on the verge of buying an M8. should i?

[brianv]

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The Canon can use R Glass, it cannot use lenses made for Leica Thread Mount, Contax RF-Mount through the last 80 years and Nikon S-Mount over the last 65 years.

 

RIMG0363 by anachronist1, on Flickr

 

1934 Sonnar, converted to Leica by anachronist1, on Flickr

 

Now- lenses for the Argus C-3, good news- they can be used as well.

 

Argus Cintar on the M9 by anachronist1, on Flickr

 

The design of a lens for an SLR, below about 60mm focal length, is fundamentally different from those that can be used on an RF camera. You cannot use some of the best lenses made through the last 80 years on an SLR, you can use them on an M8, M9, and m monochrom. Lenses for the RF yield a different look from those that you can use on an SLR.

 

and selling off some lenses collected before the M8, M9, and M Monochrom came out- paid for those three cameras. The Sonnar will be the first lens on the Monochrom.

 

AND- given some of the deals available on the M8,

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/2164654-post7.html

No need to pay Ebay prices for one. Prices are coming into the $1500 range for bodies.

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The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[iedei]

I hate to be the guy that throws water upon the fire... but it really confuses me: why would someone buy an M8 (at 10 mp) body when they can get a BRAND NEW (not used) 5dmk2 (at 21 mp, CMOS full frame sensor, 14 bit, HD video), an adapter and a piece of R glass for the same -or less- money?

 

I'm sorry but I don't "get" that.

 

I really don't.

 

valid question. i went through that process, and the reason i decided on the M8 is this:

 

A) i don't care for all of those 'features' on the canon. i don't want video. i don't care about HD video....i don't want auto focus.

 

i despise the aesthetics of DSLRs---they are bulky, badly designed, made with cheap materials, and are completely uninspiring as a tool to use for creativity (for me, at least).

 

C) i've never tried/used a DSLR that felt even remotely as special as the M8 does to use. I tried lots of them at B&H and Adorama (i live in NYC) prior to buying my M8. The rangefinder way of focusing is so much more 2nd nature, intuitive (to me at least) and most of all----challenging and satisfying when done right.

 

D) in a world of overmodified photos that people have painstakingly altered/photoshopped/coloured/edited/cropped/etc....i wanted simplicity. i wanted to evolve my photography skills with an excellent piece of machinery. To me, that's exactly what the M8 is. Modern enough to make my photographs portable (digital) and old-school enough to not be absurdly overdone like a DSLR.

[brianv]

Fundamental Design Difference-

 

Zeiss SN by anachronist1, on Flickr

 

J-12 on the M8 by anachronist1, on Flickr

 

A 1952 Jupiter-12 with a Serial Number showing it is a 1943 Zeiss 3.5cm F2.8 Biogon. An Ebay find- $55. No need for retro-focus wide-angle lenses on a Leica RF.

[iedei]

 

A 1952 Jupiter-12 with a Serial Number showing it is a 1943 Zeiss 3.5cm F2.8 Biogon. An Ebay find- $55. No need for retro-focus wide-angle lenses on a Leica RF.

 

i really want to buy some vintage russian lenses like the Jupiters. These will require an LTM39 adapter right? sorry for the noob question!

[gravastar]

If you look at the bottom edge of the screen cover, you will see a tiny engraved diamond symbol in the sapphire screen.

Interesting, I wonder if Leica had more than one supplier or if the production process changed. The absence of the diamond symbol may not be a reliable indicator of an un-upgraded screen cover.

 

My M8 has had all three upgrades and there is no diamond symbol on the cover. It's completely free of any markings. It feels cold to the touch so I'm assuming the original plastic screen cover has been replaced with something with a higher thermal conductance (sapphire).

 

Bob.

[iedei]

Interesting, I wonder if Leica had more than one supplier or if the production process changed. The absence of the diamond symbol may not be a reliable indicator of an un-upgraded screen cover.

 

My M8 has had all three upgrades and there is no diamond symbol on the cover. It's completely free of any markings. It feels cold to the touch so I'm assuming the original plastic screen cover has been replaced with something with a higher thermal conductance (sapphire).

 

Bob.

 

you're right! it is not a reliable marker. Leica USA told me my M8 has been upgraded fully to M8.2 specs (including sapphire screen), and i do not have a diamond logo at the bottom.

[brianv]

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i really want to buy some vintage russian lenses like the Jupiters. These will require an LTM39 adapter right? sorry for the noob question!

 

I bought several Russian lenses in thread mount, and learned to optimize them for the Leica. The Jupiter-3 (50/1.5), Jupiter-8 (50/2), and Jupiter-12 (35/2.8) are the best for the Leica. These lenses often require "Shimming" for use wide-open and close-up on the Leica. This is not hard to do, and instructions are posted online. I would be happy to supply pictures and instructons for anyone here that wants to give it a try.

 

The Jupiter-9 85/2 and Jupiter-11 135/4- can be used stopped down, or over a limited range wide-open. The difference in the RF mechanism makes it difficult to work across the full focus range. I've Tried! Including reducing the focal length of the J-9 by moving the rear optics in close to the front group.

 

The Russian lenses were made in Contax Mount and Leica Thread Mount. The latter uses the easy to find LTM to M-Mount adapters. I've found the Cosina/Voigtlander adapters to be very reliable.

