symmetron Posted May 6, 2011 Share #1 Posted May 6, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) I have the opportunity to buy a factory reconditioned M8 with 1 year warranty for $2500. Although I'd like to get an M9, I can't convince myself to part with the $$$. I've owned MP and M6 Leicas but sold them long ago; stupid me. So I'm familiar with Leica M. I'm just not sure if it's worth spending the $$$ for an M8 or just wait (for what I'm not sure). The reviews have been very positive, but most reviews are dated to when the M8 came out and much has changed with the introduction of the M9. Are most M8 owners very satisfied their camera? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted May 6, 2011 Posted May 6, 2011 Hi symmetron, Take a look here Opportunity to buy Factory M8. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Timmyjoe Posted May 6, 2011 Share #2 Posted May 6, 2011 I love mine and have no plans for an M9 in the near future (couldn't afford one anyway). Keep in mind that you're also going to need glass, and Leica glass isn't cheap. And any glass you get, I would recommend the UV/IR cut filters, as when I've used mine without, sometimes the dark colors go kind of wonky. Also bear in mind the crop factor. I've happily shot for years with only two Leica lenses, a 35 cron and a 50 lux on my M6 TTL. Love those two focal lengths. Now it's been a bit tough getting used to a 46mm and 65mm (which is what they are with the crop factor). It's tighter than I usually like to shoot. May have to pick up a 28, but the only one I could possibly afford is the Elmarit, so I'll be losing a stop of light. Anyway, all little things to keep in mind. But as far as the camera goes, I love it. Since the M8 you are looking at is factory refurbished, I would assume it is an M8.u, which has most of the M8.2 updates, so that's a plus. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
symmetron Posted May 6, 2011 Author Share #3 Posted May 6, 2011 Thanks for your comments. I would be buying it with the 28/2.8 ASPH with the IR cut filter from Leica. Based on some "old" reviews when the M8 was just introduced, some people indicated that even with the IR cut filter, dark color reproduction was somewhat inconsistent with a magenta cast. What's been your experience? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gerard Posted May 6, 2011 Share #4 Posted May 6, 2011 I'm just not sure if it's worth spending the $$$ for an M8 or just wait (for what I'm not sure) Why wait? Buy an M8 now and use it, buy something else later if you want/need it or if it makes financial sense. Don't wait; especially if you are unsure what you are waiting for. The reviews have been very positive, but most reviews are dated to when the M8 came out and much has changed with the introduction of the M9. Are most M8 owners very satisfied their camera? The M8's image quality is breathtaking with any Leica glass; even lenses made over 40-years ago. The camera is built to last, handles like a dream, and will be a pleasure to use. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dchalfon Posted May 6, 2011 Share #5 Posted May 6, 2011 up to iso 640 the m8 is a great camera. and for 2500 USD this more or less 35% of a new M9, quite a good price. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timmyjoe Posted May 6, 2011 Share #6 Posted May 6, 2011 Based on some "old" reviews when the M8 was just introduced, some people indicated that even with the IR cut filter, dark color reproduction was somewhat inconsistent with a magenta cast. What's been your experience? Without the cut filter I was definitely getting the magenta cast. With the Leica brand UV/IR cut filter the issue has pretty much disappeared. If you can get the camera with the 28 Elmarit and a Leica brand cut filter, I would go with it in a heartbeat. My favorite Leica combination until I got my M8 was my M6 TTL with the 35 cron. That's what lived on the camera all the time. The M8 with the 28 Elmarit is basically the same set up. Are you saying they will sell you that whole package for $2500? The lens alone sells for $1995, and the cut filter is another $95, so they're giving you the refurbished camera for $400? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
symmetron Posted May 6, 2011 Author Share #7 Posted May 6, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) Just the body for $2500. Lens and filter separately priced. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timmyjoe Posted May 6, 2011 Share #8 Posted May 6, 2011 I'd still consider it very seriously. That would be a great set up. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hhanebeck Posted May 6, 2011 Share #9 Posted May 6, 2011 Hi Vettran, You're spot on. The M8 is fantastic with the 28. I had initially baught it to see, if digital RF is right for me and am now not even sure I want to upgrade to an M9. Definitely use the UV/IR filter. It makes a big difference! In regard to the price, you might want to check on how many acuations the camera has had. Mine had 4,500 and I got it for $2,300 from Ken Hansen. Cheers, Chris Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
symmetron Posted May 6, 2011 Author Share #10 Posted May 6, 2011 I'm going for it. I still have my R8's, D300's, DL4, and D2, but I miss the straight Leica glass...and digital. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
symmetron Posted May 6, 2011 Author Share #11 Posted May 6, 2011 Unfortunately, the free IR cut filter program has expired...talked with Dave Elwell today. So add another $150. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
