Is anyone tempted?

I'm fairly new to photography and I jumped in feet first buying a D3 as my second camera.
I sacrificed my hi-fi system to do so (built up over many years) and I've never regretted it for a minute.

The only issue I have with the D3 and associated lenses is the weight. I get severe pain in my right elbow every time I use it and for some time after.
You have to suffer for your art though ;^)

I won't be parting with the D3, but I must say I've been looking at the Leica M9 and it seems very appealing to me.
Don't get me wrong, I don't have the money to buy a lens hood at the moment so I'm dreaming here, but I do believe in the 'law of attraction'.
It has worked for me so many times in the past that I know I could have one if I wanted.

That sounds a bit weird when I read it back, but if you know about LOA you'll understand.

I booked on a Leica M Workshop which is a week on Sunday. I think it's really for Leica owners, but what the heck. It only cost £5.

Even though I have a good range of Nikkor lenses, I find myself using the 50mm nearly all the time and it's rare that I'm rattling off 9 frames per second these days. I think a rangefinder could really help improve my photography. That said, it would have to be a digital one. I borrowed my Grandad's old Olympus 35 SP from my sister a few months back and it took me two months to shoot a roll and it's still sitting beside me waiting to get developed. Sorry film users. I like the immediacy of digital.

Back to the M9. It looks like the image quality is very good with the full frame sensor. There are some full size DNGs to download on Ken Rockwell's site. What get's me most though is that certain look that images from a Leica have.

I know they are thin on the ground yet, but has anyone tried one out yet.

Apologies for waffling.

Regards
Bob

Bob, i think you are very well with your D3. M9 is a "bibelot" with Leica brand on it. For me, Leica is a superb camera ate many time ago, like in M6 era. Now, i think you have much more flexibility with your D3. But this is "IMO".

If we talk about Leica S2 ... wowww, i want one of them for me, but i must sell my hifi and my Mercedes-Benz :))))))

Why not put that Nikon 50mm on a F80 and save the elbow??? Or, as I recently discovered, the Nikon One Touch from the mid-80's:

http://cgi.ebay.com/NIKON-F80-AF-SLR-35mm-FILM-CAMERA-BODY-USED_W0QQitemZ290348431032QQcmdZViewItemQQptZFilm_Cameras?hash=item439a1d76b8

http://cgi.ebay.com/NIKON-ONE-TOUCH-35mm-2-8-POINT-SHOT-CAMERA-GOOD_W0QQitemZ310173380177QQcmdZViewItemQQptZFilm_Cameras?hash=item4837c62e51

Hi Clyde.

Because they are film cameras.

Me no likey ;-)

B

That's just the 'cold bucket of water' answer I needed Rui.

Thanks.

You'll be able to pick an S2 up on ebay for a few $ in about 20 years.

We live in exciting times.

B

EXACTLY!! Less weight, better images, more fun!!

Or in my case...

Less weight, images still not developed, no fun ;^(

B

yeh, it certainly looks like the m9 is top of the crop! i wouldn't mind that with a noctilux f1.0 lens :D i might spontaneously combust from that blasphemous statement, considering my financial situation.

its amazing they stuck FF into that tiny thing. i'm sure you would get hassled a lot less by security guards, etc when you're shooting with 'some pocket cam' instead of that big d3 :P

Your right Z. Lot's more fun with the D3 getting hassled. Gives me something to film ;^)

B

Maybe 5 years is enough ... :)))

I just sold my M6, and the two lenses I had for it. 35mm aspheric and 90mm. It was a hard decision, but considering how little I used it it was the right one. And I got the right price for it (which my wife easily converted into furniture..)
I'm sure the M9 is great, but I don't want it. The price is ridicoulous! And the greatest advantage of the M is gone. The camera that would function without batteries!
I like the M lenses, the fantastic bokeh, and all that. But I don't mind carrying a heavy camerabag anyway, so Nikon works ok for me.

Why not wait just a little? Within the next month I guess the new Nikons are on the market, and you can get something full frame a little lighter than the D3, or get a D700 at a reasonable price I guess. Saves you 1/2 kilo or so..

Nope, thankfully.

