From D-SLR to Leica M9

Leica M9 is kind of heaven for photojournalism. The issue here may be to see who may understand the quality of Leica M9, is a terrible excellence camera

I would love an M9

I would love an M9

Hi Nir,

I can't speak from extensive experience, but I was able to do a side-by-side comparison of a M9 to my D2x the other day:

I was at a local museum with my daughter on Monday and noticed a fellow was using an M9 to take snapshots of the same subject as I was. He was using a 1.4 35mm lens and I a 17-55mm 2.8.

Unfortunately, We were only able to compare the results based on the back of the camera LCD.

The first thing I noticed was that he was shooting at ISO 120 and in fully automatic mode, and I in shutter priority at ISO 800. As a result his shutter speed was far too low (1/15 to 1/30 sec), and his results would probably be sub-par for someone that knew what they were doing. The truth is, I don't think he had any idea what he was doing, and that the camera was no different than a CoolPix snap shooter for him. ( I could easily see him asking the salesman for the best camera that they had.)

The next thing I noticed was that the framing of the shot was very interesting, and different from the cropped frame DSLR. There was a dramatic difference in the feel of the shot. It was almost as if the camera was capturing the situation more truly. I know it doesn't make sense, but that was my first impression when comparing the same shot from my D2x and his M9.

This impression continued as we reviewed some other shots he had taken that day, and over the previous few months (he didn't seem to be deleting the shots, and was not shooting in RAW).

The Leica is a classic, and I think that there is a reason that virtually all the 'great' photojournalists of the 20th. century have used them. There is something that is different about the shots that they produce, and I think Leica has managed to preserve what was found in the M4 and the other classic Leica 35mm cameras.

One distinct advantage I can think of is that a DSLR seems to attract far too much attention. The Leica is subtle, and allows the photographer to blend into the background when needed. The Leica is virtually silent, while the DSLR (especially my D2x) is loud as the mirror slaps open and shut. This can really draw a lot of unwanted attention.

The Leica has two big disadvantages: Price, and exclusivity.

Imagine situation where you need to replace or augment a lens in an emergency. Who rents or inventories a decent selection of Leica lenses that can be accessed on short notice. With a DSLR from Nikon or Cannon you could walk into almost any consumer electronics or camera retailer and have something immediately.

I, like other photographers, would love to have a M9, but I would never see it as my exclusive camera for photojournalism, only a very useful back-up and the perfect tool for certain situations.

Best of luck.
Victor

Thank you Victor! Your comments are very interesting!
I have to confess I don't really understand what you're saying about the Leica's "feel of the shot" but it's consistent with what other Leica users are saying about the "magic".
In regard to a smaller, quieter, camera, I have no doubt you're right. I think some of my best images were made with the Canon G10. Small and quiet. But ... image quality ...
I'm hoping maybe the Fuji X100 will deliver some of my dreams.

In the mean time it's back to my 5D.

BTW, isn't a crime for someone like that to use a Leica?
(

Nir,

I am reluctant to begrudge the guy. Aside from being a very down-to-earth, nice guy, he was visiting from Abu Dhabi. I suspect all things are relative, and in his world the M9 is the equivalent of a CoolPix.

I would rather have a guy like that own one, than someone that thought they were a great photographer because of owning it.

Were it within my means, I would have one in a second, but Photo Editors - being who they are - have no problem reminding me that the problems with my pictures are who is holding the camera.

I see my current tools as the equivalent to running with weights on my legs: When I have mastered the craft with the tools I have, better tools will help me find a new level of mastery.

Cheers
Victor

By complete coincidence, I came across this:

For those lusting after a Leica's prestige, but only have a $13 budget:
http://store.petapixel.com/products/Leica-Look%252dAlike-Skin-for-the-iPhone-4.html

Yeah! I saw one made of Lego somewhere.

I own a a Leica M8 and a canon 5d, was intending to get rid of the canon , but than God i didnt. I cant afford to lose the 70-200 Focal range

Kartik,

You raise a great point: there is no replacement for having the right tool for the job, regardless of how great any individual tool is.

