p.3 #1 · sell D700+lenses for new Leica M or keep it and buy a sony RX1
One could say get the M9 in second hand or a new M-E, but then I have read several posts (on diglloyd and elsewere) stating that suggest that fcritical focussing is very tricky without liveview on a high MP screen. This will probably not be an issue for a portrait at short distance but maybe in some of my landscape photography.
p.3 #2 · sell D700+lenses for new Leica M or keep it and buy a sony RX1
The 35/2.5 is an f/2.4 lens (like all the Summarits), which was relabelled due to fears of bad sales in superstitious China. The 35 has wonderful boke, better than many much more expensive options. Having said that, I would also support the 28/50/90 option, but point out that there are good deals to be found on some of these lenses on the used market. For example, the 28/2.8 Elmarit-M pre-ASPH is a nice lens, the 50 Cron (Cron = f/2) can be found in many older variants, all of which are about equally good, except possibly the very oldest, and the 90 Cron pre-ASPH is also a very nice lens, and there is a 90 Elmarit (Elmarit = f/2.8) which is very good.
p.3 #3 · sell D700+lenses for new Leica M or keep it and buy a sony RX1
Bijltje wrote:
I know renting is kinda hard, and also expensive. But trying in a shop isn't always the best way since its hard to take your time with it. And It takes a lot of time to get used to a rangefinder. Therefore I still think its a good idea to buy a used M8 or film camera and use if for some time.
About good lenses, All the leica lenses are good, so you only have to pick the focal length and speed u want/ need.
Personally, for a 3 lens set with a tele I would go for 28mm, 50mm and 90mm.
Cheap option is 28/2.8 (1600 euro), 50/2 (1700 euro) and 90 summarit (1200 euro). = 4500 euro
Expensive option is 28/2 (3400 euro), 50/1.4 (2900 euro) and 90/2 (3000 euro). = 9300 euro
Instead of the 28 u could also take a 35 (or both like I did) with are a little more expensive. 2400 for the 35/2 and 3900 for the 35/1.4.
Also don't forget the summarits. The 35/2.5 and 50/2.5 are really stellar lenses. And a lot less expensive. ...Show more →
i second the idea that you have to be sure you like rangefinders first. i would just get a cheap used film one to try out though because: it's a lot less money than an m8, the rangefinder experience is the same (maybe a bit better), and you can sell it for the same price you bought it (unlike an m8).
some lower priced lenses to add to the list also:
the non-AA 90 cron - i'm guessing this is what your R lenses is? anyway it has fantastic drawing style though lacking the perfection of the new 90AA.
75 summarit - easier to focus with a rangefinder than the 90 and according to everything i've seen a fantastic lens.
40 cron (or the minolta version) - fun tiny lens (smaller than anything else leica has made for 50 years). it's not perfect but it produces beautiful images and can be had for under $500, i might get this lens and an old m3 (or whatever) to decide how you feel about shooting a rangefinder. if you don't like it, you can pretty much sell it for what you paid (which shouldn't be that much to begin with).
p.3 #5 · sell D700+lenses for new Leica M or keep it and buy a sony RX1
vovkinson wrote:
what makes you so sure? Have you ever held M9 ?
Of course. I've nearly purchased one on a few occasions, because a relatively small, FF rangefinder is appealing to me. I still may buy one (or the new M.)
p.3 #6 · sell D700+lenses for new Leica M or keep it and buy a sony RX1
Frank-Starling wrote:
One could say get the M9 in second hand or a new M-E, but then I have read several posts (on diglloyd and elsewere) stating that suggest that fcritical focussing is very tricky without liveview on a high MP screen. This will probably not be an issue for a portrait at short distance but maybe in some of my landscape photography.
Do you shoot landscapes at f/1.4 or f/2? That is where a properly calibrated rangefinder is especially critical at farther distances. BUT, if you shoot at f/5.6 or f/8 instead, the depth of field allows enough leeway that absolutely critical focus placement is not necessary at those distances. Obviously this is more so the case the wider the lens.
You should visit the Leica boutiques in Belgium, if possible, to get a feel for the staff and how easy they will be to deal with when you are ready to start exploring options. I don't know how consistent the experience is from store to store, and I believe the boutiques are not company stores, so it could vary. My only experience so far has been the Leica store in Munich and they have been extremely easy and friendly when it comes to trying equipment, assuming they have what you're interested in available for demonstration.
Ultimately I think this is somewhat a leap of faith. You'll have to jump in an commit to some extent in order to try the system because I don't think renting for a few days would be enough time to really get a feel for it. Buy something used and a couple less expensive lenses to get started. At least with something used you should lose less on resale.
