Thread: Tell me I'm an idiot........ please!

OK I never had the M9, but I did have a few nice digitals, and I'm in a really good place now with the M2 the Biogon-C and Planar and the X10. Honestly, I'm set. The only thing that tempts me into the future is an M6 (though I do like an unbusy finder). Only problem is I must have a Panda to go with the silver ZMs lenses

Coz you asked for it, take it from me you're still an idiot though mate
NB: Before I get hate mail please note Sam and my friendship predates our both joining SC...

I'd sell the M9. You can still have a Leica and you can still have a fantastic digital camera.

Originally Posted by Luke

I'd sell the M9. You can still have a Leica and you can still have a fantastic digital camera.

That's what got me thinking along this path Luke. I really love the M9 but:
1) I am an amateur photographer with a modest income that struggles to justify this investment for playing around on forums and taking pictures of my kids.
2) I miss not being able to do much with close up photography
3) Film is still beckoning and if I kept the M9 it would be another 2-3 years before I could buy an M6
4) My main reason for getting into the M system was for the glass, I can still use it in the system I am considering. I have fallen for the Leica rangefinder system though so would be mighty happy to be able to keep my involvement with a film version.

@Mark - not worthy of a reply .

I don't know your financial status Sam, but those lovely M-mount lenses will work on any of a number of bodies. If I were you, I'd buy Bill's M6, a cheapo used body (maybe a NEX for the focus peaking feature) and put the balance towards towards a vacation somewhere scenic to use your new toys and then when the "next big thing camera" comes out next year, I'd buy a used Fuji X-Pro1 kit that's been barely sued for about 60% of what it costs new.

I have decided to shoot as much film as I can while I can because someday it just may disappear. But I'm enjoying the party for now. I looooove my Zeiss Sonnar 50mm prints! Therefore, I'd recommend the film M (or Zeiss ikon). As an alternative to the XP1 also consider the Ricoh GXR with the Mount unit for using your M-mount lenses and the 50mm A12 for closeups. Best of all worlds IMO.

the plan makes sense to me, but I would get the XPro new or used for sure, rangefinder film cameras are a very special experience but there are times when a good digital with AF is what one needs.

Well, if you love film, and want to shoot film, you can't use an M9.

Did you really think it was a film camera?

If so- sell it, and get a camera that uses film.

Now- if you bought it with the idea of shooting digital, it was a good choice.

Originally Posted by defektive

That's what got me thinking along this path Luke. I really love the M9 but:
1) I am an amateur photographer with a modest income that struggles to justify this investment for playing around on forums and taking pictures of my kids.
2) I miss not being able to do much with close up photography
3) Film is still beckoning and if I kept the M9 it would be another 2-3 years before I could buy an M6
4) My main reason for getting into the M system was for the glass, I can still use it in the system I am considering. I have fallen for the Leica rangefinder system though so would be mighty happy to be able to keep my involvement with a film version.

So - and I hope this doesn't come across the wrong way - why on earth did you buy it in the first place?

Originally Posted by olli

So - and I hope this doesn't come across the wrong way - why on earth did you buy it in the first place?

I had an M8 and realized I could sell it and all my accessories and run with an M9 and one lens. It had been a gradual accumulation of gear to get to the point where I could afford an M9 and that was the natural next step. When you are regularly trading lenses valued at $1500+ you tend to forget what else you could use that money for and it is only recently that I have sat back and looked at it objectively and dispassionately (which can be very hard for me to do as I really do love the camera and system).

Thank you all for your input in this, I really didn't expect such a helpful response. I have much to think about.

Originally Posted by defektive

I am finding it hard to justify having so much cash tied up in an M9 (that I have only had for a few weeks) and have been wanting to get back into film for a while. Why don't I sell it and buy a film M and an Xpro 1 on which I can use my M lenses and the excellent Fuji XS range - best of both worlds? I have looked hard at the Xpro reviews and don't think there is too much that I couldn't live with, I know the crop factor will give my lenses a different FL but I can supplement them with the Fujis.

Opinions much appreciated.

You want the truth ? I'll give you the truth.

For the last year I've been watching many so called photographers buy, trade and sell every new camera that comes down the pike yet never see any photographs. A 10 is not better than a 9 just because a manufacture says it is. Sensor size, megapixel and ridiculous high ISO mean nothing if you don't have a good eye. Seriously, stop buying and selling cameras like they're stock, shut the **** up and shoot because a new camera is not going to make you any better of a photographer.

Rant Off