BTW, Nir mentioned earlier the FujiFilm X100 that was coming out. Well, it is out, but I don't think it would be a good substitute for the M9. Here is a very comprehensive review:
http://www.dpreview.com/news/1105/11051610fujfilmx100review.asp

It looks like there are some idiosyncrasies. Some may be fixable with firmware upgrades, others are hardware limitations.

A fine camera, but...

Victor

Victor,
the Fujifilm X100 is for $1200, thats way too much for a compact. maybe a used leica M3 instead!!

Kartik,

The 70-200is great. But I don't carry it. I also sold the 24-105. I hate the weight. I find myself 95% of the time with the 5D and a 35 f/2. The remaining 5% with a cheap, lightweight, 38-105 f/3.5-4.5.
Or sometimes it's only the G10.

Victor,

I read the dpreview review thoroughly. 95% of their 'cons' are firmware related. I hope they get fixed.
Will get my X100 Monday (I hope. It's already in the country). Put a deposit on it about a month ago.

Follow me on Demotix. I promise X100 only photos at least until August.

Would never want to lose my 70-200mm on my Canon EOS 7D, but still yearn for the chance to try out the X100...have the G10 too! 50mm F/1.4 and 85mm F/1.8 remain my all time favourites.

First time out today with the X100 and really enjoyed it!
Apparently, Demotix editors did too. An X100 image on Demotix front page now (30/05/2011 15:15).
http://www.demotix.com/news/710004/lone-white-soldier-patrols-jerusalem-streets

Hi Nir,

yes I am still following your thread - enjoying the images from your X100 too.

Seriously considering getting one. Did you get the hood and filter attachment too? And if so, are you using a filter at all, or just a protect filter?

Best wishes

Matt

Hi Matt!

Yes, I did get the adapter ring and lens hood, and using the lens hood all the time, mostly for lens protection.
No filters at all.
BTW, I suppose it's unnecessary to mention the importance of a spare battery...

Problem is finding a lens cap suitable for use when you have the lens hood on. Fuji do not supply one with the hood and that's a shame. I did find a pinch type spring cap that fits the outer circumference of the lens hood. It's good for protecting the lens against head-on debris carried by the wind when I ride my motorcycle but it does not seal the lens against dust because the lens hood has slits around its barrel.

I did a commercial assignment Sunday. Request was to shoot a model at the Western Wall - model was to take up 1/4 - 1/3 of the frame and background IN focus to make the location prominent. Brought along my 5D with a 28-105 f/3.5.
Shot most images at f/16 with both cameras. 5D did not out perform the X100 and in terms of image quality you cannot differentiate the images of the two cameras. Well, actually, at f/16, 5D images showed a lot of sensor dust that needed 'healing' in post-processing whereas X100 images were completely absent of this nuisance.

Only complaint I have against the X100 is that the built-in flash is weak, even at short distances (subject in shade, bright background). Images shot with flash still required Lightroom's "Fill Light" to brighten up the subject. This is consistent with a comment on the X100 I read somewhere on the Internet, but something I will have to further investigate under controlled circumstances and not in a commercial shoot.

I'm going out to shoot a demonstration in a few hours. Today I plan on using continuous drive mode on the X100 for the first time. I have read and personally experienced the long write-to-card times when shooting in continuous drive mode but want to check it out in the field under real-world shooting.

I guess a faster SD card might give you better write times, something like a Sandisk Extreme Pro 45MB/s, but you may have one already? Look forward to hearing about your experiences today - stay safe at the demo.

Matt

@Matt & Nir

That's something I have never looked at, card speed times. How much does it make a difference?

Some believe it makes a difference and others ... http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10246593-1.html

It might make a difference, but it doesn't speed up your camera that usually works with the internal memory buffer. It can only speed up the writing to memory card, which is important when using continuous drive mode because the buffer gets filled up fast.

