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bussta · 25.06.2009, 16:04

Am trying to wrestle with my wallet and conscious to by a Leica M, initially I was looking at a M6, then M7 and now M8/8.2.

My main worry is longevity in the camera, it being digital do you think it is likely to survive 20 years or so?, I know the M6/M7 are built like a tank and will outlast most cameras, but i'm not sure the M8 is "A Camera For Life", the trend in digital cameras is that they become nearly obsolete with the surge in technology while the film cameras tend to retain their value more, there is the rumor of the M9, so when that arrives the M8 will possibly go the same route as the Digilux 2 and just fade away? leaving you pretty stuck with an unsupported bit of technology, the cheap electronics inside fail and the screen dies, then what?.

Aside from the convenience of digital I don't know if the analogue route would prove to be more expensive?, i'm by no means a pro, just a thirsty amateur with a lust for a Leica. If I buy one I want it to pretty much be the only camera I ever buy again and grow up with it being my best friend.

I know the initial outlay of the M8 is more than a mint 2nd hand M7 or new M7, but film & dev costs will probably amount up to the extra price in the end? as I'm not a pro i'd get a good flatbed Epsom scanner for £200ish & would just scan the negs if I went the M7 route. But then how long is 35mm film going to be around and at what premium if it's made obsolete or becomes a cult art form?

Yes I like the instantaneous result Digital gives and working on Raws in lightroom etc, but there is something romantic and basic about the analogue route that appeals to me. It's real raw photography.

I think what I am trying to ask is would I potentially be wasting my money in the long run buying a M8/8.2 as opposed to going down the old school analogue route with a M7?

25.06.2009, 16:04	#1 (permalink)
bussta Benutzer Join Date: 25.11.2006 Location: London Posts: 50	M8 "A Camera for life" or M7 for life? Am trying to wrestle with my wallet and conscious to by a Leica M, initially I was looking at a M6, then M7 and now M8/8.2. My main worry is longevity in the camera, it being digital do you think it is likely to survive 20 years or so?, I know the M6/M7 are built like a tank and will outlast most cameras, but i'm not sure the M8 is "A Camera For Life", the trend in digital cameras is that they become nearly obsolete with the surge in technology while the film cameras tend to retain their value more, there is the rumor of the M9, so when that arrives the M8 will possibly go the same route as the Digilux 2 and just fade away? leaving you pretty stuck with an unsupported bit of technology, the cheap electronics inside fail and the screen dies, then what?. Aside from the convenience of digital I don't know if the analogue route would prove to be more expensive?, i'm by no means a pro, just a thirsty amateur with a lust for a Leica. If I buy one I want it to pretty much be the only camera I ever buy again and grow up with it being my best friend. I know the initial outlay of the M8 is more than a mint 2nd hand M7 or new M7, but film & dev costs will probably amount up to the extra price in the end? as I'm not a pro i'd get a good flatbed Epsom scanner for £200ish & would just scan the negs if I went the M7 route. But then how long is 35mm film going to be around and at what premium if it's made obsolete or becomes a cult art form? Yes I like the instantaneous result Digital gives and working on Raws in lightroom etc, but there is something romantic and basic about the analogue route that appeals to me. It's real raw photography. I think what I am trying to ask is would I potentially be wasting my money in the long run buying a M8/8.2 as opposed to going down the old school analogue route with a M7?