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Used M8, opinions please

christakis

By christakis
in Leica M8 / Leica M8.2

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christakis

christakis

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Hi guys,

 

I'm looking into buying a used M8. I found one at a decent price from a reputable dealer with 12 months warranty. The dealer says it did 7500 actuations. Is that many or few for a leica M8?

 

I'm sure I will have more questions coming but that's all I can think of for now...

 

Chris

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Tom Johnston

Tom Johnston

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with a 12 month warranty from your reputable dealer i'd say you have nothing to worry about.

i bought mine from a reputable dealer who i've been buying from for years- it came with a 60 day warranty, which was enough time to find out if it would need anything. it did, it went to new jersey and came back with proper adjustments and everything up to spec, and included a 12 month warranty.

it has been a joy to use and i love the files it produces.

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christakis

christakis

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Thank you both for your quick replies. Really appreciate it.

I've though of a couple more questions...

 

Q1:

Coming from an APC-S 18mpxl crop sensor, I'm worrying that the 10mp on a 1.3 crop sensor will be limiting for printing at A3 size. Am I worrying for no reason?

 

Q2:

I am looking into buying a 35mm cron to use with the M8. Stupid question but... the framelines adjust to compensate the crop right?

 

Q3:

What exactly are the difference of M8 and M8.2 frame lines?

 

Sorry if these questions are very trivial.

 

Thanks

Christakis

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Nicoleica

Nicoleica

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Q2. Yes, the framelines on the M8/M8.2 take the 'crop factor' into account.

 

Q3. There is a small difference in the distance that they are optimised for. Some people prefer one over the other, but for most practical purposes it makes no real difference in the real world. (In my opinion anyway.) :)

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christakis

christakis

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Q2. Yes, the framelines on the M8/M8.2 take the 'crop factor' into account.

 

Q3. There is a small difference in the distance that they are optimised for. Some people prefer one over the other, but for most practical purposes it makes no real difference in the real world. (In my opinion anyway.) :)

 

What do you mean they are optimised to distance?

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Bert N

Bert N

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The M8 frame lines are designed to be accurate at 0.7m while those in the M8.2 are optimized at 2m, which means that the captured image will cover more than what is bound by the frame lines at longer distances and less at shorter distances. I'd suggest you review the M8 user manual available for download from Leica: http://en.leica-camera.com/assets/file/download.php?filename=file_1917.pdf . The differences between the M8 and M8.2 are covered here: http://en.leica-camera.com/assets/file/download.php?filename=file_3808.pdf

 

I'd also recommend that you find out if the camera you're considering has the latest firmware, version 2.005, installed. Good luck with your decision.

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christakis

christakis

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I'd also recommend that you find out if the camera you're considering has the latest firmware, version 2.005, installed. Good luck with your decision.

 

Thanks for your response. But wait... I assumed the firmware can be upgraded no?! He does sell a 2.005 version M8 but that's a bit more expensive. Is there a link to the differences between fws?

 

Thanks.

 

Chris

 

Edit: Found the differences but it seems I can upgrade it anw... Any reason I should look into getting a 2.005 fw pre-installed camera?

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christakis

christakis

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Chris,

As I said here * , you will not be disappointed with the M8 is still valid, despite the release of the M9 !

I love my M8 :)

Henry

* http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-m8-forum/145030-buying-used-m8-advice-tips.html

 

Hi Henry,

 

Thanks for your post. As you probably figured out, I've never used an M system before so have no idea what to expect. I'm sure the M8 will not disappoint. After all, my "standard" is a 1.6x crop sensor. The M9 is legendary but it's way out of my budget.

 

Cheers,

Christakis

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Doc Henry

Doc Henry

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Hi Henry,

 

Thanks for your post. As you probably figured out, I've never used an M system before so have no idea what to expect. I'm sure the M8 will not disappoint. After all, my "standard" is a 1.6x crop sensor. The M9 is legendary but it's way out of my budget.

 

Cheers,

Christakis

Chris,

You'll see that you will quickly adapt to M system.

 

I was expecting a digital R10 and he did not come , so I went to the M8 and M9.

But I still use my SLR (R8,R4S and SL) with its fabulous lens .

Regards

Henry

PS: about 7500 actuations of your M8 , I find that it is correct

I have on my M8 1300 actuations(after over 1 year ) and 900 for M9(after 6 months)

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christakis

christakis

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I checked out the camera today. It looks like its brand new. Took a couple of pics to check the quality at home and its amazing :) Of course it can only get better...

 

The dealer gave me a good deal for M8, 35mm cron asph & 28mm elmarit vIII. None of the lenses are bit coded though. Is that a major disadvantage?

 

Wondering if it really is worth sending them to be coded or not...

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Doc Henry

Doc Henry

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The dealer gave me a good deal for M8, 35mm cron asph & 28mm elmarit vIII. None of the lenses are bit coded though. Is that a major disadvantage?

Wondering if it really is worth sending them to be coded or not...

Chris,

Congratulations for your M8 :)

To answer your question (for 6 bits coded lens) :

-for "optimizing" * the vignetting with wide angle lens

-when using flash (lens data transmitted)

-needs for Exif data of each photo

Henry

*term used by Leica

PS: all my lens are coded

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christakis

christakis

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Chris,

Congratulations for your M8 :)

To answer your question (for 6 bits coded lens) :

-for "optimizing" * the vignetting with wide angle lens

-when using flash (lens data transmitted)

-needs for Exif data of each photo

Henry

*term used by Leica

PS: all my lens are coded

 

Hi Henry,

 

Thank you for your reply :-)

 

I'll see if vignetting is a problem in my day to day photography. The rest I don't mind to be honest. If it's a real problem then I can consider coding them.

 

Thanks again.

Christakis

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christakis

christakis

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Chris,

 

Miind if I ask which dealer? I've see nothing like a 12-month warranty anywhere. Thanks.

 

John

 

Hi John,

 

I got it from "Stephens Photo Centre" in Manchester, UK. He is an Authorised Leica Dealer and specialises on Leicas.

 

They're currently revamping their website and changing domain but try http://www.leicas.com

 

PS: I'm well impressed with the first test shot I took with my M8 :)

Untitled | Flickr - Photo Sharing! if you want to check them out :)

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ramosa

ramosa

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Chris:

 

I'm not sure how many actuations I have, but I wouldn't worry about 7500. And, as mentioned above, the warranty is critical. That's the first thing I mention in all posts like this. Get it from a good dealer with a good warranty.

 

R

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