Namibia M8 Harsh test report back

[dannirr]

OK - I have posted some pictures from my "harsh test" in Namibia.

First. some info:

1.) I took 2 M8 bodies - one with the 28/35/50 TriElma and one with the 18/18/21 Wide TriElmar
2.) I NEVER removed either lens while there, and kept the cameras in ziplocks at all times unless in use
3.) I used a 486 on the TE, but not on the WATE. Lens detection was ON on both bodies.
4.) I used 1.09 firmware, shooting DNG + jpg
5.) Very light and quick processing in ACR / PS3 with some "spotting" - no where near the work I would do if I were to make a print, but I wanted to get something up here - so very quick level adjustments, some spotting, resizing and minimal sharpening was all they got - no color manipulaitons at all and no profiles used
6.) I used Lexar Proff 2GB and Transcend 4GB cards without problems

About the environment:

This is the sandiest place on Earth. It is the world's oldest desert with the highest sand dunes - some are over 1200 fett high. There is no way to protect yourself from the sand - it gets in everywhere. Although I never removed a lens, I had dirt on my sensors that was not there before. How? I have no clue but it happened.

To get an idea of the place, I posted a short video clip taken in the Deadvlei while I was shooting - remember - this is noty dust, it is sand that stings every part of exposed flesh:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhTzKDkUjrM

My opinions:

The M8's did a fantastic job. I had no camera failures or malfunctions. They were light to hike with. Lens combination (both TE's) was ideal. The WATE was terrific - without the IR filter as I believe it should be used at this time.

Here is the link to flickr where I have posted about a dozen shots - all resized and resolution reduced:

dannirr's slideshow on Flickr

Here is one example.

All the best,

Danni

[msr]

Danni,

Wow! Beautiful photographs and wonderful saturated colour.

Malcolm

[BillBrittain]

That's a gorgeous image. Incredible light and magnificent composition.

I'm not sure I'd have the guts to take any digital camera into that environment! I get very nervous with my Nikons on the beach! The Leicas have never been to the beach, they hear about it from the boastful Nikons.

Congratulations on a great shoot.

[ho_co]

Dan--
Thanks for giving us the heads-up ahead of time what you were about.

Thanks for the quickie report above on the M8s' behavior.

And thanks for the proof of it all--wonderful images.

(Somebody ought to tell all those nay-sayers arguing that the M8's peculiar DNG just won't cut it to take an M8 to Namibia and complain only if they don't get good results.)

Great stuff!

--HC

[chazlin]

Absolutely stunning shots you've posted from your trip! Very happy to hear that the M8 worked so well in that environment... =)
I noticed from the exif data that all the shots from the set seemed to be from your 28-35-50 TE... Any shots from the WATE or did you hand code it to 28mm? Would love very much to see them =)

Thanks so much for sharing! =)

[WPalank]

Dr. Danni,
Man, #9 from your Flikr account knocked my socks off (field in foreground, dunes in back and with the clouds). Peace!

[marknorton]

Great shots, doesn't that just show how good the Tri-Elmar is a travel situation?

[Irakly Shanidze]

there are some great shots there, my respects. those that are not great are simply very good

[newyorkone]

And very interesting subject! Thanks for sharing in your unique experience. That's the best part about photography

[j. borger]

Outstanding series of landscapes Dan!
Good to hear the M8's performed well in those harsh conditions.
It is perfectly normal to get a dirty sensor even without swapping lenses in those environments ....especially since the M8 AND the lenses are not weather sealed

[andit]

Hi Danni,

Thanks for the brilliant photo's. I never had a doubt that the M8's would not perform. Yes the conditions in Namibia are a bit harsher than in other regions, however a camera is going to fail, it will do so anyway - whether in New York, California or in the most beutiful place on earth, Namibia. BTW you're right about that sand stinging, if you are in the wind and that sand catches you, man it hurts. Just to give other readers an idea, this sand takes the paint off cars. If you're lucky that day, you come back in a car that has this wonderful aluminium look... I have seen many rental cars come back in this way (take out the extra insurance when hiring a car - lol).

