would you rather buy a used m9 or a new A7?

[John Thawley]

M9.

After a few months of getting to know eachother, you'll wonder why you didn't do it sooner. Call it Kool-Aid, call it "all in your head," ... call it whatever you want, there's something about making photos with a Leica that just feels right.

Regarding high ISO, professionally I shoot with Canon DSLRs and find I can hand hold my Leica at far lower shutter speeds than the Canon gear. Being able to hold a 50mm f/2 @ 1/15 sec. on the M9 makes it pretty competitive in low light.

 

[bwcolor]

Since the Sony is one of the few cameras on earth which can shoot any 35mm lens ever made, why on earth would you restrict yourself to only native glass?

otherwise, very nice post 🙂

I'll be impressed if my two 35mm Zeiss Biogons shine on the A7r. I don't expect that my 21mm f/4.5c will work.

 

[umcelinho]

i would (and probably will) go for an used M9. I find the read LCD screed dreadful, and 1600 on it is just useable on low light, BUT for normal lenses especially I prefer using manual focus and a rangefinder. On film and on my R-D1s I usually have iso 800 as the top iso speed I would use, and am used to that, never made me lose a shot. So even shooting @ 800 on the M9 would be fine for me already.

I've picked up recently an X-E1 with 14 and 35 lenses, tried using an adapter for M lenses but the AF native lenses work just so much better, even with focus peaking, the magnification etc. I think for normal lenses the M9 would be a better choice.

My idea is to have a X-E1+14/35 and M9+35/50 setup, the whole thing fits in a Hadley Small and it is not heavy. This way I can either use the X-E1 with both native lenses as a complete setup, or use the X-E1 and the 14 as an ultrawide, pairing with the M9+50, or just go out with the M9 and a 35.

 

[hitmanh]

I'm interested in the Sony, full frame in a reasonably sized body that will work with my current lens line-up would be a great package. Add in the video capabilities for a bonus.
I would like a proper mechanical rangefinder system, but I'm simply not willing to pay the Leica tax to get it.

hmh

 

[jsrockit]

I think the post-euphoria reality may be quite different than what some people here and there are predicting. The value of the M9, for those that really appreciate the whole experience of the RF, may well be consolidated by what the Sony can't do.

I agree completely...especially after trying the A7. I'd take a M9 any day over it.

 

[uhoh7]

A7r with cv 21/1.8

http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2013/...-post-a7r-and-voigtlander-21-1-8-rock-it-out/

🙂

 

[willie_901]

If my work depended on using ISO > 640, I would buy the SONY.

If I owned a stable of M/LTM lenses, I would buy the Leica.

 

[raid]

I agree with willie. Still, it would be nice to also have the M9 when you need high ISO images.

 

[regularchickens]

A year-plus of using a NEX-7 has cured me of my digital rangefinder lust. I really like focus peaking and seeing my sensor's output in realtime. After trying the A7 at PhotoPlus, I will gladly buy one. I have a 50 Hex that I'm itching to use on it.

 

[L Collins]

The A7 is the first digital camera that's excited me since the M8.

seriously, why would anyone buy an M9 when for half the price you can have a full frame 36 mp D800E sensor with stunning low light capabilities in a small, discrete camera that accepts M mount lenses and also Zeiss AF lenses if you care to go that route?

In my opinion, this is the dictionary definition of a "no brainer."

 

[Roger Hicks]

The A7 is the first digital camera that's excited me since the M8.

seriously, why would anyone buy an M9 when for half the price you can have a full frame 36 mp D800E sensor with stunning low light capabilities in a small, discrete camera that accepts M mount lenses and also Zeiss AF lenses if you care to go that route?

In my opinion, this is the dictionary definition of a "no brainer."

Recently I read the wonderful definition of "no brainer" as "I have no brain". On that definition, I'm sure you're right. As for which camera I'd choose, well, I already have an M9 but I think I'd choose an M9 over an A7. As I've not tried the A7 I'll reserve judgement.

Cheers,

R.

 

[FrozenInTime]

The crop factor on APS-C 'RF substitutes' and the slowdown of accurate manual focusing : zoom,peak focus, un-zoom and recompose, was the tipping point the made me buy Leica M over that last couple of years.
The crop factor is addressed, but do the new high resolution EVFs address the latter ?

 

[santela]

Good question.

I got both. The M9 for general street shooting, and the A7 for the night and close-ups.

So my answer is: both.

 

[Snowbuzz]

I know it's still early days yet but, thus far, I haven't really been too 'knocked out' by the online pictures produced by the Sony. Or any Sony. For that matter, I don't really like how Nikon D800 images look either. On the other hand, I love how M9 images look (and that Sigma Merrill thingy). So, until further notice: M9.

 

[froyd]

M9 for me, but the a7 is pretty intriguing, especially for the money. Still, I'd rather save for twice as long and get the right camera for me (or what I'm assuming to be he right camera for me since I only ever used film Ms).

 

[kxl]

At this time, I've decided to hold off on buying either one, especially after having recently purchased a D800E. For now, I can satiate my RF hunger with my ZI and my digital needs with my new DSLR.

 

[raid]

No question here ...

The M9 is a great camera with a RF.
The M and ltm lenses fit perfectly.
The sensor is superb.
It is a genuine Leica.
It is German.
It is luxury.
It is light years ahead of any Sony.

He he he

 

[Frank Petronio]

Geez I wouldn't buy either because they are still too expensive for what they do. I think you guys just dream up excuses to buy cameras....

 

[raid]

Geez I wouldn't buy either because they are still too expensive for what they do. I think you guys just dream up excuses to buy cameras....

Frank,
Do you mean you did not this fact?! 😀😎

 

[jsrockit]

Geez I wouldn't buy either because they are still too expensive for what they do. I think you guys just dream up excuses to buy cameras....

I have to agree with Frank here. The M9 is outdated (though still a nice object and useful camera) for the price. The A7 was not my thing at all. Sony stuff is too fiddly with P&S style buttons and dials.

Now, ask me this question in a few years when both are a lot cheaper, and my answer may be different.