Bob, have you considered a Sigma DP2, 14M DSLR APS-C size Foveon sensor that reputedely has very filmlike characteristics for 600 quid?

Just a suggestion to keep wife and bank manager happy!!

Anyway, when you win that Nikon competition I'll have that D3 you won't be needing anymore.....

JP

lol.

You can have the D700 and 2 lenses J, assuming your the highest bidder on Ebay.

I'll have a look at the sigma.

Cheers
B

M9 is an interesting camera. I think there's also an f/0.95 lens out there for it that costs like $10,000. If I had $20,000 laying around for a new camera and ONE lens, I'd probably buy medium format that's up around 60mp.

Today Thom Hogan posted his, as always, logical opinion about what he calls "Leica envy.

Bob, be careful reading it because it might support your idea of buying it ;)

Well.

I went to the seminar today with an open mind to see what all the fuss is about and got to have a go with the M9.

I believe that this could be the ideal camera for me. My (tennis) elbow would certainly appreciate it.

The seminar was from a guy who uses M8, but tests for Leica. There was no attempt to sell the camera at all.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/fotografiebrett/

There's just the small matter of financing one now ;^)

B

I can empathise with the tennis elbow. I call it camera elbow.

The noctilux is a beast and defeats the purpose of an M.

I bought and AIS 50 1.2 last week as I love my 85 1.4 but it is too heavy to use all the time ( I won't sell that glass for anything though)

But for when the elbow is tired, a Nikon EM + 50 AIS E pancake lens. Excellent shots and smaller than an M7! And that kit can be had for less than 80 USD. So everyone - go and buy a small Black Nikon EM + 50 1.8 AIS pancake now!!!! You will thank me. So cute and useful light and pocketable. A pocketable SLR?

Yes indeed.

Bob, it's just lust and you know it ;-) Mind you. i want one too. . . But the price! You could have a D700 with the 14-24 2.8, the 24-70 2.8 and the 70-200 2.8 for that! Wouldn't help your elbow, mind. . .
Listen to your wallet!
Jon

I want an M7 and a Summilux 50 1.4 - that is for sure....

I've just photographed every bit of kit that I have ready for Ebay.

I think I can just scrape together enough for the M9 and the 50mm Summilux.

No supplies available in the UK at the moment though.

I can honestly say it's not lust. I had a kind of epiphany yesterday. I know where I want to be and now I know how to get there.

B

that's great news, bob :) i'd go for it too.

i've had my eye on this one for a little while now, and its climbed up the list of 'lenses-to-get' quite rapidly! no substitute for speeeeeed :)

Ok Bob, but ebay take 10% !!!!! and paypal 3%. try all other avenues first.
Jon

ebay is quick and painless... I use it too.

However here in BJ I have a local second hand super market - when I get all my ducks lined up, I am selling all my kit for a M7 and summilux. I have done so thus far for all other pieces of kit so that I can upgrade lens and/or just get rid of what I don't use and is wasting shelf space and money being tied up.

Bob - Leica stuff holds value. I do not know what you like to shoot - but the 35/2 is a great lens too with nice bokeh and more flexibility than the 50 1.4, I may get that first and then sell it for a 50 1.4 when I also get a 28 2.8. I only mention the 50 1.4 as I am not sure if using 75 or 90 would be easy on a range finder and I like to do single person shallow depth of field shots too.

The 28 2.8 is also VERY cheap and small and sharp too - great for street. So I want a 28 2.8 and 50 1.4. As I said, can't afford both at first, so may go 35/2 and then sell it to get the 50 1.4 and 28 2.8.

Easy on a Leica. They have excellent focusing aid in the viewfinder.

Seems to me anybody who thinks the M9 is the answer should get one of these first:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170390361663&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Then shoot with just that for a month. Then decide!

Bob - don't forget to budget for a nice Luigi case:

http://tinyurl.com/yfwgq2s

I got a RALLY coloured one for my black FM3a. It is to say the least - sweeeeet. But dear. But last a life time and it feels oh so good in the hand and matches the style of these precision manual cameras so well. I got mine with the grip in it.

I've done the deed.

Everything I own (including my D3) is either sold or in the process of being sold.

