Leica must be like Crack

[Jay101]

I have been reading this site for a while and recently signed up as I'm researching the purchase of a Leica M8.

At first, I concluded that I would have to be insane to buy one. The first few pages of dicussion here mention dead cameras, chroma hassles, stuck batteries, light meter problems, overheating, dust spots, software shortcomings and more. But you seem to take it in your stride, in fact you seem to enjoy your M8's no end. Is the Leica experience really that addicative? It seems drug-like if it overcomes so many shortcomings (and not talking price as one of them, because if its fair value when it all works then that's fine. After all, value is in the eye of the purchaser alone).

I guess I have answered my question. If it wasn't a generally great experience you'd move on to another brand, but as a long time Nikon user I can't imagine the above issues being digested so easily if they happened to that brand (sure there will be Nikon problems to counter argue, but I've never read about current Nikon cameras having so many crazy problems as the M8 seems to deliver. It's almost as though the M8 is the Edsel of digital).

Despite multiple issues with the camera, this user group prospers. This tells me that the quality of the pictures, and experience shooting them, is seriously addictive. Now that gets my attention...

[erl]

Welcome to the club. Yes, it is addictive, but all side effects are positive.

Your reason for 'joining/buying' is alternative, but no matter, it will still work for you. I think I am about to buy my second M8, but at present too ashamed to admit why.

The RF experience is very liberating, but not necessarily to the exclusion of your DSLR, unless you need to sell it to finance an M8.

[Arif]

Hi, welcome to the club! I too recently converted from Nikon and my body thanks me for it (imagine walking around with an 200/f2 lens and a D200). I love the M8 for the portability/accessiblity/intimacy it brings me and hate it for taking me to near bankruptcy. I think the lenses are the addiction but they seem to hold their value well so find one which you love (like is not strong enough reason) and then go out and have fun.

best of luck,
Arif

[tummydoc]

Originally Posted by Jay101

At first, I concluded that I would have to be insane to buy one.

Insanity's no longer mandatory, simply a helpful option

[Philinflash]

I don't think Crack has a Forum.

[tjphoto]

It is like crack. And i'm an addict. In truth, it is all about the lenses.They are the best.
Tim

www.tjphoto.net

[Jay101]

Yes the lenses. The quality of the glass is clearly (no pun intended) a key factor in the Leica love affair. I must say I am impressed by this brand as much as anything by the genuine passion the users of this forum have for their Leica experience.

[alba63]

Originally Posted by erl

I think I am about to buy my second M8, but at present too ashamed to admit why.

Ok - here is my guess: You have the black version, but you also want the silver one. Something like that?

Bernie

[johnastovall]

The M8 is more like a fine 20 year old single cask single malt scotch from Islay....

It must be learned to be enjoyed...

[johnastovall]

Originally Posted by Jay101

Yes the lenses. The quality of the glass is clearly (no pun intended) a key factor in the Leica love affair. I must say I am impressed by this brand as much as anything by the genuine passion the users of this forum have for their Leica experience.

I don't have any Leica glass yet but I'm in love with the sensor and what it can do with CV lenses.

[Kent10D]

Yes, "it's all about the lenses" should probably read "it's all about the lenses that are available in M-mount (or screw mount with an adaptor)". Leica, Zeiss, Cosina and others. There are LOTS of options, and some of us nut cases even have more than one lens of the same focal length because they "draw" differently.

Crack? Not really. It may be financially debilitating, but it's healthy.

The but those Leica "dealers" ... first they'll sell you one inexpensive little lens ... and then you're hooked.

[erl]

Originally Posted by alba63

Ok - here is my guess: You have the black version, but you also want the silver one. Something like that?

Bernie

Oh! How I wish that were true, but no. Yes I do have black and #2 will also be black, but the reason for it ... well, it is a little political so I cannot say why for a couple of days.

[AGeoJO]

Ahhh, those Leica lenses. While it is true that the M lenses are quite a bit more compact than let's say DSLR's prime lenses but they are not that light. I know it has to do with the way they are consturcted, lending to the solidly-built feel I really like and I am willing to put up with the weight. I travel quite a bit and on the most recent trip I took my M8 and 5 lenses. Next time, I will take only 3 lenses especially since now I have the WATE.

For sure, they hold their value really well. Actually several lenses I bought a year or so ago did go up quite a bit , which is not I am accustomed to in the DSLR field. Nice for a change .

[leicapfile]

Could be, but the only way you can go to jail for buying one, is not to pay your credit card bill.

Jerry

[grduprey]

I have had mine for 9 months now and have had not a single problem. No dead batteries, weird color problems, nothing. I have yet to have any need to clean the sensor, outside of a single use of a hand blower bulb recently to disloge some very small dust particles, which required great magnification to even see. As far as I can see the problems are way over blown, by those expecting perfection in all ways. Buy another? Absolutely, If I had the money. Lenses, absolutely the best reason to buy one, they eat the competition alive. The images made with the M8 tell it all.

gene

[ttriolo]

About four months ago I was contemplating selling my M7 since I was not shooting film much anymore. Then I went on a trip out west for a couple of weeks with my Canon DSLR. I had to buy a new backpack to fit everything I had been slowly acquiring. It wasn't long before I realized, that at my age, I need to start lightening the load. I felt like a pack mule on the trip and whenever I had to pull out the 70-200/2.8 I felt so conspicuous - I mean the thing is huge, especially when you mount the cheap-ass plastic hood on it. By the time I got back home. I was convinced that I needed to go in just the opposite direction - sell the Canon gear, get an M8 and use the M7 as backup. Since I already had four Leica lenses, it was an easy transition. I have not regretted the decision at all. Eventually I'd like to get another M8, but not right away.

Addictive.... yes definitely. It reminds me constantly of the loyalty Apple owners have for all things computer. Apple has never made the cheapest products to be sure, but the allure of a product that is well conceived and stylishly executed is a difficult combination to ignore, even if you have to pay a bit more for it. That fact alone may constitute part of the attraction itself, that it is not within the reach of everyone, as is the case with Leica products.

[Daniel Ortego]

As a fellow newbie’ (former Canon buff) I started out the same as yourself with peering in from the sidelines. Could I, should I, or will I regret it? Then it struck me like a bolt of lightning. I ordered it and this period of waiting is driving me a bit crazy. I can’t recall being this motivated over a high-ticket purchase in several years. However, unlike a lot of members, I’m not a pro and the Leica won’t be a source of income for me. So, I’ll have to save up for a lens or two. The WATE is a bit out of reach for this old retired soldier. The cron-28 will simply have to do, although it’s no sofa change purchase either.
Regards,