Chalres, great motorcycle shots with the 75 Lux – great use of bokeh! I also like the beach shots, particularly the first one in the second series (with the city in the background).
What’s up with that M9-P? Don’t tell me you’ve got three m9’s now?!? And didn’t we all agree you’d get a 0.95 Noctilux next?
charles.K wrote:
Luka, great video clip! I did get the NEX 5 for video clips for business shots that were needed for the web site, so maybe you can offer some tips
Sure, for instance we in the "business" don't call that a clip, but a "short film", or just "short" or simply "film" Another tip is to ditch the NEX 5 and get yourself a 5DII with some nice Zeiss glass. The only excuse for keeping the NEX 5 for video is if you intend to put a 0.95 Nocti on it
Must have been great lighting in the previous set, as you had virtually no adjustments to the shots.
They were shot early in the morning when the light was good - that's the common denominator between them. It wasn't great though - in Arches it was cloudy so I didn't get any of that nice direct soft illumination and in Grand Canyon the visibility was low due to smog coming from California.
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Joe, great shot of your son! The value of indoctrinati..uh I mean teaching the children core values early can’t be underestimated
--- Ajay C wrote:
Luka, nice video even though there was something 'lacking' with the sensor output. Good to see some of the shots we see here come to life!
I would pay you to let me print that picture of the swan. I started off on printing a little while ago (Epson 3880), and I have become quite enamored with doing my own prints.
It’s not so much the sensor as the codec – the camera compresses the video to an extreme extent so you get artifacts all over the place (especially visible in the duck sequence).
By the way, about printing – a question for you and Charles and others that print on a regular basis: What do you do with all the prints? I'm assuming you print a lot or simply letting a lab do it is easier and they have more high end printers.
I print big on occasion, mostly when a friend or family member wants a poster - but I let a lab to that. I’ve also made a couple of photo books (usually after a longer trip), but I’m not involved with the printing in any way. I tried a dozen labs and chose the one that gave me the best output. Otherwise I think the whole printing thing is a nightmare – getting consistent colors on a calibrated monitor is bad enough but then having to adjust them for printing as well… let’s just say it’s not my cup of tea.
-- rsolti13 wrote:
Nice video, too. Checked out some of your other videos on there, excellent work!
Thanks. I was into the whole video thing before I started with photography and I’d like to get back to doing it again. The primary problem is the size and weight of the gear. Photography is a solo game while you usually have film teams – doing it all as a one-man-band is a bit too much. Editing takes a lot of time, but on the whole I don’t mind it. In many ways a video can give you a much better sense of a place than still photos, but at the same time photography is much better for presenting and abstract composition or a moment that the viewer can study in detail.
Great shots of your kids by the way! I’ve said it before but they’re really fortunate to have such great photos documenting their childhood. I’m sure they’ll appreciate that very much when they grow up.
denoir wrote:
By the way, about printing – a question for you and Charles and others that print on a regular basis: What do you do with all the prints? I'm assuming you print a lot or simply letting a lab do it is easier and they have more high end printers.
I print big on occasion, mostly when a friend or family member wants a poster - but I let a lab to that. I’ve also made a couple of photo books (usually after a longer trip), but I’m not involved with the printing in any way. I tried a dozen labs and chose the one that gave me the best output. Otherwise I think the whole printing thing is a nightmare – getting consistent colors on a calibrated monitor is bad enough but then having to adjust them for printing as well… let’s just say it’s not my cup of tea....Show more →
I don't belong to the group of people who prints a lot, but I have just started again. I bought a ColorMunki, which takes care of the calibration of monitor to printer. This part seems to work quite well. I bought two very nice frames and printed two of my favorite prints, partly as an experiment to see how it will go.
I bought the Halbe magnetic frames, so switching from one photo to another takes seconds. I also bought some nice passe-partouts, which I intend to keep together with the prints. I envision having a box of passe-partouted prints which I switch in and out of frames as I please. This box also doubles up as a potential portfolio, depending on what size of prints I gather. I am not yet positive that I will box the passe-partouts as well, but that is my current thought.
