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M8.2 Lust.

Vicente

By Vicente
in Leica M8 / Leica M8.2

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Vicente

Vicente

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A couple of months ago I was introduced to a gentleman who also introduced me to his beloved Leica.

I am 18 and I have always used Nikon dSLRs to photograph with. Eventually to my excitement he handed me his M8.2 / Summilux 35 (?) and allowed to me shoot it for an afternoon.

 

I was stunned.

 

My brief acquaintance with the M8.2 reinvigorated my passion for photography. Its size and silence juxtaposed to my D2X blew me away. As soon as I save up I am sure to part ways with my beloved SLR and enter the world of the M's. I hope that more of the younger generation embrace a Leica!

 

Regards,

Vicente

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efix

efix

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With rangefinders, it's a bit like with film these days. They had a reputation of being totally out-of-date for quite some time, and now they're progressively coming back into vogue - especially with the younger generations (to which I include myself).

 

I just made the switch to an M a couple months ago, although I never was an SLR user. I also have an E-P1, which is my small take-everywhere camera, and is in most respects not so unsimilar to a rangefinder (except for the lack of rangefinder :-))

 

My advice: Get that M8(.2) now, and save up for the expense later. 'cos you probably won't be ably to resist the lust for much longer, anyways ;-) ('tis what happened to me, in fact!)

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Vicente

Vicente

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For us young enthusiasts, film is starting to become a nostalgic item.

 

After a frustrating night at a circus I remembered my longing for the Leica as the D2X's size and weight really hindered me from enjoying the show. In fact I was stopped by local security and asked if I could put away the camera, I pleaded with him and showed him the prime lenses and he finally realized im "not a pro". :p

 

I have been pondering purchasing one since the prices of used M8s have plunged recently ;)

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wda

wda

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Vicente, Welcome to the Forum. This is just the place to learn from more experienced members. At least your first acquaintance with an M-Leica was a 'hands-on' and not drooling from outside a Leica dealer's front window! I hope you dream comes true.

 

When it comes to lens choices, don't rush into possession of any recognized 'set' of lenses. Choose a focal length which is likely to be your most used lens. When you have experience and available funds, you can select a partner, probably either side of your prime choice. Good luck!

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farnz

farnz

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Welcome to the forum, Vincente, and thanks for the welcome news that the younger generation is becoming conscious of such a wonderful photographic tool.

 

I agree with efix: just find a way to buy an M8.2 or an M8 and let the other expenses take care of themselves if you can.:)

 

Pete.

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wstotler

wstotler

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When it comes to lens choices, don't rush into possession of any recognized 'set' of lenses. Choose a focal length which is likely to be your most used lens. When you have experience and available funds, you can select a partner, probably either side of your prime choice. Good luck!

 

+1. Excellent advice. Good luck to you. Cheers! Will

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Nikkor AIS

Nikkor AIS

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Welcome to the forum. Dont be afraid of checking out the film side of the Leica M. There are deals to be had on the used market. If you liked the 35 summiluk on the M8.2 Im sure you will love it on a MP/M7. Looking forward to seeing some of your images no matter what direction you go down. Check out the rangefinder forum as it is also a excellent resourse for the budding rangefinder photographer.

 

 

 

http://rogaltacdesign.smugmug.com/Other/last-of-summer-2010/92380022/1001735758_tKFBP-XL.jpg

 

Leica M7 with motordrive and 35 1.4 Summilux on 800 Ektapress.

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Vicente

Vicente

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I appreciate the suggestions, and am looking forward to learning more. An older M was an option, but the digital embrace has gripped me hard and its difficult to leap to the other side.

 

In regards to the lens choices I am in love with the 50 (although I use it on a 1.5x crop sensor) as well as a wide 24 :)

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Jeff S

Jeff S

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In regards to the lens choices I am in love with the 50 (although I use it on a 1.5x crop sensor) as well as a wide 24 :)

 

You're probably aware of the 1.33 crop on the M8/8.2, so a 35 will suit you just fine if you want to approximate the 50 FOV. If you don't need super-fast, a new or used Summicron (f2.0) or new Summarit (f2.5) would be a nice start. The same holds true for the 50mm lenses, which would get you to about 67mm equivalent.

 

Many folks here subscribe to Sean Reid's site for lens and camera reviews; and his essays (including many on rangefinder photography) are worthwhile...articleindextable

 

Good luck and welcome.

 

Jeff

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menos I M6

menos I M6

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Welcome Vicente - as written by others already - you are on a right path there.

You are quite lucky though, that this enlightening has occurred to you rather early in age ;-)

 

As already mentioned, actually shooting a digital vs a film M camera is little different practically, but gives even another more restricted experience (leading to even more discipline and awareness) and of course, can safe you some money - depending on your usual output.