[iedei]

I bought several Russian lenses in thread mount, and learned to optimize them for the Leica. The Jupiter-3 (50/1.5), Jupiter-8 (50/2), and Jupiter-12 (35/2.8) are the best for the Leica. These lenses often require "Shimming" for use wide-open and close-up on the Leica. This is not hard to do, and instructions are posted online. I would be happy to supply pictures and instructons for anyone here that wants to give it a try.

 

The Jupiter-9 85/2 and Jupiter-11 135/4- can be used stopped down, or over a limited range wide-open. The difference in the RF mechanism makes it difficult to work across the full focus range. I've Tried! Including reducing the focal length of the J-9 by moving the rear optics in close to the front group.

 

The Russian lenses were made in Contax Mount and Leica Thread Mount. The latter uses the easy to find LTM to M-Mount adapters. I've found the Cosina/Voigtlander adapters to be very reliable.

 

very cool...thanks. i would love to have some obscure older russian lenses. should probably pick up a Voigtlander adaptor either way.....

[earleygallery]

very cool...thanks. i would love to have some obscure older russian lenses. should probably pick up a Voigtlander adaptor either way.....

 

You need to get an adaptor that brings up the correct framelines for your lens, there are 3 different types depending on lens focal length and M model. They are usually engraved with the relevant framelines.

[msbel]

The OP pointed out the official shortage of M8 LCD monitors here.

Hard to advise him to spend $2K+ for such a camera then.

 

 

Even more reason to surrender to the power off the M. See if you got your shot in post. At least that is what we had to do in the film days hehe. Guess it defeats a digital camera through - seems instant gratification and insurance are the drivers for any LCD.

 

Hmm...maybe I will tape over my LCD and have some antcipatiion fun...

[jaapv]

Please restrict yourself to images that are meant to illustrate a point. Images for display are supposed to go into the photoforums please. They have been moved into the M8 thread of the "other" forum.

 

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/other/112892-m8-photography-25.html#post2169698

[lct]

...Hmm...maybe I will tape over my LCD and have some antcipatiion fun...

Mainly fun with Leica Digital Capture i guess failing which you will have some hard time to change isos. Suffice it to bring a laptop along with the M8 after all... I wonder if it is possible to change or create new profiles with LDC by the way.

[tobey bilek]

firstly let me say that i am fairly new to taking my photography seriously---so you should know i may be a little 'under educated' about some of the fine vocabulary details of camera features, pros/cons.

 

i have been using a Leica D-Lux 3 for about 3 years now, for roaming adventure photo taking. It's better than an iPhone as my wife uses, and i've always had great results with it. I am quite creative with whatever equipment I am stuck with when it comes to most things I own, so i make the most out of a regular P&S like the D-Lux 3---and shoot exclusively in manual mode.

 

through some of those photos, i've been asked to joint a scientific stock photography outlet so i can become a contributor. Obviously this requires me to update my tools---and I feel the urge to progress into nicer gear and something more in line with 'real photography'.

 

At first, i thought I would just grab an X1, as that seems more like a natural progression from the D-Lux 3. Then i thought I should probably just pick up a standard mass market DSLR from Pentax or something.

 

The problem is, I need to like my gear to use it. I like the X1, but it just doesn't feel special enough and will still require a reasonable investment. The 'mass market' DSLRs feel very cheap and badly designed. The aesthetics of them prevent me from even wanting to hold them. Sure this may be snobbery, especially from someone just learning about the details of photography----but i feel that's just my perspective.

 

So that being said---is the M8 a good camera for someone to practice and develop their photography skills upon? is it a camera that can provide me with enough room to grow, or is it more for the already refined photographer?

 

I've been obsessively reading posts on this forum for a few days about the M8 and its pros/cons/praise/critique, etc.....but I just would like your opinions on the matter.

 

finest regards,

 

I would have ripped my hair out with the M8 had I not had previous Leica experience.

Does not work worth beans if you do not uv/ir filter the lenses and then code them so the camera can make the off color corners go away.

 

The second problem is the camera is not made for close up scientific work without some add on accessories like a visoflex which is long discontinued, and which I have several and the appropriate lenses which are no longer available new,

 

I recommend a Nikon D7000, 40 2.8, 60 2.8 lenses. It will cost you a pittance in comparison and give less frustration. I have one of these too

[iedei]

I would have ripped my hair out with the M8 had I not had previous Leica experience.

Does not work worth beans if you do not uv/ir filter the lenses and then code them so the camera can make the off color corners go away.

 

The second problem is the camera is not made for close up scientific work without some add on accessories like a visoflex which is long discontinued, and which I have several and the appropriate lenses which are no longer available new,

 

I recommend a Nikon D7000, 40 2.8, 60 2.8 lenses. It will cost you a pittance in comparison and give less frustration. I have one of these too

 

i don't need it for 'close up' scientific work......i have my microscope for that! My scientific photos are more about scenes and settings in the hospital.....not detailed scientific photos....as mentioned before, my proper scientific photos are through my Olympus setup on my microscope.

 

the M8 has been amazing thus far....the past 2 weeks have been HUGELY enjoyable! I am 1000% glad i did not buy a DSLR, as shooting with the Leica has been good for my soul!

 

it hasn't been frustrating at all!