New M8.2 vs M8 ... happy ?

[colonel]

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Currently deciding between an M8 @ £1,499 M8.2 @ £2,400

 

Both with 6 months warranty from shop.

Both in great condition.

 

The perenial question, is the M8.2 worth the extra ?

Who in this position has chosen the M8.2 and been happy ?

I wonder whether I will loose more on an M8.2 if I sell it in the next two years ?

Is the reliabaility really improved ?

 

Dull questions for many of you, I know. But exciting ones for me

 

These are the differences:

"The M8.2 has frame lines that are related to the scene representation at a distance of two meters. The M8 has frame lines that relate to the scene framing at a distance of 0.7 meters.

 

The new M8.2 shutter mechanism is redesigned for less noise and now has a topspeed of 1/4000. A loss of the top speed of 1/8000 and the drop in flash synchro speed from 1/250 to 1/180.

The M8.2 has the option to change the ISO speed when you press the release button and turn the selection wheel. The change in EV value is visible in the finder.

The M8.2 black paint is a hardened version of the normal black paint which peels off easily.

Lastly the screen is toughened."

 

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[leicanet]

Colonel,

I had both, before taking the plunge and "upgrading" to the M9.

 

Compared to the M8, the M8.2 (black) has been my favourite camera,

a joy to use (much quieter shutter, much better framelines, sapphire screen, nicer vulcanite leatherette covering, nice "fake" black paint)

and overall a better feeling, I always had the impression it was a better built/more "robust" camera than the M8. It was not an M9 but it was a clear improvement to the M8.

Also, while I had a few problems with the M8 (gone to Solms at least three times in two years) the M8.2 never let me down, not once.

I would even say I liked the pictures taken with the M8 more than the ones I am taking with the M9,

for some reason they look "warmer" and less clinical, but that's probably just my way of looking at it...;-)))

However, while it is very likely that the M8.2 will retain its value better than the original M8,

I think the £900 difference on the price tag compared to the M8 is a bit steep, if you look around, depending on warranty/condition,

you may be able to find one for less -£2000?-

 

Good luck

[Jeff S]

Pictures won't differ, but the M8.2 is a more refined camera IMO based on the M8 evolution. Some prefer the 8000th speed, some not. The M8 can also be upgraded to various degrees...framelines, shutter and LCD screen; either separate or in total. Prices vary accordingly. (The M8.2 still differs marginally from a 'fully upgraded' M8...S mode, black dot on black camera, etc.)

 

I bought a new M8.2 two years ago and liked it enough to add a mint used one last Fall. Both have performed flawlessly (excepting my own flaws). FWIW, I paid the equivalent (US $) of about 2100 pounds from Dale Photo for the pristine used one (having just come back fully serviced from Leica NJ).

 

It's a personal decision. Either camera can do the job (except if you need 8000th speed).

 

Jeff

 

PS Nobody knows where the market will go in the future. Keep in mind, though, that the M8.2 will always be more rare than either the M8 or M9, which may or may not translate into prices.

[Erik Gunst Lund]

There is the option to get the M8, shoot it for a while to see how much you like it, then get the full upgrade, which includes a full one year guarantee from Leica. This splits up the cash in two. The best of both worlds IMHO

Or decide not to upgrade sell trade or keep as is

[colonel]

There is the option to get the M8, shoot it for a while to see how much you like it, then get the full upgrade, which includes a full one year guarantee from Leica. This splits up the cash in two. The best of both worlds IMHO

Or decide not to upgrade sell trade or keep as is

 

Interesting idea, and thanks for the suggestions

 

I would pay £2,000 for M8.2, but the extra £400 is stopping me.

I am off to view two M8.2s tomorrow, so lets see if I can come out without buying one.

 

My new Leica lens + IR/UV filter is arriving tomorrow, so its going to get very lonely

[ezc203]

M8.2 for 1000 pounds more? Buy the M8 and upgrade it later if you desire the M8.2 specs.

[marknorton]

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The M8 and M8.2 are fundamentally the same camera and, 3 upgrade options aside, the M8.2 is mostly a cosmetic development though the "S" mode is of zero value, thankfully dropped from the M9 in that form.

 

The real difference lies in the experience Leica gained in building and especially aligning M8s during that camera's two year life so that late (or upgraded) M8s are close to M8.2s. I think getting an M8 upgraded now doesn't make sense financially, you'll be paying almost as much as for the camera. The original black finish doesn't wear well and I would go for silver chrome if you can find it.

