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DAY 21

October 28th, Day 21 - 7:43PM - One more from today.

One more I took today that I am not 100% happy with but I still like it. Converted to B&W with Silver Efex Pro.

October 28th, Day 21 - 2:39PM - Some country scenes in B&W...

I had to get up early today and do a few things so I took the opportunity to take a drive. I headed towards the fog and show some B&W with the M9. I had the 50 Lux pre-asph on my camera today and i am glad I did. i love the tonality in these images. Will post a couple more from today later.

Click images for larger, better versions.

Also, many of you have read my GF1 review but let me state again, the GF1 is a great camera and if I were in the market for a small-ish high quality digital, the GF1 would be at the top of my list. BUT when its all said and done, the GF1 can not give the rich look that the M9 can spit out with ease. Just wanted to clarify as I have gotten a few e-mails asking me if the GF1 was a better camera than the M9.

It’s the best under $1k IMO, but not at the level of the M9. When I said I thought of selling my M9 for the GF1 it was strictly due for financial reasons and the fact that I could shoot the GF1 with great results. But again, the M9 is in its own class for depth, detail, and tonality.

DAY 20

October 27th, Day 20 - 9:21PM - My GF1 review is now up...so no M9 images today!

Been finishing up my GF1 review today so I did not have any chance to shoot the M9 today. So go check out the GF1 review here and check back to this page tomorrow afternoon for more M9!

DAY 19

October 26th, Day 19 - 7:36PM - Another high ISO B&W shot.

Snapped this with the 50 Lux Pre at 1.4 in my house today at ISO 2000. No noise reduction. Of course  this is a resized web version but I can say that this could easily print at any size desired with great results.

Yea, I know there are quite a few images of my cat on my site but she makes for a great subject. She sits still, poses, and is great for camera testing! With that said, this will be my last cat pic for a while!

October 26th, Day 19 - 1:54PM - Again, the M9 detail amazes me!

Just added a new full size 18MP file to show the amazing detail the M9 sensor can provide. I added this image to page 9 of my M9 review. Click here to check it out. The second shot on that page is the new one and it is a straight from Capture One image. Just click it to open up the full size 18MP file!

DAY 18

October 25th, Day 18 - 7:18PM - Awesome! High ISO indoor late night shooting with the M9.

I put some high ISO samples in my M9 review here, but I wanted to see how the M9 would do in my house late night after it was dark outside. I set the camera to ISO 2500 AND set it to B&W mode as I know getting white balance right under house lamps is tough. Plus, I never really tried out the in cam B&W that much. Anyway, I am PLEASED with these results.

These are all straight from camera JPEGS. No NR, No processing and No sharpening. All I did was resize the JPEGS. The full size look GREAT. No banding, no hot or stuck pixels, no stripes..and the noise. Wow! To those who say the M9 has not improved in high ISO over the M8, show me some M8 files at ISO2500 that are this clean.

BTW, lens is the 50 Lux at 1.4.

October 25th, Day 18 - 4:02PM  - Post Processing and the M9

Was out driving today with my Son and we spotted this house in a small town we were driving through. I bet it was a beauty about 50 years ago. Today it is in ruins and ready to be demolished. Lucky I stopped to get this pic as it is scheduled to go down soon. Shot with the 50 Summilux Pre-ASPH at F4. Processed in CS3 with Nik Color Efex Pro and Viveza. Two must haves if you wants to add some drama and life to your images, and this one has PLENTY of drama, maybe a bit too much. I seem to get carried away sometimes. Ha ha...

Posting this image leads me to processing. Many purists, even those who shoot with an M8 and M9 do not believe in processing an image. When I say “processing”, I mean adjusting things in the image like color, contrast, etc. I think that is absolutely RIDICULOUS! It is OK for the P&S crowd to use OOC shots but with an artists tool like the M9 why would we use what comes out of the camera, especially if its not how we want it to look? The M9 has a powerful sensor capable of amazing detail and clarity. We can use that to our advantage when we process the images.

I think photographers should be expressive. For shots like the above, the processing and color tweaks add excitement and drama. If I would have posted the out of camera JPEG it would have looked like an everyday ordinary shot. It was also taken in full midday sun and that is the worst light you can shoot in.