It is my intention to have rotating sets of prints for my apartment, possibly even for friends' apartments, and to also give prints as gifts to family and friends, but probably not too often (who needs a new print twice a year). My more devious intention is to slowly and painlessly build up a body of work ready for exhibition. At some point later in life I intend to try to put on a show somewhere. This is not to make money, simply because it is one of my life goals to do so. I have a list of 10 things I want to accomplish before I die; I am about 1/3 done. Not all 10 are currently specified though.
Another potential use for prints is for trading. I have come across print trading groups a couple of times in my life, and intend to be a part of at least one, maybe two or three, such groups. I would love to trade my best prints for the best prints of others, and build up a collection that way, rather than by outright purchase, which can be rather pricy.
Ryan, great set from the forrest (park?) and also some lovely portraits.
Luka, great light & great capture. I like the third one the most.
Charles, I like the colors in the bike shots and congratulations on the M9-P. I didn't know you've gotten one. From the beach photos I like the last from the first set and the first from the second the most, both with the 28 Summicron I suppose?
Gregory, #4 is a really way to use a 12mm lens. I like the angles of the stairs and the shadows.
Charles, the 75Lux is magical in your hands Excellent bike and beach shots. Great shot with 75Lux on that bird in flight and moon composition. Love it! My other favorite shot has to be the "P" with that gorgeous chrome Lux! WOW! Drool (and envy) Congratulations!!
Ryan, very nice shots of your kids! Those 50Lux shots are super sharp!
Gregory, interesting shots of the art work!
Luka, the 2nd swan shot is also superb! Beautiful!
Wozza, very nice examples of the CV35/1.4. #4 is my favorite.
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Some shots from this morning. Wasn't the best day for photography, the sun was blazing at full force.
M9 28Cron
My intention was to shoot with the 28Cron all day. Unfortunately, my buddy Steve brought along a toy that I could not resist trying Here are some pics with his 75Lux. Its a really beautiful lens, not as bulky as I envisioned and the calibration on this copy is spot on. I agree with Charles, if your M9 and lenses are calibrated, its not an issue nailing focus wide open.
I took this shot of Steve as he walked towards me. Shot wide open.
Wozza, nice set with the CV 35. My favorite is the first pier shot.
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carstenw wrote:
I bought the Halbe magnetic frames, so switching from one photo to another takes seconds. I also bought some nice passe-partouts, which I intend to keep together with the prints. I envision having a box of passe-partouted prints which I switch in and out of frames as I please. This box also doubles up as a potential portfolio, depending on what size of prints I gather. I am not yet positive that I will box the passe-partouts as well, but that is my current thought.
It is my intention to have rotating sets of prints for my apartment, possibly even for friends' apartments, and to also give prints as gifts to family and friends, but probably not too often (who needs a new print twice a year). My more devious intention is to slowly and painlessly build up a body of work ready for exhibition. At some point later in life I intend to try to put on a show somewhere. This is not to make money, simply because it is one of my life goals to do so. I have a list of 10 things I want to accomplish before I die; I am about 1/3 done. Not all 10 are currently specified though....Show more →
That's an interesting concept with a rotating set. I as a rule don't hang photos on the walls. My ventures into more abstract photography (from construction sites etc) has been with the intention of trying to see if I could find a style that I find aesthetically pleasing enough to hang on a wall - and that would work with the stuff I already have. I have a sort of general Bauhaus interior decoration thing going on as far as furniture and paintings go. So I've got mostly modernist oil paintings that are to a large part are based around basic geometrical shapes. So that puts rather severe boundary conditions to what I can add. Plus a lot of my photography is landscape photography which can look nice on the web or in a photo book - but you'd have to point a gun at me to get me to hang it on a wall.
I have two photos hanging at discrete places. They're very abstract in nature, but I'm still not entirely sold on them. The mounting is very nice though - on an aluminum baseplate, covered by plexiglas.
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Joe, great set! My favorites are #3, #4, #6 & #7
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A few more shots from yesterday, just taking advantage of the light and the cool sky:
If you are wondering why the 50 Lux shot is so deep blue - it's the white balance. I have white balance on auto on all the rest but for that particular spot I manually selected a white spot. In the golden light that white spot appears yellow so to get it white there the white balance has to be cooled (shifted towards blue).
