The new camera itch has attacked me – your opinions would be really valued

The new camera itch has attacked me – and I am now having an argument with myself – but your opinions would be really valued

OK – retired and the wrong side of 75 – but at least I can spend money on my hobbies

I have all the Nikon Stuff – D850/D810 – 300mm to 600mm f4 – which I used for birds and I am happy with, (although the Z8/9 is tempting) – I have the usual Nikon lens trilogy - plus the 100mm f1.4 and similar are great for family shots, I have a few grand kids - but I seem to need time to get the shots I want. – I have been a Nikon shooter for years and have always been very pleased with Nikon

I have a few specialised lenses for insects and Dragons with the flash set ups to go with them

So I am happy with birds, nature, flowers and insect etc.

I have an M8 plus 28mm, 35mm and 50mm glass - which I love – my eye sight is not getting any better and wearing glasses doesn’t help – but I am used to RF but again I need time - started using it again after a few years break.

I recently tried a Ricoh GR iii – but the controls are just too small for me and there’s just too much menu driven through the screen and I’m not great switching through menus on a small screen.

I have a Sony RX100 V – which is great for carrying around – but it just feels a little too small and again the controls are just a little too small for me

What I would like is a small camera of good quality for general family and walk around photography – easy to carry around, say in a small bag at most – family shots – shots when I am out with my wife shopping – to take on trip when I don’t plan any bird shots.

I am reading reviews on the following

A used Leica Q or Q2 or even a new Leica Q3

A new Sony A7CR – but do I need 60mbte – so is the A7Cll just as effective for my needs – coupled with the Sony 35mm f1.8 lens to start with

A used Leica M9 with a replacement sensor – (I know this contradict myself but!)

I am an average photographer but I do enjoy the hobby - hardly any of my shots are printed - more by my family than by me

My wife says I should buy new - but I've not told her the price of a new Q£

What do you reckon?

60MP can provide some useful cropping options, so it does have a place even if you don't print big.

I recently bought a Q3, and so far I've been very impressed - IMO its quite a step up from a Q2 (which I also considered) - it is though quite weighty for its size, reassuringly well made - but that lens is quite something else

Personally if the bank account would stand it I would go for the Q3 and keep the Nikon stuff for birds/nature/etc - whether or not you keep the M8 and lenses is another discussion!

I've posted this before but 90mm crop from Q3 - shot wide open at F1.7 (resultant image 6MP)


240203 90mm Crop Outline by David Yeoman, on Flickr


240203 90mm Crop by David Yeoman, on Flickr

If you want something more pocketable, the APS-C Sony A6XXX series might be worth a look as they are smaller than the A7CX bodies.

Mr Perceptive said:

60MP can provide some useful cropping options, so it does have a place even if you don't print big.

I recently bought a Q3, and so far I've been very impressed - IMO its quite a step up from a Q2 (which I also considered) - it is though quite weighty for its size, reassuringly well made - but that lens is quite something else

Personally if the bank account would stand it I would go for the Q3 and keep the Nikon stuff for birds/nature/etc - whether or not you keep the M8 and lenses is another discussion!

I've posted this before but 90mm crop from Q3 - shot wide open at F1.7 (resultant image 6MP)


240203 90mm Crop Outline by David Yeoman, on Flickr


240203 90mm Crop by David Yeoman, on Flickr

Click to expand...

Thanks - I read a review from a Wedding photography which said exactly that - that the sensor is so good that you can get two, three or even four good images from one Q3 image

BillN_33 said:

Thanks - I read a review from a Wedding photography which said exactly that - that the sensor is so good that you can get two, three or even four good images from one Q3 image

Click to expand...

My efforts from 10 weeks of ownership!


FYI I'm running it alongside a GFX system - and I'm so impressed with the Leica that I'm culling some GFX lenses!

If you're used to Nikon and prefer not having to constantly go through menus, maybe the Nikon ZFC would be a good choice? Small, light, good IQ, old style dials and easy to adapt your current Nikon lenses to use with it, albeit some would become MF.

Have you thought about an X100 - it's more "M" sized?

I have the GRIII because it's (normal person) pocketable and 28mm and I can use the custom dials to set it for the 2 different types of photography I need. Only need to go into the menus to format the card. Either way, it strikes me the X100 would be a good fit for what you're looking for and a bit cheaper than a Q.

Also, if you have the 28/35/50 in M mount, an M9 might be a better/more flexible option. Unless you're planning to sell the M8 + lenses to fund the Q

The X100 series is a good option, somewhat cheaper than the Leica, and lovely to use. There are significant differences but you pay for them with the Leica!!

