Early Experience with M8.2

[Frank Sprow]

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I recently traded an M8 (very trusty, by the way) for an M8.2 from David Farkas at Dale -- who turned out to be both extremely knowledgeable and also a pleasure to deal with.

 

I've now had it in Al Basrah, Iraq for several days now, among other things taking pictures of children in some new schools here. It's hot and dusty and yet very energizing around all the enthusiastic kids and their teachers and parents.

 

First, the M8.2 is above all an M8. If you like the M8 (I sure do), you will like the latest version. And probably conversely. Main difference to me is the shutter. I work up close to the kids and the shutter noise (especially in Discrete mode, which I use most of the time) is really quiet and non-objectionable. I've already found that the new LCD cover is scratch resistant as it has hit a couple of brick walls with no effect. The viewfinder screens are a vast improvement at the (people) distances I use, especially for the 75mm. Of course most of this is available from the upgrade (ex the delayed recock). But I also note that much about the camera (shutter release, the "wheel", on/off switch) seems about 50% smoother in action.

 

Just my comments from a street cafe here in Iraq.

 

Frank

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[chris_tribble]

Frank - agree with you on the field test experience of working with the M8.2 and kids - though my most recent experience with it was in an adventure playground in Islington, London, which is probably a less hazardous location than yours...

 

Stay safe.

[Frank Sprow]

Chris -- I'm not sure. Kids can be hazardous to be around most any time. All the best, Frank

[sean_reid]

The viewfinder screens are a vast improvement at the (people) distances I use, especially for the 75mm.

Frank

 

That's for darn sure. <G> I'm glad it is working out for you.

 

Cheers,

 

Sean

[rob_w]

Hi Frank

 

I am based in Kuwait, so if you are entering/exiting Basra via Kuwait let me know and let's see if we can link up when you are en route. I am still using the original M8 (which works fine, by the way) with a set of lenses bought variously from London dealers. I love the quality of light in this part of the world and, in Kuwait at least, the night lights as well. They are always on because it is such a night-time society and people are always out and about.

 

Is Basra relatively safe now or is your assignment still quite dangerous?

 

Best regards

 

Robert

[Frank Sprow]

Robert .... compared to Afghanistan (Kandahar, where I spent a good deal of time over the past two years), Basrah seems just like the Cote de Azur in comparison, at least safety wise. Though in France I might worry about the husbands of the topless ladies on the beach I might be peeking a glance at! Not a problem here in the land of full body garb and even a fair number of burka clad women.

 

I'll be returning on a military flight out of Basrah to Frankfurt I believe at this point. All the best.

 

Frank

[rob_w]

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Hi Frank

 

I take your point. Basra is good, then, and Kuwait City is positively heaven in comparison to the other locations. Have a safe journey, then.

 

Will your pictures be published somewhere that we can see them? Do let us know.

 

Au revoir

 

Robert

 

PS are you tempted to write an alternative to Michael Kamber's damning review of the M8 for use on assignment in Iraq?

[Frank Sprow]

Robert ---- thanks. I've found the M8 to be pretty much like a little tank, except I guess the moisture sealing is not great from reading this forum. I'll check with the agency I work with to see if I can post some pictures.

 

Frank