Luka, Joakim and Joe, thanks alot Joakim, my 3 favourite lenses now are the 28 Cron, 50 Lux and 75 Lux. For evening beach shoots, I just use the 28 Cron and 75 Lux!!
Gregory, cool art shots!!
Luka, beautiful shot of the swan... the detail and fall off is amazing. Yes 3 M9's briefly. My silver M9 is in Solms having dead pixels being repaired due back mid September. As soon as it arrives I sell off one of them. If anyone is interested, let me know I am glad there are no Nocti's available
Beautiful set of shots!!! My fav is #3 with the golden glow on the buildings.
Wozza, very nice set with the CV 35/1.4. I really like #1 and 4
Joe, great set of street captures!! Love #1, 2 and 7 Excellent shot of Steve!!
Thanks Luka Love the lighting on your last two sets. #1, 2 $ 4 are my favorites. Actually like the blues on #4. The complementary blues and orange sunset with the red float in the middle makes for very nice palate. Great eye for colors!
Having visited this thread in some time, things move so Fast!
Rsolti--Awesome shots!
Denoir, love the swan
Denoir - More importantly -- Your post processing on the landscape "skies and light" shots are amazing. Can you shed some light (no pun intended) on how to achieve those effects?
Joe - Nice, Although I'm feeling a bit jittery that the beautiful kid doesn't drop that thing by mistake ;-) Also like the bicycle shot
Charles - Is that your M9P? If so, congrats! Looks beautiful also with the Lux… but the filter?!?! (j/k) Love the shadows and light on the Harleys
Here's a misc pic from last week, so as to retain membership in this thread
I am thinking of taking a plunge into the M world. Seriously tempted by the 35, 75 lux and the Noctilux. I like the form factor and the stripped down functionality of the M9 (even if the sensor is not much to write about). Just wondering if I should wait for the next M incarnate, or just go for it? Any suggestions? Thought about pairing any of the above lenses with a NEX sensor, but I feel its a waste of the lens.
Current setup: 5D2 + bunch of ZE (21, 1.4/35, 50MP, 85, 100MP) and Leica R (35-70, Telyt 4/280). I like manual everything, and don't think working the M9 will be an issue.
I will appreciate any thoughts and recommendations.
Ajay C wrote:
Ryan, Charles and Luka - excellent shots.
I am thinking of taking a plunge into the M world. Seriously tempted by the 35, 75 lux and the Noctilux. I like the form factor and the stripped down functionality of the M9 (even if the sensor is not much to write about). Just wondering if I should wait for the next M incarnate, or just go for it? Any suggestions? Thought about pairing any of the above lenses with a NEX sensor, but I feel its a waste of the lens.
Current setup: 5D2 + bunch of ZE (21, 1.4/35, 50MP, 85, 100MP) and Leica R (35-70, Telyt 4/280). I like manual everything, and don't think working the M9 will be an issue.
I will appreciate any thoughts and recommendations....Show more →
actually the M9 sensor, is indeed a lot to write about. It's different from the others (much of it in a better way), especially due to the lack of AA Filter. I love the IQ, sharpness etc
Charles, great beach shots. I particularly like #2.
lovinglife wrote:
Denoir - More importantly -- Your post processing on the landscape "skies and light" shots are amazing. Can you shed some light (no pun intended) on how to achieve those effects?
Yes, go out when the sky looks nice and press the shutter release There's no particular PP apart from white balance on one shot and some contrast adjustments here and there. I might have added an ND grad filter in LR on a shot or two.
Ajay C wrote:
Ryan, Charles and Luka - excellent shots.
I am thinking of taking a plunge into the M world. Seriously tempted by the 35, 75 lux and the Noctilux. I like the form factor and the stripped down functionality of the M9 (even if the sensor is not much to write about). Just wondering if I should wait for the next M incarnate, or just go for it? Any suggestions? Thought about pairing any of the above lenses with a NEX sensor, but I feel its a waste of the lens.