I take my images of old buildings, barns and cars and I process them to how I envision it in my head when I take the image. Just like with film in the darkrooms, with dodge and burn using light, I use these tools in the DIGITAL darkroom and its not only easier, it can bring better results. Why not turn a photo into “art” and how you envisioned the image to look.

With the above image I converted the DNG using C1. I tried out the Lightroom 3 Beta but honestly could not get into it. It was slow, clunky and I just do not see the point. I usually put my RAW files into a folder named “RAW”, broken down by date. Those are my masters to keep for all time. When I process those files I place them in a folder called “Originals” and then resized web shots go into my photos folder. All broken down by date.

I use Adobe Bridge to browse all files, I convert the RAW files in either ACR or C1 and I use Photoshop to do my “processing”. In any case, I found LR to basically be a fancy version of ACR. What am I missing? Besides, I find C1 to provide the best RAW conversion that I have found for the M8 and M9 files.

OK, back to the above image...

Processed in C1, opened in CS3 and I resized and then applied a “bleach bypass” filter from Nik Color Efex. I lightened up the house using Viveza and added some vignette. Some selective sharpening on parts of the house along with some burning and that was it. Took me 10 minutes.

So what about the original, how it came out of my camera? Here it is, the out of camera JPEG, untouched. Just resized. Keep in mind this was a bit under exposed so it looks kind of drab. Also, it is a drastically reduced quality web sized 700 pixel wide version. But that is the beauty of shooting RAW. It can all be fixed!

Yes, it is underexposed but with the M9 sensor I can bring out the skies and the house itself with some PP. The M9 files hold up very well to processing and you can do quite a bit to those files before they break down. Since it was mid-day I exposed this shot for the skies and then brought the detail of the house out in the RAW conversion.

Can you shoot the M9 without doing any fancy processing? OF COURSE! When you shoot in good light, with a decent lens your out of camera images can be great. I usually only heavily process my old house and barn images. For portraits, people shots, and everyday BS I do VERY minimal PP. Here is an OOC JPEG of some Holly in good light with the 50 Lux pre-asph wide open at 1.4:

Great color, detail, etc and man I love t he 50 Pre-ASPH!! Look at that wild BOKEH.

I see a few requests in the comments below to try out the Zeiss Sonnar on the M9. I will be doing that soon and I am afraid...Why? I am afraid I will fall in love with it again and I HAVE NO CASH to buy one! But I will be getting one soon and will update my review with the results and some images. The Sonnar is a GREAT lens, one of my faves.

Btw, if anyone can e-mail me or send me a link to a full size out of camera Nikon D3x file with trees in it like the above photo I would be curious to see it.

DAY 17

October 24th, Day 17 - 4:49PM - One from today...

Only snapped a few shots today and liked this one though I am not sure why. The B&W conversion came out nice I think. Something I am now getting better at with the M9 files. Click the image  for a much better looking larger version, 1200 pixels wide.

This was shot with the 35 Cron at F2. This cron mixes just the right amounts of sharpness, smoothness, and pop. Love this lens!

Also, if anyone has any M9 requests or questions, feel free to leave a comment below! Also, I will be keeping this M9 diary up until the end of October. After that there should be enough M9 info on this site to satisfy anyone in the market for one of these great cameras!

DAY 16

October 23rd , Day 16 - 7:26PM - It just keeps getting better!

The more I use the M9 the better results I am getting. I assumed it would be a seamless transition from the M8 to the M9 but the differences are there and I am just now getting to really know how the sensor is working. I am also finding out that the M9 files hold up very well with Post Processing. Again, I will say that those waiting for the M9, it will be worth the wait! But, if coming from an M8, give it a week or two to get used to the files and metering as that seems different as well.

With that, I will leave you with a night exposure! 32 seconds and clean as a whistle. Not taken to be a great picture, but rather to test for noise at long exposures. As soon as I can get out an find a cool subject for a long exposure I will shoot it!

You can click on the image for the full 15MB 18MP file. The detail is still there!