 

As much convenient and quick the digital solution might be (I love my M8.2 for that), I always come back to film and enjoy a simple Leica for this - no distractions, no heavy weight, and the great moment, to see the negatives for the first time, to examine and print.

 

Think about it - a nice M4 can be had waaaayyy under 1.000 EUR + a good stock of film (preferably BW, to develop by yourself) and one or later two nice lenses will give you long time to enjoy.

 

A digital body can bring other issues along, no film M produces - batteries, sensors, bricked cameras, sensitivity to moisture, other people always asking, to show their picture after you took it, …

 

The D2x is a great camera - I keep a Nikon around for the things, the M does not so well - you might find a way, to not unload the Nikon, but extend your gear reasonably (financially).

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kanzlr

kanzlr

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Hi there :)

 

I did the same. Sold my D700 + Nikon and Zeiss pro Glass and now have the M8 (not the .2 sadly) and a few nice lenses.

 

my advice: if you like 50ies on fullframe, get yourself a chep Minolta Rokkor 40mm f2 lens, get a dremel, file down that mount and enjoy a superb yet cheap 50ish lens on that M8 :)

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WestMichigan

WestMichigan

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Hi Kanzir,

I'm wondering why you would have to 'file down' a Rokkor 40mm lens to use on an M8? It's 'supposed' to be a twin of the 'leica' C mount 40mm and the C mount lenses are 'supposedly' fully M mount compatible. My plan for entering M photography is an M8 and a C mount lens or two as part of my 'kit'. Are there pitfalls my research hasn't made me aware of regarding this route?

Thanks

Richard in Michigan

 

Hi there :)

 

I did the same. Sold my D700 + Nikon and Zeiss pro Glass and now have the M8 (not the .2 sadly) and a few nice lenses.

 

my advice: if you like 50ies on fullframe, get yourself a chep Minolta Rokkor 40mm f2 lens, get a dremel, file down that mount and enjoy a superb yet cheap 50ish lens on that M8 :)

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kanzlr

kanzlr

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Hi Kanzir,

I'm wondering why you would have to 'file down' a Rokkor 40mm lens to use on an M8? It's 'supposed' to be a twin of the 'leica' C mount 40mm and the C mount lenses are 'supposedly' fully M mount compatible. My plan for entering M photography is an M8 and a C mount lens or two as part of my 'kit'. Are there pitfalls my research hasn't made me aware of regarding this route?

Thanks

Richard in Michigan

 

the CLE Rokkor is an improved Summicron-C as far as I know, yes.

I only removed a bit of the mount part that activates the frameline lever. The Rokkor brings up the 50mm framelines that are WAY too narrow, while the 35mm frame lines fit very well. Thus I took away approx 2mm of that part of the mount and now it shows the 35mm frame lines :)

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WestMichigan

WestMichigan

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Thanks Kanzir,

that info could really come in handy. I am all about the getting good glass cheap - that's why I use R lenses on my EOS dSLR. These are a Summicron Fifty and an Elmarit Ninety which I picked up for less than a fourth of what their 2nd hand M mount equivalents cost. Incredible lenses, especially the Elmarit 90 - stunning, simply stunning.

In time I'll get that 'M' camera to add Rangefinder to my SLR photographic options and I'll definitely be shopping in the C mount catalog.

 

Richard in Michigan

 

the CLE Rokkor is an improved Summicron-C as far as I know, yes.

I only removed a bit of the mount part that activates the frameline lever. The Rokkor brings up the 50mm framelines that are WAY too narrow, while the 35mm frame lines fit very well. Thus I took away approx 2mm of that part of the mount and now it shows the 35mm frame lines :)

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steamboat

steamboat

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Vicente - I was your age when I bought my first Leica M. That was in 1966 and I still have that camera. The other day I ran across a formal studio portrait taken of me that year with my M2, Leicavit, and 21 f4 Super Angulon. The camera hasn't aged a day. Me? Anyway, good luck with your purchase. I have an M8.2 & it's a terrific camera. All the fun of the film Leicas without having to change film every 36 frames. :)

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Vicente

Vicente

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Vicente - I was your age when I bought my first Leica M. That was in 1966 and I still have that camera. The other day I ran across a formal studio portrait taken of me that year with my M2, Leicavit, and 21 f4 Super Angulon. The camera hasn't aged a day. Me? Anyway, good luck with your purchase. I have an M8.2 & it's a terrific camera. All the fun of the film Leicas without having to change film every 36 frames. :)

 

Steamboat, I'm very happy that you were once in my situation and now years later you are still an M shooter, a testament of the machine's permanence I suppose. ;)

 

I will be holding on to the D2X as it has become my personal and "gig" camera but I look forward to owning an M when the budget allows for it but till then I plan to keep learning and of course network with rangefinder users!

 

Regards,

Vicente

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