I have 3 Leica lenses in my possession and an M9 on order. (Should be New Year)

'All the gear and no idea!' - lol

B

I am aiming to get my Leica M7 a la carte sometime next year........ Going to go chrome with no labels or engravings or printings and then with the old style MP wind lever.

50 1.4 Is a must.

Now to decide between 28 2.8 or 28 2.0.

Oh window shopping is so much fun!

And cheap. ;-)

No need to sell the wife just for a camera Bob, mind, it's given me an idea though....

Hmm.... selling the wife... but doesn't one have to go to the middle east or north africa for that. Or can one arrange this over ebay?

I had a car boot sale in mind...

Individual organs are worth more that the whole ;^)

In fact, I probably have one kidney more than I really need.

I am so happy to see the interest in the M9. I love my Leica kit, and the M8 had some drawbacks, but the picture quality with those lenses is really different from what I get from my Nikons (not so much a function of better, just different - a difference I really like).

Before the m8, I played with the Epson R-D1, again, same aesthetic quality. I use an M7 and an MP and love them still. I will migrate to the M9, I am sure, in due course. The results I have seen look very pleasing. Best of luck, Leica owners. It is of course, not the camera that takes nice pictures, but the photographer. Still, some cameras help you along a bit and I think the Leica kit is just one of those little helpers.

Why not waiting till the M10 comes out in two years? Or the M11? :))

When M10 comes upgrade to it. In the meantime have some nice photos taken with M9.

That's so unethical. Why don't you give the money you pay for an upgrade (which will be upgraded soon again anyway) directly to Leica, or even better, donate it to some school in Africa?
(It's not meant seriously but when I think about how much money is wasted on virtually useless upgrades, it seem to me that we are living in a decadent and selfish civilization. I don't have Leica on my mind in particular - but I really can't understand people who let themselves lure into upgrading from 20D to 30D to 40D to 50D to 7D as if that would enable them to take better photos...)

I will repeat myself if you good folks will indulge me a moment:

I think anybody who is considering spending this kind of money on a camera and lens package should buy one of these and shoot only with it for a month first. Then see is the camera is that important or worth that kind of money.

http://cgi.ebay.com/NIKON-ONE-TOUCH-35mm-AF-AUTO-COMPACT-CAMERA-MANUAL_W0QQitemZ260500365595QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3ca708211b

I was lured like a fish on the end of a hook with a big juicy worm, I didn't realise you were supposed to be able to take better pictures with the latest shiny camera, I want my money back from Nikon.........

:-))

I have a better idea: don't even give it to them... but of course, money is to be spent.
You know, I have the previous owner of my 5D on my mind - he jumped at the 5DMkII like a fashionista at a discounted Prada stiletto while he didn't even knew how to use his 5D. All the photos I saw were incredibly crappy but he must had have the "upgrade" no matter the price, and let me have his camera for a bargain (he bought it for 2500 euros two years before and sold it for 900 - with 3000 shots - only to buy the new body for another 2500 euros. Pathetic....

http://tinyurl.com/y8obb5o

Hillbilly.... tinyurl.com

This is the state of photography today when techies and computer nerds all rushed into the scene.

Check out this guy and his collection and he shots that he as...well....made?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mausgabe/3386774598/

I tried to help with his addiction. In any case check out the gear section, his bags, his lenses, his crap and then look at the photos.

Q.E.D

To be fair to him Richard he does admit he has N-A-S (New Aquisition Syndrome).

I don't think I have got his disease to such an extent, in fact, my photo bag looks rather paultry compared to his.

JP

True NAS is real. And he does mention that he has "fun" with the stuff. I guess that can be. But isn't the goal of all the stuff to make better photo's - but then they don't do anything that will make them make better photos. Like a photo work shop, class, book, 1X critique and member screening.....

1X has helped me more than any piece of kit that I ever had.

I don't even need a bag anymore....

At the end of the day, if someone wants to spend their hard earned on something then good luck to them. It matters not if they can use it well or it's considered wasted on them (I'm sure I would fall into this category in the opinion of most skilled photographers). I could spend ages trying to justify why I'm getting an M9, but I don't feel the need too. I could probably put the money to much better use in my home or getting a better vehicle, but I've chosen to do this instead. If it brings me some joy then it will have served its purpose. If it doesn't it'll be on Ebay quick sharp and I'll have to think again about my plans.

