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Thinking about M8/M8.2 this week.


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Hi there, just joined the forum and have been studying all the posts. Thinking of getting either a M8 or M8.2 from Stephens Cameras in Manchester this coming week. Have been a Nikon D1x & D2x user for years but had a demo camera from dealer and it brought back all the good memories from my youth when I used a M3 and 3f. Either M8 has a low use history. My only concern is the posts warning of failures and expensive repairs. They come with warranty. Is it possible to buy further warrant from Leica? Am I getting all worked up over the potential of a failure or is it rare and confined to real early models? I have really been taken by the M8,s but in all my years with Nikon I've never had a shutter fail and my local repair shop in Edinburgh, Cameratiks, has dealt with minor adjustments at a fair price. Help! Any guidance on the subject accepted. Great forum by the way! Thanks.

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Robinyuill, welcome to the forum!

 

No one can guarantee 'no failures', but my impression is that major M8 unserviceability is comparatively rare, especially with later production models which your options appear to be. Most problems stem from focusing inaccuracy brought about by the most demanding Leica lenses of older vintages. There are several instances of lens and body returning to Solms for recalibration. (Film was more tolerant than digital sensors) Having made that claim I expect there will be case histories brought before you in the forum. At least you will then have balanced advice.

 

You will be getting a warranty, which is good and highly desirable and a good dealer to back them up. Much depends on the scale of usage you plan. But I would think that such a purchase would give you much trouble-free pleasure. Do let us know what you decide to do.

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Hey,

 

I purchased my m8.2 from SPC last year; best thing I ever did (well, almost). Try not to let failure rate worry you... the vast majority never experience any issue. They are strong bits of kit that are able to produce fantastic images; and are a joy to use whilst creating them.

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I would just check the camera over, if you're buying in person, for some of the common problems. Vertical lines at ISO 2500, rangefinder alignment, front-/back-focusing. If that all looks good, I say go for it!

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Re alignment, you just want to make sure that the two images line up. Sometimes, one will always be higher than the other, in which case, they're out of alignment. Try to focus on different objects. Do the images align satisfactorily for you? A good test subject is a small light like that on a router or other electronics device. Also, 12pt text is generally good for checking this.

 

You can use a focusing chart or ruler to test back/front-focus. Or pretty much anything with depth that will allow you to easily see the point that's in focus and whether it corresponds with what you focused on in the rangefinder.

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Re alignment, you just want to make sure that the two images line up. Sometimes, one will always be higher than the other, in which case, they're out of alignment. Try to focus on different objects. Do the images align satisfactorily for you? A good test subject is a small light like that on a router or other electronics device. Also, 12pt text is generally good for checking this.

 

You can use a focusing chart or ruler to test back/front-focus. Or pretty much anything with depth that will allow you to easily see the point that's in focus and whether it corresponds with what you focused on in the rangefinder.

 

Thanks Piblondin! I'll definitely do these checks before committing to buying one.

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Thanks for all the replies. I have ordered the M8 which has apparently only 1000 exposures and in mint boxed condition. Just got to decide on some lenses now. Got an option on an old but really good Summaron 35. 3.5 from a shop in Edinburgh. There seems to be an acceptance that old but still in good condition lenses work well on digital systems.Better start saving for all the rest!!

Will keep searching all the forums as they seem a terrific source of information. Looking forward to a great future with the M8. Thanks. Robin.

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Guest Chris M
Buy a new M8.2. It is a marvel, no problems. In some ways, perhaps better than M9, assuming you don't usually make prints bigger than 12 x 18. Good luck.

 

Jenn, how would (you) no that? I have too say that all 3 versions have there nuances, ie; M8 straight, 8000 shutter speed plus 250 flash sync. definitely better under bright conditions than M8.2 then the M8.2 or M8u fully upgraded has quiet shutter and sapphire lcd screen and frame lines, then the M9 well FF and 18.2 mega pixels , the end result is so close with all 3 samples in an A3 (FINAL PRINT OUT PUT) its really all about ":how much does a person want to pay? for which one of three flavors that are offered, period. What common sense tells me is that if your new to rangefinder photography? you might want to (cut your financial losses) and "try an M8 first" and if you likey, then invest in the Delicious Leica Glass and beat the hell out of the M8, and then by that time, the M10 will be out and you will be able too then decide on which flavor of M9 you might want or just dive into the M10. I think that would be a good approach, don't you? After all, its only my 40 years of rangefinder use that I offer such a personal opinion.

 

Hope this helps;)

 

chris m.

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