My last word on the M8.2

[bideford]

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As I have posted here, after a year with my second hand M8.2 I have taken advantage of the "coffee stain" discount and upgraded to the M.

 

The difference between the two models is well documented and I am very happy with my decision - but this is not the reason for my post.

 

If you can live with the limited ISO capability and crop sensor (to be offset by sublime B/W capabilities), it has to be said that the M8 is without a doubt a superb camera. It allows an affordable entry into the world of a digital Leica rangefinder - and with some knowledge (to be found here) there are many excellent lenses that can be found that won't break the bank. And it works pretty damn well with expensive Leica lenses as well.

 

Having an M8 is a massive first step. The M9/M9-P/M-E and even the M and MM are incremental upgrades (yes - significant in some functional instances) - but I would offer that the M8 is still capable of producing images to challenge its more recent incarnations.

 

So all kudos to the M8 (or as was in my case, M8.2) - and to all you owners out there - enjoy!

[bideford]

As my last, last word I thought I'd add a little on my favorite lenses for the M8.2:

 

Zeiss 28mm 2.8 ZM Biogon - effective 37mm

Voightlander 50mm f/1.5 (Screw mount) - effective 66mm

Voightlander 75mm f/2.5 (Screw mount) - effective 100mm

Elmar 135mm f/4 (1950 vintage) - effective 180mm

 

There were others worthy of mention but this lot were the most used. I reckon you would get them all for less than £1000 used. Ok they are not Leica (bar the Elmar) but blimey they are good!

 

Never liked 35mm (effective 46mm) on the M8.2 for some reason. Loved 50mm on my 5D2 so I think this had a lot to do with the crop view. Consequently my "big" Lecia purchase, a 35mm ASPH Summicron was hardly ever used. But it it is now!

 

So if you want to get into the Leica rangefinder (and still afford to eat) - try the above!

 

James

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[Erik Gunst Lund]

Well it happens that I also will be upgrading, although to an M9. I have no need for video or EVF...

I have been shooting the M8u since 2007 and still really like it a lot, but I found an M9 like new at 4000 US$ with new sensor and full service. Could not turn it down...

Will most likely keep M8u for backup and B&W

[Photoskeptic]

Just sold my M9P. On the fence as to M or Monochrom. Would prefer an M if my dealer can get one.

Still holding on to my M8.2 - seriously almost everything I ever wanted in a digital M. And the bw conversions really sparkle.

[Olyamk]

Have recently upgraded my gear from a m8.2 to a M9u with a remaining factory service warranty. The only reason to upgrade was my wish to go full frame.

 

The only advantage I see now is a sligtly better high ISO capacities - I can now shoot at ISO1000 (those having M8 will undestand my excitement). As a bonus, my 50 elmar-m, which I did not really like on M8, now shines on a full frame.

 

And that's all, so I am asking myself if it was a wise decision to pay for a used M9u a double price of a used m8.2....

 

BTW, I don't like the concept of M - if I ever wished a live view, EVF, ability to shoot video etc, I would have find a cheaper solution....

[lct]

My constant word is i'm using my M8.2 with the same pleasure as my M240. What i prefer with the M8.2 is the ability to use my favorite 35mm lenses as equiv. 50s, especially the Summilux 35/1.4 pre-asph that i find irreplaceable at f/1.4 as a soft lens for portrait. What i miss most is the shutter/motor noise of the M240 which is much quieter. But IQ wise with Capture Once and UV/IR filters it's a draw for me.

[pgk]

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The M8 remains a very fine camera indeed. I have an M8 alongside an M9 and Canon 5D2. The M8 still gets used despite apparently being 'outclassed' by the others in terms of what it can apparently deliver technically. Of course that is complete rubbish because the M8 can still produce excellent images and it does so. If two cameras had to go, only one would be a Leica, and if push came to shove I could quite happily operate with just the M8. Leica's first dRF was a very fine camera despite what its detractors might say.

[Everywhen]

I like my M8 for BW, I have the IR filters but don't use them as I seldom shoot colour with it.

BW have something special about them, different, (nicer) than from a friends M9 and closer to the Monochrom.

The quality of the image is much better than you would expect from its modest specifications.