quality results for less money than:

100 of the 100

however an M9 would be nice, very very nice.

 

[The Meaness]

I assume the M9 option was just for fun... a 6-7k camera used as a backup doesn't seem very efficient, but to each his own.

If you think you'll want an X100, although it doesn't meet all your criteria, then wait. The G1 is plenty competent - especially as a backup.

I sometimes wish I didn't care about how cameras look and feel... and could deal with composing at arm's length... If the NEX looked even close to the X100/M cameras, with a VF - even with an optional VF (i.e. m4/3 cameras), I'd buy 2.

 

[Keith]

LOL ... I've just noticed how many people voted to get the M9.

Pretty easy decision when you're spending someone else's hard earned cash ... it's what I voted for! 😀

 

[Ezzie]

Keep my R-D1 and all my M/LTM lenses.

 

[kehng]

I found the IQ difference between the M8 and M9 to be only subtly different. Obviously the M9 is FF, has larger files and better ISO after 640. Otherwise the M8 is great value for money for what it is - a Leica digital RF camera that accepts M mount lenses that takes amazing images. If you have a 24mm, 28mm or 35mm lens you'll be pleasantly surprised after you take your first shot with the M8.

My first choice would be to get an X100, but with uncertainty about its availability, and as much M glass as I own, the M9 becomes an inevitable temptation.

With regards to some of the responses-

1. When I said "Zoom", I was referring to the need for multiple focal lengths that would be called upon. But the X100/Sigma/GRD do not provide that.
2. I own a Lumix G1, but the IQ is not as good as I like, other than with the 20/1.7. I have NOT had much satisfaction using legacy glass. Adding a 45/2.8 was another option, but do I really want to get deeper into the M4/3rds ??
3. Is the M8/8.2 difference from the M9, largely to do with the magnification factor ? What about the IQ ?

Life is full of compromises 🙂( ) but these are exciting dilemmas ( 😀 )

 

[srtiwari]

If you are considering this digital addition as only a back up to your film cameras, get a high end P&S: LX-5, G-12 or P7000.

If this is a digital alternative and not just a back up, consider something that will accommodate your Leica mount lenses, either M4/3, M8.2 or even a M9 if money is no object.

I am still quite pleased with the M8.2, compared to the current generation of digitals, it is no second fiddle.

It is going to be a digital alternative, rather than just a "back-up". I must say, the M8.2 is interesting- splitting the difference, so to speak. I can get one for about $3300, if I look around a bit. Hopefully, it can help me release the grip on my M film bodies to sell a couple, and get some money back.

 

[Bob Michaels]

If this is your first, have you talked to other physicians about you even having any time to photograph?

My son, an anesthesiologist, does a number of these and no longer even bothers taking a camera. He says is it continuous pre-op, surgery, pre-op, surgery, pre-op surgery with a little bit of sleep every day. And the last day, which is supposed to be the free day, gets consumed with the surgeries they could not fit in earlier.

 

[divewizard]

The choice is easy when I am spending your money instead of mine!

 

[srtiwari]

Actually, Bob, I signed up primarily to do Photography. Mine is non-surgical work, and only of secondary value in this particular instance. And plus, I get plenty of that right here at home !