M8 or Canon 5D with 2 lenses or Nikon D300 + 2 lenses

When I had that choice to make, I picked the 5D and the 24-105/4L but then I was an amateur landscape photographer not a street shooter. It's a big handful after my M2, but I've been very pleased with the results from the 5D. I just couldn't justify double the price of the 5D for the M8, especially when the resolution was better on the 5D and IT was full frame (which I wanted because mostly I use wideangles).

 

I don't have an M8 so I can't compare the quality, but just remember that Canon has a lot more experience producing Digital cameras than Leica does. I love rangefinder photography, and if money was no object I'd probably have an M8 too, but it is so I'll stick with the 5D.

I have a 5d and an M8, using the better Canon lenses I can't tell the prints apart.

Everyone's suggestions make sence in it's own way.

What I want/need is image quality of Leica 35/1.4 Asph and 75/1.4 in digital format.

So, here is the price comparison.

 

M8 + 35/1.4 + 75/1.4 = Approx. $13,900.00

 

5D + 35/1.4 = 85/1.2 = Approx. $4865.00

 

From what I read online Canon L lenses come pretty close to Leica quality. Especially the

very shallow dof and creamy bokeh.

 

5D for color work and M6 for B&W film. If I need macro or TS lens, I could just rent or buy

used one. I think this might be the best solution for the budget I have.

 

Nikon full frame/D3 cost too much and I don't want to build system on a crop factored

Camera/D300. My F3 and some prime lenses not worth much. Display only on a shelf or

sell off.

I could sell Nikon D40 and 90 Tele-Elmarit after I get 5D. Additional savings of about

$750.00.

 

I hardly use 90 Tele-Elmarit on M6. I love 50 cron on M6 for B&W. I want to keep it simple

and carry everywhere.

A few years ago, I've only used 50 cron with M6 with B&W film for a month travel to Italy

and France. For me B&W is 50 cron.

 

I may sell 35 4th cron once I get Canon 35/1.4 L, additional savings!

 

Thanks all for your suggestions and links.

Sony.

For thin DoF, definitely the Canon. You can always have the 50 f1.2 or even the 24 f1.4 if you need those focal lengths in addition to the 35L and 85L.

 

The 75 framelines on the M8 is the worst, so framing can be an issue. Am using the M8 and had to give up the 5D due to weight issues causing me Tennis Elbow.

Pentax k10d +

 

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/394223-REG/Pentax_20290_Wide_Angle_SMCP_FA_31mm.html

 

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/388316-REG/Pentax_27980_77mm_f_1_8_Limited_Autofocus.html

 

Good, relatively inexpensive (compared to your other options)

 

Superb lenses.

If you do go with a Nikon D300 then consider the new Voigtlander 58mm f/1.4 Nokton in Nikon Ai-s fitting. It is manual focus but has the necessary chip to allow full matrix metering. It is based on an old Topcor design.....

 

http://www.robertwhite.co.uk/product.asp?P_ID=1819&PT_ID=435

On second thought: $5000 is about the daily budget of an average African country. Think

about that - and think of the F3/M6/IIIf/D40 you already have.

Trevor Hare wrote:

 

<< ... Pentax K10D ... >>

 

I've always said that Trevor Hare was one smart photographer. :)

Don't get the canon 50F1.2 it has numorous focusing issues, the old 50F1.0 in EF mount had good focusing (it was dog slow but it worked) a little expensive for what it gives. The 50F1.4, 50F1.8 (I or II), and 50F2.5 works fine BTW.

Today, I met a friend, a designer and a serious amateur photographer who has Contax G,

Mamiya 7II, Canon 5d with 24-105.

 

Ha said Canon is heavier than Mamiya and not enjoying as much as Contax G rangefinder.

He likes the results from canon but don't like to lug around a big brick.

 

He said I wouldn't be happy with canon 5D and I'll be more happier with M8. Since I love

M6 and Crons. That sound make sense too. It'll be perfect for travel, hiking, evening out to

downtown etc. Keep Nikon D40 for table top shots I guess, since I have some prime Nikon

lenses.

Trevor Hare mentioned the new Voightlander 58/1.4 for Nikon Ai-s fitting and it could be

perfect for D40 and it's price relatively cheap compare to Canon 85 and Nikon 85. I saw a

few nice samples from online. Good bokeh.

 

I guess I can buy used M8 for $4000 to $4500 and if I don't like it for some reason, I can

pretty much re-sell for what I paid for. Not much loss, I hope.

 

Thanks again for those who contributed.

I'd wait and see what Canon announces in the new year. The 5D is due for a replacement.

When I recently bought my car, I couldn't decide between a BMW, Mercedes or a Volvo. So I rented (borrowed) them all and then made my decision.

 

It's the same with the cameras you are considering.

 

Oh yes. if the store wont rent(loan), shop elsewhere!

you could not choose the car because the Porsche was not included in the list :).

Stephen. I chose the car!

 

The reason a Porche was not on the list is that (a)it's totally impractical for my needs (b) they (Porches) have never appealed to me

© to get into the gas guzzling SUV "pepper" Porche, i.e. more than 2 seats, would be outrageously expensive (d) I like my vehicles to be reliable and require "normal routine" maintenance only.

 

After driving and "reviewing" the cars, the choice was easy.