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Author Topic: Advice needed - Upgrade from m9 to SL  (Read 10823 times)

Eldad

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Advice needed - Upgrade from m9 to SL
« on: May 06, 2016, 02:38:42 am »

Just joined this web site and looking forward to learning and tapping into the knowledge base :)
I'm after some advice as the title suggests.
My beloved M9 is with Leica at the moment, getting the sensor replaced for the second time, this time though it's the second generation so hopefully no more delaminating.
I really like taking portraits and landscape and the 50mm Summicron is great for portrait but not so good for Landscape (though I have been using it for landscape as well).
I like the fact that the LS is capable of using M and R lenses, especially the latter as they are a lot more affordable :)
My options are:

1. Stay with the m9 and get the 18mm Zeiss later on for landscape (cheaper option)
2. Upgrade to the LS (expensive) and have more Leica lenses (cheaper than M) to choose from later on.

What do you think?
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BernardLanguillier

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Re: Advice needed - Upgrade from m9 to SL
« Reply #1 on: May 06, 2016, 06:35:15 am »

I would get a Sony a7rII.

it cheaper, has a far better sensor, can take any lens ever made,...

cheers,
Bernard

eronald

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Re: Advice needed - Upgrade from m9 to SL
« Reply #2 on: May 06, 2016, 08:46:13 am »

Have you already held an SL in your hand? This is like moving from a compact to a Humvee.

Edmund

Just joined this web site and looking forward to learning and tapping into the knowledge base :)
I'm after some advice as the title suggests.
My beloved M9 is with Leica at the moment, getting the sensor replaced for the second time, this time though it's the second generation so hopefully no more delaminating.
I really like taking portraits and landscape and the 50mm Summicron is great for portrait but not so good for Landscape (though I have been using it for landscape as well).
I like the fact that the LS is capable of using M and R lenses, especially the latter as they are a lot more affordable :)
My options are:

1. Stay with the m9 and get the 18mm Zeiss later on for landscape (cheaper option)
2. Upgrade to the LS (expensive) and have more Leica lenses (cheaper than M) to choose from later on.

What do you think?
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eronald

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Re: Advice needed - Upgrade from m9 to SL
« Reply #3 on: May 06, 2016, 01:20:24 pm »

You have a fab camera.

I'd choose option 1 and spend what I'd saved on travel.

The voice of reason speaks so softly
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eronald

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Re: Advice needed - Upgrade from m9 to SL
« Reply #4 on: May 06, 2016, 01:21:08 pm »

The voice of reason speaks so softly

i would like a cheap m9
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TonyVentourisPhotography

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Re: Advice needed - Upgrade from m9 to SL
« Reply #5 on: May 06, 2016, 03:24:51 pm »

I would try an SL first.  Its going to be a different mindset and flow of work.  I had a Leica kit...I sold it.  It was my favorite camera, and the camera that least was able to make the images I am making right now.  No fault of of the camera...it was just the wrong tool for me.  However, I love the M line for what it was.  Rangefinder with excellent manual focus, small, amazing sensor, and great wide angles.  I never used accessory finders...I just learned to wing it.  At the same time, I felt surprised everytime the images were exactly as I intended.  It was a nice surprise...kinda like developing film and seeing perfectly intended exposures. 

The SL will bring a different mentality since you are more capable of seeing what you are shooting, and what your results will be.  Its a more refined experience I think.  You also won't have to deal with rangefinder and lens calibration services.

I dont think one is better than the other...I think Leica just gave their user base a good option for those heavily invested.  Especially if you like to shoot really wide, or above 90mm. 
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BAB

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Re: Advice needed - Upgrade from m9 to SL
« Reply #6 on: May 07, 2016, 12:27:10 am »

After mastering the m9 which is straight forward I would try the OP referrals to the Sony before jumping into a Sony system...it's not Leica! Neither ia Panny, Oly, Fuji or any of the small mirror less creatures and neither is a small 50 meg sensor vs a large 50 mb sensor. FWIW.
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Eldad

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Re: Advice needed - Upgrade from m9 to SL
« Reply #7 on: May 07, 2016, 01:13:02 am »

Thank you all for your input, much appreciated.
I do love the m9 with its outdated sensor and limited iso.
Maybe just save some money now and invest in lenses until the m10 comes along :)
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JeanMichel

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Re: Advice needed - Upgrade from m9 to SL
« Reply #8 on: May 07, 2016, 01:07:48 pm »

I, too, have an M9. It too needs a new sensor and I will sending the camera to Leica for a replacement, but I am too busy using it at the moment. I work with both the M9 and with a Canon 5D2, each for different purposes. I tried the SL at a Toronto show a few months ago and if $$$$ was not a factor I would be tempted, but not as a replacement for an M, and my 5d2 does the job that the SL would do. The M9 files allow me to print images up to 24 by 30 inches (and possibly a bit larger if I had a 44 inch printer instead of a 24 inch one).

