Although the M9 can deliver stunning images, but in general it is not easy focusing-wise to be consistent, especially for portraits, as you grow older such as in my case . I had both my M9 setup and Canon (prime lens only) setup for that particular trip and I ended up using my Leica gear about 25-30%. The two shots came during an afternoon session where I deliberatly just took the Leica and I was forced to work "hard" using that system . Thanks again!
charles.K wrote:
I really like your shots Kyle! There is something special about the rendering.
rsolti13 wrote:
Kyle....the last time I made a post here about thinking of an M8 is when you were also considering it. You jumped in and your shots already look fantastic.
thrice wrote:
Jim, the highest magnification lens (without accessories) is the 75/2 APO-summicron which gets to 1:7 at MFD. The 90/4 Macro-Elmar with the macro attachment gets to 1:3 but then cannot focus to infinity with the macro attachment on the camera.
EDIT: Sorry the 90/4 Macro-Elmar is also the highest magnification without attachments at 1:6.7 but we're splitting hairs.
EDIT2: One thing to note about the Sonnar, it is a fine lens to use at f/1.5 and f/4.0 or smaller if optimised for f/1.5. Those two middle apertures are usable you just need to focus then sway back a little
The Sonnar is definitely a portrait lens. If you shoot low light street scenes and want to do so wide open, I would consider the 50mm summilux asph or perhaps the 50mm Nokton 1.5 aspherical. I have some nasty fringing around bright lights (eg. car headlights) in shots taken at f/1.5 with the Sonnar....Show more →
I am confused.I am sure that i have seen Leica Macro's such as the 100APO.Is this for a different system?
-Jim
AGeoJO, I understand what you mean about the focusing, but once I set up it right with the +1.5 correction diopter, I now find it easier than the MF with 5DII. The viewfinder correction through the M9 is -0.5, so it does need to be adjusted in most cases. It is setup right now, and for me I really like it. Much the same as the frustration I had with the 5DII and some of the L lenses, which led me to MF and ZE lenses.
Paul, I bought the Elamrit 90/2.8 6 bit endcoded, latest for AUD $1,100. :
Jim Schemel wrote:
I am confused.I am sure that i have seen Leica Macro's such as the 100APO.Is this for a different system?
-Jim
yes, that is the leica R system which was an slr system that was fairly recently discontinued. macro doesn't really work on a rangefinder without some addition accessaries to allow you to view what the macro lens views.
Paul Yi wrote:
I've been looking for 90/2.8 Elmarit latest version, and it's very hard to find one with good price...
Isn't $1500 a bit high for it...?....
I bought mine for $850 USD and it's a late S/N pre-ASPH. Late S/N Summicron 90 pre-ASPH. was $950 and both are in excellent condition with very good IQ. Check rangefinderforum.com.
Paul Yi wrote:
I'm still debating between the Summicron and Elmarit....
It depends. The Elmarit is very light, goes with the size of the M8/9. Unless you need the speed, the Elmarit is a very good choice. The Elmarit is rated very highly in all the reviews, and no focus shift.
Now just getting used of the M9, I have found that it is front focusing marginally. It has not affected the shots, as you can compensate. Fortunately, I spoken to Alan Lane of Camera Lane in Melbourne, and directed me to Camera Clinic, Collingwood, just outside of Melbourne CBD. Here they do work for Leica, Canon and Nikon. Apparently within 3 days, the camera and lens are all fully adjusted and calibrated to your requirements for a cost of about $300. Seriously with all the dramas of AF with the 5DII, and L series lenses, this should have been the first step. Apparently there is such a demand, for many serious amateurs and pros to have their gear calibrated, and not spend days trying to figure the problem, and then end up researching the forums for common problems
Next week, I will send my M9 and lenses, and then I know with certainty everything should be working right. Great service, cheap and quick turn around.
Just thought I might share this, as there is no doubt similar service centers in most countries.
I got my elmarit re-lubed at Hartland in perth. They did an impeccable job. I was worried since my elmarit is mint but you can't even tell it's ever been open.
V_kids, like the snapshots. You may need to resize for the web differently, as I think as some of sharpness and detail is missing, as the ISO is only 400. Have a look at Samuli's or Denoir's technique .
. I had both my M9 setup and Canon (prime lens only) setup for that particular trip and I ended up using my Leica gear about 25-30%. The two shots came during an afternoon session where I deliberatly just took the Leica and I was forced to work "hard" using that system 
. Thanks again!
There is something special about the rendering. 
but we're splitting hairs.