I try (with difficulty sometimes) not to be concerned with how other choose to live their lives and just let them get on with it and accept them for who they are.

Off to buff my halo 0;^)

B

I think to some extent we are all guilty of this!

Richard even you mate...... In stead of being satisfied with your F100 you now own one of the best collections of old cameras and lenses going around! its an addictive hobby like no other.
The only difference is he does not know how to use it!

"QUEENSLANDER"

Yes. We are all addicted. The point I guess I was trying to illustrate is that their are limits or ranges. Just like with dieting, gambling, drinking, speeding, whatever.

When I looked at that dudes collection, I feel a little sick in the stomach. Not because of wasted money or a difference in opinion in how it can or should be used. I can't really explain why... maybe like when I see a really fat person shove whole cake into their mouths (I am thinking of a wafer thin slither right now... monty Python style). ;-)

I am in Aus in Jan/Feb and I was offered a trip to QLD. I have decided to rent a care and drive from Sydney to the bottom tip of Tasmania instead. ;-)

Re: F100 I bought it for one reason. To drive the AF on my 85 1.4 AFD quickly. Then the missus found out how much I had been spending recently and I got in trouble big time. So I had to sell it and a few of the other purely selfish purchases off to redeem myself. Not so much financially - but to prove that I can live without and do without and don't need to buy things just for myself all the time.

Right now with the FM3a, Luigi case, AIS 50 1.2 and AIS 28 2.8, 85 1.4 AFD and CoolScan 5000. I don't lust for or desire anything else to do what I want to do. My Leica dreams are purely that. Dreams for when I can just throw that money and not care. Up until them. I am truly set and have no NAS at all.

I would very gladly upgrade from Canon EOS 5D Mark I to Canon EOS 5D Mark II (this is our long term plan anyway), the main reason being Mark's II weather sealed body and sensor dust reduction by vibration of the filter (I have quite a few problems with the dust on the Mark's I sensor and am annoyed by the dust in the viewfinder), also 21 vs 12 megapixels (though this means smaller photsite area and, unless the sensor technology is improved, smaller dynamic range and more noise) and 14- vs 12-bit per channel, may also be worth a consideration.

Currently I am not quite pleased with Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM either (there were rumours that this lens was actually designed for APS size sensor, hence IMHO not so good image quality on some focal lengths and aperture settings), if we could afford Mark II in some future (most likely when Mark III or equivalent is released and the prices drop) I would be tempted to get a good fast full-frame prime lens for it.

Alternatively, as a cheaper solution, I would go for Olympus E-3 (we already have Olympus E-1 and a couple of lenses), if my wife (who is in art at the moment) agrees to abandon full-frame and go back to 4/3 (which I think would be adequate at least for my needs), I would see that as a better option than going for APS-sized Canon EOS 7D (though then Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM would become 'better').

Leica M9 is far far beyond our budget, so as it is like a dream for us, I have no need to think about it (or its technical characteristics), should be excellent camera though, I believe.

I know that better camera will (or would) not make me a better photographer. :)

I have the 5D and used a borrowed MkII (Andre du Plessis') extensively for 6 weeks. The megapix extension wasn't so sexy for me, but the sensor cleaning mechanism and the AF micro-adjustment definitely were. I found both features useless. If you go to a place where there's real dust, the vibrating sensor doesn't help you. As to the micro-adjustment, I desperately and repeatedly tried to adjust the 24-105/4 with every possible method but I couldn't do it.
The battery status indicator is an improvement, but one could happily live without it.
The only real advantage of the MkII over a 5D is the LCD. It is vastly superior to the vomit-colored panel of the predecessor.
Video mode is also a nice feature, if you expect this from a still camera, and LiveView is also nice. However, because of the shutter lag it's more for macros, still-lifes and architecture than for moving subjects.

Getting a bit saturated with digital, I think the next and last up-grade for me will be LF or 6x9 - but of course it's just a personal opinion (and a little world-weary too).

