bondipix Posted November 23, 2007 Share #1 Posted November 23, 2007 Advertisement (gone after registration) I have been going through this entire forum looking for a reason not to buy an M8 and whilst I have found plenty of reasons not to buy one, the overriding feeling I get is that, for the most part, real users of the camera are blown away by image quality and would heartily recommend it. Am I right? I have a couple of lenses; a 28 elmarit third version (made in canada) and a 1998 50mm elmar. Try as I might I cannot find a definitive answer concerning the collapsing of the elmar into an M8 body. Does anyone really know the answer; can you or can't you? I will be travelling over a period of months and am planning on doing it light; M8 and a couple of lenses plus a ricoh grd or 2 as back up(s) although I am hoping the M8 will hold up for the duration. Your comments would be appreciated. Cheers, Jon Jon Lister Photographer Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted November 23, 2007 Posted November 23, 2007 Hi bondipix, Take a look here Buying an M8. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
stunsworth Posted November 23, 2007 Share #2 Posted November 23, 2007 Hi Jon, welcome to the forum. Yes you are right - for some of us at least <grin>. I've been using an M8 since the end of January and haven't regretted buying it for an instant. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted November 23, 2007 Share #3 Posted November 23, 2007 Hi Jon, welcome. M8 owner for over a year now, 2nd body since January, yes, the camera has its warts and some were unlucky, but consider the number against the number sold.it is not too bad for a highy complcated, handbuilt electronic device.Complainers on this forum - I do not see them selling . For me, the best Leica M ever built, and the most desirable digtal camers in the 135 class. It has lifted my (amateur) photography to a new level. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Perspectics Posted November 23, 2007 Share #4 Posted November 23, 2007 ...Try as I might I cannot find a definitive answer concerning the collapsing of the elmar into an M8 body. Does anyone really know the answer; can you or can't you?Jon Lister Photographer Jon, Welcome! I am new to M8 also and started with no prior equipment. The collapsible Elmar 90 can be collapsed even when mounted, no problem. Btw, I also struggled with the many harsh comments on the M8. Today - 2000 frames after having bought one - I realize that the people who criticize the M8 hard don't own one mostly (I`d love to drop names but that would put me in the same arena... ) And regarding the other "problems", well, there are none that hinder great images. The camera is inconspicuous and special and I would buy it again, no doubt. Here's my list of shortcomings and amenities: http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-m8-forum/34838-m8-novice-story-findings-samples.html#post364412 Cheers, Claus Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dfarkas Posted November 23, 2007 Share #5 Posted November 23, 2007 The collapsible 50 Elmar (current version) can be used on the M8 with no problem. David Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shootist Posted November 23, 2007 Share #6 Posted November 23, 2007 Just to clarify something. The OLDER 50 Elmar is listed as working but it SHOULD NOT be collapsed into the body of the M8. Now some users have said they can collapse the older 50 without problem. YMMV. There is not definitive answer. On to your real question. YES buy M8. Bought my first at the end of January and my second in the beginning of June. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gdi Posted November 23, 2007 Share #7 Posted November 23, 2007 Advertisement (gone after registration) The image quality is very good, but not ground breaking - the only advantage over a 5D that I discern was the appearance of a bit more DR. Of course the high ISO noise characteristics lean strongly toward the 5D. And sometimes you will have to apply more sharpening to the 5D shots, even though it has a very mild AA filter. But there are other aspects to consider, the M8 is almost as small as a film M and can use about any M or LTM lenses around - extremely wide selection, from Leica, CV, Canon, Zeiss, Konica and others. But the major difference is that it is a digital rangefinder - and only two have ever been made. (And I decided the Leica was a better bet for support and viability in the next few years...) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted November 23, 2007 Share #8 Posted November 23, 2007 Gary, in absolute quality you may be right, but I see a very different look to the results. The Canon is, imo, smooooth, the Leica for want of a better word more filmlike. As for the other aspects you mention, well, yes that is correct and I feel more important considerations for choosing the M8. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Perspectics Posted November 23, 2007 Share #9 Posted November 23, 2007 The image quality is very good, but not ground breaking - the only advantage over a 5D that I discern was the appearance of a bit more DR.... Hm, I don`t concur. M8 doesn`t paint corners dark, like the FF cameras (use cornerfix and that problem can be fixed...), and for me (I am only an exception as i learned in another thread) the out of focus areas - bokeh - are much more pleasing than anything from Canon glass I`ve seen so far. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jager Posted November 23, 2007 Share #10 Posted November 23, 2007 Jon, your perceptive insight into the heart of the matter regarding M8 ownership is spot-on. Minor nits notwithstanding, it is a remarkable, watershed camera for most of us. Jeff Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daniel Ortego Posted November 23, 2007 Share #11 Posted November 23, 2007 I have been going through this entire forum looking for a reason not to buy an M8... Well, I think maybe you picked the wrong forum since most folks here are actually advocates of the Leica M8. Regards, Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
