Charles S
Established
I have had an M9 since October, so my story with it is still evolving, but I wanted to share, being curious how others have experienced their changes in camera and how they have overcome some of the challenges that that poses.
I have been photographing on-and-off over the last 30 years. I started with a Petri rangefinder and then moved to SLRs, then digital, P&S then DSLRs until I longed back for the simplicity of my first rangefinder.
I decided to give it another shot. I tried a Contax G, then a CL, then an M6, then an M8 and finally made the plunge for an M9.
The M8 was easy to use, took some time to “master” and I progressively bought more lenses to the point of overbuying. After about a year of use, I started to feel confident enough to make the investment in a used M9, as they have become more affordable recently. The timing was motivated by having planned to spend a week in Mumbai to focus solely on photography, having the luxury of time between jobs.
When I got the M9, I was very happy for a short while, until my expectations of the output increased and I started to be disappointed that it was not a step forward, but rather a step back.
The setup that I was used to on the M8 had changed because there was no crop factor; as a result I changed the lenses I used normally. However, they rendered differently, I had issues getting my subjects in focus, the DOF wasn’t the same, I had issues with the colors – never understood why I didn’t with the M8 BTW. After a while, it started to undermine my confidence. I even considered selling the M9 and taking my M8 on my travels.
After doing some experimentation I concluded, arrogantly, that the issue couldn’t be me, it had to be the camera or the combination of the lenses and the camera. I made an appointment with Leica as they have their own repair shop in Switzerland, took my set and some printouts and explained my problems to the head of the service team. With a quick look at my most used lenses, he confirmed there were issues with them and that also the rangefinder needed to be re-calibrated. I felt some validation. When I picked up the set a couple of hours later, he told me that also the sensor was not placed correctly, and that they replaced some of the circuitry, which was a bit of a surprise, given that the camera had been in Solms for some repairs just before I bought it ( I have the receipt; it was a long list of parts that were replaced etc). Anyway, technical issues solved, artistic issues unsolved.
Shortly after having my camera fixed, I went to Mumbai. I spent the whole week photographing the city and its people (I have posted some of the better images on an earlier thread on this forum). I brought a number of lenses, but decided to start with only my 50 Cron until I would feel that I had it fully under control again, before using any of the other lenses. I stayed with the Cron the whole week. Gradually, the confidence came back. Gradually, the “I can operate the camera by feel rather than having to look at it” came back. Gradually the fun came back. GradualIy I felt I was progressing again. After coming home, this momentum continued, and I feel now that i can make the camera do what I want it to do.
So no more excuses, only the artistic challenges remain. The really hard work has started again.....
I have been photographing on-and-off over the last 30 years. I started with a Petri rangefinder and then moved to SLRs, then digital, P&S then DSLRs until I longed back for the simplicity of my first rangefinder.
I decided to give it another shot. I tried a Contax G, then a CL, then an M6, then an M8 and finally made the plunge for an M9.
The M8 was easy to use, took some time to “master” and I progressively bought more lenses to the point of overbuying. After about a year of use, I started to feel confident enough to make the investment in a used M9, as they have become more affordable recently. The timing was motivated by having planned to spend a week in Mumbai to focus solely on photography, having the luxury of time between jobs.
When I got the M9, I was very happy for a short while, until my expectations of the output increased and I started to be disappointed that it was not a step forward, but rather a step back.
The setup that I was used to on the M8 had changed because there was no crop factor; as a result I changed the lenses I used normally. However, they rendered differently, I had issues getting my subjects in focus, the DOF wasn’t the same, I had issues with the colors – never understood why I didn’t with the M8 BTW. After a while, it started to undermine my confidence. I even considered selling the M9 and taking my M8 on my travels.
After doing some experimentation I concluded, arrogantly, that the issue couldn’t be me, it had to be the camera or the combination of the lenses and the camera. I made an appointment with Leica as they have their own repair shop in Switzerland, took my set and some printouts and explained my problems to the head of the service team. With a quick look at my most used lenses, he confirmed there were issues with them and that also the rangefinder needed to be re-calibrated. I felt some validation. When I picked up the set a couple of hours later, he told me that also the sensor was not placed correctly, and that they replaced some of the circuitry, which was a bit of a surprise, given that the camera had been in Solms for some repairs just before I bought it ( I have the receipt; it was a long list of parts that were replaced etc). Anyway, technical issues solved, artistic issues unsolved.
Shortly after having my camera fixed, I went to Mumbai. I spent the whole week photographing the city and its people (I have posted some of the better images on an earlier thread on this forum). I brought a number of lenses, but decided to start with only my 50 Cron until I would feel that I had it fully under control again, before using any of the other lenses. I stayed with the Cron the whole week. Gradually, the confidence came back. Gradually, the “I can operate the camera by feel rather than having to look at it” came back. Gradually the fun came back. GradualIy I felt I was progressing again. After coming home, this momentum continued, and I feel now that i can make the camera do what I want it to do.