 

You'll lose more money on the M8.2 over the long term because M8s will only depreciate so far and the 8.2s will come down to join them. They will command a premium but not at the level you are looking at now. Key to understand about Leica is that lenses are an investment (not least because of rampant new lens price inflation) where bodies are a ticket to lose money. I have more than 20 lenses and I doubt there's one which would sell for less than I paid for it. Not so bodies, especially once the next one comes out.

[colonel]

Thanks again for your comments

I ended up purchasing the M8.2 for £2400 (with 6 months guarantee from the dealer).

 

The main reasons for this were:

1. I wanted the quieter shutter, sapphire glass and more robust coating

2. I prefer having a black dot (silly I know, but more "hidden")

3. I have more confidence in the longevity & reliabilty of a camera at the end of its run, rather then at the beginning (not saying the M8 is unreliable, its not)

4. The camera was in perfect condition, effectively new. Shutter count was only 1,189

5. The box was perfect. None of the papers had been taken out, or the accessories used. I think this was because the previous owner apparently has many M8s and M9s, therefore used chargers already out and probably only had this one lying around as a backup.

 

I am hoping that a well kept M8.2 will retain its value well, not only due to the slightly enhanced materials, but because of the limited run compared tot he M8.

I would seek to trade it in for a second hand M9 is 2-3 years (hopefully 1-2 years after the M9.2/M10 comes out).

 

Anyway very excited. My lens arived today at home, so going away this weekend, will report back with some pictures.

 

Still welcome more comments. Like you "made a mistake, fool!"

[otto.f]

Thanks again for your comments

I ended up purchasing the M8.2 for £2400 (with 6 months guarantee from the dealer).

 

The main reasons for this were:

1. I wanted the quieter shutter, sapphire glass and more robust coating

2. I prefer having a black dot (silly I know, but more "hidden")

3. I have more confidence in the longevity & reliabilty of a camera at the end of its run, rather then at the beginning (not saying the M8 is unreliable, its not)

4. The camera was in perfect condition, effectively new. Shutter count was only 1,189

5. The box was perfect. None of the papers had been taken out, or the accessories used. I think this was because the previous owner apparently has many M8s and M9s, therefore used chargers already out and probably only had this one lying around as a backup.

 

I am hoping that a well kept M8.2 will retain its value well, not only due to the slightly enhanced materials, but because of the limited run compared tot he M8.

I would seek to trade it in for a second hand M9 is 2-3 years (hopefully 1-2 years after the M9.2/M10 comes out).

 

Anyway very excited. My lens arived today at home, so going away this weekend, will report back with some pictures.

 

Still welcome more comments. Like you "made a mistake, fool!"

 

IMO you made the right choice, leicanet said exactly how I see it. The sapphire glass is much more comfortable, because, although it may be a mental thing, you don't worry anymore about scratching. M8.2 is considerably less noisy too.

BUT: it will not retain its value more than an M8 because the paint is sooner gone, so it's a camera to keep and leave your personal fingerprint on it

[martha]

Colonel:

 

This can be filed in the "for what it's worth" folder: I jumped from an M3 and M6 to M8.2 (mine was brand new as well!) and I LOVE IT! Yes, the shutter noise is much more apparent than the analog M's, but I can live with that; I have never in 30 years of continuous photography had the need for 1/8000th shutter speed. After being constrained to a flash sync speed of 50 with the analogs, 125 is a luxury--not that I use flash a lot with the M8.2, only in some studio applications. And, agreed, "snapshot" is pretty worthless, but I love the option that this camera will become mine in terms of paint wear, etc. I did, however, spend the extra $ and I purchased a half case (from Photovillage in NYC--they're terrific, by the way!) just for a little added protection. (Please note, however, that the Luigi cases are probably the VERY BEST you can buy for M's--I had one for my M6 and it served me well.)

 

Have fun, enjoy, and remember that when it comes down to the wire, it's the eyes in the viewfinder along with the Leica glass, not the machine itself or the way it looks or its accoutrements, that make the difference in fine images versus not-so-fine images.

 

I look forward to seeing your images and thanks for opening up the discussion

[colonel]

Colonel:

 

This can be filed in the "for what it's worth" folder: I jumped from an M3 and M6 to M8.2 (mine was brand new as well!) and I LOVE IT! Yes, the shutter noise is much more apparent than the analog M's, but I can live with that; I have never in 30 years of continuous photography had the need for 1/8000th shutter speed. After being constrained to a flash sync speed of 50 with the analogs, 125 is a luxury--not that I use flash a lot with the M8.2, only in some studio applications. And, agreed, "snapshot" is pretty worthless, but I love the option that this camera will become mine in terms of paint wear, etc. I did, however, spend the extra $ and I purchased a half case (from Photovillage in NYC--they're terrific, by the way!) just for a little added protection. (Please note, however, that the Luigi cases are probably the VERY BEST you can buy for M's--I had one for my M6 and it served me well.)

