Do you have Leica M9 envy? Then read this.

by Eric Kim on November 8, 2010

Leica M9 = $

Let’s admit it–if you are a street photographer and not driving a BMW or Mercedes-Benz, you probably want the Leica M9. Trust me, I want it really badly too–it has been on my mind for quite a while. But honestly, can we justify purchasing a $6,900 camera just because the camera we have doesn’t pay an homage to Henri Cartier-Bresson and all of the other street photography masters? Mind that this is not taking into account the extra $2000 or so you need to purchase Leica lenses as well. So before you plunge yourself $6,900 deeper into debt, perhaps you should read this:

With $6,900 you can do the following:

Travel around Europe for 60 days (Assuming you can get by on about $3500 a month)
Backpack through Southeast Asia for 345 days (assuming it is $20 dollars a day)
Purchase a Leica M6 and purchase/process 570 rolls of film (assuming the Leica M6 is $1200 and the cost to purchase/develop a roll of film is $10)

There is a ton of things you can do for $6,900 out there, so don’t let the Leica M9 fool you into thinking that getting one will make you happier/a better street photographer. Street photography is not about having all of the expensive toys, but it is about having the experience and joy of shooting in the streets. The reason why you have a camera is to encapsulate and commemorate those experiences you have on the street.

However, if using a rangefinder intrigues you, definitely try getting an old film rangefinder first. Want to stick to digital? Try out the much more “affordable” Leica M8, which is only about $2500 now. Sure it is not full-frame and doesn’t have all the new bells and whistles, but it will definitely help you get the rangefinder experience that everybody talks about.

Now as I am writing this I have to admit that I still have Leica M9 envy. However I have options. I have an old Contax IIIa, which is a World War 2-era film rangefinder which was left to me by my late grandfather which I have barely shot with. Now it is accompanying me by my messenger bag, and I have already shot several rolls which I need to get out to sent. Does using film interest you as well but you don’t want to use a rangefinder? Pick up any old film camera out there, and start experimenting.

Want a quick laugh about the world’s craziness over Leica’s? Watch these videos.

So the ultimate question is do you really need the Leica M9, or do you just want one? Or are you fortunate enough to have saved up for it and made the plunge? Share your experiences below!

Tagged as: contax iiia, envy, henri-cartier bresson, leica m6, leica m8, leica m9 envy, m9, southeast asia, street photographer, street photography

http://photography.ramkarran.com Nikhil Ramkarran

Funny that you have a Contax from your grandfather. I have an old Kiev (Russian) knockoff of the Contax from my grandfather

I used to use it quite often when I was younger, but processing film in Guyana is a real challenge. You can’t do it yourself because the chemicals are so difficult to import and the commercial lab (yes, singular) does a horrible job.
http://blog.yanidel.com Yanidel

Eric,

You are right and wrong. It really depends on what your requirements are and your style.
I don’t want to use film for simplicity, I want a rangefinder because I feel it is the best for street photography (manual focus, unobstrutiveness), and I use mainly the 35mm focal at F1.4. Given these requirements, there is unluckily no cheaper option on the market right now, just the M9. Nevetheless, if one shoots with extensive depth of field at mid aperture, a M8 or R-D1 will be more than enough.
http://gatufoto.wordpress.com Jimmy D

Well, that M9 is one fine piece of gear, but here in sweden we are about to go into the dark ages for 3-4 months. Yepp, the vinter is coming and that means shooting with large aparture and high iso even at daytime.

The cold and the snow also means I need a camera that still works when the temerature hits the -10C mark. Don´t think the M9 fits those requirements. (By the way, I´m not shure I do either. I hate winter).
http://www.flickr.com/photos/adamrosner/ Adam Rosner

I use one of these for street photography: http://www.3106.net/photo/cam1049.htm and it’s *almost* fantastic. Why “almost”? Well, the shutter’s fastest speed is 1/500th. I’d like to be able to use wider apertures in bright light sometimes.

One thing I’ve found…. chicks *seriously dig* this camera. The number of comments I get is truly unbelievable!

That may be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on your bias…
http://www.flickr.com/photos/exi87/ Jaap Barnhoorn

I want one! But a 1959 Gibson Les Paul is higher on my want-list :p
A great option would of course be the new Fujifilm FinePix X100 as we all know as it’s a little easier on the wallet.
Chuck Underhill

Love the M9 (actually all the Leica’s) but the day I can afford to spend that kind of cash on a camera… well I don’t see it happening in this lifetime. (It’s about twice whati paid for my current car) Used my Dad’s old Yashica Minister-D, and I have a couple of Electro 35′s I use once in a great while, but honestly, I don’t think the rangefinder/SLR are what makes a great street photographer. So many of the street photographers I know use so many different styles of camera, all produce amazing images. Two that pop into my head, one uses a Pentax ME, the other a Canon A1, not to mention all the folks using DSLRs.