October 23rd 2009, Day 16 - 7:36AM

Today I start working on writing my Panasonic GF1 review so I will not be out shooting but I do have a couple of things to post today. Here is one from a few days ago that  I converted to B&W. Also used the great Viveza plug in to lighten up her face and give some “glow”. The Nik plug in filters for photoshop are amazing.

35 Summicron at f2

Also, I just have to show this here. I was doing some side by side shooting with the M9, Panny GF1 and Leica Dlux 4. I will have each version up in my GF1 review but look at this M9 shot with crop. AMAZING detail that just blows my mind. This was a RAW processed in C1. 35 Summicron at 2.8. Wow!

This was just a test shot to see how each camera would handle the detail of the trees, tractor, and everything else in the distance. Needless to say, the M9 obliterated the GF1 and D-Lux 4 but remember, this M9/35 Cron is a $10k combo. OUCH! The little Panny is what? $700? Was there that much difference? Find out in my GF1 review this weekend.

CLICK ON IMAGE TO SEE LARGER VERSION AND THE 100% CROP WITH ALL OF THE DETAIL! THE 1st IMAGE WAS PROCESSED FROM RAW IN C1 (BTW, THE FAINT BLACK LINE YOU SEE IS MY CARS ANTENNA, WHICH IS OUT OF FOCUS SO IT LOOKS ODD):

AND TO SHOW YOU WHY YOU SHOULD ALWAYS SHOOT RAW WITH THE M9, HERE IS THE OOC JPEG VERSION. Again CLICK THE IMAGE for larger view to see the true 100% crop:

DAY 15

October 22nd 2009, Day 15th - 6:43PM - Is the M9 the Best Digital Camera In The World?

It’s so easy to visit a photo forum and find something that irritates the hell out of me enough to write about it. Hell, I could find new stuff to write about every day just by reading some idiotic posts on certain digital camera forums. Today I saw a post where a guy read on Rockwells site that the M9 is the greatest digital camera in the world. This guy got upset about that and went on to rant why it is indeed NOT the greatest in the world.

He started talking about FPS, AF, Super High ISO and all of the things that a DSLR does so well. Ummm, did someone forget to tell him that the M9 is NOT a DSLR!?!? I mean, how can someone sit there and complain that the M9 can not shoot 7FPS, or shoot in Auto Focus or ISO 12800?? He also complained that he could not Manual Focus on his running kids. Why oh Why was he using an M9 if he wanted crisp, clear shots of his kids running? Oh yea, he also complained about FLASH?!?! WHAT M SHOOTER WILL BE USING A FLASH? Answer should be: NO-ONE!!!

Seriously?

The fact is, the M9 is ONE of the greatest digital cameras in the world in the 35mm format. BUT if anyone thinks the M9 can do what a Nikon D3 does in regards to Speed, AF, etc then you might as well FORGET about the M9 right now! The M9 is a camera that makes you think. It is the worlds smallest Full Frame digital. The quality of the sensor mixed with the legendary Leica lenses is nothing short of astonishing. When you shoot an M9 you frame each shot, you set exposure and manual focus. You ARE making art, and you can be proud that you created that image. An M9 with a Leica 50 Summilux ASPH will beat the pants off of ANY Nikon camera with a Nikon 50 1.4. I am in the process of trying to get a D3X sent to me to prove this..so stay tuned. I can say with 100% certainty that I have been shooting digital for 12+ years and have never gotten this quality from any other camera I have shot with.

If you want to fire off 7 frames per second hoping to get a “keeper”, get a DSLR.

If you want to enjoy photography more than you ever have and own a camera that can shoot AMAZING landscapes, portraits and every day life with emotion and feeling then an M9 will more than make you happy. You will also enjoy shooting more than you would with a huge, heavy DSLR.

So...

Fast shooting, AF, ISO 12800, Big Zoom lenses, MACRO, Wildlife, GET A DSLR (I recommend Nikon D700 and Canon 5DII)

or if you want:

Small, light, world class lenses, astonishing sensor quality and best detail in your files, and the enjoyment of shooting an RF camera, get or at least try an M9 and SHOOT RAW, NOT JPEG!