While this site is excellent, you may find moe information from users of Leica equipment at this site: http://www.l-camera-forum.com

Jean-Michel
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Zorki5

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Re: Advice needed - Upgrade from m9 to SL
« Reply #9 on: May 07, 2016, 09:34:22 pm »

I, too, have an M9. It too needs a new sensor and I will sending the camera to Leica for a replacement

What is it with M9 sensors?

If memory serves me, this is third post here in about a week about failing M9 sensors. What's wrong with them?
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JeanMichel

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Re: Advice needed - Upgrade from m9 to SL
« Reply #10 on: May 07, 2016, 10:11:06 pm »

There is a potential issue with the sensor cover, and Leica simply replaces the sensor with a new one (with an improved cover). The replacement is free and it does not matter if you are the original owner or if you bought it used. Typically, the issue is more apparent at small apertures.
Jean-Michel
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Bo Dez

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Re: Advice needed - Upgrade from m9 to SL
« Reply #11 on: May 08, 2016, 06:42:34 am »

I would keep the M9, personally, and buy lenses instead.
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eronald

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Re: Advice needed - Upgrade from m9 to SL
« Reply #12 on: May 08, 2016, 06:28:50 pm »

I would keep the M9, personally, and buy lenses instead.

A single new lens costs for the M9 easily costs as much as an A7R2.
The idea of using a second body with high resolution, high ISO, video and AF with the same lenses is interesting; there is an AF adapter for Leica M for the A7R2.

Edmund
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ramosa

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Re: Advice needed - Upgrade from m9 to SL
« Reply #13 on: May 08, 2016, 09:24:12 pm »

I would keep the M9, personally, and buy lenses instead.

I sold my M9 several years ago, have tried quite a few cameras since (i.e., Sony RX1r, M7, Leica Q, M6). While these are all great cameras in different ways, I should have stuck with the M9, as it did everything I needed. I love the M9's images at lower ISOs.
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ramosa

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Re: Advice needed - Upgrade from m9 to SL
« Reply #14 on: May 08, 2016, 09:29:00 pm »

A single new lens costs for the M9 easily costs as much as an A7R2.
The idea of using a second body with high resolution, high ISO, video and AF with the same lenses is interesting; there is an AF adapter for Leica M for the A7R2.

Edmund

Using a Leica M, IMO, shares very little in common with using a Sony. The haptics and functionality of a Sony aren't innately worse than those of a Leica M for everyone, but they sure are for me. For me, shooting with the Sony (e.g., RX1r) was like manipulating "a computer." In contrast, a Leica M is so much simpler and straightforward.

To each, his own, of course.
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eronald

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Re: Advice needed - Upgrade from m9 to SL
« Reply #15 on: May 09, 2016, 09:53:21 pm »

Using a Leica M, IMO, shares very little in common with using a Sony. The haptics and functionality of a Sony aren't innately worse than those of a Leica M for everyone, but they sure are for me. For me, shooting with the Sony (e.g., RX1r) was like manipulating "a computer." In contrast, a Leica M is so much simpler and straightforward.

To each, his own, of course.

Yes. No reason not to own a computer, too :)

Edmund
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BrianVS

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Re: Advice needed - Upgrade from m9 to SL
« Reply #16 on: May 10, 2016, 04:57:18 pm »

I would keep the M9, go with the new sensor if the old one is having problems- Leica is replacing them free-of-charge even if the camera is out of warranty.

Wait and see what the next M camera is like- hopefully will have a sensor based on BSI technology, too bad it will not use a more modern Dalsa CCD as Phase I chose for their high-end monochrome camera.
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Eldad

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Re: Advice needed - Upgrade from m9 to SL
« Reply #17 on: May 10, 2016, 07:02:22 pm »

Spoke to Leica Australia and they are replacing the sensor with the new generation one.
They did offer me an upgrade path but only to the m240 and the monochrome (which I would love to own one day)
I opted to stay with the m9 and just purchased a Zeiss 18mm. The Ziess and the Cron 50mm will keep me covered for a while (I hope).
I dreamed about owning a Leica for 25 years and can't really see myself replacing it with a Sony.
Thank you all for your input I appreciate your point of view and knowledge :)
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eronald

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Re: Advice needed - Upgrade from m9 to SL
« Reply #18 on: May 10, 2016, 08:16:54 pm »

Theory sounds great.

In the real world the M lenses I use most don't play well with the Sony sensor, the AF adapter has issues including those with FLE lenses and every time I pick up a Sony camera all I want to do is put it down.

Best camera I have is my iPad. Horrible image quality but wonderful composition viewfinder :)

Edmund
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SeanBK

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Re: Advice needed - Upgrade from m9 to SL
« Reply #19 on: May 11, 2016, 04:09:30 pm »

A tad bit late in the conv, but I do shoot with M(240) w/24mm Elmar & 75mm both Leica glass. Prior to that for 40+ yrs I shot with Nikon (last one was Nikon D800e w/best glass, incl Zeiss) along with Hasselblads. Strictly quality wise speaking M(240) is so much better than anything I've shot with. I also carry for the reach Leica V-Lux. Upgrade to M(240) if u can, u wont regret it.
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