I had a brief relationship with a Q2. If you don't like menu driven, this may not be the camera for you - it's not that it was different from my usual - I shoot Canon, Olympus and Fuji - it was just illogical {I called it Spock] .... another irritation was the grip I had to get to make it possible to use my thumb without thinking I would drop it {5'2" female,so small hands but I had no issues with a 1DX2 or the R3 I have now]. The grip was fine. Taking it off whenever I needed to change the battery [quite often] or the memory card was tedious. I am now very fond of my X100V... it's not full frame but APS C and 26MP. That's a lot of pixels. 47MP / 60MP will fill up the hard drive too.

THIRTYFIVEMILL said:

If you're used to Nikon and prefer not having to constantly go through menus, maybe the Nikon ZFC would be a good choice? Small, light, good IQ, old style dials and easy to adapt your current Nikon lenses to use with it, albeit some would become MF.

Click to expand...

Thanks for that - I have still got a film FM somewhere so I can try it for size etc.

Never thought of the ZF, but that certainly is attractive as I still have quite a few MF lens

Used to be a chronic GAS sufferer until I went Fuji several years back. Smaller than the Nikon kit (which I still have and use occasionally) and gives me all I need (apart from a few things that the Nikon does better!) For the times I CBA to carry much kit, a Sony RX100vi fits the bill.

Reading reviews can only point you in directions - often several at the same time!

BillN_33 said:

Thanks for that - I have still got a film FM somewhere so I can try it for size etc.

Never thought of the ZF, but that certainly is attractive as I still have quite a few MF lens

Click to expand...

I was thinking if the ZFC for your usage as it’s smaller and lighter. I’m just about to change from the ZFC to the ZF, just because I’d like some of my vintage MF lenses to be used at their correct focal length rather than the 1.5 crop factor. Either of those camera bodies should fit your needs, though, I’d have thought.

I think really, eye AF is going to be the thing to go for. That's going to make the difference, make things a lot easier and give you more keepers.

I use an A7Riii (amongst other stuff!) and the prime lenses I use have the function button on them. I use BBF which is fine for me, especially tripod landscape work and with face detect on and the lens button set for eye AF, using it is second nature and pretty failsafe! I can be taking general walkabout photos, turn around to see the other half or whatever, hit and hold the lens button and it just finds the eye and tracks it.

I'm not sure if apsc body/lenses have the same set up.

One more year and I hit the grand old age of 80

same as the OP mentioned but I was finding the nikon D810 getting a bit on the heavy side. So bought the panasonic G9 that came with the 12-60mm Leica elmarit lens. Only had it a few days but really happy with it. The flip out reverable rear screen is an added bonus. also bought the 100 300mm lens for it.
What I didn't like (same with the nikon D180) is the strap that came with it . So like the D810 I bought the peak design lightweight strap. Why? because the strap that came with it is a right pain in the ass to take on and off, the PK one with the button release is so much better . Nothing worse than having a camera on a tripod with a camera strap flapping about in the way
One odd thing is if wanting a wireless remote one has to get a 2.5mm 3pole male end to a 4 pole male end cable. i tried a 3pole at each end and all it works on the G9 camera is a short video, no single shot. the menu on the G9 not the MK11 version is vast.
so went onto amazon for a

which is supposed to work, only just ordered so can't comment further on it . Two SD card slots can be one for still and other for videos - both togther - or as follow on




. I have no complaints about picture quailty or colours except allowing for a bit slower focusing than I am used to but there is a quick focus setting that helps.

just taken with the Panasonic G9 no editing

BillN_33 said:

The new camera itch has attacked me – and I am now having an argument with myself – but your opinions would be really valued

OK – retired and the wrong side of 75 – but at least I can spend money on my hobbies

I have all the Nikon Stuff – D850/D810 – 300mm to 600mm f4 – which I used for birds and I am happy with, (although the Z8/9 is tempting) – I have the usual Nikon lens trilogy - plus the 100mm f1.4 and similar are great for family shots, I have a few grand kids - but I seem to need time to get the shots I want. – I have been a Nikon shooter for years and have always been very pleased with Nikon

I have a few specialised lenses for insects and Dragons with the flash set ups to go with them

So I am happy with birds, nature, flowers and insect etc.

I have an M8 plus 28mm, 35mm and 50mm glass - which I love – my eye sight is not getting any better and wearing glasses doesn’t help – but I am used to RF but again I need time - started using it again after a few years break.

