Thinking of switching from DSLR set up to Leica RF

[lrrp77]

You can shoot with a SLR with fixed 50mm and still be stealthy, but if you choose to be I-have-balls-hence-I-shoot-in-your-face, then whichever camera works, this is what I meant that u should explore more with your DSLR.

Yup An entry level Nikon F55 + 50mm lens has a pretty small form factor too. Plus automatic features

 

[hjbyeo]

If you can, keep both. DSLR have its place. I use DSLR for landscapes / macro / birding.

 

[s1chen]

I understand many people feel and think the X100 is not a rangefinder camera. Yes, by strictest definition, it might not be. From wiki: "A rangefinder camera is a camera fitted with a rangefinder: a range-finding focusing mechanism allowing the photographer to measure the subject distance and take photographs that are in sharp focus. "

X100 uses contrast based AF mechanism to achieve focusing, so, it is not a rangefinder camera.

After reading so many posts and comments, I have one question in mind: Does one have to switch to rangefinder or Leica to enjoy photography?

I feel, this Leica thingy is over hype nowadays... many people think and feel using a Leica camera and lens will make them a better photographer or enjoy photography better. Well, it might be true. And personally, I don't think so. Many people think that the Leica cameras are the best built cameras of all time and they last for generations and generations... I don't think so too. If you have used the Rolleiflex or even the Nikon S, you will appreciate what is good craftmanship and engineering. Yes, Leica is well built. But it is not the best. Definitely not the current version of M8 & M9. To enjoy photography, one do not have to bent all the way to buy a Leica M. Buying a Leica M, do not necessary make one a better photographer, but definitely a poorer photographer *kidding*.

Anyway, the X100 to many people might be the right cup of tea, but to me, it made me tear when I held it to my eye. First time in many years, that I felt like taking pictures again. Yes, it's a point and shoot. But the bright and modern viewfinder is definitely a winner to me. Though the close distance parallax focusing issue is a PITA.

I hope Canon & Nikon and other manufacturers invest more time in ergonomics in their cameras, instead of mega-pixel chase. The implementation of the hybrid viewfinder will definitely revolutionize the RF camera industry. Like it or not, I feel, the Leica digital camera should have the X100 viewfinder. I believe the M9 Titanium is using the electronic LED frame lines like the X100.

Well, IMO it is not about RF take better picture than a SLR or DSLR, it is the built quality of the lenses and the accuracy, vibration of the camera body that bring soul to the photo you have taken. In my past experience, I start like many as a film from a yashica compact, canon SLR from EOS RT, 630, to 1, L-lens to primes and back to a simply nikon compact. While I love my photos, I just don't get why some photo tell a story till I discard my full SLR and go for a full contax with a discontinue 167, 25mm, 50 F1.4 and a beautiful 100mm F2. Since then I enjoy looking at those high contrast, pin sharp, bright color 3D photo.

Next, due to the world revolution, I have my son and after awhile, the old technology manual focus just cannot catch up with those hype kids. I have no option but to invest in the canon EOS with only L- lens.. OK, now I catch the moment but back to the old days, the photo just has no soul... no matter what all this post processing, ...it just don't come close to what my film contax can achieve. So try a M43 GF1 and to be honest, I can't see a difference between a DSLR and a simple GF1, both can produce color, information, but just don't tell a story.

It is that period that I test out a Leica 50mm Summicron on the M43 and now, I see the potential in the digital. So decide to take up a M9 and start my Leica lens collection, now although I still like my contax reproduction, the M9 with leica is the next closest result I can achieve.

Hence, my conclusion is not RF is better than a DSLR, it is the lens that matters most, and in order to bring out the best of the lens, you need a matching body like M9 in Digital or good film ranger like IKON, M series....

And for SLR, I have not seen a great DSLR reproduction without putting tons of post processing effort.

Last but not least, a good camera does not promise a great compose photo but without a great camera, the photographer will regret his best photo could be better if he has had use a great camera.

 

[bolim]

Hi guys, I need help deciding if I should switch to a Rangefinder setup. I currently own a d300s, 70-300mm VR IF-ED 4.5-5.6, 18-55mm 3.5-5.6, 50mm 1.8D setup. I was wondering if i sold all of my gear what kind of leica RF set up can I get hope to get? I prefer leica because their known for their reliable systems. The reason of me thinking of going to RF is because I want to enjoy just shooting pictures of the streets and people and don't want to lug around a dslr. Thanks a lot for your help!

Don't think too much. Take the plunge cos its worth it. When the guy at the counter asked if i wanted to "up size" i didn't even think.....
Point is most importantly you must enjoy the process. Start with M8 ans starter leica lens like emarit asph. I'm sure the RF shifu will take care of you.
Just enjoy!

Sorry for not being constructive

 

[esmallits]

My honest thoughts.. it is the love for taking photos that will result in a good shot taken.. not the setup. I've seen pretty impressive shots for iphone 4 that looks far better than my Leica!

To be frank. I'm pretty poor in my composition still and I'm trigger happy. But cos I love taking photos so much, I end up with more than 100 shots every week. Definitely something good will come out of it.

The more you take, your hit rate goes higher and higher as time goes by. Even the simplest set up allows you to get really good results.

