View Full Version : Somehow I bought an M9 today
Hello all,
Well this morning I went out for a walk with my new X100 and Om-4. Fairly rainy day and was hoping for some rainy street shots. Walked past our local Leica dealer, who also sold me X100, and saw salesperson I deal with and went in for a chat. He regaled me with a story about how a guy purchased an M9 a week ago and loved the lens that they sold it with so much that he bought the M9 back and bought a S2. Shop was happy with that deal and dropped NZ$1k of the list price and I paid equivalent of US$6k. Leica agent has agreed to re-register the software and warranty for me. So I gave them X100 back and they credited the NZ$1850 I paid and I walked out happy. They lent me a Summarit 50 for a couple of weeks while I look for a lens. Had a great afternoon and wondered why I waited so long to get M9 because it is a gem.
My question is based around the fact my wife wasn't super happy about the purchase and I don't have any M lens left since sold my M8 and M6 last year. So I want to get something cheap for awhile and have found a Rokkor CLE 40/2 and 90/4 set in Ex condition and wonder how this would work on M9? Would I have to mod the 40/2 to bring up the 35 f-lines? I do like the 40fl a lot. My other thought were maybe a Canon RF35 of some sort, 2nd hand Zeiss 35/2 or a VC35/1.7 that I have seen. Any thoughts or advice would be welcomed, is great feel like I belong here again.
Shane Guthrie
03-26-2011, 00:19
I would love to hear advice on this too. I'm addicted to my CL, using a Summicron-C 40/2 that came with it. I'm burning through so much film and dealing with poor processing in Jakarta that I figure my only way out is to ignore all other possible camera purchases and put money towards an M9. The only way I could make that happen later is to just get the body and use my current lens.
If keeping costs down is vital I would go with the better CV lenses above the Rokkor set. Knowing which CV lenses are worth buying is a job in itself, but fortunately this has already been done by Sean Reid, so I would recommend the small subscription to Reid Reviews which could save you any mis-spent money in the long run. If however I was in the situation myself I wouldn't hesitate but buy a second hand 50mm 'M' Elmar (latest) for the camera. It is a superb performer and has no faults, sharp, great bokeh, small, slick focusing, a perfect all rounder and wildly under priced at the moment.
Steve
sounds like the old " it followed me home what was i supposed to do?"
Congratulations on the M9 and might I ask where this Leica dealer is located.
I have to look in their window!
Do they have the film M cameras?
f16sunshine
03-26-2011, 01:25
First of all congratulations. Second. The m rokkor is a world class lens. Thoughts or suggestions otherwise are foolish IMO. Many including myself find it to be every bit of the lens the v4 35mm summicron is. Maybe better as the CLE version of the lens is MC. Good luck in you search. I hope it does not distract you from making great images. Cheers!
Nigel Meaby
03-26-2011, 01:34
Or you could consider a used Zeiss 35 C Biogon which is an exceptional performer and compact.
doolittle
03-26-2011, 01:39
Nice one, buying an M9 by mistake, I love your style.
My father in law once bought a classic car off ebay by mistake (genuinely, he was new to the whole thing).
Though I can't talk, I once went to buy a lens cap and ended up with an M3.
An M9 by mistake :) awesome
Wow, you have a good wife. Mine would have executed me on the spot and forbidden me from exiting the house.
I have both Zeiss 35mm f/2.0 and 35mm F/2.8 C. They are both excellent lenses and in no way need to act as placeholders. As soon as I get my act together, I will sell the f/2.0, but not because it is an inferior lens, but rather because I don't need the extra speed and the "C" has both the size and bit extra contrast that I like. Both are first class lenses. Another excellent lens is the Nokton 50mm f/1.4. It is tack sharp and a real performer, but it isn't small. I'm a 35mm fan and don't use the Nokton much, because I somewhat prefer the M-Hexanon 50mm f/1.2. This is another lens that is a keeper, but probably more money and more weight than you want. I would not worry much about the money. It seems that all you need to do is take a walk and that part of it gets taken care of.
BTW... It sure seems to me to be a waste of an M9 to tack on a lens that is less than really great... Think about it. I think leicashot (AKA Kristian) would be the one with the most experience with many lenses and the M9. Perhaps, you might seek some advice there. He seems to always be willing to help out.