!Nomad64 Posted May 6, 2011 Share #12 Posted May 6, 2011 I have the opportunity to buy a factory reconditioned M8 with 1 year warranty for $2500. Although I'd like to get an M9, I can't convince myself to part with the $$$. Compared with european standards the price is fair and the one year warranty is an extra bonus. I'm just not sure if it's worth spending the $$$ for an M8 or just wait (for what I'm not sure). The reviews have been very positive, but most reviews are dated to when the M8 came out and much has changed with the introduction of the M9. Are most M8 owners very satisfied their camera? What you read in the reviews is still valid albeit dated. The M8 didn't cease functioning nor worsened since the introduction of the M9. It's the same good machine with some known issues - noisy shutter if not upgraded to M8.2, noisy rendition in underexposed high ISO and the purple-is-the-new-black thing. Personally speaking I'm not happy with my M8. I'm VERY happy. So happy that I'm still wondering if I really should switch to an M9. Right now I'd rather couple it to some older M3 or M2. As for you, you should ask yourself in the first instance what would you want from a camera. If you do not plan to print any larger than 20x30" or you plan to view your pictures exclusively on a PC/Mac then the M8 is overkill. And from what I heard at 30x40 you still get more than decent quality. M9 has a better output at higher ISO. The pixel density is the same on M8 and M9 sensors, therefore you won't gain anything in terms of resolution. Told in rough terms it's like the M9 sensor were an M8's one with more real estate around. It'll make a difference when the field of view is the same. In this case the M9 will give you more information density. But again, do you really need it? Also the M9 brings out some problems previously unnoticed on the M8, namely cyan drifting in the corners with some lenses, although the new firmware currently in beta testing should take care of that. Cheers, Bruno Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted May 6, 2011 Share #13 Posted May 6, 2011 Unfortunately, the free IR cut filter program has expired...talked with Dave Elwell today. So add another $150.Try a mail to Solms - Leica USA and Solms don't always speak out of the same mouth... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timmyjoe Posted May 6, 2011 Share #14 Posted May 6, 2011 Here in the States, as noted on another thread, I got filters for both of my two Leica lenses from Leica for no charge, and that was just a couple of weeks ago. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Ming Rider Posted May 6, 2011 Share #15 Posted May 6, 2011 Very happy with my M8, now that the red line is sorted. Seeing as it's refurbished with a years warranty, GO FOR IT !!! Word of advice, don't get caught up in the 'must have Leica glass & filters' trap. Look at Voigtlanders and B&W uv/ir filters as well. Highly recommended and a fraction of the cost of Leica. Plus there's 50 plus years of Zeiss, Canon, Nikon, Jupiter, M & Screw mount etc . . . Happy snapping. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
luigi bertolotti Posted May 6, 2011 Share #16 Posted May 6, 2011 Warranty - refurbishing - and a good price : TO BUY !!! M8 is a great camera... my one dates to exactly 4 years ago and anytime I get some well done 20x30 print, I think that maybe isn't yet the moment to afford the extra cost for M9. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
photophile Posted May 6, 2011 Share #17 Posted May 6, 2011 My current project - exclusively shot on an M8 - mostly with leica glass - some of it circa 1970's, and one CV 28 ultron - 13,000 plus images. The prints( about 80 or so ) are all 17X26 inches. ISO predominatly at 320, with some 640. The results have been excellent and the prints have received uniform compliments. I would only consider an M9 ( and am thinking about it ) if you need to use a 21 ( I use it frequently ) as a true 21 and in lower light. Otherwise, the M8 remains an outstanding tool for photography - and use the money for more glass if warranted by your style of image making. My 2 cents worth. You can see some of the results on my posts - but the strength of the camera is best seen in the enlargments! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hhanebeck Posted May 6, 2011 Share #18 Posted May 6, 2011 Here in the States, as noted on another thread, I got filters for both of my two Leica lenses from Leica for no charge, and that was just a couple of weeks ago. Same here. Look for the offer under "Your Products" on Leica.com where you can register your M8. I went through Solms albeit being in the US. The lady I talked to was incredible friendly and sent two filters the next day. Their service excellence truly matches the quality of Leica products. Cheers, Chris Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
spylaw4 Posted May 6, 2011 Share #19 Posted May 6, 2011 Hi Vettran, You're spot on. The M8 is fantastic with the 28. <snip> Definitely use the UV/IR filter. It makes a big difference! In regard to the price, you might want to check on how many acuations the camera has had. <snip> Cheers, Chris If it has been factory refurbed then the actuations are likely to have been re-set. It should probably only have 1-200 for checking/setting-up purposes. Apart from that - go for it! The combo of 8+28/2.8 ASPH(?) will be superb. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ho_co Posted May 6, 2011 Share #20 Posted May 6, 2011 ... the actuations are likely to have been re-set.... I didn't think the actuations count could be reset. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.