Leica M8 & M8.2 still listed on Leica Website

[MikeMyers]

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I got curious about the new M9 Titanium camera, and ended up on the Leica website products page, and then the products page:

Leica Camera AG - M-System.

 

I found it interesting that the M8 series cameras are still listed up there along with the M9. It makes sense to me, as each of these two cameras has it's own strengths and weaknesses.

 

Some of the features on the M9 Titanium seem like things that might appear on an upgrade to the M9 at some point in the future, such as the led illuminated frame lines.

 

In the meantime, it's nice to know that the M8 is still listed up there on the website - this never happens with cameras that have been updated by other manufacturers. Their "older" cameras seem to be quickly forgotten...

[menos I M6]

There are still vendors with new in box Leica M8 and M8.2, who sit on these depreciating boxes.

It is the least thing, Leica can do for these poor buggers, to leave the M8 on the site, so long, as the market is cleared up.

Is the old R line still fully listed (R8 body, DMR, etc )?

[andybarton]

The R line was removed a couple of years ago, but there are stockists who still have R8s in stock, with a two year factory warranty, if you want one.

[zipper]

Classic camera in London still list the M8.2 new at barely 15% cheaper than a new M9.

[bill]

...them being not an authorised dealer...

 

Regards,

 

Bill

[zipper]

true, not any more...

[Guest BigSplash]

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I saw yesterday a M9 Black at £4500 new boxed etc on Ebay as a buy now purchase. There was also a bidding war going on for another M9 also new with a current bid at £3500. The M8 in mint condition seems to sell on eBay at about £2200 so to me this tells a story:

• M9 is now exstock at dealers and prices are already dropping. This trend can be expected to continue as we saw the same with M8 after about 12 -18months from first shipments......after that prices really dropped until M8.2 and then M9.
  
• M8 is holding its value and is clearly a much sought after camera. In value terms it is a really good buy IMHO against an M9 such that for the price difference you can buy a top of the line ASPH lens.
  

Personally I am sure that Solms will need to bring out a M9.2 or M10 in the not too distant future. I also believe that it shows that there is a market for a M8 type camera if they can profitably sell it at say £2000.

[redbaron]

I also believe that it shows that there is a market for a M8 type camera if they can profitably sell it at say £2000.

 

It's called eBay.

[Guest BigSplash]

It's called eBay.

 

RedBaron actually eBay is the "CHANNEL TO MARKET" . What I was talking about was the market opportunity or size, which I believe remains significant for a cost competitive M8. Such a product could sell "new, boxed and with guarantee etc" via many sales channels

[MikeMyers]

I predict that five or six years from now, an M8.2 will be worth more than the M9.

 

Each camera does things the other can not do. So, each has its place in the world, depending on the needs of the user. When the M 10 comes out, perhaps sharing some of the design changes from the new titanium model, it will most likely completely eclipse the M9, but it is very unlikely to accomplish everything the M8 series can do (as in IR photo work).

 

The hardened viewing screen will probably come back. The sensor most likely will be improved, providing higher ISO speeds with less noise. The counter will probably return as well. I predict that at that point in time, the only reason to choose an M9 over an M10 will be price (and availability). On the other hand, there will still be people who prefer to be able to take advantage of things the M8 series is better at.

 

They are all wonderful cameras, and in the right hands can do beautiful things.