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Leica m8 buying advice


Radphot

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I am planning to buy a M8, I have 2 options

1. Used M8 with a few tiny scratches including the LCD screen probably one you would call user status. It comes with 2 IR cut filters (B&W), 6 months dealer warranty, 5500 actuations. 2200USD

2. Used M8.2 in mint condition, no warranty or filters, 5000 actuations, 3200USD.

 

I am confused now as to which one to choose. Please help me make a choice.

 

Thanks,

Prakash

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x

Of course opinions will vary, but as an M8.2 owner I'd vote for that camera. The upgrades vs. the M8 would be worth $1000 to me, and the camera is in better condition to begin with.

 

Regards, Jim

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Personally, I would go with the m8 and invest the difference in glass. It will hold or increase value while the camera will likely continue to decrease in value. There is NO IQ difference between, M8 and m8.2. I only pony up $$if it will improve my pictures

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Personally, I would go with the m8 and invest the difference in glass. It will hold or increase value while the camera will likely continue to decrease in value. There is NO IQ difference between, M8 and m8.2. I only pony up $$if it will improve my pictures

 

I second that. I bought a used 8.2 a couple of weeks ago and perfectly happy with it, but if I can save a grand on an 8, I would and spend the difference on a lens since image quality of the two cameras is the same. Just my $0.02

 

paul

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Have you ever used an M...or a rangefinder?

 

If not, get the M8 and one good lens...only one. Then take lots of pictures. You'll soon know whether the camera suits your style and comfort level.

 

Your pics won't suffer in any way with the less expensive camera. I own an M8.2, but for personal preferences based on experience, not based on image quality.

 

Jeff

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I had an M8 first then I bought the M8.2

I agree that the IQ is the same, but to me that shutter sound of the original M8 just sounded terrible.Then I like to shoot at close to the minimum focusing distance, so I prefer the more precise frame lines too. Also, I like the black dot and the vulcanite cover of the M8.2 much more (even though this feature is not worth the premium price).

Anyway, if both used, I would get the 8.2.

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go for the m8, but at that price i would look for a cleaner camera. you can pick up a demo or a super clean m8 for 2500 easy.

 

+1 good advice on picking up an m8 and ONLY one lens.

 

glass is so expensive, its crazy.

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The M8 seems to be the better deal with the warranty, to help you, to sort out all potential issues with the camera and the price difference (which could buy you a lens or could even be used for an upgrade, including 1 year warranty extension).

 

If you never used a M8.2 or even a film Leica before, you likely will not be disturbed by the M8 shutter sound.

 

The scratches come from alone, if you don't put it in a case. I would not worry about them.

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Prakash

 

I have 1 of each. Whilst the 8-2 is undoubtedly IMHO the more refined version, in terms of image quality there is no difference. Given the cost difference AND the warranty I'd go for the M8 personally and 5500 actuations is nothing!

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Thank you very much for the replies. I realize that I have not specified my current gear. I had an M6 until recently and have been using it for a few years. I have the current 35mm cron asph and the 50mm asph lux. Hope to pick up the 28mm cron or the zeiss 25mm in the future considering M8 crop factor.

 

I have looked around for mint or demo versions but could not find them for anything at 2500. If anybody knows of one please direct me to the site.

 

The M8 that I am looking at has a serial number 332xxxxx and it has two 5mm scratches on the LCD screen. It comes with everything including IR cut filters and 6 month dealer warranty. I am attaching the pictures. Please let me know if the price is fair or if I am paying too much.

 

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Thanks,

 

Prakash

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i vote for the m8 as well, and perhaps some negotiating with your dealer, though with the filters it seems like a fair deal at this time. minor scratches frees to to be less worried about babying it.

mine came with a 60 day dealer warranty and found it needed to go to back for minor adjustments...which took a while... but now it is back and it is a joy to use.

i too was concerned about the shutter noise of the m8, but with the discrete advance it is much less noisy...

i still wouldn't mind an m8.2 or the m9, but i'm very happy with the plain old m8.

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Please let me know if the price is fair or if I am paying too much.

 

I've been casually looking around for an M8.2 back-up, and in the process I have some feel for M8 and M8.2 used prices. It seems to me that $2000-$2200 gets you in the low-ish end of the M8 spectrum. Mint newer bodies can be closer to $2800+. Most of the ones I've seen have been through dealers, however, not private sales, where results may differ.

 

M8.2's, unfortunately, seem to be $1000-$1500 higher than the mint M8s from these same sources.

 

Hope that helps. (And, thanks for clarifying your M gear experience. My first post, thinking you might be new to rangefinders, obviously does not apply. But, my recommendation remains the same...unless of course you highly value the specific attributes that come with the M8.2 upgrades.)

 

Jeff

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Thank you very much for the replies. I realize that I have not specified my current gear. I had an M6 until recently and have been using it for a few years. I have the current 35mm cron asph and the 50mm asph lux. Hope to pick up the 28mm cron or the zeiss 25mm in the future considering M8 crop factor.

 

I have looked around for mint or demo versions but could not find them for anything at 2500. If anybody knows of one please direct me to the site.

 

The M8 that I am looking at has a serial number 332xxxxx and it has two 5mm scratches on the LCD screen. It comes with everything including IR cut filters and 6 month dealer warranty. I am attaching the pictures. Please let me know if the price is fair or if I am paying too much.

 

[ATTACH]199396[/ATTACH]

 

[ATTACH]199397[/ATTACH]

 

Thanks,

 

Prakash

To me it seems fair, just put a screen protector on the LCD.

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