The Leica is amazing camera, no doubt. But unless your making a good deal of cash for your photo’s, it is really hard to justify one.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nealbingham Neal Bingham

Don’t get me wrong, I too would love the chance to shoot with one of these badboys, but I def think I’d feel paranoid walking around the city carrying a $6,900 camera…
Frank G

How about waiting a couple of months for the Fuji X100 and save yourself some $$$. I know it won’t be the same as a M9 but unless you get paid to photograph, you really can’t justify a purchase like that. Just a thought…
http://stevefoonphotography.blogspot.com SteveSFO

The M9 is a wonderful tool. I took the plunge a few months ago (sold most of the lenses for my D3s). There is something about shooting with a rangefinder. I love my Nikon but there is something about a Leica – beyond mystique. However, I’ve seen really outstanding images taken with all sorts of gear. At the end of the day… it’s the eye, mind, heart and soul of the photographer that will make the image… a camera is just our paint brush, tool, chisel…
http://www.flickr.com/photos/piotr_golebiowski/ Piotr

This is a dream camera for me too. But only if I got it as a gift or won it in a lottery. Buy me one please
http://www.tomkaszuba.com Tom K.

I would love to shoot an M9 for a year and then I would be able to tell the world what it was like.

Before you go out on a limb and actually buy one though…..please read the article here: http://bit.ly/nCPBc
Vi

I made the “choice” few months ago. Easy choice because I don’t have enough money for the Leica. I bought a Bessa R3A and I’m just so happy with it !!!

But because having a digital camera sometimes can be helpful, I have to say that I am intrigued by thé Fuji X100.
http://chrisweeks.net chris

it’s actually very lovely. i shot street for a month with the 5dm2 and some nice zeiss and leica glass.

i would still rather use the m9.
- http://www.erickimphotography.com Eric Kim
  
  When we go and shoot– you gotta show me that bad boy
http://www.flickr.com/photos/exi87/ Jaap Barnhoorn

I’d be like this with an M9:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSSJcQiLcl4
- http://www.erickimphotography.com Eric Kim
  
  Hilarious video Jaap! I’ll be postin it to twitter
Dave

There’s just something about going all manual. I made the plunge earlier this year and it really suits my style. However, a M9 won’t turn you into the next Winogrand. We’ve all spent enough time on Flickr to know that a DSLR is just as competent in shooting street..

With that said, the important thing is to just go out and keep shooting. I’ve researched enough before my purchase to know that only about 5% or less of the M9s sold are actually used for street photography. I’ve read and seen many people posting snapshots taken with a M9 that might as well been taken with a point and shoot. Just get a camera, get to know it, and go make pictures.
http://www.alliwantforchristmasisaleicam9.com Andrew

Or you could just ask Santa for one for Christmas!

It’s still not too late! It’s only December 2nd. However it looks like Santa would have a hard time manufacturing such a fine photographic machine!

http://www.alliwantforchristmasisaleicam9.com

LOL
Pingback: Disposable Camera Street Photography by Eric Kim — Eric Kim Street Photography - Los Angeles
https://www.facebook.com/people/Simon-Rockefeller/100000857801334 Simon

I have a Leica M6 that I’ve been shooting with for years.

I’d love to switch over to digital, but even the most solid high-end DSLRs I’ve seen look like finicky, high-maintenance teenage girlfriends compared to the quiet and sexy faithfulness of the manual Leica. The latter takes drop-dead amazing photos without drawing attention to itself, and those who do notice seem to discount the thing (and me) as an antique not worth hiding from. That, and there’s something to running around with a camera that doesn’t require a battery.

At the same time, it’s 2011, and digital is ubiquitous. I’m not quite ready to shell out for an M9, but would love to play around with a digital camera both inconspicuous and capable of producing images of a reasonable quality. I’m leaning toward the D-Lux 5–it’s small enough that I could justify the purchase as a point-and-shoot alternative, but still seems capable of being a conduit for photographs above the norm—but I’m not quite familiar enough with digital photography to feel comfortable making the decision. Would you have any recommendations for an experienced photographer looking for a camera that’s sturdy, subtle, and competitive?

(As a background, I moved to Kenya in the mid 1990s, and have been living in some of the uglier parts of Africa ever since. In areas where electricity is unreliable at best, the M6 has been a gem. I moved back to the States last year and since then have started considering re-examining my Luddite tendencies, especially given my love for street photography in larger cities. What would you recommend to someone transitioning from a rangefinder? Or should I just forget the project and stick to film?)
ed mcallister

Or buy an x100
Langdon Mike

Don’t buy an x100 the manual focus is so slow I’m actually going to sell it, I replaced it with a £35 olympus om-10 with 28mm F/2.8 lens and llford 400 HP5 black and white film its reliable and simple, I have never had so much enjoyment as well as learning all about the art of processing my own film much more rewarding p.s I know its not a range finder but you can get a half decent range finder for around the same money.