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new m8.2 and 40mm summicron f2.0 owner


surfside

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first off, a quick history on me -- my first exposure to leica cameras was two years ago when i bought a d-lux 4, which was my first experience with anything other than a cheap point & shoot camera. at that point in time, i was pretty much clueless about aperture, iso's or depth of field (i'm serious -- i couldn't give you a coherent one sentence explanation of any of those), not to mention digital post-processing. i absolutely loved the d-lux 4 and was amazed with the quality of pictures that i got from it (this set on flikr is a good example); it was serving my needs quite well until my house was broken into and the thieves stole my d-lux 4 (among other things).

 

i could have just got a new d-lux 5 to replace the stolen camera, but i started researching the x1 and very nearly purchased an x1 as my next camera (based on forum users' praise of the x1's image quality). but for some reason i just couldn't bring myself to pull the trigger on it -- something was holding me back. so i kept on reading and researching, and came across a post where a forum member mentioned that used prices of the m8 had come down dramatically (to the point where they are pretty darn close to the price of a new x1).

 

so i decided to take a hard look at the m8, and after a lot of researching and hard thinking, i decided to go for it. seeing as i had already come to grips with spending $2k+ on a camera with the x1, i decided to spend a little extra for a manufacturer refurbished m8.2 (with less than 3k shutter actuations and a one year leica warranty) that i found at an authorized leica dealer for $3,400. for me, the combination of the sapphire screen, improved shutter, vulcanite covering and buying an essentially new camera from an authorized leica dealer (with a one year warranty) was enough to justify the roughly $1,000 difference from a used m8 off ebay.

 

so the obvious next step was "what should i choose as my starter lens?". at this point i want to say a special thanks to epand56 and graeme_hutton -- in my research i came across their comments about the 40mm summicron f2.0 as a great little lens, and to my surprise the authorized dealer i purchased the camera from happened to have one in excellent condition. i guess some things are just meant to be.

 

so last weekend i had my first opportunity to take some photos with my new camera, and i have to say i am absolutely thrilled with the results. you can see pics in this thread i started in the photo forum [apparently threads in the photo forum must be pre-approved, so i'll post the link here once it gets approved (assuming it does!)]. these were the first pics i have ever taken with a rangefinder camera, so it is certainly going to take some practice to master the art. i can't wait. also, while i really enjoyed my d-lux 4, i never actually cracked open capture one, which is something i'm looking forward to learning to get the most out of the m8.

 

anyways, i just wanted to introduce myself -- i've spent a lot of time on this forum reading and learning about the m8; thanks to all for sharing your insights and knowledge.

 

surfside

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Sometimes the forum software automatically moderates posts with lots of links from people who have a low post count. This is to prevent Spammers, of which there are many...

 

I have approved your post, but would encourage you to upload your shots to the forum, rather than just provide links, as many people won't click on lots of links to see lots of photographs.

 

Instructions in the stickies in the "About the Leica Forum" section.

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Sometimes the forum software automatically moderates posts with lots of links from people who have a low post count. This is to prevent Spammers, of which there are many...

thanks andy. i sent you a PM re: the picture post.

 

thanks in advance,

surfside

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surfside, welcome to the Forum!

I like your logical thought processes. If you are working on a small budget and desire extra lenses for your M8.2, do consider youngish older Leica lenses in good condition. While I have some current lenses, I have been astonished how well my 1960s lenses perform. After all, the lens you chose is from the history books and you are delighted with it!

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Hi

 

A single coated (SC) lens will give a more detailed rendering of a wide range sceane on short scale film or a digital sensor, with film you also have the option of e.g. a soft working D-23 developer.

 

E.g. the pictures from the optically identical 40mm SC CV and the 40mm MC CV, will be different cause the SC lens compresses the dynamic range.

 

A 40mm CL cron is a nice lens for a D Leica or RD/1.

 

On brght days I will use a SC lens with film as it is easier to swap a lens than prepare D23 for half a film length...

 

Noel

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I find th Summicron 40 an excellent little lens on the M9 and M8. It may not be as precise - some say clinical- as the Summicron 35 asph, but the color rendering in my experience is unsurpassed and it is quite a sharp little lens. A bit of an underrated gem.

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Hi Ya Surfside,

I'm a 'new' M8 owner myself! I should be getting some links to some of my first shots up in the forum soon (hopefully). I went with the 40mm Rokkor f2 (2nd version) which is kind of a Kissing Cousin to the Summi 40 ie: Same Yet Different. My 'understanding' is they are Optically and Mechanically Matching in Design, with differences in Image Quality down to Sample Variances in any Manufacturing Process AND the 2nd Generation Rokkor having been 'improved' with more advanced coatings. Don't qoute me as 'gospel' on that data :-), but I definitely Believe it to be 100% Accurate. I have an R mount 50mm Summicron that I use on an EOS 20D and so far the 40mm Rokkor has a nearly identical Aesthetic Feel and Bokeh Profile.

As for adding to your Lens Package without Breaking The Bank: Look Hard At The Voigtlander Lenses. The advice people are giving you about the non-antique Leica Lenses is also Terrific, but I have two Voigtlander LTM lenses and would unhesitatingly reccomend them to anyone.

I would also unhesitatingly reccoment that you Join Sean Reid's Review Site (moderate annual subscription fee) for good info on most new and semi-recent Leica, Zeiss, and Voigtlander Glass for the M. Also reviews on some other equipment and cameras, too - but mainly M gear is the center point of the stuff to be found there.

 

Richard in Michigan

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You must be on Mac and love the capitalistion feature..:D:p

 

You know what they say Jaapv, you only Insult the ones you LOVE. :-D

 

Just let the agro go and get the Mac you really wish Ya Had! ;-)

 

Hee Hee

 

R in Mi

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As a matter of fact I am quite happy with my quad MacPro...:p

 

HEY!

A fellow follower of the Steve Jobs Reality Distortion Field!

 

I have a Quad Core 2010 MacPro and couldn't be happier!

 

But most frequently visit the forum via my new iPad I 64gig using Forum Runner.

(I skipped the II version cuz if I want to use a Camera that Flippin' Big I'll drag out my 4x5 Field Camera!)

 

Peace

 

Richard in Michigan

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  • 3 months later...
Nice series you posted ! Let my say also that you were lucky with the colors of the model's dresses... ;)... have you thought of the UVIR filter... ? :cool: You'll need it, one day or another...

 

Foto Huppert, B+W 39 486 UV IR cut plus a tiny little bit of household glue to keep it in place.

There is some vignetting at f2.0 which will almost disappear at f2.8.

Also consider sharpness, please see the difference on 100% crop pics at 2.0 and 2.8 aperture. I blacked-out f2.0 on the barrel, as I did with other lenses to remind me of performance limitations.

This little lens is one of my favorites. I use the 50mm frame lines BTW.

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

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