about to change from Nikon to Leica M

[albygentle]

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Hello everyone:) I have been reading this forum for a while now, and you all seem like great people and proud of your Leicas.

 

It took some research from me to be willing to do this change, mainly because I have some great glass on Nikon (58mm Noct 1.2, Voigtlander 125mm 2.5 APO Lanthar) to name two.

 

I wondered if it would even be worth doing the switch, considering these lenses produce amazing quality in photos, and a Nikon is reliable and endures weather conditions etc. I like shooting in rain and snow. I know the Leica M8 wont provide this as well, but anyways.

 

I am changing because i want to push myself into this world of true photography. Even though I use all manual on my cameras and AI lenses, I feel like a change.

 

Im going for a m8.2, and a few lenses. The question comes with coding. I see M8 requires you to use 6bit coding. Therefore, does this mean that if they are not coded, it wont read and create vignette? I dont know how to manually code a lens, and i rather not try. I dont want to use a sharpie pen or anything. Is there some way other way to get this done? Lets say i get a 50mm Lux and a 28 Cron. What do i have to look for to make sure they are coded? I am ordering online so i cant look at the mounts all of the time.

 

Which versions offer coded lenses ? I am thinking of a 1st or 2nd version of the Lux.

And maybe some voigtlander lenses as well..

 

If anyone can give me an idea, I would appreciate it greatly. Thank you!

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[jaapv]

Welcome:). If you use IR cut filters (and you must when shooting color) lenses shorter than 35 mm must be coded, lenses of 50 and longer only need coding to get the focal length in EXIF or control flashes with zoom reflectors and 35 mm depends on the lens.

I think the ideal starter lens on the M8 is a Summicron 40 C with modified mount and coded for 35, or any of the 35 Summicrons. If you are a bit of a wider shooter the 24 mm Elmarit is an excellent choice. Start with one lens and feel your way after that.

[lars_bergquist]

I agree with Jaap (I find that I often do) but being very much a 35mm man on full frame cameras, my favourite for the M8 was the 28mm Summicron ASPH. It is one of the very best lenses Leica make, and with a very pleasant rendering. The other lens I usually carried was a 75mm Summarit.

 

All current lenses have been coded since 2006. Older lenses can be coded by the Solms people or their area distributors simply by changing the bayonet, which is not exorbitantly expensive. The exceptions are some early lenses which do not have separately screwed-on bayonets. There are also competent mechanics that can do the job, by machining the original bayonet ring. If you are in Europe, I can recommend Will van Manen.

 

The M8 is a remarkably competent camera. I had to sell mine to finance my M9, but I do sometimes miss it, especially for its IR capacity with a B+W 092 deep red filter.

 

The old man from the Kodachrome Age

[albygentle]

Thanks for the advice guys, it clears a lot.

 

I am mostly do portraits, and would normally go for a 90mm lens, but I have no idea how well it would perform on the m8.

 

I like the result i get with my Nikon doing portraits and model photography (usually my beautiful girlfriend or other females will pose for me). Anyone here have experience with portraits on the M8?

 

A Hussy would be another choice, but I am not dishing out 13k anytime soon for that one. And honestly, I would prefer to do more street portraits..so Leica is where its at.

 

Looking at this gallery http://www.davehillphoto.com/bw2/#29 most shots are at 35mm, and this is what I enjoy, so I guess the 28mm is giving me this focal range.

 

Ill keep you guys updated once I take the leap completely.

 

Thanks so much!

[jaapv]

If you like to do portraits there is a wonderful choice for the M8 imo - a pre-asph Summilux 50

I do not normally comment on typos - I make too many myself- but I love the choice of a hussy for lovely female portraits...

[daubsphoto]

While I love my M8 and have used it for portraits with a 75 and a 90 lens, I find it easier to shoot telephoto stuff, especially when you're trying to get that perfect expression, etc., as in a close portrait, with a dslr. Looking through the viewfinder window and concentrating on the small tele frame lines makes it a lot harder for me to catch the right moment vs. the full viewing experience of a through-the-lens finder.

 

Just make sure you've spent a little time with the camera and tele lens before you take the plunge....

 

Steve

[albygentle]

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Excellent.

 

As far as spending time with the DSLR and tele lens, I feel completely comfortable using it all on manual.

 

So basically, if the m8 could produce photographs like those shown in the gallery link I posted above (Dave Hill B+W section) im all in.

 

I am not looking to make it easier on myself, on the contrary, that is why I am so attracted to a rangefinder.

[wda]

albygentle, Welcome to the forum!

 

From the tone of your first post it seems you have pretty well decided to go for an M8. Ideally you should handle one before committing yourself. Is that possible for you?

 

Regarding your love of portraiture, the 75mm is a useful focal length on the M8 being roughly equal to 100mm on full-frame. While you will be working with a smaller framing viewfinder when set for the 75mm lens, you can master that with regular practice. One advantage is that you see what lies just beyond the frame boundary which I find helpful when composing in-camera. If you consider getting a 75, then a 35 or 28 would be a good companion as a pairing. (I still use a 75mm Summarit on an M8 for portraits of pets and humans!)

[earleygallery]

 

A Hussy would be another choice, but I am not dishing out 13k anytime soon for that one.

 

 

Thanks so much!

 

That's an expensive hussy! What does she do for that??!!

[tobey bilek]

Focus is simply not as fast as Nikon auto focus.

 

A 75 is one of the most difficult lenses to focus on the M8.