The fact is that todays DSLR’s are all GREAT image making tools. For me, and my style, I prefer the M8/M9 due to its size, build, form factor, and simple, intuitive controls. I also prefer to manual focus and Leicas lenses are a month the best in the world.

But remember, the best camera in the world is whatever camera that motivates YOU to go out and shoot. That may be a Nikon D40, Nikon D90, Canon 7D or even a Leica M9. But to those who say the M9 has a shit sensor or doesn't have AF, Live View, or Zoom lenses, then it is not a camera you should buy, let alone talk about.

Ok, thats my rant for now...

one with the 50 lux pre at 1.4 during a rainy day walk...

October 22nd 2009, Day 15 - 5:43PM - Rainy day blues...

Today it has been raining NON stop! I took a walk with my M9 under my jacket and snapped a couple of images. It did get wet but there were no issues or problems. Just wiped it dry when I got home. I took a break from the fabulous 35 Summicron and went out with the 50 Summilux Pre-Asph. I shot these two at 1.4, wide open..

As much as I love that 35 cron, the 50 Pre Asph Lux is also a fabulous lens. I was supposed to buy a 90 Elmarit to fill out my collection but I have decided to stick with the M9, 35 Cron and 50 Lux. Thats it. Simplicity at its finest. 98% of my shooting is with these two lenses so I decided to NOT spend the money I do not have on the 90!

After 15 full days of ownership I am THRILLED to death with the M9. There have been no real issues like there was with the early M8’s and the FF sensor in this thing is flat out amazing. I am hearing whispers here and there that B&H will be getting some stock soon, so check there daily if you are looking for one. You can use my handy dandy links at the top of this page!

DAY 14

October 21st 2009, Day 14 - 5:14 PM - Home Sweet Home -

Saw this motor home today parked in front of a collapsed abandoned home and after a few shots I saw a head pop out from behind the sun screen! Needless to say, I got out of there.

M9, 35 Summicron, ISO 160, F2, Converted to B&W with Silver Efex Pro:

October 21st 2009, Day 14 - 11:12 AM - Here is one from yesterday of a lone leaf. The 35 Summicron once again.

DAY 13

October 20th 2009, Day 13 - 10:12 PM - Did not get a chance to do any long exposures but should be able  to tomorrow night. Until then, here are some images I snapped of the Halloween decorations I put up today. Again, all with the 35 Summicron (at F2) which is my favorite lens on the M9. I will have my full 35 Summicron review coming soon as well!

October 20th 2009, Day 13  - Today I had to run some errands, do some work around the house and put out our Halloween displays. While driving I had my M9 around my neck, the 35 Summicron attached set to infinity focus and F2. I looked out my window and saw this cool blur barn so I raised the M9 to the window and snapped, all while driving at 50-60MPH.

When I got home and looked at the image I liked it! Here it is...

Lucky shot and probably the best image I have taken from a 60MPH car while driving :) BTW, I just posted this to a photo forum where a well known Nikon reviewer stated I did NOT take this at 60MPH. First of all, he was not in the car with me. Second, it most certainly was taken from my car window as I drove down a 2 lane highway, between 50-60MPH. I cropped maybe 1/4 inch from the top and bottom as I had to straighten the horizon.

If I would have aimed the camera down towards the road it would have been a little blurred, but I lifted the camera UP and OUT of the window, again using the 35 Summicron so I had a semi wide FOV on the full frame M9.

I was amazed at what I caught while driving and is why I posted it here and on that forum. If I had a big bulky Nikon DSLR, I would not have even lifted it as it would have blocked my view of the road!

Tonight I am hoping to test out the M9 with some longer exposure night photography. I believe the M9 can only go to 30 seconds so I will see how it does. Will post later tonight with results.

Here is a pretty amazing crop from the image above. Look at the detail. Considering the circumstances in which this was shot I think its pretty amazing.

This is a 100% crop from the image before I processed it in photoshop. Look at the detail on the building, which is where the focus point was with the lens at infinity.

DAY 12

October 19th 2009 - Day 12 - 8:21PM

Not much to report today. Just a snap from today of my wife while we were out and about. 35 Summicron at F2.

SEE MUCH MORE IN EVEN EARLIER REPORTS ON PAGE 3 - CLICK HERE