@bumac Posted November 23, 2007 Share #12 Posted November 23, 2007 I like mine very much. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gdi Posted November 23, 2007 Share #13 Posted November 23, 2007 Hm, I don`t concur. M8 doesn`t paint corners dark, like the FF cameras (use cornerfix and that problem can be fixed...), and for me (I am only an exception as i learned in another thread) the out of focus areas - bokeh - are much more pleasing than anything from Canon glass I`ve seen so far. Dark corners has never been a problem for me using a FF Canon and bokeh is lens dependent the 35L, for example, is top notch in my opinion. All that said, I did sell my 5D and am left with a more basic DSLR kit. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ken_tanaka Posted November 23, 2007 Share #14 Posted November 23, 2007 Jon: For the type of photography you seem to enjoy (judging by your site) I think that the M8 will be mostly acceptable. It will not, however, be nearly as effective for the stand-off long-lens beach work you seem to enjoy (and do quite well). The rangefinder just isn't the right camera for telephoto work beyond 90mm. Personally, I have not been "blown away" by the M8's general image quality. Characteristic to the strength of the rangefinder design and the quality of M lenses the M8 can produce breathtakingly crisp, detailed images straight out of the camera. That -does- often "blow me away". But the M8 can also produce some of the worst color I've seen from any digital camera. The meter is also a bit rudimentary, behaving a bit more like an old-style center-weighted average meter. I have enjoyed my M8 a great deal, am delighted that it exists and that I was able to get one (last February). I use mine very often. But even though I earned my r-f chops with my M7 it took several months for me to learn to adapt to the M8's quirks. At one point I just set the whole mess aside for two months, partly due to demands of other photo projects but partly from disappointment. Since then, however, we've gotten on much better. The M8 could never be my sole camera but I'd feel the loss if it was suddenly gone. (Geez, I sound like I'm describing a human relationship, don't I?!) My general suggestion to you: Don't buy an M8 on the way to the airport. Give yourself PLENTY of time -at least weeks, months if possible- to get the hang of the camera even if you think you're a rangefinder expert. The M8 has much enjoyment to offer but it also has a hundred ways to disappoint and discourage you. Be safe and have fun. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daniel Ortego Posted November 23, 2007 Share #15 Posted November 23, 2007 I dove right in after only a few weeks of vacillating. This is only my second serious camera in my life and it is a pleasure despite my novice heritage. I will say it’s been a rough start as my 28-cron’ was defective right out of the box and my M8 locked up on me after the first day. Unquestionably, I was discouraged as I’m currently waiting for the replacement lens. At 9k, I truly expected better reliability but I remain hooked. Regards, Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fin Posted November 23, 2007 Share #16 Posted November 23, 2007 A lot of people wax lyrical about IQ and the high ISO noise compared to the 5D. For me I would recommend it thus: If you already own some Leica glass, or even if you don't - buy an M8, it will give you some of the best fun you can have with your clothes on! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shootist Posted November 24, 2007 Share #17 Posted November 24, 2007 A lot of people wax lyrical about IQ and the high ISO noise compared to the 5D. For me I would recommend it thus: If you already own some Leica glass, or even if you don't - buy an M8, it will give you some of the best fun you can have with your clothes on! That is some of the best advice I have heard in a long time. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Artorius Posted November 24, 2007 Share #18 Posted November 24, 2007 Jon, Welcome! I am new to M8 also and started with no prior equipment. The collapsible Elmar 90 can be collapsed even when mounted, no problem. Cheers, Claus The 50 can be collapsed, but the 90 Elmar can NOT be, at least not fully as per Leica's Manual on the compatiable lens list, and me, as I have one and love it, but will not go fully into my M8. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gdi Posted November 24, 2007 Share #19 Posted November 24, 2007 Gary, in absolute quality you may be right, but I see a very different look to the results. The Canon is, imo, smooooth, the Leica for want of a better word more filmlike.As for the other aspects you mention, well, yes that is correct and I feel more important considerations for choosing the M8. I agree the Canon shots are very smooth and clean and are quite different from film. The grittiness of the M8 is growing on me and I use high ISO more freely than I did a few months ago (must be the firmware improvements! ) The M8 really is great camera !! (to wax lyrical ) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rob_x2004 Posted November 24, 2007 Share #20 Posted November 24, 2007 I will be travelling over a period of months and am planning on doing it light; M8 and a couple of lensesJon Lister Photographer Good luck. Give it a go and let us know how you get on. Plenty of people think it is a hotel room guided tour camera, would be interested in hearing otherwise. P.s. welcome to forum and all that stuff.....Hope to see your stuff soon. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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