M8 vs M9 lens 'investment'

[robert-gregory]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Here in Japan the M9 list price is ¥770,000, about 6,000 EUR today. The discount M9 prices I've been told at a couple shops (there are none in stock) are in the ¥700,000 range or about 5,500 EUR. At BIC CAMERA (no stock again) you can use your members card for a 10% discount (used on your next purchase) and the price gets down to ¥660,000, about 5,200 EUR. Do not know if anyone has paid the full MSR price, and I can't say where the pricing is ultimately headed (no crystal ball), but I don't feel here in Japan it will be going down much very soon - I actually still see new first version M8s (that's in more than one, not some special 's' model ;-) with list price stickers in the ¥650,000 range, and when they [if ever] re-adjust those prices...

 

Add in the shipping and import tax and it doesn't seem Japan is too much on the high side. The USA seems to have the best price, a straight $6,995 and a free wait list for most.

[Leicaiste]

5.200,- EUR @ Shashinki | Malaysia

5.250,- EUR @ Tin Cheung | Hong Kong

 

In Europe it is still around 5.500 EUR including VAT

 

The last time, I asked in Shanghai | China Mainland, I was quoted between 6.000 − 6.500 ,- EUR (!!!)

 

I don't know any European shop selling it for more than the list price.

 

It may happen but not as a rule.

 

I guess, the price in Europe is slightly going down too ?

 

AFAIK, no.

 

Lucien

[exile]

I went through a very simlar thought process recently. In the end I decided that it would be more efficient to secure a full frame sensor and then build a stable lens collection around focal lengths that I would be using for the rest of my life. In many respects, this decision is even easier for the OP because you already know (and like) the lenses you are currently using on 135 film.

[charlesphoto99]

Oh man, get the M9. I was almost going to spring for a 24 Lux for the M8 last summer and then somebody hinted I might want to hold off. So glad I did. The 24 Lux whilst a great lens is pretty specialized whereas the 35 Lux on the M9 becomes an everyday lens (I disliked it on the M8).

[robofc]

Although a 24mm lens on the M8 gives a 32mm field of view, it does not give one 32mm depth of field. If you like the isolating qualities of shallow depth of field then it is a far better choice to go with an M9 and used 35mm summilux. The 35mm summilux is much smaller, lighter and more attractive, particularly in chrome. An M9 plus $2700 used 35mm summilux is $8700. A used M8.2 in good condition is $4000 plus $6400 for the 24mm summilux is $10,400. The M9 is a stop better in low light despite 80% more pixels and gives you the ability to shoot lenses with the same relationship between focal length, depth of field, size and price. The M8 price is really misleading since it costs so much more to buy fast glass at an equivalent focal length.