Hi Scott
I'm in Indonesia (Jakarta) too
and I agree with all the guys, shooting a Leica M is a whole new ball game
as for quality, no doubt, Leica is #1
in the 'ol film days, I used to have a Leica M, but juts for fun
c'mon, who doesn't want to own a Leica M, it's the Rolls Royce of cars
, but to me, spending $$ on the lens is a b***ch !!
If your vorte is street photography, concerts, candid,
then Leica M is a good choice, but needs some getting used too though
but "normal" everyday photography works are best with DSLR, IMHO
You can get (buy. not rent) a used Leica M film body in certain places in Jakarta, like Kemang or Benhil, just to get the feel of it, and it's still a good investment and what an excellent feeling in using(& owning) it
I too, wish that someday I can afford to get an M9 (or better)
owning 2 systems, DSLR and RANGEFINDER !!!
that'll be a dream come true
White Balance so easy, even our 5 year old can do it.- Melissa Strickland
Last edited by michael_gunawan; 10-08-2009 at 07:03 PM.
Guys...thanks for the great feedback. I do realize that it is very different shooting with a rangefinder. I guess what I really want to know is this: I have a file on my computer from the Leica, and a file on my computer from the D3 or D3x...same composition...which file am I going to be more happier with considering I am using the best glass possible on both cameras...which file will show more detail, which file will be more sharp, better color rendition, etc. Has anyone done a comparison of two files from the two cameras?
Size of camera, weight, traveling are all non issues for me as I lug three bodies (A D2X, and two D300's) and an assortment of lenses around with me every time I travel...and my underwater equipment on top of all of that. I use my D2x for underwater, and my D300's for travel. I am ready to sell my D300's (and Dx lenses) and upgrade to either the D700, D3 or D3x...or maybe the Leica...hence my decision. Those are the only choices on the table for me at this point. I was reading on the Leica forum how incredible the digital files were from the M9, but thought that maybe it came from a more emotional point of view rather than a direct comparison between what we get from our DSLR's compared to the files from the M9...
Michael, would love to meet you sometime here in Jakarta...lets talk...
The test isn't what looks like on a screen, but what it looks like printed out as an 8x10 or 11x14", or whatever your preferred print size, or publication medium is. For an 11x14' in good light, I don't think you're going to see a huge difference between any of those cameras.
I guess to have a "fair" test, one have to do it like :
Leica M body with Leica lens vs. Leica M body with Nikon Lens
or
Nikon body with Nikon lens vs. Nikon body with Leica lens
in the old days, we can tell which transparencies/prints coming from a Leica or Nikon.
using the same film on a same subject,
the different is quite obvious, esp. in the tonal/color quality
but now, there's the factor of sensor quality, another variable to consider
Scotty, I'd love to meet you too sometime
White Balance so easy, even our 5 year old can do it.- Melissa Strickland
Last edited by michael_gunawan; 10-09-2009 at 07:27 PM.
I just read on Ken Rockwell's site about the files from the M9 compared to Canon and Nikon...worth the read if you are interested...
CLICK HERE
You read Ken's review on the Leica, and you want to jump right out and get the new M9. He has me almost convinced. The size factor and ease of use when traveling has me hooked...but the price is stopping me. I have decided to just wait it out for a couple of years and see if the price comes down...will stick with my trusty D300 for the time being.
wise decision Scotty,
the price of the body has nowhere to go but down, IMO
but the lens will stay at that price or higher
in this digital era, only get the technology when you need it
no need to think ahead
I,myself is itching for a D700
I use to owned a D300/D80
until about 2 months ago, had an unfortunate incident of dropping my bag into the sea during a photo project
for the time being, I have to satisfy my self with a D90, as I can't spring any $$ for another D300, then again I'm sure Nikon will come out with a new model, since I've been with the D300 since day one it went to the market (and NO, I don't want to get a D300s)
White Balance so easy, even our 5 year old can do it.- Melissa Strickland
If you’re still fantasizing about the M9, you’d do well to read Lloyd Chambers’ evolving review of the system (small subscription fee required). It’s a perfect antidote to Ken Rockwell’s somewhat silly analyses. Clearly the M9 has its remarkable characteristics, but its limitations are just as remarkable.
White Balance so easy, even our 5 year old can do it.- Melissa Strickland
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