Balazs, thanks for sharing your views on Canon EOS 5D Mark II. Well, I forgot about LiveView, which I would probably find useful in some situations.


May I ask what exactly do you mean by that? Thanks.

I had high hopes about this feature because AF on my old 20D was not very reliable. I hoped that an L lens on a hyped semi-pro body would work well, and if not, I can adjust it through the micro-adjustment. I used several methods described on the net but could not make the 24-105 focus properly.
This mostly affected shots between the 85-105 range because back/front focusing problems usually occure in this range, on wide-angle it's not so noticable even if you have a front/back focusing problem.
After two weeks full of frustration I ended up not using my 24-105 at all, taking 95% of my images with the brilliant 17-40/4 L.

To be fair, I must say that Andre is absolutely happy with the same lens/body combination - but he let Canon calibrate his 24-105 to the body. I would recommend you to do the same.

With the money of a M9, i can buy a 5D or my prefered Leica, the M6, pay a trip to Africa or South America and made many photos that i can´t make buying the M9 and stay home looking to camera :-)

But i understend Bob, when i see a nice camera, i buy it, whatever !

Now i´m at home looking to my new Horseman LX-C, and wait for good weather because this monster don´t like rain, oposite to my mamiyas :-)

In many ways I wish that film was my preferred method, but I can't get on with it. I need the instant gratification of digital without having to deal with chemicals etc.

M9 is really the first very high quality compact digital camera. Just unfortunate that it has a price tag to match.

At least I know the glass will keep its value and the body shouldn't be so bad. With hi-fi you have lost half the value the minute you break the tape on the box.

Cheers
B

yes, I'm tempted to sell one of my kidneys to have one.. :)

Even Erwin Puts the internet famours Leica review and discussion site dude says that holding the M9 is nice, it is a good camera but it just doesn't feel the same as holding a film Leica...

http://www.imx.nl/photo/leica/camera/page161/page161.html

Skip to the end of the latest article....

Reminds me very much of my hi-fi days. There were some who would swear by vinyl and turntables, but I was a CD user. As a dealer I got to hear some really top end systems and, although vinyl could be very good indeed, for me CD was the better format. I think in many ways the user was addicted to the ceremony of selecting an LP, removing it from the sleeve, cleaning it, removing the static, placing it on the turntable, placing the centre puck, and the setting it spinning and lifting he arm to place the stylus in the groove. Snap, crackle & pop!!! I couldn't be arsed with all that. Just chuck a CD in and let's be listening to it. I'm sure the same thing applies to loading film and shooting it etc.

I bet Erwin listens to vinyl.

I'll be honest, all my gear is now sold. I've got these 3 Leica lenses here and I've been thinking, should I get and MP or M7 so I can become a real photographer ;^) and just forget about the M9, but I'm considering doing some weddings to help earn a living and a film camera would make that process quite difficult for a digital boy.

Now if I could borrow one that could be fun. Any offers?

B

Try and find a M3 or M4 or M5. M4 and M5 should be cheaper.. M3, M6, M6 TTL, MP and M7 are always quite pricey.....

Most Leica people I have met. Well one. Had M8 and M7.... Different horses for different courses.

Doing street and making time for it - the film.

Doing casual or really low light/night - digital.

This is a good read too:

http://www.imx.nl/photo/leica/camera/page160/page160.html

Shows how a raw bayer image looks like and talks about the difference in film and digital like with CD's and LP's....

I am a bit of an audio hi-fi enthusiast too, all I can say is that I think that it is a tricky issue, I am trying to get a good sound within the limits of our budget, I think that I follow the same principles in photography, as less as possible interference with the light on your optical path, though later some processing may be allowed (which I admit is a violation of the hi-fi principle)...

The trouble with high end tech stuff is that you start listening to the gear not the music, and looking at the wonderful picture quality and not the picture. . . ;-) Well, some people get that way, not saying you are guilty of this Robert and Bob. . .