The CLE 40 and 90 Rokkors are superb. Have no fear.
Nice one, buying an M9 by mistake, I love your style.
My father in law once bought a classic car off ebay by mistake (genuinely, he was new to the whole thing).
Though I can't talk, I once went to buy a lens cap and ended up with an M3.
I've been known to go in for 35mm film for my Leica and leave with lenses...
jimmy8269
03-26-2011, 09:00
If you don't need fast lens, summicron 50/2.8 would be a good start.
But if you can get a decent offer from your dealer regarding Sumarit 50, that's a nice Lens too.
Cron or Lux 35 will be a great buy, but quite difficult to find.
Pherdinand
03-26-2011, 09:21
LOL,this is just so funny.
You buy an M9 and then, you want to get a lens: "something cheap for awhile".
The CLE 40 and 90 Rokkors are superb. Have no fear.
+1 Buy now.
Run, do not walk. Rokkor great.
I'll let others deal w. the issue of frames on the M9 -- because unfortunately, I have not yet made the "mistake" of buying an M9 while out for a walk.;):rolleyes::cool:
Now that I see how well that has worked out, I'm considering it.
Brian Sweeney
03-26-2011, 09:51
The first lens I used on my M9 was the Summarit-M 50/1.5. Trying to find an IR cut filter in 41mm- hard. Putting the Summarit on the M9, easy. Low contrast lenses were MADE for digital.
Phil_F_NM
03-26-2011, 09:52
The new 35 Summarit is supposedly fantastic and causing quite a stir here and elsewhere.
I love my M9 with a 2nd generation 35 Summilux for a walkaround lens. If you're looking for an inexpensive stop-gap then you won't go wrong with a clean Summaron. The /2.8 is an amazing lens. I have the /3.5 and love it, though it's almost welded to my IIIf so the M9 usually has a 35 'Lux on.
I recently got *another* 50mm rigid Summicron for less than $300 USD and though it has a few coating marks and the barrel isn't pretty, it's also an amazing lens. The first 2 generations of 50 'Crons are the finest optics that Leica ever produced, in my opinion. The rigid 'Crons also are usually very cheap these days.
The 40 Summicron C or the Minolta version is fantastic for a single lens to keep stuck to an M9. You can't go wrong there! I loved the 40/2 years ago while I had it.
Really, there are a bunch of fantastic low cost options in the "normal" focal length range, even from Leica without having to resort to the CV offerings. While they are good, they aren't comparable to a rigid 'Cron or a Summaron 2.8 in optics or build quality.
Phil Forrest
"Somehow?"
Ricky: Luuucy, you got some esplanin' to do!
:)
I don't care what anyone says, but you will NEVER regret buying a Leica lens for your new camera.
Easy to say if you don't have to sleep in the dog house, Fred :)
These Minolta lenses are excellent on the M9. I had the 40 mm Summicron (very similar) modified and coded as Summicron 35. The framelines are accurate, actually more so than with a 35 mm lens :(. It outperforms many a new lens. The same goes for the 90.
Lol, yeah, got to admire the style :)
The 40mm summicron-c is still one of the best lenses I've used, and certainly the best bargain.
The CV 35/1.7 is good, though apparently there's quite a bit of variablility.
Old 50mm Summicrons can be got very cheaply, and work very well on the M9 too. I've got one from 1970 or so, it looks a mess, but works very well.
I'm sympathetic with owning a M9, but only having cheap lenses — I have a mixture of older, and 3rd party stuff, and modern ASPHs. If you like rangerfinders, and diigtal bodies it's really the best option, and some of the cheap lenses are really very good.
LOL,this is just so funny.
You buy an M9 and then, you want to get a lens: "something cheap for awhile".
uh, yeah, funny? bizarre.
dogberryjr
03-26-2011, 16:35
Nice one, buying an M9 by mistake, I love your style.
My father in law once bought a classic car off ebay by mistake (genuinely, he was new to the whole thing).
Though I can't talk, I once went to buy a lens cap and ended up with an M3.
Well, you had to have SOMETHING to hang the lens cap on, otherwise it would have been a waste of money.
