I seem to have aged more rapidly than my M9M and increasingly nowadays can do with the assistance of the "photographic crutches" offered by more 'modern' cameras - so a while ago I had an A7R2 adapted to monochrome only.
i have been rather impressed by the result and thought that some images from this modification might be of interest to anyone thinking of going down this route - they are not offered as of any particular photographic merit but just as examples with a range of lenses - e.g. CV65, Sony 501.8, ZF100 - and a range of subjects.
Of course camera specific but how do you find the AF? Noticeable improved acuity? Any regrets, either way?
I've considered the same but it's hard to find an objective report, each seems significantly biased.
Thanks,
Bob
Hello Bob - good to be in touch again.
I don't find any problem with the AF in practice but then I rarely shoot where that would be ultra-critical - and yes the acuity might be a little better but (to my old, but still 20/20 eyes ) it is certainly not a major difference.
There are certainly fairly easy to spot differences between the M9M and this modded Sony but I have to say, reluctantly, mostly in favour of the Sony for me. But AF and IBIS and slight differences in rendering (without losses that can't be adjusted in post) are significant ... and importantly of course, an A7R2 (or later) is easily and relatively cheaply replaceable whereas a really good M9M is very difficult to find at any price nowadays - and even with conversion costs it does not add up to "Leica prices".
And before I get attacked by the Leica aficionados I do say that I still love many things about Leica M camera and retain and regularly use two of them .... but ,for me, the conversion has been well worthwhile.
Hope that is helpful for you ... and anyone else who is interested.
I don't find any problem with the AF in practice but then I rarely shoot where that would be ultra-critical - and yes the acuity might be a little better but (to my old, but still 20/20 eyes ) it is certainly not a major difference.
There are certainly fairly easy to spot differences between the M9M and this modded Sony but I have to say, reluctantly, mostly in favour of the Sony for me. But AF and IBIS and slight differences in rendering (without losses that can't be adjusted in post) are significant ... and importantly of course, an A7R2 (or later) is easily and relatively cheaply replaceable whereas a really good M9M is very difficult to find at any price nowadays - and even with conversion costs it does not add up to "Leica prices".
And before I get attacked by the Leica aficionados I do say that I still love many things about Leica M camera and retain and regularly use two of them .... but ,for me, the conversion has been well worthwhile.
Hope that is helpful for you ... and anyone else who is interested.
Similar situation here - I have an M8.2 which performs well in proper lighting and when not gathering dust. I have pretty much concluded the '8.2 is actually a cropped - APS-H - version of an M9 with max ISO limited to 640. I'm certain Leica-nistas will disagree but works for me. Only nit, DXO does not support M8's. I've always lusted for an M9, no rational reason, but price and what I said below have quelled the urge.
That said, at 81yo AF, IBIS, near noise free high ISO, and subject tracking of the Z6iii (kids, sports) all pretty much determine which camera I use. I've come to enjoy M-mount CV glass adapted to the Z6iii, with its focus-peaking - a blast to shoot!
RWNPhoto wrote:
How much did the conversion cost and who did yours?
As you probably know there are several offering this service and I have no idea which is best - I used Monochrome Imaging Services (monochromeimaging.com) they took about 10 days and their prices for various cameras is on their website but my cost was $1200 US.
I have no connection with them apart from being a customer and can neither warrant their service nor offer any advice about comparative quality of work between the alternatives (long-half-forgotten legal education prompts me to this disclaimer) - but I can say is that I have been pleased by their helpful attitude and with the result and offer these examples for information to FM users .... as I have benefitted from the advice and experience of others on this site over the years.
Yes Brent I believe that the results do show precisely what you say - tho' I still have some sort of emotional (?) link with my M9M - silly I know but I also know that the refinements/greater range of functional assistance of the converted Sony enable even greater facility of working and at least equal and sometimes better results in practical use.