Maybe a Leica does allows you to take better photos.. as you start bringing it out more often and try to shoot more, definitely something impressive will surface..

 

[dtohs]

Honestly leica won't make me shoot better photo.. but i should say the process of shooting with a leica is a good feeling.

 

[sharps]

somehow my laika did not end up like my nikon Dslr as a doorstopper

 

[Benji77]

Honestly leica won't make me shoot better photo.. but i should say the process of shooting with a leica is a good feeling.

I think you hit the nail on the head for this one. Not many other post's here mention about ''good feeling''.
I agree, holding and owning a Leica is an emotional decision, not entirely logical.

 

[Scandiacus]

I think you hit the nail on the head for this one. Not many other post's here mention about ''good feeling''.
I agree, holding and owning a Leica is an emotional decision, not entirely logical.

I think that the emotional factor might somewhat affect your shooting style and hence the output. To me, I have more confidence to get closer and shoot people in their face when I'm holding my rangefinder (not a Leica though).

 

[artspraken]

lol actually tbh people who own leicas will say its good largely to retain its asset value.

some people look at leica as investment, not simply just camera. that is why they will never say bad things about it.

 

[Agetan]

Hi all,

I thought, I share some of my thought.

I have recently purchase M8 and a couple of lenses.

Here is my reason of buying the M8 and use it with 2-3 lenses for my work, it is a lot lighter set up as compare to dslr set up. Yes, it is an expensive purchase, but if I save my back, then it is cheaper by comparison.

I shoot professionally and I generally lug around 2 pro dslr body and 2 f2.8 lenses... Sure, if studio only shoot, this is not an issue. But if you are like me who prefer to shoot outdoor and lugging those on your back while shooting is not a good recipe of longevity for my knee and back.

I am not 100% comfortable with my RF system yet, so I shoot 30% of my work with it.

I feel RF system slow you down (and it is pain in the butt) if I need to capture something really quickly, however, I seems to get higher keeper rate per shoot from the RF system.

If weight and slower shooting mode is preferred, I think RF top the chart but if you are buying it because it is a leica, it may be missing the point. After all, they are just a tool for you to enjoy the photography.

Why leica? Well, if you have the best lenses, why would you find faults on your tool and if the picture is no good, you can only blame yourself right?

CV lenses are very nice too... I buy leica lens for the only I use 95% of the time and CV to supplement what I "might" need so I don't burn too many holes in my wallet.

Just my 2cents.

Regards,

Hart

 

[Royale With Cheese]

Hi all,

I feel RF system slow you down (and it is pain in the butt) if I need to capture something really quickly, however, I seems to get higher keeper rate per shoot from the RF system.

Try scale focusing? Much faster imho

 

[Agetan]

Thanks but at f1.4 would be quite difficult with 50mm. I love to shoot wide open. But manageable with non-moving subject (relatively). I tend to use leica for my maternity session and involve a bit of nude. One thing I notice is, the subject tend to be a little more at ease with smaller set up.

Nonetheless, I enjoy it tremendously....

Regards,

Hart

 

[Royale With Cheese]

Oh I see..

yea, DOF is too thin at F1.4 to scale.

I'm more of a F5.6-F16 shooter than wide open.

 

[pikapig]

Hehe...nothing to do with RF ...shooting film is an enjoyable feeling...it makes u think twice before anyhow squeezing for frames...the pic came out with more feel than anything else...

 

[brillantblend]

Hehe...nothing to do with RF ...shooting film is an enjoyable feeling...it makes u think twice before anyhow squeezing for frames...the pic came out with more feel than anything else...

yeah, i agreed. Personally, i enjoy shooting film than DSLR, the feeling is so different. And i enjoy even more looking at photos taken by film cameras.

Digital photography can be truly stunning and inspiring, but I think I’ll always have the feeling that there’s more ‘soul’ in film.

The feeling produced by using a film camera can never be produced by a digital.

 

[Royale With Cheese]

yeah, i agreed. Personally, i enjoy shooting film than DSLR, the feeling is so different. And i enjoy even more looking at photos taken by film cameras.

Digital photography can be truly stunning and inspiring, but I think I’ll always have the feeling that there’s more ‘soul’ in film.

The feeling produced by using a film camera can never be produced by a digital.

wait till you self DO the film. Much more touch in it.

Then the printing master will say, time to head to the darkroom for prints, that one has real touch :thumbsup:

 

[pikapig]

wait till you self DO the film. Much more touch in it.

Then the printing master will say, time to head to the darkroom for prints, that one has real touch :thumbsup:

I hope to do once at least in my life!! Prints! Leave that for the special someone! haha

 

[Agetan]

It's nice to do film if you have time and space to do your own darkroom printing on fibre based paper. I used to do that when I have the time while living in Sydney. Printing is another ball game which require lots of practice and perfection. I would rather to leave it to capable hand which always looks better than mine even after hours of printing 1 image.

I do find digital works better for me... But just a preference.

Regards,

Hart

 

[artspraken]

To be very honest hor, i take better pictures with DSLR. So easy mah. Everything auto this and that.

But i get much more fun (& mistakes) with RF.