That camera dealer must be smiling and thinking these punters just don't know what they want. Two in week buy a top camera and come back and change it before they've had a chance to even try iy out properly.
As to the lens, can't you trade the wife in for a summilux 1.4/50?
Shane Guthrie
03-26-2011, 17:07
These Minolta lenses are excellent on the M9. I had the 40 mm Summicron (very similar) modified and coded as Summicron 35. The framelines are accurate, actually more so than with a 35 mm lens :(. It outperforms many a new lens. The same goes for the 90.
That's very good to know. I love the one I've got – very small and doesn't get knocked against things taking it everywhere. Have problems with sharpness at f2, but that's my skill problem and probably short baseline of CL.
Brian Sweeney
03-26-2011, 18:52
My M9 has the lens used for the picture on it right now.
http://www.ziforums.com/picture.php?albumid=226&pictureid=2490
1937 Sonnar, converted to Leica mount. Cost less than the sales tax of an M9.
dogberryjr
03-26-2011, 19:04
As to the lens, can't you trade the wife in for a summilux 1.4/50?
Yes, but only the pre-ASPH.
Steve M.
03-26-2011, 19:56
Take it back. You can always buy another one some other time, and you'll make the wife happy. Nothing is as important as our wives/significant others. Nothing, no how, no way.
Gary Sandhu
03-26-2011, 21:55
get a 28mm elmarit asph -- use the 28mm to advantage on the M9 and it's relatively cheap and you won't be needing another 28.
Someone asked about where the Leica dealer was located.
I don't live in Auckland, but I remember going into a camera store on Queen street that had some Leica gear, including an M9 and various lenses. Don't remember the name though, just stroll down Queen street! It was on the right when I was walking toward the harbour.
I spent most of my life in Auckland but don't remember ever seeing a Leica dealer, guess i wasn't looking hard enough huh :)
Thanks mate
Contarama
03-26-2011, 22:52
Congratulations on wheeling and dealing and getting yourself a M9 sir...and at a bargain price with your trade in! Someone else took the drive it off the showroom floor hit instead of you which is good. Who needs a X100 when you have a M9 right?
You might not want to worry about a lens right now and instead make some "deposits" in the family account instead! Get you an old converted J3 or something and roll with it for now.
My wife rolls her eyes even if I spend 17 bucks on camera but I figure she'll get over it as long as I am really thoughtful and nice to her! LOL
Contarama
03-26-2011, 22:54
My M9 has the lens used for the picture on it right now.
http://www.ziforums.com/picture.php?albumid=226&pictureid=2490
1937 Sonnar, converted to Leica mount. Cost less than the sales tax of an M9.
Brian I hate to say it sir but that particular swing picture smokes most of your other swing pictures...
My M9 has the lens used for the picture on it right now.
http://www.ziforums.com/picture.php?albumid=226&pictureid=2490
1937 Sonnar, converted to Leica mount. Cost less than the sales tax of an M9.
Quite a bit of veiling flare here. Rather kills the contrast, which is fitting for this shot. Quite a nice lens, I have the Leica Summarit 1.5, which is the same design, but coated. I use it for vintage look. Hardly a first general purpose lens, though.
f16sunshine
03-27-2011, 07:40
Quite a bit of veiling flare here. Rather kills the contrast, which is fitting for this shot. Quite a nice lens, I have the Leica Summarit 1.5, which is the same design, but coated. I use it for vintage look. Hardly a first general purpose lens, though.
Brians pic is from an old Sonnar. The Summarit f1.5 is a DG. Is it not? Different animals of which I prefer either depending on the situation. Again neither could be considered a good general purpose lens. Stick with that Summicron/M Rokkor 40mm. If you are not satisfied with it return the M9. No other lens will be remarkably better. Some may be faster by that's it IMO.
You're right the old Summarit is a clone of the Schneider Xenon with coatings added. Anyway, the Summicron/Rokkot 40 is a good lens. The resolving power in the centre is excellent, softening towards the corners, as is the contrast. The overall impression is quite good, about the same as the version 3 or 4 Summicron 35. Quite a bit of vignetting, about two stops, not that that is a problem nowadays.
Gabriel M.A.
03-27-2011, 10:44
Wow, you have a good wife. Mine would have executed me on the spot and forbidden me from exiting the house.