I recently tried a Ricoh GR iii – but the controls are just too small for me and there’s just too much menu driven through the screen and I’m not great switching through menus on a small screen.

I have a Sony RX100 V – which is great for carrying around – but it just feels a little too small and again the controls are just a little too small for me

What I would like is a small camera of good quality for general family and walk around photography – easy to carry around, say in a small bag at most – family shots – shots when I am out with my wife shopping – to take on trip when I don’t plan any bird shots.

I am reading reviews on the following

A used Leica Q or Q2 or even a new Leica Q3

A new Sony A7CR – but do I need 60mbte – so is the A7Cll just as effective for my needs – coupled with the Sony 35mm f1.8 lens to start with

A used Leica M9 with a replacement sensor – (I know this contradict myself but!)

I am an average photographer but I do enjoy the hobby - hardly any of my shots are printed - more by my family than by me

My wife says I should buy new - but I've not told her the price of a new Q£

What do you reckon?

Click to expand...

Hi, I would recommend an M9 with a new sensor for you. You have a few M mount lenses, and it meets your requirements of a compact walk-about camera.

(Actually, I have 2 M9s (and use a NIKON D850, a D500, a SONY A7, an A7ii, two A7R2.))

The M9 has a CCD sensor, giving nice colours. You will enjoy it.

I got an A7CII maybe just over a month or so ago. I am very happy with it, a.f performance is frankly incredible and I am well used to Sony bodies as we have 6 of them for work.

Paired with smaller lenses like the Samyang Tiny series or Sonys own small lens options it has made for a great very portable set up.

It’s incredibly freeing not having to cart around a huge bag. I can fit the body an 18mm f/2.8, 45mm f/.18 and a 75mm f/1.8 into a tiny man bag with no issues and it feels like I am carrying nothing at all.

What I like about this set up most is that I don’t really feel like I am losing out in anyway from not using my work gear. I debated Fuji and actually bought some high end micro four thirds gear but the difference in image quality was way too much for me.

Am sure the A7CR would offer the same thing but with the bigger files. I have an A7RIVa and find the large files a bit of a pain so for me the A7CII suited best.

I think that I am leaning towards the Nikon ZF with the 40mm f2 SE lens and FTZ adapter

As I indicated I am an average photographer but I do really enjoy the hobby and for me using/holding the camera should feel good. I've not taken many images over the last few months for personal reasons but I am now getting back to it.

Over the years I have mostly used Nikon gear so I went back to my film bodies to see how I felt as the ZF is said to be the size of the Nikon FM film camera, (which I still have)

so here's a few to look at

L to R - Nikon EM - Nikon FM - Nikon F3 - Leica M8

sizes
EM = 135w x 86h x 54 deep
Silver FM = 142w x 89.5 x 60 deep - I put the small Nikon lens that I have, the 50mm f1.8 E, on the FM to get the "feel"
F3 = 148w x 96 x 65 deep
M8 = 139w x 80 x 37 deep

ZFC = 134w x 93.5 x 43.5
ZF = 144w x 103h x 49 deep



The ZF would appear to be the size that I feel comfortable with

Thanks for all your reply - a great benefit from this forum

BillN_33 said:

I think that I am leaning towards the Nikon ZF with the 40mm f2 SE lens and FTZ adapter

As I indicated I am an average photographer but I do really enjoy the hobby and for me using/holding the camera should feel good. I've not taken many images over the last few months for personal reasons but I am now getting back to it.

Over the years I have mostly used Nikon gear so I went back to my film bodies to see how I felt as the ZF is said to be the size of the Nikon FM film camera, (which I still have)

so here's a few to look at

L to R - Nikon EM - Nikon FM - Nikon F3 - Leica M8

sizes
EM = 135w x 86h x 54 deep
Silver FM = 142w x 89.5 x 60 deep - I put the small Nikon lens that I have, the 50mm f1.8 E, on the FM to get the "feel"
F3 = 148w x 96 x 65 deep

ZFC = 134w x 93.5 x 43.5
ZF = 144w x 103h x 49 deep

The ZF would appear to be the size that I feel comfortable with

Thanks for all your reply - a great benefit from this forum

Click to expand...

Good choice! Mine will arrive by Wednesday so we can compare notes!

justpix said:

Hi, I would recommend an M9 with a new sensor for you. You have a few M mount lenses, and it meets your requirements of a compact walk-about camera.