For all people reading this thread and thinking about coming to Namibia, please feel free to do so. Namibia is the most stable and safe countries on the African Continent. Namibian people are friendly and love tourists, we go out of our way to make you feel at home, and help in anyway we can. While this is one of the remotest regions on earth, we have all facilities available, from GSM, through to DSL, 3G and HSDPA. Should you need any further information please feel free to contact me.

Andreas

[flavio]

Danni,
see your pictures and read about your and M8 experience in a harsh site is a real pleasure. I had no doubt that a Leica M can works as a Leica M and may give great pictures in a geo reportage. You're showing all that. Good!

[markowich]

hi danni,
great pictures in the namibia gallery! i have been there 2 years ago and found dead vlei incredibly beautiful and nauseatingly sad at the same time. my equipment at that time was a nikon D2x and a kodak 14nx. i changed lenses a lot and had no problem, except same spots on the sensor. btw my gallery is at:

southern_africa_2005 Photo Gallery by markowich at pbase.com


three months ago i took my m8 to oman, where in some places you have the same sand situation as in namibia. agin i changed lenses, even during a shooting on dunes, the m8 behaved great (see markowich's Photo Galleries at pbase.com. all in all i have the feeling that digital cameras take more abuse than we think.
all the best, peter

Originally Posted by dannirr

OK - I have posted some pictures from my "harsh test" in Namibia.

First. some info:

1.) I took 2 M8 bodies - one with the 28/35/50 TriElma and one with the 18/18/21 Wide TriElmar
2.) I NEVER removed either lens while there, and kept the cameras in ziplocks at all times unless in use
3.) I used a 486 on the TE, but not on the WATE. Lens detection was ON on both bodies.
4.) I used 1.09 firmware, shooting DNG + jpg
5.) Very light and quick processing in ACR / PS3 with some "spotting" - no where near the work I would do if I were to make a print, but I wanted to get something up here - so very quick level adjustments, some spotting, resizing and minimal sharpening was all they got - no color manipulaitons at all and no profiles used
6.) I used Lexar Proff 2GB and Transcend 4GB cards without problems

About the environment:

This is the sandiest place on Earth. It is the world's oldest desert with the highest sand dunes - some are over 1200 fett high. There is no way to protect yourself from the sand - it gets in everywhere. Although I never removed a lens, I had dirt on my sensors that was not there before. How? I have no clue but it happened.

To get an idea of the place, I posted a short video clip taken in the Deadvlei while I was shooting - remember - this is noty dust, it is sand that stings every part of exposed flesh:

YouTube - Dust Storm

My opinions:

The M8's did a fantastic job. I had no camera failures or malfunctions. They were light to hike with. Lens combination (both TE's) was ideal. The WATE was terrific - without the IR filter as I believe it should be used at this time.

Here is the link to flickr where I have posted about a dozen shots - all resized and resolution reduced:

dannirr's slideshow on Flickr

Here is one example.

All the best,

Danni

[k_g_wolf]

>> Dan,


thx for this report AND for your phantastic photographs from Namibia. This was really interesting to go through your portofolio. Makes someone wish for much more ...

Good you restraint yourself to two lenses, the most versatile ones in the LEICA- M stable.


Best

[graham_mitchell]

Loved the first two images on the slideshow. It sounds like you were well prepared for the trip, and well rewarded.

[egibaud]

Beautiful beaches !!! how far is the sea ???? LOL

[stuny]

Dan -

Fabulous shots. We'll be going there later this year and you've just increased my excitement. I've sent the link to Barbara. By now her excitement level will be quite high.

[DavidERuck]

What wonderful work! Congratulations on your artistry. What a pleaure to read about and see success, instead of another complaint about the camera's lack of perfection. Your use of color and form is marvelous.

[reven]

Some of these images are really amazing. Fantastic work.

[Photoskeptic]

Danni, a true testament to the M8. Great, lifelike shots. Michael Reichman posted several Namibia shots on his website taken with his umpteen megapixel MF equipment and they really looked fake. By fake I mean there was no detail in any of the images. Your shots have great detail. BTW, my M8 arrives today. It probably will never see Namibia but your report lends credence to Lecia durability in the digital world.