I'm using Class 10 cards in the X100.

http://niralon.wordpress.com/2011/06/15/theatrical-lights/

Stephen,

There are two things that seem to be impacted most by card speed: RAW performance and transferring to your computer.

If I shoot in jpg there usually isn't a problem. The buffer on the camera seems to write to the memory card almost as quick as I shoot, but if I am using RAW it becomes a problem. I can usually only get about 6 pictures on my D300 before it won't shoot until the buffer has space. As a result i miss great shots because I can see something coming, begin shooting, and by the time the action is happening the buffer is full. A real PITA, and a serious impact on what I get.

On the output ( transfer to the computer) side, it is a real bottle-neck. Regardless of how great your reader is, if the card can't deliver then you're out of luck.

I'.m not sure how much difference it makes if you're shooting jpg, but I thought I would share my experience.

Victor

Greetings Nir!

Just by way of an update, I finally managed to buy the X100 the other day (together with the hood and filter attachment).

Like you, I am loving walking around with a small camera, and leaving my Canon 7D at home more often.

This thing is a real surprise when it comes to image quality - excellent! Obviously I will not be completely ditching my 7D, because its a great camera.

Best regards

Matt

Matt,

Fantastic! Enjoy it!!

Matt,

1st thing you want to do is upgrade firmware to 1.10 if you have the 1.00 - they fixed a lot of issues they had with original release.

Any other questions you have, or frustrations (and you will have some of those), feel free to email me. It's menu system, features and behavior is far from being like a Canon.

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Nir Alon
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Many thanks Nir,

first thing I did was upgrade the firmware.

Second thing was to assign the ND filter to the function button - I find I need it often here in Asia as the light is blinding sometimes. It's actually quite effective as an ND.

Will add you to my contacts list and send my email address to you - would be good to communicate with someone who has been using the camera for a while.

Best

Matt

>first thing I did was upgrade the firmware.
>Second thing was to assign the ND filter to the function button

Wise man!

Then you've probably already noticed it's difficult to shoot wide open in bright sunlight without the ND filter - the shutter speed is limited there.

I'd also suggest getting used to the EVF as opposed to the OVF - the reframing you have to do with the OVF after half-press shutter release, do to parallax, causes a delay that can cost 'the moment'. I've chopped off a few heads too!

Check out canceling the image display after the shot in the EVF - even set to 1.5 seconds it causes another delay before the next shot. And if you have the time and want to view the last shot you can always press the playback button.

A feature I am greatly enjoying (don't have it on the 5D) is Auto-ISO. I've set it to Max-Sensitivity 3200 and minimum shutter speed 1/80. Covers my needs in most situations.

Oh, and often check the shutter speed and compensation dials on the top panel - there's a conspiracy around these dials - someone is always sneaking up on me and turning them

i'd love to have a Leica, actually i am saving for a m4p, it's small, it's fast. i currently using a canon 5d with 28 and 50 mm, they are too heavy and noticeable .

I see Nikon have entered the fray with their ONE V1 compact with changeable lenses. Might be an option?

As it is from Nikon I assume it will be "reasonable" but I have not seen any serious reviews of it yet.

Chris,

The crop factor on the Nikon 1 is 2.7, a small fraction of the full frame Leica sensor.

The X100 is ~1.5, so it is closer to a DSLR, but not full frame.

While the position of the lens in relation to the sensor is reputed to be the secret to the Leica's "unique" image quality, I think the sensor is the deal breaker.

Victor

I agree..

@Nir did you see this work-around for preventing accidentally changing the Exposure Compensation button (which happens to me often) ?

Have a look at this simple solution:

http://www.fujixseries.com/discussion/713/x100-exposure-compensation-dial-knocked-easily

But still loving the X100 regardless!

Best wishes

Matt

Thanks Matt! Great idea!
Will look for suitable O-ring although I have gotten used to checking it out 'manually' often and paying more attention to readings in the EVF.
It's a great camera and I too am loving it! Probably the most enjoyable camera I have ever had (once you get used to it).