jim_royer Posted February 13, 2007 Share #1 Â Posted February 13, 2007 Advertisement (gone after registration) I presently own three Leica film cameras and two Leica digital cameras. However, I getting cold feet about purchasing the new M8 camera, even though I am on a US deaker's waiting list. Hearing present owners talk about problems is discouraging to me, as there is so much about these problems I don't understand. Â What I do understand is that I may be investing almost $5,000 in a camera body that has problems, and yet, I want the camera. That's my concern. I keeping looking at the photo posts by those of you who already have the camera and that keeps my name on the dealers waiting list. Am I the only person who is having these doubts? Comments would be appreciated. Jim Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted February 13, 2007 Posted February 13, 2007 Hi jim_royer, Take a look here M8 problems are discouraging to me. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
stunsworth Posted February 13, 2007 Share #2 Â Posted February 13, 2007 Jim, it sounds as if you want us to say what a great camera it and and help you to justify your decision :-) Â I've had the camera for three or four weeks so far, taken about 1500 shots and love the camera.Other than the magenta issue - which is very, very real if you have no filters - I have had no problems. The camera looks and handles like an M. Â Some people have obviously had problems, but without knowing the percentage of delivered cameras that have developed these problems the fact that 1 or 50 people have reported an issue is a pretty meaninless statistic. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dspeltz Posted February 13, 2007 Share #3 Â Posted February 13, 2007 I just bought a second M8 as backup on long trips. No second thoughts about it. It is a terrific instrument. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Sprow Posted February 13, 2007 Share #4 Â Posted February 13, 2007 My M8 has over 5000 exposures through it with ZERO problems, except the magenta (fixed with filters) and banding (cured with the 1.09 software). I love it, though since I often go to places where battery recharging is difficult I carry a film M (M7) and so far I like B&W prints better from film. Â Large color prints from the M8 are MUCH superior regarding resolution than those from Velvia or Provia. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
fjmcsu Posted February 13, 2007 Share #5 Â Posted February 13, 2007 James, You probably already have Leica or rangefinder glass so your investment although significant is still not like mine since I had no prior Leica nor rangefinder glass.I still would do it again having used the M8 now for a month.This from someone who went through the Kodak 14n to nx debacle! I have had no issues to date except mild magenta issues.Good luck in your decision Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
finkaudio Posted February 13, 2007 Share #6  Posted February 13, 2007 Hi,   I could track down most of my "software bugs" to my SD card. It was a Sandisk Ultra III that gave me all sorts of hick-ups. I kicked it away and now the camera works without problems. My local LEICA shop told me they had not one single broken M8. And my son works for them, so no marketing BlaBla  M8-bashing seems trendy , but in reality it's pretty reliable.  Best regards  Karl-Heinz Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
AaronJ Posted February 13, 2007 Share #7 Â Posted February 13, 2007 Advertisement (gone after registration) I agree with what others have said. No problems but magenta problems. Once Leica sends me my two IR filters, I plan to buy a couple more for my other lenses. It's a little extra dough but I myself feel that the results have been worth it. I'll still shoot film so long as my favorites are still available but I have yet to find myself in a sitaution where the M8 has let me down or where I wished I had brought the M7 instead. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
larry Posted February 13, 2007 Share #8  Posted February 13, 2007 Hi Jim,  Read this thread, it will eliminate some posting redundancy: http://www.leica-camera-user.com/digital-forum/16294-worried-about-m8.html  By the way, my M8 has been totally reliable.  Larry Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jscottyk Posted February 13, 2007 Share #9 Â Posted February 13, 2007 Had mine for just over a week. Almost 1000 exposures. Couple of bugs related to firmware but zero failures. Â When I can afford a second body, I'll buy one. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnwolf Posted February 13, 2007 Share #10 Â Posted February 13, 2007 Am I the only person who is having these doubts? Comments would be appreciated. Â Hi Jim. No, you're not alone. I'm wrestling with the same thing. At least you have glass. My investment would be closer to $12,000 for the body, lenses, and accessories. Â Every time I'm about the pull the trigger, I read another defective M8 post and back off. It also makes me wonder about the camera over the long term. I'm especially troubled by the color issues. Maybe I'm wrong, but it sure seems like to posted images of great color have taken some effort. I work at the computer all day, and don't want to spend my liesure hours there also, trying to correct color images. Â But if I had the glass already, I'd jump in. Even if you get a bad unit, Leica has been responsive in fixing or replacing them. And it's not like the M8 would be your only body. Â All the best with your decision. Â John Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rami G Posted February 13, 2007 Share #11 Â Posted February 13, 2007 being one of those who have raised issues about the M8 I feel responsible to reply to that post (see my other post about my M8 issues). I have been using Leica M bodies with Velvia and Provia 100F, 400F and high iso BW. I have been using the canon 10D, 20D, 5D Epson R-D1 and Kodak slr/c. What you learn, in using a camera, that what determines the level of "lovability" of the camera is simply the final file output. My favorite so far was the Kodak slr/c but the ergonomics of the camera was horrible. my second is the R-D1. There is simply something about the files of the Epson that makes them great up to the the 6mp printing limit. The 5D comes next, though I still love using it with the 24L 1.4, 135L and 85L. but there is something about the Canon's files that to my taste is "lacking". I know that many love the output and I am not trying to pretend that it is more than a pure subjective thing, but I have heard that from a group of other proud Kodak users. Now the Leica is the best of all possible worlds, at least for me. It has great ergonomics (small, long battery life, best controls, RF focus...), it has a top of the line CCD that up to now was of a kind used only in MF backs. I find CCDs in general much more appealing than Cmos (again, thought Kodak did great job in the Cmos they chose for the slr/c). The sensor has great colors and amazing dynamic range, great shadow details that I never encountered in any other camera I used, and the lack of AA filter, combined with the Leica glass is really great... In other words, the problems are minor compared to what you get. Think of it as paying 2000$ for a real M body with a digital back. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wilfredo Posted February 13, 2007 Share #12 Â Posted February 13, 2007 I was a strong critic of the M8 release. I caved and bought the camera on December 26th. I am soooo happy I did! Can't wait to get the IR filters this month. I also have a 5D, a great tool with lots of sophisticated features, I won't be giving it up, but the Leica M8 is in a class of its own. Firmware updates should resolve any remaining issues. Since I always use filters on my lenses, putting an IR filter on the lenses is no big deal. I'm one of those who can't afford to spend thousands on lenses, and leave them unprotected. Â Cheers, Wilfredo+ Benitez-Rivera Photography Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pascal_meheut Posted February 13, 2007 Share #13 Â Posted February 13, 2007 I'm happy too. No problem with the camera, wonderful pictures, IR filtrers do the trick... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
geoffreyg Posted February 13, 2007 Share #14 Â Posted February 13, 2007 I looked at a dealers, wasn't impressed. Looked at a second dealer - saw the big screen with BW preview, and fell for it. No regrets. Â Take shots on Sunday day time, prints that night. Wow. And all the Leica quality. Â Don't let the internet distort your impressions. Its a fine camera. Your film work will turn out to be history, and more than that, you'll even be happier in the process. That's the amazing part. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
AaronJ Posted February 13, 2007 Share #15 Â Posted February 13, 2007 Speaking in general, if you're someone who is already hooked on the feel of an M camera then the temptation to ride-out the teething issues of the M8 will probably be worth it (speaking as someone with a functioning M8.) On the flipside, if you're someone who has simply held a curiosity for Leica and views the M8 as the best possible jumping-in point, I would suggest holding off. I know someone who bought an R-D1 early on simply because he wanted a digital camera and had always been interested in RF photography and, needless to say, it was a bumpy introduction considering the problems that Epson had with their dRF. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
eronald Posted February 13, 2007 Share #16 Â Posted February 13, 2007 I think that month or two waiting until the current issues are ironed out won't hurt new buyers. I have a sneaky suspicion that the next batch of cameras will be better than this one because of hardware changes. Â Edmund Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bnelson Posted February 13, 2007 Share #17 Â Posted February 13, 2007 Jim, Â I bought a R9/DMR last year and intended to get an early M8 but just didn't get in an early que with a dealer so I waited. Then I read over and over about these problems as they arose. Â Ha! Great I said, I'm glad I wasn't one of those early adopters. But I also read about how good the images were, the size and format of the M8, and the responses of Leica. Â Then I looked at the images people like Guy were posting and on December 28th I gave up and on a tip from this board B&H had a silver M8 in stock. Ordered it. Delivered next day and I have not had a single problem since. Lucky I guess but I still don't have any filters. I should have those soon and I am even more confident that Leica will solve these problems. Â At this stage I would have done only one thing different, I would have tried to be one of the very first in line but mine came with 1.09 firmware and probably doesn't have to go back. I'm delighted with mine and look for things to be better. Â I love the size and form of the M8. With the magnifier focussing is easy, crisp, and usually spot on but I'm still waiting on my Nocitlux and I'm sure that will change. Â I know it's a hard decision but I'm not sure I see any reason to wait. Leica has been totally behind this camera and will do whatever it takes to make them work. Anyway, just my opinion... Â Bill Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jim_royer Posted February 13, 2007 Author Share #18 Â Posted February 13, 2007 Well, I feel much more secure with my decision to buy the M8. Your replies have convinced me that this is a camera I want and will enjoy using. You can't imagine how much your replies have meant to me in helping with this decision. Thanks again. Jim Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
truando Posted February 13, 2007 Share #19 Â Posted February 13, 2007 I thought about buying or not buying for about 6 months, and finally bought it. Â I had 'em all... Â This is the best so far. Â And no problems at all! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guy_mancuso Posted February 13, 2007 Share #20  Posted February 13, 2007 Jim, I bought a R9/DMR last year and intended to get an early M8 but just didn't get in an early que with a dealer so I waited. Then I read over and over about these problems as they arose.  Ha! Great I said, I'm glad I wasn't one of those early adopters. But I also read about how good the images were, the size and format of the M8, and the responses of Leica.  Then I looked at the images people like Guy were posting and on December 28th I gave up and on a tip from this board B&H had a silver M8 in stock. Ordered it. Delivered next day and I have not had a single problem since. Lucky I guess but I still don't have any filters. I should have those soon and I am even more confident that Leica will solve these problems.  At this stage I would have done only one thing different, I would have tried to be one of the very first in line but mine came with 1.09 firmware and probably doesn't have to go back. I'm delighted with mine and look for things to be better.  I love the size and form of the M8. With the magnifier focussing is easy, crisp, and usually spot on but I'm still waiting on my Nocitlux and I'm sure that will change.  I know it's a hard decision but I'm not sure I see any reason to wait. Leica has been totally behind this camera and will do whatever it takes to make them work. Anyway, just my opinion...   Bill  Stuff like this under nasty conditions makes you think twice about NOT getting one . Try this handheld at 1/90 at f2 ISO 640 handheld with a 90 apo. It's all about the glass. Just love this freaking camera. I used to have to shoot these events with a flash , no more 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! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/16147-m8-problems-are-discouraging-to-me/?do=findComment&comment=170989'>More sharing options...
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