Current setup: 5D2 + bunch of ZE (21, 1.4/35, 50MP, 85, 100MP) and Leica R (35-70, Telyt 4/280). I like manual everything, and don't think working the M9 will be an issue.
I will appreciate any thoughts and recommendations....Show more →
You shouldn't worry about the sensor. The files you get from an M9 at low ISO are an improvement over the 5DII. There's less latitude in the highlights but loads more in the shadows. Generally the 5DII files just look mushy and soft in comparison. High ISO is not brilliant for an FF camera but not terrible either - it's roughly comparable to what you get from a good cropper like the 7D or a NEX after noise reduction is applied on both. The M9's general RAW policy is to do relatively little PP in-camera so you need to do some things youreself in LR (or another RAW developer). This includes basic curves adjustment as well as applying noise reduction to high-ISO shots.
What you do need to worry about is that the M9 is a rangefinder camera and as such does not appeal to everyone. If you are primarily a tripod shooter, then I would not recommend it. Also you have to get used to the approximate nature of the frame lines. You learn them after a while but if you need very precise framing count on occasion having to repeat shots on occasion.
Having the camera in good mechanical working order is essential. You may get lucky and the camera and all your lenses will be well calibrated, but don't count on it. Since there's no live view and the image review function won't let you zoom down to actual pixels the calibration must be perfect or you'll have trouble with getting correct focus. Once calibrated it's no problem and in many cases much easier than on a DSLR.
Finally, an important consideration are the lenses. The first is that the cost of the M9 is minor compared to a set of modern Leica M lenses. The second is that they're difficult to find - waiting for over six months to get one is not unusual. For the 0.95 Nocti they're saying 15 months now. And as I understand there are also shortages of Zeiss ZM lenses as well. Not as bad as Leica, but still. So it may take you some time before you get the kit that you want.
If you can live with all those things then go for it! The image quality is superb, the lenses are amazing and an M9 kit is really compact and light compared to a DSLR (mostly because of the tiny lenses).
As for an M10, don't count on it being announced at earliest late next year. And as they've released the M9-P now, and given that the M9's still sell like crazy I don't expect it for two years or perhaps even more. So I don't think there's any point in waiting for that.
Thanks for taking the time to write me a response. I know you shot pretty much the same camera / lenses as me before you went M9. I never shoot my 5D2 beyond ISO 1200 any ways, don't think the ISO will be an issue per se. I have shot the M9 on occasion and I like the rangefinder experience, and not much tripod shooting here. For the lenses, my most shot focal lengths are 28-35/50mm and 85/100mm. I was thinking of getting the Nocti / M9 combination to start with and add other focal lengths later on (probably top heavy), but I read that wait time for the Nocti is rather long. I'll probably start with the 35 lux and the M9 (or substitute ZM in the mean while). I think I can pull some strings at Solms (Oberkochen was rather nice regarding that ), to reduce some of that wait time.
I also was hoping to hear from folks, who moved from a dSLR, what they missed the most in the rangefinder as compared to SLR experience.
LL, Ajay and Luka, thank you guys
LL, yes that is my new chrome M9-P Very nice shot!
Ajay, Luka has summed up the pros and cons very well! IMO the M9 sensor and the IQ possible is amazing and it still continues to surprise me, as I learn more about PP'ing. I have two Epson 3880 printers, both have calibrated ICC profiles done by a local pro lab, and also Image Print and the print quality from the M9 DNG files are superb!!!
I previously had the 5DII and 7D, with ZE 21, 35, 50MP, 50/1.4, 85/1.4 and 100MP, with 24L, 50/1.2L, 85L and 80-200/f.28 LIS, lenses, basically equipment that I had accumulated over 10 years. When I first tried the M9, I kept the 5DII and few lenses, thinking I would still need it for action and portrait shots. After 6 months, not having picked up the 5DII once in this time, I sold it all, everything including old videos and P&S's on ebay. This funded my backup M9 for travel.
Really the only decision is whether the RF style appeals to you. Personally I now much prefer the RF style of photography, but it does have its limitations
There's no particular PP apart from white balance on one shot and some contrast adjustments here and there. I might have added an ND grad filter in LR on a shot or two.