 

Have fun, enjoy, and remember that when it comes down to the wire, it's the eyes in the viewfinder along with the Leica glass, not the machine itself or the way it looks or its accoutrements, that make the difference in fine images versus not-so-fine images.

 

I look forward to seeing your images and thanks for opening up the discussion

 

yes, I also purchased the basic Leica protector.

The shop owner, honestly, convinced me not to get the Leica ever-ready case. He said it is incovenient to use, better to buy the neo-propene or just get a small hold-all.

I have plenty of camera bags so hopefully one will fit the bill, but the leather protector makes me more confident for setting it down on a table.

 

Just looked at the Luigi cases. Look gorgeous. Might ask wifey to get one for my b'day

[Jeff S]

I prefer naked cameras, and both my chrome and black M8.2s still look fine after much use. Personal choice, of course.

 

Oh, and I put a black dot on the chrome one. Silly me.

 

Jeff

[colonel]

Just an update. Got a beautiful M8.2, only 1.8K actuations.

Based on testing found hot pixels and a red line at 1.2K & 2.5K (didn't test lower ISOs)

Very disappointed. Gave it back

 

Now have M8 on order (only 890 actuations). Fingers crossed.

Dealer sent free glass protector for LCD. Don't need S mode, so just lost quieter shutter. Will see .......

Should arrive tomorrow, will test tomorrow as well ..

[Don Morley]

Currently deciding between an M8 @ £1,499 M8.2 @ £2,400

 

Both with 6 months warranty from shop.

Both in great condition.

 

The perenial question, is the M8.2 worth the extra ?

Who in this position has chosen the M8.2 and been happy ?

I wonder whether I will loose more on an M8.2 if I sell it in the next two years ?

Is the reliabaility really improved ?

 

Dull questions for many of you, I know. But exciting ones for me

 

These are the differences:

"The M8.2 has frame lines that are related to the scene representation at a distance of two meters. The M8 has frame lines that relate to the scene framing at a distance of 0.7 meters.

 

The new M8.2 shutter mechanism is redesigned for less noise and now has a topspeed of 1/4000. A loss of the top speed of 1/8000 and the drop in flash synchro speed from 1/250 to 1/180.

The M8.2 has the option to change the ISO speed when you press the release button and turn the selection wheel. The change in EV value is visible in the finder.

The M8.2 black paint is a hardened version of the normal black paint which peels off easily.

Lastly the screen is toughened."

 

I have a M8 and a M8.2, both bought new, both superb so though I love my M8.2 if I were buying again I would save my money via buying a late M8 and putting the balance to another lens. Don

[menos I M6]

Just an update. Got a beautiful M8.2, only 1.8K actuations.

Based on testing found hot pixels and a red line at 1.2K & 2.5K (didn't test lower ISOs)

Very disappointed. Gave it back

 

Now have M8 on order (only 890 actuations). Fingers crossed.

Dealer sent free glass protector for LCD. Don't need S mode, so just lost quieter shutter. Will see .......

Should arrive tomorrow, will test tomorrow as well ..

 

Mmh - thats a pity.

Based on your discription though, it might have been worth, to send this freshly bought camera to Leica for repair instead of a refund and another camera (given, you have another option, to shoot with in the meantime).

 

When I bought my second hand M8.2 about a year ago, I tested it thoroughly especially for this reported issue before payment (laptop in shop, checklist in hand).

I am extremely happy with my M8.2 (it grew to be my daily camera, which can be seen on the status of the paint as well, which I love about the M8.2).

 

Good luck with the M8 - these are great cameras.

[colonel]

Mmh - thats a pity.

Based on your discription though, it might have been worth, to send this freshly bought camera to Leica for repair instead of a refund and another camera (given, you have another option, to shoot with in the meantime).

 

When I bought my second hand M8.2 about a year ago, I tested it thoroughly especially for this reported issue before payment (laptop in shop, checklist in hand).

I am extremely happy with my M8.2 (it grew to be my daily camera, which can be seen on the status of the paint as well, which I love about the M8.2).

 

Good luck with the M8 - these are great cameras.

 

I guess part of the reason I was going for the M8.2 was the supposed better reliability.

I know its unfair, as any camera can develop hot pixels (there were actually other ones, bright blue, but the red one produced the line), but this kinda shook my raison d'etre for paying £900 more in the first place.

I mean if the M8.2 is just a likely to be faulty, might as well go for a M8 !!

 

Anyway, given me leeway to look at 28mm lenses now as well

 

Hope this one works out, arriving tomorrow ......