Leica M8.2 with Zeiss 35 Biogon

[Kyler.]

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Hey guys,

I'm new to the Leica forums but am excited to be a new member.

 

I'm considering purchasing an m8 with one lens. I've never used a Leica before, but with the guy who I might be buying from if I am not satisfied I can send it back after a couple days.

I found a deal on an m8.2 for 3000 with box and all the accessories, only been used for 4 months. Supposedly in Excellent condition. Is this a good deal?

 

I also am considering the Zeiss 35 Biogon f/2 for my starting lens with this camera. How is this lens on the m8.2? Is it very big? does it get in the viewfinder? What are your overall impressions of this lens? Especially for a one lens setup with the m8.2.

 

Thanks alot,

Kyle

[spylaw4]

Welcome to the forum!

I am sure that others will disagree with me ...... but my my suggestion is that you think about a 28mm rather than a 35mm on the 8/8.2 for a first/single lens. This will give you approx. a 35mm viewpoint, rather than a 50mm. which arguably is more universal. YMMV of course.

Zeiss lenses are fine; sharp and contrasty and fairly compact. As I recall I had no viewfinder problems so speak of either with the 35mm or the 28mm, and used the 28mm a lot before I got the 24mm Elmar-M.

I don't know how much you intend to pay for the Zeiss but I would seriously look at pre-owned Leica lenses at 35 or 28mm. as well.

[Kyler.]

Thanks Brian!

I will definitely consider it!

I'm planning on buying my Zeiss lens used and would not like to spend over 1000 dollars on my first leica mount lens. to me, all of the leica lenses cost too much for what they are . Of course i'm sure I'll eventually end up with one. Do you think the leica m8.2 for around 3000 is a good deal?

 

Thanks a lot,

Kyle

[Double Negative]

The 2/35 Biogon ZM is a fantastic lens. Sharp, contrasty, no distortion or vignetting and lovely bokeh.

[spylaw4]

Thanks Brian!

I will definitely consider it!

I'm planning on buying my Zeiss lens used and would not like to spend over 1000 dollars on my first leica mount lens. to me, all of the leica lenses cost too much for what they are . Of course i'm sure I'll eventually end up with one. Do you think the leica m8.2 for around 3000 is a good deal?

 

Thanks a lot,

Kyle

 

I am not sure about the US pricing for lenses, but I would say look around and buy from a reputable dealer - you'll find plenty of recommendations on the forum if you do a search.

 

Same applies to the camera. But IMHO it sounds like quite a good deal (at least relative to UK pricing) .... provided it is in at least exc++ condition and comes boxed with all the original bits etc. Make sure there is some form of decent warranty with it just in case!

[Kyler.]

Thanks guys!

 

great! Sounds like a good lens for me! Especially for the price.

Also the camera comes with a 90 day warranty I believe

 

if anyone else has any opinions or advice or experience please post up!

 

 

Thanks,

Kyle

[Carl E]

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Hi

 

I can only agree with the other posters. I have an M8 with the Elmarit 28/2,8 ASPH and then recently I was able to pick up a used Biogon 35/2 which I have been very happy with. The Biogon is very sharp and in my view renders colours a bit cooler that the Leica lens, but that may be just me.

 

I would not hesitate to buy the Biogon 35/2. The Zeiss ZM lenses offer fantastic value for money particularly if you can pick them up on the second hand market (around 500-600 USD seems to be the going price at least here in Norway). In fact I am now in the process of acquiring a ZM Planar 50/2 to complement the 28 and the 35.

 

Best regards

 

Carl E

[bedaberger]

Hello Kyle!

 

I've a Zeiss 35/2 in use on my Leica M8.

You could get an M8 even cheaper than the M8, but I think the M8.2 for that money is a great deal.

 

I like the 35mm on the M8 a lot, you can also get more out of focus-effect compared to a 28/2.8 lens which would cost you about the same money.

 

great camera, great lens!

 

best regards,

Peter

[wilfredo]

I too think that's a great deal. My normal lens on the M8 is a 35mm Summicron ASPH but my experience with Zeiss lenses has been excellent (3 of them) all tack sharp with above average micro-contrast. When I got the Summicron ASPH they were still within reach, now it is a different story. You could always opt for Leica later if you are not happy with the Biogon but I suspect you will be.

[Jeff S]

I found a deal on an m8.2 for 3000 with box and all the accessories, only been used for 4 months. Supposedly in Excellent condition. Is this a good deal?

 

That's a crazy good deal. I've been looking for a back-up M8.2 for a while, and haven't seen one lately for under $3900...many close to $4500 in mint condition.

 

If there are others from this source, please PM me. Thanks.

 

Jeff

[Kyler.]

Thanks guys!

i appreciate all the responses. this is making me even more excited to receive my m8.2!

Where would you guys recommend I look for a used Zeiss biogon 35 f/2?

 

Jeff, Yes it seems like a very good deal from a reputable guy, its actually 3300 but I still think its a good deal. and after 4 days if I dont want it I can send it back.

Unfortunately, I don't think there are any others from this source,

but I will check for you.

 

Is there anything else that I need besides the m8.2 and a lens for a starting m8 setup?

 

Please feel free to post shots taken of your m8.2 and shots taken with your m8.2 with the zeiss 35biogon.

 

Thanks again,

Kyle

[Jeff S]

Thanks, Kyle.

 

I suggest that you resist any temptation to add another lens at this point, price aside. Just take lots of pics and get to really know your camera and lens combo...to the point it becomes second nature.

 

And, remember to use the little lever on the camera front that will allow you to see alternate frame lines. In this way, you'll eventually be better equipped to decide your next focal length...based on what YOU need to address your style and subject matter, not what someone else says.

 

When that time comes, the following is a great source of information on lenses and equipment, plus some great essays...Welcome to ReidReviews Small annual fee, but you'll quickly get your value.

 

Enjoy.

 

Jeff

 

PS Be sure you have a UV/IR filter for that lens

[wilfredo]

Thanks guys!

i appreciate all the responses. this is making me even more excited to receive my m8.2!

Where would you guys recommend I look for a used Zeiss biogon 35 f/2?

 

Jeff, Yes it seems like a very good deal from a reputable guy, its actually 3300 but I still think its a good deal. and after 4 days if I dont want it I can send it back.

Unfortunately, I don't think there are any others from this source,

but I will check for you.

 

Is there anything else that I need besides the m8.2 and a lens for a starting m8 setup?

 

Please feel free to post shots taken of your m8.2 and shots taken with your m8.2 with the zeiss 35biogon.

 

Thanks again,

Kyle

 

Here's a great source for a zillion M8 (M8.2) images (the sensor is the same on both). Some may have been done with the Biogon, either way this will give you a broad spectrum on M8 capabilities.

 

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/other/112892-m8-photography.html

 

Just about any M mount lens yields fantastic results on the M8.

[Kyler.]

Thanks Jeff and Wilfredo,

 

yes, I will make sure to get a uv/ir filter.

 

Wow, what a great source for shots!