(Actually, I have 2 M9s (and use a NIKON D850, a D500, a SONY A7, an A7ii, two A7R2.))

The M9 has a CCD sensor, giving nice colours. You will enjoy it.

Click to expand...

The ZF will leave me enough in the budget to pick up an M9 when I can find a really good one - (Kodachrome!!!)

BillN_33 said:

The ZF will leave me enough in the budget to pick up an M9 when I can find a really good one - (Kodachrome!!!)

Click to expand...

Well, after my posting, I checked M9 prices on ebay, which were steep. It seems to be quite difficult to get a decent M9 at a reasonable price.

The Zf is a good choice, too. And you could adapt your M mount lenses.

So, best of luck!

justpix said:

Well, after my posting, I checked M9 prices on ebay, which were steep. It seems to be quite difficult to get a decent M9 at a reasonable price.

The Zf is a good choice, too. And you could adapt your M mount lenses.

So, best of luck!

Click to expand...

I think people are beginning to appreciate the CCD Sensor - the last - after the M8 which also had a CCD Kodak sensor, (although I do not think Leica admitted that the sensor came from Kodak)

Changed to CMOS with the M10

BillN_33 said:

I think people are beginning to appreciate the CCD Sensor - the last - after the M8 which also had a CCD Kodak sensor, (although I do not think Leica admitted that the sensor came from Kodak)

Changed to CMOS with the M10

Click to expand...

Hi, the person I bought my second M9 from, bought an M10, and was not so happy with its colours, he said.

I have two cameras neither of which I work all that well. I upgraded my old N5000 to an N7000 and don't have a clue why I did it! Shoot I couldn't use all my original D70 had to offer! But I did it! It's a disease! I like hunting but mostly what I hunt is deer and elk. I have six rifles to handle the chore. Suppose I should admit I simply like buying rifles, I certainly have no need for six of them! I like fishing also. Have 12 level wind casting rod and reels and 9 spinning rod and reels. All I fish for is, normally, crappie, bass and catfish, not so much bass though. In this state you can only use one rod at a time unless you buy a permit to use only two. Think I have my fishing rod and reels covered but every time I got to the store I got to sporting goods and look at rods and reels. It's a disease! About cameras I got a new one awhile back and actually had a good reason. Carrying around pretty much any DSLR get's pretty old if your not on a photo mission, a good point and shoot really fills in well. Cell phone won't cut the mustard for me! And I like to take photo's of my dog's in the field, DSLR can get pretty unhandy! Well started out with inexpensive pocket size camera's and went through several. One mishap or the other does not insure a long life. Had one of them fall out of my shirt pocket and break. Two more simply got over used I think and in a bit over a year were junk! Finally went after a more expensive small camera, got a Panasonic ZA I think it is and got a belt holster at the same time. Safe in the holster and most important, out of the way when I don't need it. Today I don't leave the house without it! A bit discouraging thing is I get as good photo's with it as I do my D7000 but when serious photo taking, the D7000 just seems right. Funny thing about that Panasonic, I never though it would do as well taking photo's as it does and all I know how to work on it is the program mode!

I'm on the far side of the 70's also and afraid if I spend the time really figuring it out I'll be dead before I get there so I just take picture's with it. Was looking for the word earlier and couldn't remember it. Point and shoot camera! I suspect when it comes to taking photo's your camera, the one you have, can do more than you can so rather than to upgrade to an even smarter camera, look for a good point and shoot and a belt pouch to carry it in! Another thing I'll mention, if you don't then upgrade your DSLR with a better carry strap. Going to field trials and shooting dog's in the field my Nikon camera strap was a pain in the buttocks'! Got tired of it wanting to slip off on shoulder and bouncing around. So to cure the problem I got a Nikon binocular harness. Held the camera right at my belt buckle. Problem was the straps were that springy stretch stuff and walking the camera bounced all over. Well went home that first weekend and got out a bunch of non springy 1" nylon strap and replaced that bouncy stuff. Best camera Belt I've ever had! Well I managed to get of subject here, sorry! Think I'll go to my room now!

It is worth having a look at camerasize.com to see how various cameras measure up.

I am a fan on the X100V, with the current version being the X100VI, for the sort of use that you describe.


New jumper by Lewis Craik, on Flickr

THIRTYFIVEMILL said:

Good choice! Mine will arrive by Wednesday so we can compare notes!

Click to expand...

Hit the button with the 40mm f2 + FTZ II

So that's just hit my CC with another few £'s - will await the delivery - now to start looking at Z to whatever adapters