 

I really suggest you follow the advice above on try first. Lens rental.com.

 

You really need ir cut filters(B+W 486) or Leica brand to get the colors correct. There are more issues than just blacks going purple. When you add the filter, then you get cyan edges/corners on lenses 35 and wider and you then need coded lens for the camera to do the corrections. Or use "corner fix", a free program. I use coded lenses and then corner fix to touch it up so it is perfect.

 

You will like the smaller size, but there is little weight savings if at all.

 

Nikon is my reflex system, Leica my RF system.

 

Try it first even if you must rent.

[jaapv]

You do not get cyan corners on a 75...

[tobey bilek]

Focus is simply not as fast as Nikon auto focus.

 

A 75 is one of the most difficult lenses to focus on the M8.

 

I really suggest you follow the advice above on try first. Lens rental.com.

 

You really need ir cut filters(B+W 486) or Leica brand to get the colors correct. There are more issues than just blacks going purple. When you add the filter, then you get cyan edges/corners on lenses 35 and wider and you then need coded lens for the camera to do the corrections. Or use "corner fix", a free program. I use coded lenses and then corner fix to touch it up so it is perfect.

 

You will like the smaller size, but there is little weight savings if at all.

 

Nikon is my reflex system, Leica my RF system.

 

Try it first even if you must rent.

 

35 and wider. 50 &75 are free of cyan corners, but still need the ir filter to get colors correct. 35 have minimal cyan corrners, but wider lenses get more.

[albygentle]

meant to write a Hassie, not hussy haha. boops.

 

Great advice from everyone, cheers.

 

For filters of course I am adding some to all lenses I purchase. So these color issues happen to the M8.2 as well? in any case, if the IR/UV filter solves this, no worries.

 

I agree that the Nikon is great, I love them..and the lenses I use such as the Zeiss, Noct Nikkor and Voigtlander render beautiful images. I do not really mind the size of the bodies.

 

RF is just a different culture and feel for sure. Images will be equally gorgeous.

 

I will try to go a store and try it. I am ordering it from a online dealer though.

 

For lenses I am sure I want a 50mm Lux. Ill consider the 75mm lux or summitar as well. 28mm would be my third choice.

 

Ill keep you guys posted. thanks again)

[jaapv]

I gues you mean75 Summarit. That and the Summilux 75 are two different beasties.

[tobey bilek]

meant to write a Hassie, not hussy haha. boops.

 

Great advice from everyone, cheers.

 

For filters of course I am adding some to all lenses I purchase. So these color issues happen to the M8.2 as well? in any case, if the IR/UV filter solves this, no worries.

 

I agree that the Nikon is great, I love them..and the lenses I use such as the Zeiss, Noct Nikkor and Voigtlander render beautiful images. I do not really mind the size of the bodies.

 

RF is just a different culture and feel for sure. Images will be equally gorgeous.

 

I will try to go a store and try it. I am ordering it from a online dealer though.

 

For lenses I am sure I want a 50mm Lux. Ill consider the 75mm lux or summitar as well. 28mm would be my third choice.

 

Ill keep you guys posted. thanks again)

 

So you want to use a local store for advice and fondling, but buy somewhere else.

Just how do you expect the local to stay in business???

[albygentle]

im on a trip right now visiting friends, so i don't really care what happens to the store.

 

that sounds harsh perhaps..nevertheless, what does this have to do with the point of the thread.

[Digital~Nomad]

About 5 months ago i inherited a Leica M8 from my grandfather in his will.Its not a camera that i had ever handled before as i used too shoot a Nikon D3 + D700.After a short period of about 2 days i got my head around the simplicity of the M rangefinder system and now its the only system i shoot.I have sold the complete Nikon system in the past week and bought an M9,(i have kept the M8 as it was my grandfathers and still love and shoot it) i have just 3 lenses to date a carl zeiss 50mm planar,zeiss 25mm biogon and a voigtlander 15mm f4.5,again all 3 inherited,would i love leica glass,well thats a tough one but yes something in the 35mm range,but the zeiss glass in my eyes also produces some amazing images..

 

back to my point,would i swap to leica without trying it noooooo

 

but having tried a leica m camera would i swap or buy one....hell yes you would have to break both my legs to stop me walking or crawling to the dealers..

[earleygallery]

im on a trip right now visiting friends, so i don't really care what happens to the store.

 

that sounds harsh perhaps..nevertheless, what does this have to do with the point of the thread.

 

Because soon you won't have a store to go and try anything. Buy online if you like but don't waste your local dealers time and resources, that's not fair IMHO.

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Hallo,

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[jaapv]

So you want to use a local store for advice and fondling, but buy somewhere else.

Just how do you expect the local to stay in business???

 

Agree, that is a rather incorrect way of doing business. And don' expect the store to be very accomodating when you need assistance and the online seller is not willing/able to help you. You'll soon learn that in the Leica world a good relationship with a dealer is a thing to be valued.

[Virginia Bill]

You'll soon learn that in the Leica world a good relationship with a dealer is a thing to be valued.

 

As is usually the case, jaapv's comment is apt. I drove 200+ miles to reach an accommodating dealer. Well worth the trip. He let me borrow an M8 overnight to try various lenses, answered numerous questions, knew his used stock thoroughly, took the time to show me assorted Leica treasures, and guided me to a sensible exchange/purchase at a reasonable price. Now I deal with him via phone and email for additional lenses without having to make the long trip. Investing in a good dealer pays dividends which surpass the few hundred you might (but only might) save by searching the internet.