Leica M9, 50mm F/2.0, f/8, 1/125, iso 1250
Kind of a major announcement today. I have moved into a new camera system, the Leica M9. This has been years in the making, ever since I read this article at Luminous-Landscape. I had been thinking along the same lines as Michael, that travel photography could be much more enjoyable if I didn't feel like a pack mule.
As you'll recall I got the Panasonic GH2 kit, last January, for this purpose. But after spending six months with it I came to the conclusion that it really wasn't working for me. I know I can (and have) made some nice images with it. A camera is a tool to make images, and this tool just isn't that enjoyable for me. (So if you are in the market for a GH2 and some gently used lenses let me know!)
I have been following numerous websites featuring the M9 for a couple of years. Especially since it is THE camera for street shooting, and I now live nearby Seattle. But the cost has always thrown me off. Following this system for this period however, I have found that the lenses have actually gone UP in value. Used M9 bodies take a small hit. In other words, although it's a large chunk to lay out, unlike almost anything else I can think of, it holds its value well and there is a ready market. So the true cost to own it over time is not great.
And, money sitting in the bank isn't taking any nice pictures, is it?
The fact that I have three overseas trips scheduled over the next nine months really got me off the fence. And I have a good friend with this camera and like all the people I have read about, he's in love with the camera and the files it creates.
I'm very excited about this new gear. It's completely unlike the experience of shooting a DSLR. This is a photographer's camera. Let's see if I can live up to its potential?
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