So no more excuses, only the artistic challenges remain. The really hard work has started again.....
Watch72
Newbie
it is always good to have the confidence coming back. I am a surprise that it needed fixing after a trip to Solms shortly before. I guess even the mothership can get it wrong 
.
.
Richard G
Mentor
Tough Journey. Good you stuck with it. Apart from card issues early I have had pretty smooth sailing. So much criticism of Leica, the M9, digital Leica Ms, the cost etc. To me it's miraculous. First the 2004 ZI and all the marvelous lenses, then the 2009 M9. Only weeks earlier than 9/9/09 we were reading of the physical impossibility of a full frame digital M Leica. I started in '77 with an M2 and now I can just keep going, variable ISO, 400 frames to a card.
hepcat
Former PH, USN
Your back story is interesting and one shared, I suspect, by many of us. Your extensive M8 experience saved the day... without it you'd have concluded that the M9, rather than needing attention, was a piece of junk out of the box.
Your approach was reasoned and that of a seasoned veteran photographer. Well done.
I can't wait to see your results. One of the things I really enjoy about this forum is the international perspective that the members bring. The images of, to me, far off and exotic places are wonderful. Thanks for sharing your story and your photos!
ON EDIT:
Charles... I just looked at the images you posted here, and then I spent time with your Flickr album slide show... stunning images... simply stunning. Thanks for sharing those!
Your approach was reasoned and that of a seasoned veteran photographer. Well done.
I can't wait to see your results. One of the things I really enjoy about this forum is the international perspective that the members bring. The images of, to me, far off and exotic places are wonderful. Thanks for sharing your story and your photos!
ON EDIT:
Charles... I just looked at the images you posted here, and then I spent time with your Flickr album slide show... stunning images... simply stunning. Thanks for sharing those!
valdas
Mentor
Interesting story, but personally, after reading your journey I am discouraged even more to dive into digital RF (or especially digital M) world - sounds like a lot of struggle is expected before I can produce the result I want.
hepcat
Former PH, USN
Don't be discouraged... there are thousands of cameras out there that have no issues at all... and I have two of them. You have to remember that all computers have a failure rate of around 10%... and these cameras have not only circuit boards, but electro-mechanical devices in them as well... there's a lot that could go wrong, and some cameras will have things that need repair, but the largest part of the bell curve are cameras that are largely trouble-free. One of the best parts of these cameras is that they are, in fact, repairable (except for the LCDs on the M8s and that's only because parts are no longer available.)
Buy a camera... use it and don't be concerned.
Charles S
Established
Thank you for the complement. It was after my trip to Mumbai that i felt good about it again.
Like you, I enjoy this forum for the photography, the stories and the support of the community.
Like you, I enjoy this forum for the photography, the stories and the support of the community.
Charles S
Established
When I got my M8 about a year and a half ago, within the first couple of days I produced keepers. Switching to Leica and digital Leica takes some adjustment and time. I guess I did have some bad luck, but once the technical issues were resolved it was worth it.
gb hill
Mentor
Thank you Charles for your adventure with the M8 & the M9. I feel there is a learning curve with any camera.
Go for it. I shoot film primarily with a Bessa R & it has taking me some time to feel comfortable with the camera. I almost gave up on it at first & thought about selling it. Now...no way selling this camera. I plan on wearing it out.
Go for it. I shoot film primarily with a Bessa R & it has taking me some time to feel comfortable with the camera. I almost gave up on it at first & thought about selling it. Now...no way selling this camera. I plan on wearing it out.
raid
Dad Photographer
I have chosen a path with using film cameras along with digital cameras. Film may one day become prohibitive expensive, so it is best to enjoy film now, while digital cameras open up new horizons that should be explored.
robklurfield
eclipse
It was refreshing to read one us of admitting to arrogance. So very true that it is easy to find fault with the gear when often the fault lies with the operator. Of course, when you have a bad sensor and rangefinder, as you did, that doesn't help much, does it? But, I think you've got the tiger by the tail in this tale. Photographers have this in common with doctors and lawyers: we're all just practicing. I am sure that many of the people whose work we admire the most would tell you exactly that even when all of us see them as masters.
In any case, you are far better at this than you give yourself credit for being if the lovely images I've just looked at on your website are any indication. Charles, you have some real stunners there, beginning with the very first image...
http://charlessalomons.com/post/43287227071/l1005912-on-flickr-vt-station-mumbai
You should post that one and some others in this thread. You and that camera seeming to be getting along just fine.
leicapixie
Well-known
I like your Mumbai portfolio.It's nice. The light very good, extremely easy going subjects.. Think you may not snap kids like that in ANY western country.The portfolio very good in being cohesive in format, using a lens that does not distort,ever. In short it is most pleasant.
Now about experiences..
i really need to wonder why it has to be difficult.
