Leica M9
The M9 finally arrived. Yes, it’s great.
Below some pictures i took on the first day, nothing special. I seriously need to improve my digital workflow. Currently i need twice as much time for processing RAW files than with my usual (and proven) scan & post-edit workflow.
Leica M2 / collapsible Summicron
I shot 1.5 rolls of Tri-X using the M2 and an old 5cm collapsible Summicron last Sunday. Currently i am using the M2 for street photography as my M6 is still being serviced.
There’s no doubt that the M2 is a great camera, but i would always prefer to go with the M6 or MP as they have builtin Lightmeters and guessing the exposure time is always a little bit tricky (even though most of the time my results are ok).
A Street Photographers most essential gear
A Street Photographers most essential gear is not his camera, it’s the shoes he is wearing. As a Street Photographer you will do a lot of walking so you better buy good shoes. I got myself a new pair of Lowa Renegade GTX today.
Nikon releases new 24mm f/1.4 lens
Nikon has released the new AF-S Nikkor 24mm F/1.4G ED. From the specs this looks like a truly amazing lens. I already own the 50mm AF-S and it’s great. I would buy the 24mm 1.4 lens too if i hadn’t decided to go for the M9. These Nikon lenses are weather sealed and, i my personal opinion, better than the L-series lenses from Canon. It would be great if Nikon would also release a 35mm f/1.4 as their current 35mm lens (which i also own) is pretty lame.
The Leica M9, perfect street camera?
Nick Turpin summarizes his Street Photography experience using the Leica M9 in his latest blog post.
Leica M6 CLA
I am about to send my workhorse, the Leica M6, for a CLA to Fotomechanik Reinhardt in Hannover. The last CLA (clean lube adjust) is almost 8 years ago and i have the feeling that the exposure times are not as accurate as they used to be. The bottom cover is also a little loose, hopefully this can be fixed too.
Apple iPad hands-on
Check “Apple iPad first hands on” on engadget
Leica Motor M
Saw a low priced Leica Motor in a shop window yesterday and couldn’t resist. Compared to the Leica winder it’s almost inaudible (but still louder than the Hexar). Not sure whether i will keep it or not.
in search of the ‘tri-x look’
I am currently experimenting with bw conversion tools for pictures taken with the D700. So far i like the results i get from ‘Alien Skin’ the most. (Though i still think it’s a bit weird to use cameras and software worth a few thousands euros, to simulate a look i get from a simple roll of Tri-X without any further effort.)
Video tour of Leica M9 assembly and testing
Assembling The Leica M9 from Michael Reichmann on Vimeo.
Leica M9 Stephan Daniel Interview from Michael Reichmann on Vimeo.
Leica M9 – hands on
The guys at Leica Meister Berlin have been so kind to let me play with the brand new Leica M9. You will find some sample shots on my flickr stream. There are better folks out there for doing camera reviews, so this is just my personal impression. For comprehensive M9 reviews check my earlier posts.
The M9 feels very nice and the menus/buttons are much intuitive and usefull than with the M8. In terms of picture quality i am not really convinced. At least on my pictures there were some very obvious CA’s and i also wouldn’t recommend to use something beyond ISO 640. What i see in LR is in no way comparable with the 5D mk2 or even the old 5D – but then again the 5D is a clunky DSLR while the M9 as a Rangefinder shares all the advantages of my MP or M6. I don’t think i will buy the M9 any time soon but i’am glad it exists. This time Leica did everything right and i am sure that the M9 will be a good deal for them.
more details and tests of the Leica M9
Leica M9 Microsite
Leica M9 Betatest 1
Leica M9 Betatest 2
Leica M9 Performance Proofs
Leica M9 – hands on at dpreview
Leica M9 – Product Brochure and specs leaked
Find the Leica M9 brochure including all specs and pictures here.
Leica M9 Presentation at Westlicht tomorrow
Westlicht in Vienna will have the M9 on display tomorrow. BTW: Magnum Photorapher Thomas Höpker will also be there.
Donation to Ken Rockwells Retirement Range
I donated an old Nikon FM to Ken Rockwells Retirment Range. Hope he can make some use of it.
“So anyway, after writing up the D3000 yesterday, I was overjoyed when I got a box from Berlin with a Nikon FM in it for the Retirement Ranch from Guido Steenkamp. He moved up to Leica some years ago, so the FM, with little to no resale value, went unused. I’m sure I’ll put it to good use.”
Anyway, make sure to visit Kens website once in a while. His technical reviews are great and not just the usual blabla. Ken is not always right but at least he’s got his own view on gear and is not afraid to write it down.
Plaubel Makina 67
Excellent and compact 6×7 camera, highly recommended
Leicatime – Luigi Crescenzi
I just ordered two new wrist straps at Leicatime. If you don’t know Leicatime and you have a faible for high quality products, go and visit their website.
The website looks a little bit confusing, ok, but the products are just awesome. The quality of the leather products is top-notch and i doubt you find anything that’s comparable to the work of Luigi Crescenzi and his team.
The service is just outstanding, kind of old-fashioned (in a good way). Communication (via email) is very quick, reliable and personal. The Emails are written by the boss, Luigi, not by a clerk. You will immediatley notice that Luigi is a man who really wants to make his customers happy and satisfied. Leicatime is strongly recommended!
Neopan 400 / Tri-X 400
After a short time of using Neopan 400 i switched back to Tri-X. There’s no doubt that Neopan provides far better details but in the end i simply prefer the Tri-X look for the kind of pictures i do.
The picture above was done with a Leica M2 i acquired last year. I don’t use it very often which is a shame as this camera handles so much better than the M6. The only downside is that it does not have a builtin lightmeter which is something i shouldn’t worry about too much. I did the last the 3 rolls by guessing the settings and each single frame was exposed perfectly.
Konica Hexar RF
My recent acquisitions. A Hexar RF Kay made me buy and a VC 25mm i got for a good price.