I normally don't like to get into the Leica crap, but really? I can think of several reasons to shoot an M mount camera. Manual focus, f/1.4, and 70+ years of LTM and M mount lenses.
Also, a great M mount 21 - the Cosina Voigtlander 21/4. $400 without finder. If you want one with a finder for $400, you have to get the LTM mount one. There are two nice Zeiss 21s for M that are a bit more than $1000, but not that much more.
Not saying the G isn't a great camera with great lenses.
Here taste really comes into play: IMHO, AF on a rangefinder camera is simply absurd...
(not that I especially like AF on any camera, but it especially gets in the way on a RF).
While I do appreciate quiet cameras, I was thinking the other day about the times people have said something to me while doing street photography (which I'm quite bad at ). Anyway, it was never because of the sound of the camera and always because they saw me raise a camera to my eye. Your mileage may vary of course.
I know my else 50d is loud compared to most cameras. Once I got my Elan IIe I was so surprised how quiet it was. It felt like shooting with a Nikon dslr. Id say go with the Elan. It's a great camera.
I think after all this I'll just continue on with my 1N and be happy. Though I think I'll add a 28mm to my lineup. But I do love the discussion and I appreciate every time someone offers an opinion.
Someday I'd like to have a Contax G2 system (Or rather ideally a Leica, but that's way down the road)
That last line is very true. Knowledge, technique/skill comes first, absolutely. Armed with that, you can do anything with any gear you come across. It all boils down to knowledge and technique. I can do with much lesser cameras what I have been doing for years with the EOS 1N!
Though I'm never unhappy with my gear, I'm always on the hunt for something new. Sometimes I just have to force myself to knock it off and just shoot lol.
Though I'm never unhappy with my gear, I'm always on the hunt for something new. Sometimes I just have to force myself to knock it off and just shoot lol.
I know Abram, I've been there and have the T shirt, but have eventually arrived at the realization that what prevents me from being a wonderful photographer isn't my lack of equipment, but ability