Photography is not Astrophysics.That's why i do it.Professionally for a long time, in addition, to my other career.
i see no point in "learning" curves with equipment that does not do it's job.
i started a long time ago, mixed chemicals from ingredients, cut film from bulk, made darkrooms wherever i could.
Equipment "that" was serviced still needing parts and adjustments..gives me a bad vibe! i am a Master Watchmaker. Some brands in watches continually are popular but require constant periodic service, that is needed and expensive.I prefer watch brands that need service after many years.
Leica is one that needs services and repairs.I have received many replies that it's not true. I speak of my own experiences. Imagine receiving a Nikon without it's SLR mirror! My Leica M3 arrived, new, with 3/Three, signatures of being tested. Only problem no working rangefinder. assembly finished in South Africa, where i once lived. i was not offered another..Oh! A letter of apology.
Yes! i enjoy using my M. The truth though, that expensive cameras no longer make sense. The phone camera becoming the 'weapon of choice'.i do not use a cell/mobile phone.
I've learn't that i really do prefer everything sharp, from small sensors.i use mostly P/S small digitals. I still shoot film..
i would not buy a digital M.I would not buy any High End digital.
The sad fact most are not printing photos. It is all on the computer.i have no faith.Seeing images on a monitor is a poor way to see quality.i have prints made every month. The tales of HUGE prints is mostly in the mind.
Now about experiences..
i really need to wonder why it has to be difficult.
Photography is not Astrophysics.That's why i do it.Professionally for a long time, in addition, to my other career.
i see no point in "learning" curves with equipment that does not do it's job.
i started a long time ago, mixed chemicals from ingredients, cut film from bulk, made darkrooms wherever i could.
Equipment "that" was serviced still needing parts and adjustments..gives me a bad vibe! i am a Master Watchmaker. Some brands in watches continually are popular but require constant periodic service, that is needed and expensive.I prefer watch brands that need service after many years.
Leica is one that needs services and repairs.I have received many replies that it's not true. I speak of my own experiences. Imagine receiving a Nikon without it's SLR mirror! My Leica M3 arrived, new, with 3/Three, signatures of being tested. Only problem no working rangefinder. assembly finished in South Africa, where i once lived. i was not offered another..Oh! A letter of apology.
Yes! i enjoy using my M. The truth though, that expensive cameras no longer make sense. The phone camera becoming the 'weapon of choice'.i do not use a cell/mobile phone.
I've learn't that i really do prefer everything sharp, from small sensors.i use mostly P/S small digitals. I still shoot film..
i would not buy a digital M.I would not buy any High End digital.
The sad fact most are not printing photos. It is all on the computer.i have no faith.Seeing images on a monitor is a poor way to see quality.i have prints made every month. The tales of HUGE prints is mostly in the mind.
Last edited:
Range-rover
Mentor
There is a learning curve with some cameras, I've been used to using Leica's
when I had them, that when I got my Nikon S2 and S3, in the beginning I felt
these aren't going to work for me but after awhile I started to get used to the
S3 more that the S2 that the S3 is right for me (I sold the S2) and that's
what I'm using with a digital sometimes when I go out, But enjoy your new M9.
range
when I had them, that when I got my Nikon S2 and S3, in the beginning I felt
these aren't going to work for me but after awhile I started to get used to the
S3 more that the S2 that the S3 is right for me (I sold the S2) and that's
what I'm using with a digital sometimes when I go out, But enjoy your new M9.
range
Godfrey
somewhat colored
Lovely photos, Charles!
I'm rather amazed, and puzzled, at some of the Leica M9 stories I've read. My own experience with the M9 has been nothing to write about other than that the camera has been flawless from the first moment I received it, and a pleasure to work with every time I use it. I bought it as a Leica USA demo model, with a 1 year warranty (just expired) and the usual refurb certification they do on demos. Perhaps that's the key. I've had no focusing problems, no sensor problems, no card compatibility problems, no color problems, etc etc, in the past year and some since I got it. It just turns on and works, gets out of the way. Just like my other Leica cameras ...
I'm glad you've gotten through your technical issues with the one you have, and I love to see the work you're doing with it. I hope it continues to serve you well for a long time.
G
I'm rather amazed, and puzzled, at some of the Leica M9 stories I've read. My own experience with the M9 has been nothing to write about other than that the camera has been flawless from the first moment I received it, and a pleasure to work with every time I use it. I bought it as a Leica USA demo model, with a 1 year warranty (just expired) and the usual refurb certification they do on demos. Perhaps that's the key. I've had no focusing problems, no sensor problems, no card compatibility problems, no color problems, etc etc, in the past year and some since I got it. It just turns on and works, gets out of the way. Just like my other Leica cameras ...
I'm glad you've gotten through your technical issues with the one you have, and I love to see the work you're doing with it. I hope it continues to serve you well for a long time.
G