By some people do you mean 1X member screening? ;-)

Of course with a camera you are creating your own image, but with hi-fi you are trying to reproduce someone elses musical image. The more you spend on hi-fi the more you realize that something is wrong. It took us years to work it out, but it boils down to resonant frequencies & energy transmission - through the floor - up and down the cables - through the air - through the mains etc etc. Even a very basic system can sound wonderful when positioned in the room correctly and on the right stand. Even the position of the cables is critical. Mains power is dirty and it ruins the performance too and there are only a couple of mains devices that work IMO. Room correction can be very good, but often it is correcting for the energy issues mentioned earlier rather than the 'room modes'. There are only two people I know of that understand this well and are able to make the best of any system. One of them is my good friend Dave. I'm not the other ;^) Hi-fi is full of obsessive people. We always used to explain this to our customers and when we suggested that we all had some degree of OCD no one ever denied it. I can see similar traits in some photographers here (not naming any names). Luckily photography is different to hi-fi for me. I consider it a healthy obsession.

I don't miss hi-fi at all, but I'm missing not having a camera at the moment.

Sorry for rambling.
B

Go and grab a disposable kodak quick shot and get out there and shoot some film and just drop it off to scans and print on a CD!

That's what I mean Bob. Ideally you build your life round the Hi fi ;-)

Best joke I've seen in ages....

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290375706708

B

You gotta laugh else you'd cry :-) 50% mark up isn't it? You could fly to Korea ( or wherever ) and bring one back for less. . . Optimist of the month!

They are £4,850.

He's asking £7,500.

Wonder why he rejected my offer of £4,500?

It is second hand after all ;^)

B

They are selling all over ebay for 9K USD. Some people don't want to wait until feb/mar next year...

I get to pick mine up on saturday and I'm excited like a small child the day before christmas. I have no idea how I'm going to sleep for the next 3 nights :)

Agggggghhhhhh! Nooooooooooooo!!

I wanted to be the first to get an M9 image on 1x ;^)

I'm still waiting with no sign of one on the horizon.

I have 3 lenses waiting, but nothing to do with them other than practice my juggling.

Keep us posted on how you get on.

Would be very nice to see some of the results if you wouldn't mind sharing.

Which dealer are you buying from M?

Regards
Bob

Bob - go and grab an old M6 or M4 - or Bessa or any of the other M lens compatible film bodies....

I won't have enough money left to get the M9 then.

I'll just be juggling used rolls of film instead of the lenses.

I still have two used rolls of velvia that have been sat here for weeks.

I can't even bother to get them developed.

Philistine I know.

B

Not just that. But I think you need to explore the whole Leica thing from one end to the other. They will be complimentary and self reinforcing experiences.

If money was no object Richard I'd get an MP too, but it is.

B

It's coming tomorrow!

I think I'm going to explode : )

I did mention the 'Law of Attraction' didn't I?

Thoughts become things.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_b1GKGWJbE8

B

Unboxing video please!!!!!

OK. I think I can manage that - you perv ;^)

B

Yeah... dirty camera porn....!

Lol.

I'll have to find a suitable cheesy soundtrack.

What normal lens do you have? A 50 or 35?

50mm Summilux 1.4.

I loved the 50mm I had on the D3 so it seemed the obvious choice.

Also have the Sumicron 28mm F/2 and the 90mm Elmarit.

B

Nice.. would be my choices too...

Oh no!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFIpcYpV1ig

LOL!

You had me....!

Good thing I paused my x files replay marathon to watch....

LOL, nearly pissed myself!!

I would have shown an unusual (for me) degree of sympathy and concern and shock.... not even schaden freud would not enter into things....

Even I was impressed with my acting skills and Rachel dropped the log (that's not a euphemism) with perfect timing.

Real video to follow soon.

I'm delighted with the M9.

B

The "impressive" part is that you spent that much on a camera and she's still around!!

Oh well... that was the rehearsal...and now you gonna do it with the real one .. :)

She made me do it.

I'm always amazed by Rachel's generosity.

The M9 body alone equates to over 3 times our combined monthly income.

I'm a lucky man : )

Now I have to make it pay.

Anyone getting married soon?

Just uploading the real video. Will post a link soon.

B

lol, just watched the video! hehe, so cool

Here's the final video Richard.

