Mikep996 Posted January 18, 2012 Share #1 Posted January 18, 2012 Advertisement (gone after registration) Over a year ago I posted about considering an M9 but, after a lot of thinking both re price and the way I actually used a camera, I decided that my Nikon DSLR suited me better so I decided, as Louis B Mayer once said, to "Include me out" of buying a digi Leica. However, recently I went out with my old M6/28 cron, 50 cron, 90 tele el, and a few rolls of Velvia and once again decided that I really missed the feel of that camera. But I also learned that as much as I enjoyed the slides, there's just no way I could ever go back to shooting film regularly. So I started researching digi-Leics again and, once again, looked at used M9s. But, just as before, even the used price - which generally seemed to be around 5500+ USD - was more than I was comfortable spending. So then I started thinking about an M8 and came back here to the M8 pages to do more research. I have to admit I was IMpressed and DEpressed at the same time. I was impressed by the capability of the camera and the fact that the 1.3 crop wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I was DEpressed by the number of complaints re reliability problems. However, I decided to take the plunge, hoping that as is typical, complaints always far outnumber favorable comments from satisfied users. I got an M8 (320 serial number) through Ebay and had it sent to a friend in TX. I'm in Mexico (job-related) so I won't actually have the camera in my hand until March, when I go to the US for a couple of weeks. But he's checked it out and pronounced it in excellent shape. I'm ordering the IR filters for my lenses and also planning to buy either the 12 or 15mm Voigt for the camera - more likely the 12 but I haven't decided. I really like wide angle and use an 11-16mm Tokina on my Nikon D90 quite regularly. I'm really looking forward to getting "back" to using a Leica though I have to admit I don't think it's too likely that I will do as some have and sell the Nikon gear and be strictly a Leica shooter. But heck, who knows. Anyway, just wanted to post and say that I learned a lot about the M8 here and appreciate all the valuable info. I'll be looking forward to using the M8 in March in TX and later the same month on the Chesapeake Bay. Then, in May, it will be going to Italy for a few weeks. I'm not sure if I have the nerve to JUST carry the '8 and lenses or whether the D90/lenses should go as well. Of course, it sounds a little silly to carry all that on the plane when the whole idea with a Leica is to go "lighter." So maybe by then I'll be comfortable enough with the '8 and its operation/performance to "just say 'No' " to carrying the Nik stuff. OTOH...carrying the Nik/Leic stuff over there in my camera backpack is no big deal and then I can leave the hotel with either... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted January 18, 2012 Posted January 18, 2012 Hi Mikep996, Take a look here Well...gonna try this digital Leica thing... :). I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
jippiejee Posted January 18, 2012 Share #2 Posted January 18, 2012 I recently bought my M8 after considering and dismissing the M9 for similar reasons (imagine all the countries I could visit for the price difference!). All I can think of now is "why didn't I get this camera in the first place after so many other digital cameras? I love the tack sharp focusing, the IQ, the handling, it really is such a wonderful rangefinder camera. 1.3x crop isn't all that bad. I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Not everyone need iso3200. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted January 18, 2012 Share #3 Posted January 18, 2012 See you on the M9 forum in a few months' time Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wda Posted January 18, 2012 Share #4 Posted January 18, 2012 Mike, how frustrating for you; owning an M8 which you can't handle till March! But it worth the wait and could well be all you will need for your next tour overseas. It is also good to read a note of appreciation for the global Leica wisdom available in this forum. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SJP Posted January 18, 2012 Share #5 Posted January 18, 2012 Sit, brood, worry - still it will be worth it:D Welcome to the forum. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikep996 Posted January 18, 2012 Author Share #6 Posted January 18, 2012 Thanks for the welcome! "See you on the M9 forum in a few months' time" I hope not...but I've learned to never say 'never.' Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cyril Jayant Posted January 19, 2012 Share #7 Posted January 19, 2012 Advertisement (gone after registration) Over a year ago I posted about considering an M9 but, after a lot of thinking both re price and the way I actually used a camera, I decided that my Nikon DSLR suited me better so I decided, as Louis B Mayer once said, to "Include me out" of buying a digi Leica. However, recently I went out with my old M6/28 cron, 50 cron, 90 tele el, and a few rolls of Velvia and once again decided that I really missed the feel of that camera. But I also learned that as much as I enjoyed the slides, there's just no way I could ever go back to shooting film regularly. So I started researching digi-Leics again and, once again, looked at used M9s. But, just as before, even the used price - which generally seemed to be around 5500+ USD - was more than I was comfortable spending. So then I started thinking about an M8 and came back here to the M8 pages to do more research. I have to admit I was IMpressed and DEpressed at the same time. I was impressed by the capability of the camera and the fact that the 1.3 crop wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I was DEpressed by the number of complaints re reliability problems. However, I decided to take the plunge, hoping that as is typical, complaints always far outnumber favorable comments from satisfied users. I got an M8 (320 serial number) through Ebay and had it sent to a friend in TX. I'm in Mexico (job-related) so I won't actually have the camera in my hand until March, when I go to the US for a couple of weeks. But he's checked it out and pronounced it in excellent shape. I'm ordering the IR filters for my lenses and also planning to buy either the 12 or 15mm Voigt for the camera - more likely the 12 but I haven't decided. I really like wide angle and use an 11-16mm Tokina on my Nikon D90 quite regularly. I'm really looking forward to getting "back" to using a Leica though I have to admit I don't think it's too likely that I will do as some have and sell the Nikon gear and be strictly a Leica shooter. But heck, who knows. Anyway, just wanted to post and say that I learned a lot about the M8 here and appreciate all the valuable info. I'll be looking forward to using the M8 in March in TX and later the same month on the Chesapeake Bay. Then, in May, it will be going to Italy for a few weeks. I'm not sure if I have the nerve to JUST carry the '8 and lenses or whether the D90/lenses should go as well. Of course, it sounds a little silly to carry all that on the plane when the whole idea with a Leica is to go "lighter." So maybe by then I'll be comfortable enough with the '8 and its operation/performance to "just say 'No' " to carrying the Nik stuff. OTOH...carrying the Nik/Leic stuff over there in my camera backpack is no big deal and then I can leave the hotel with either... Now you have done your home work and time to go out and use your LEICA THING.......>> Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikep996 Posted January 22, 2012 Author Share #8 Posted January 22, 2012 I didn't last long in the digital Leica world! But I made some money! The friend in TX that I had my "new" M8 sent to called me today and asked me if I would sell it to him. He's been fooling with it and really liked it. He offered me 400 dollars MORE than I paid for it a little over two weeks ago. I told him that and his response was, "Well then, do you want to make 400 bucks or not?" Since he put it that way...I am no longer the owner of a Leica M8 (which I never even saw!) I'm debating my next move... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted January 22, 2012 Share #9 Posted January 22, 2012 Enter post # 3... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SJP Posted January 22, 2012 Share #10 Posted January 22, 2012 see..... the M8 is an investment We have proof/anecdotal evidence (which we all believe obviously) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikep996 Posted January 22, 2012 Author Share #11 Posted January 22, 2012 "Enter post # 3..." LOL! Good one. But sadly even a used '9 is out of my affordable price range. Maybe when (if) an M10 shows up... Or maybe I should just keep buying/selling '8's for 400 bucks profit on each. I'd only need to do that about 13-14 times to buy a used M9! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
due163 Posted January 22, 2012 Share #12 Posted January 22, 2012 I was just going to say that keep sending them to friends and in no time, you can take Jaap up on his offer the M8 is still a great camera however Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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