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[jim sink]

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Need advice. I'm a former user of an M9. Decided I did not want to have so much money in one camera so I sold it and tried many others including the X2.

Nothing felt good to me so now I've decided to possibly get an M8. Not that much money and its an "M" camera. Are all you M8 users happy with the camera

and do you think I'll regret not getting another M9. I will only use the M8 for B&W Landscape shots. Wish I could make up my mind.

[Dougg]

If you like the M8/M9 form factor and ergonomics, then you might like the M8. Since the M8 is missing the M9's menu for identifying lenses manually, coding lenses is more important. And using a UV/IR Cut filter is necessary IMO on all lenses on the M8. (Frankly, in my experience, the IR Cut filters are beneficial on the M9 as well.)

 

I kept my two M8 cameras (one with shutter and finder upgrades) when I got the M9, and all are in common use.

[Revdockj]

I, too, kept my M8 when I got an M9 and M9-P. I use the M8 a lot--most of my B & W is with this camera. In fact, it is my carry-everywhere, point and shoot camera. If I had to choose between them, like you, I'm not sure what I would do. But if I'm doing mostly B & W and I don't mind the crop factor, it sure saves money.

 

Ken

[brianv]

I kept my M8 after getting the M9, and have the m Monochrom on order.

 

I use the M8 quite a bit, and leave a C-Sonnar on it most of the time. I like having the 1/8000s shutter speed on it something the M9 and M8.2 traded off.

[lct]

You don't need IR-cut filters if you shoot B&W but you won't have fast wides aside from the 21(equiv. 28) and 24(equiv. 32) Summiluxes. Not exactly budget lenses as you know

[jim sink]

Thanks for your time and advice. Shoot with cameras , not guns !

[Jeff S]

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I actually prefer the M8.2 for my needs, as explained here.

 

YMMV, as they say.

 

Jeff

[jim sink]

Jeff,

Thanks so much, I think you have helped me make up my mind. It's a M8.2.

Your thoughts are very valid.

Thanks again ,

Jim:)

[wilfredo]

I was never sold on the M9. I've posted tons of M8 photos on this forum. I remain happy and satisfied with the M8, and I have saved a bundle. Once the M10 hits the market, it may be a different story, time will tell.

[Jeff S]

Thanks so much, I think you have helped me make up my mind. It's a M8.2.

 

I don't think you'll be disappointed. Of course you could spend marginally less on an upgraded M8, which will give you most of the same features, but if you patiently shop around, you'll find a well priced M8.2. I recommend that you shop from reliable dealers and get a warranty.

 

I searched for months for my second one, and ultimately found one in mint condition. I also discovered that dealer prices for cameras of similar age and condition varied by up to $1000. That was over a year ago, but I suspect the situation now is somewhat similar.

 

Since I made my earlier post, the filter issue is now somewhat mitigated by the acceptance of filters for the MM. And remember, too, the M8.2 will always be more rare than the M8 or M9.

 

In the end, whatever tool works best for you. Worst case, if you don't get along with it, sell it for probably no loss. Good luck.

 

Jeff

[chalkdust]

I agree about 100% with Jeff S. I also prefer the M8.2, though an M8 would not bother me. I think the slight changes in the M8.2 make it a better choice than the M8 for a person who does not have an M8. I like both cameras.

 

I am in about the same boat as Jeff S with regard to not needing the M9. However, I do not normally print even as large as Jeff S does, and I suspect that his work is far superior to mine.

 

The M8.2 is a good travel camera for me and a good special occasion camera for me. But best of all, it is a good go-out-and-have-fun-taking-pictures camera for me.

 

Though you did not ask about lenses, I am finding that 24mm, 50mm, and 90mm are becoming my standard lens set for the M8.2. the Elmar M, Summicron, and (old) collapsable Elmar, respectively, are small, light, and a joy to use on the M8.2. (As they would be on an M8.)

[luigi bertolotti]

I am a 5+ years user of M8 - at all happy with it - BUT, thinking of your specific situation, I think that in deciding about what to buy in the used market, is better to make some consideration :

- A M8.2 is more costly than a M8

- When , in September, "M10" will arrive, is probable that the above prices will go down a bit... so as the prices of used M9s

- Depending on your lens set, M8 or M8.2 can mean up to 200/300 Euros for UV/IR filters, an addon cost you won't have with M9 (exchanging filters with lenses is annoying... so I'll end up with 3 x E 39 + some other of other sizes... the only ones I exchange are for 21 and 24 Elmarit asph... never go out with both )

 

Make your own decision... ... personally, I would buy a M8 if I can't wait for 2 or 3 months... but probably I would simply wait.

[k_g_wolf ✝]

Wait a while, Jim, and decide for another M9.

 

You will NOT regret it.

 

 

Best

GEORG

[wda]

You say cost is an issue. That rules out re-buying an M9. I retained my M8 and use the crop factor to advantage by using 75 to 135 lenses on it. That works well with my M9. For landscape work, a 35 or 50 would be ideal.

 

Don't forget the IR capabilities of the M8. No modification needed; just an IR filter. (Search the forum for discussions on IR)

[gdi]

Hopefully you read the post about the unrepairable M8s.

 

The thread was related only to the camera's LCD, but having to replace that is not an unusual situation ( I had to have mine replaced a couple of years ago under warranty, due to the "coffee stain" issue.) And I wonder what other parts may be now unavailable for the M8, or even the M9.

[Messsucherkamera]

Thanks for your time and advice. Shoot with cameras , not guns !

Particularly good advice for portrait photographers.

[eelekim]

I was an M9-P user. It's my first digital M. I like it. But somehow I sold it and decided it's the end of my relationships with Leica. Then, I bought X-pro1 and X2 again. Yes, again, for both. I missed the M experience. Now I've got a near mint M8.2. I don't know why. It feels better in my hands than M9-P. Jeff's opinion is spot-on. I can't agree more. Love its framelines especially. Maybe M10 is coming soon. Why not waiting for a little more?