ReidReviews has now completed part 4 of M8 review

[wparsonsgisnet]

For those who subscribe, there is additional information on ReidReviews regarding two of the problems in the M8. See items 2 and 3, below.

I will summarize my understanding of the M8 problems:
1. Banding, or streaking, perhaps accompanied by blobs. I believe this problem resides in the sensor and/or sensor electronics. Apparently, Leica is addressing this with a hardware fix (that is keeping me -- still -- from getting my camera).

2. IR sensitivity. I don't see this as a serious problem, all the senseless flaming aside. I don't have a problem with adding an IR-blocking filter to the front of my lenses to correct for this problem. We DO get the advantage of being able to choose a camera that does have IR sensitivity.

At least with regard to postings about the D2, many wished they were able to use that camera for IR photography. Leica may have given us 2 cameras in one with the M8. In any case, I can live with IR-blocking filters.

3. Cyan cast in the corners of images involving wide angle lenses. This problem is the least discussed of the three problems, and Sean Reid has just completed tests that illustrate this phenomenon quite clearly. This particular situation is the reason Leica keeps mentioning that lens coding is required.

Sean makes the suggestion -- and I echo his request -- that Leica add functionality to the menu system allowing users to tell the camera what the focal length of the lens is, directly. [I apologize if I am sharing too much information, but I think Sean's recommendation is of such value that I wish to add my own voice.]

I have stated many times that I find the value of ReidReviews very great. In my opinion it is the best information site for Leica M users (I don't care about DSLR's, tho he discusses them as well), and I have made several investments based on information that I could only have obtained from that site. SO, for those of you who subscribe, you can see for yourselves what the cyan cast situation is.

To those of you who do not subscribe, I suggest that you do not understand how much value you can actually get for 20-something bucks -- however, just because you think everything should be free, please refrain from more flaming and bashing.

In fact, it is a little difficult to glean the useful information from this Forum -- because there are way too many people who do not plan to buy or use the M8 who share useless opinions. This site works best as a resource for users.

FINALLY, I wish to state once more my gratitude to Leica. This company makes the tools I have used exclusively in my photography for 40 years. They are trying to bring to market what the lucky users who have used the M8 have described as a phenomenal tool

Plenty of camera manufacturers with deep pockets have had bumps on this same road. I am PARTICULARLY surprised and pleased that Leica provides us with this official site where we can both exchange information and (in some cases) beat up the company.

While I support others' rights to bash Leica (not all Americans wish to suppress information -- sorry, no more political opinions), it is extremely unusual for the recipient to bear all the cost as well as the onus of being the target.

My thanks to Leica for this site. It works intuitively and well (thank you, too, Andreas) and has given me enormous information during the past few years.

I am waiting patiently for my M8 (this may not be the exact version you would get from my dealer), and will buy IR-blocking filters, as necessary.

My thanks to all on this site who have made my photographic life easier over the past few years, to those who have lightened my day with their witticisms, to those who have shared their concerns and hard work and advice regarding problems and solutions (even if some of them are FRENCH!), and to those with whom I feel I have shared friendship in this location.

Regards to all (of course),

[abrewer]

The Forum has allowed the debate over the pros and cons of the Leica M8 to proceed essentially unabated from the outset.

If you recall it was Pascal's concerns, aired here, that brought the issues first to the public eye.

Posting what you've read elsewhere is not advertising. That wasn't the intent of Bill's post at all. Distorting his message by claming otherwise isn't productive of any new insights regarding the camera, and clearly not part of the culture fostered here.

Information that Sean wishes to share is always welcome. That's what the Forum is about: sharing what we all know. The same applies to Michael Reichmann, or Andrew Nemeth or whoever wants to participate in these discussions.

Please be mindful of the Forum rules about flaming and personal attacks on other members.

Thanks.

Allan