Smear yourself with lard and press play ;^)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZTxY2mojCs

B

I think you need a second body Bob - too much time switching back and forth among the lenses :))))

Mmmm!

You could be right K. I'll just tell Rach what you suggested.

Oh!

Looks like you're off the Christmas card list for some reason ;^)

B

Congratulations Bob,

We are all green with envy... :)

I hope you show some examples soon....

Did you get the orange one? =)

Not sure Ralf.

I haven't tasted it yet ;^)

B

How did it smell? I mean did it have that new camera in box smell? I haven't noticed that smell since I got a D300 - but it didn't hold much emotional weight for me. I am constantly smelling the Luigi case on my FM3a though - oh so naughty.....

I don't mind the new apple laptop smell either - it is OK. The new DELL server smell is pretty good - there seems to be an relationship between cost and smell satisfaction. And that satisfaction is heightened when one doesn't have to use their own money to purchase.

Here we go:

http://www.utilitycomputing.com.cn/uncategorized/leica-m9-and-the-definition-of-vicarious

I cant believe you have a dog called Molly....... That's a classic!

Congratulations Bob!
Anyone who pay that price deserves a good camera, so hope you will be satisfied with it.
I would consider buying a hand grip for it. It changed the handling of the M6 a lot, and this one looks directly "slippery" even lacking the rewind handle. I would buy that before the happening in your first video comes true..

Hi Glen.

Every other dog is called Molly in England.
I didn't know this when we named her as she was our first dog.
When you shout 'Molly' in the park, ten dogs come running.

B

Hi Lars.

Yes, I do want the hand grip for sure, but it's £175. I'd also like a 'Thumbs Up' and an eyecup, but that's another £160.

Spare battery £80 and the list goes on ;^).

First on the shopping list is a couple of baseball bats and a tazer to keep the bailiffs away.

B

Mmmm! Didn't sniff it,

Rach was making soup at the time so it smelt of roast butternut squash soup I guess. (very tasty)

When's your next group session BTW? ;^)

B

Awwwww!

The link doesn't work.
I think you doubled up on the http somehow.

B

Buy a luigi case with the built in hand grip.

You WON'T be sorry!

Nah works fine for me.... ? :-s

I meant the youtube link you posted.

B

Ah.... let me correct that then...

First couple of shots.

My dad has been ill so this is the first time I've had a go with it.

Manual focus is going to take some getting used to.

B

90mm wide open....

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj51/TacTZilla/Molly90mm.jpg

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj51/TacTZilla/Fudge90mm.jpg

They are very nice images bob...... once you get a feel for manual focus it will be hard to go back to AF!

Yup.

AF has nothing over MF.

AF I think is good for sports - but a waste of time for everything else and it will never be able to artistically select or know what to focus on as it has no human and creative brain.

@ Bob

They for sure look "Lecia"

Congrats...

A couple more......

Now I need to hit the street.

B

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj51/TacTZilla/Molly50mm2.jpg

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj51/TacTZilla/Ebbys1.jpg

That 50 is really sweet. No wonder they are in short supply with everyone now wanting them for their M9's after hounding in on the 35/1.4 before for the M8.

35 1.4's should start to appear quite readily on the used market now...

A Working Photojournalist?s Review of the Leica M9
http://blog.kevinmoloney.com/?p=285

I found it on http://theclick.us/
there are a few more interesting links every day.

This is an amazing story, Bob. Of course, I'm pretty envious, but we have to go out and do it ourselves too. A few years back, I followed a life-long dream by going broke on a ridiculous gamble with absolutely no clue on how it was going to work out...but it did, in the luckiest way I could have never imagined. Best decision I have made, ever. And the time has come in my life for another one of those ridiculous risks with no logic and little to go on. I can't believe I doubted the action, but this story has helped me remember that feeling of satisfaction and realising the gaping void of regret had I not gone through with it blindly. A lot of babble, I'm sorry, but in short: thank you. Cheers, Z.

Go for it Zaahir.

The law of attraction is always at work.

Just think about your end goal and try and live it and feel it now.
Be proactive by just doing anything and the path to where you want to be will open up in front of you.

Tell us more about the gamble.

Regards
Bob