I need some advice, while waiting for the M8.

[Fotomiguel]

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Eleven years ago I started with the amateur photography. It was new for me, so I bought a nikon F 90 with some lenses. Along the years I learned a bit and got some more lenses. During the last five years I've thinking about moving to digital, looking for information, comparing camaras, saving money and waiting for a great camara.

The time has come! I've decided for the M8 with the Leica 28 f2.8 and the 50 mm f2

Now my doubts are:

-What should I do with my nikon lenses? I have nikkor 20 f2.8; 35 f2,8; 50 f1,8; 90,f2,8 macro; and 180 f2.8

-Should I keep all and buy the nikon D 200 and use it for macro photography and telelenses or should I sell everything and buy some more Leica lenses including the 90 f4 with the macro adapter. Nikon D 200 ist about the same price than the Leica 90 f4 with the macro adapter.

-Should I wait and see what Leica or nikon new products will come in the future?

I really have no idea what to do. I'm only sure what I want now: My new Leica M8:D . I'm still waiting. Any news how are thing? Is shippment OK? How many M8 make Leica per week? Do you think I will get it before Christmas??? Sorry. I'm getting desperate....

Thank you.

[carstenw]

If your heart is set on the M8, then I think the best advice is to keep everything for now, and see what happens when you have both cameras. You might hate the M8 (unlikely, I think), you might want to shoot both cameras roughly equally (keep everything), or you might end up using the M8 for most things, and the SLR for specialty shots, like macro and super-tele. Once you know this, then I think your questions will answer themselves.

[ejd]

I think you'd be unwise to sell the Nikon equipment. Apart from anything else, it will not raise a lot of money. Better to keep it and maybe buy a Nikon digital body to use it for macro and long lenses.

[marknorton]

I have the 90/4 + macro adapter which I bought for the compact 90 and out of curiosity for the macro side. However, I also have a D2X and their new VR 105 macro lens and in terms of ease of working, there's no comparison. The macro adapter is ingenious but using the M8 for macro use is not playing on home turf (if that is a valid sporting analogy). The D2X and the VR 105 is outstanding and it's also a great general purpose telephoto lens.

 

If I were you, I would buy the M8 and the two lenses you've suggested; you'll love the compact size and the tiny 90/4 would be a great addition in the future. I'd keep the Nikon stuff and think about a D200 maybe even a D80 for your tele and macro work.

 

As regards your other questions, we think Leica are making 200 - 250 camera a week but no-one know for sure (though I rashly assume Leica do). The problems with the camera, which are likely fixed now has set things back about 1 month. It's said the camera is back-ordered to March.