That's hardcore. Hopefully you'd be out of the guests' view.
Hi again,
Thanks for the responses. Shop is called Camera & Camera on Queen Street in Auckland and is on the right hand side of the road heading down. They have sold numerous M9s because of the Asian community buying here and reselling up there. My wife is now quite happy with my purchase. She is Swiss and has done the numbers in her head and she feels I will shoot less film now and it won't take long for us to be ahead with M9 and reduced film/chem/scan costs. Should have thought of that before.
Have been able to track down the guy who I sold my previous Rokkor 40/2 and he will sell back to me. He also has a nice 90/2.8 Hexanon that he feels is too long for his Nex-5 so will get both for US650 tomorrow. Had a superb weekend wandering around testing this little baby out.
Have always liked what I have seen and read about the Zeiss Sonnar 50/1.5. Does anybody here use that combo on their M9? Could be my next lens. Thanks again.
steveyork
03-27-2011, 11:27
What about voigtlander. Anything branded "leica" sells for a premium, and that's not always related to performance.
f16sunshine
03-27-2011, 11:48
Hi again,
Thanks for the responses. Shop is called Camera & Camera on Queen Street in Auckland and is on the right hand side of the road heading down. They have sold numerous M9s because of the Asian community buying here and reselling up there. My wife is now quite happy with my purchase. She is Swiss and has done the numbers in her head and she feels I will shoot less film now and it won't take long for us to be ahead with M9 and reduced film/chem/scan costs. Should have thought of that before.
Have been able to track down the guy who I sold my previous Rokkor 40/2 and he will sell back to me. He also has a nice 90/2.8 Hexanon that he feels is too long for his Nex-5 so will get both for US650 tomorrow. Had a superb weekend wandering around testing this little baby out.
Have always liked what I have seen and read about the Zeiss Sonnar 50/1.5. Does anybody here use that combo on their M9? Could be my next lens. Thanks again.
Ok the M9 I do not envy you . The hex90 and rokkor40 for $650.... Yeah now there is something to envy. Go for it Man! Those two are fantastic!
That's a great price and the M-Hex 90mm is a great lens. I like the sliding lens hood. I've had some focus issues with M-Hex lenses (two of them..both adjusted and now work great), but my 90mm seems to be good on film. Have fun.
The Rokkor 40 is at the level of a Leica Summicron 35 IV or a Summicron 50mm.
It is a wonderful lens.
Hi again,
Thanks for the responses. Shop is called Camera & Camera on Queen Street in Auckland and is on the right hand side of the road heading down. They have sold numerous M9s because of the Asian community buying here and reselling up there. My wife is now quite happy with my purchase. She is Swiss and has done the numbers in her head and she feels I will shoot less film now and it won't take long for us to be ahead with M9 and reduced film/chem/scan costs. Should have thought of that before.
Have been able to track down the guy who I sold my previous Rokkor 40/2 and he will sell back to me. He also has a nice 90/2.8 Hexanon that he feels is too long for his Nex-5 so will get both for US650 tomorrow. Had a superb weekend wandering around testing this little baby out.
Have always liked what I have seen and read about the Zeiss Sonnar 50/1.5. Does anybody here use that combo on their M9? Could be my next lens. Thanks again.
Roger Hicks lists his Sonnar 50mm f1.5 as his favourite 50mm lens ... so I gather he uses it on his M9.
I have one and love it also but it's unlikely to ever get it's rear end attached to an M9! :D
Managed to purchase a 2nd hand Summarit 35 this morning and will get it in 2 days. Agreed with most here that I needed a Leica lens for the M9. Will still get the hex 90 as well and will just sell one of my Canon DSLR lenses to pay for both. Don't need a walk around lens for 5D2 when you have an M9. Duh easy choice.
Sounds like a wonderful way to start the new year mate :)
Wife sounds like a keeper too ...
Lloyd_Eld
03-28-2011, 14:17
Funny. I went for a business lunch once, and ended up with a wife! The M9 is cheaper, but I'm happy all the same.
Sounds like i need to get out more !
Perfect Imposter
03-28-2011, 16:12
I'll vouch for the 40mm Rokkor as well. Great lens.
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