Like my M8s but should I keep the M7 as well?

[doug_m]

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I have 2 M8s and really like them. The first has been recently sent to Germany for the original batch fix although I did not have any problems except for the LCD screen flickering at times.

 

I was going to sell the M7 for $1850 but am having second thoughts. The M7 has a new DX optical reader and has just been given a thorough check-up cleaning etc in Germany (which took 4 months).

 

I have ordered a WATE so the 16 mm feature (on the M7) might be nice but its not that big of an issue.

The M7 is my only film camera; if I sell it will I regret the decision? Please advise. Thanks.

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[Shootist]

Do you really need the $1850? If not then don't sell it.

The minute you do you will be looking for another.

[Guest stnami]

A bit of a silly post considering the lack of information about where, why, how, when you use your cameras.........................

[Bill W]

I sold mine but wish I had not. I was only shooting digital at the time and never had a desire to go through the film processing thing again. I shot mostly slides but now I wish I had it back. If nothing else than a back up.

[charlesphoto99]

Well, unless it's beat, somebody's going to get a good deal at $1850. Hang onto it. But that's easy for me to say as I've got an Imacon (which that plus M7 I can consider as my second M8). Sometimes film is just right, esp Neopan 1600 or Tmax 3200.

[fotografr]

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The M7 is my only film camera; if I sell it will I regret the decision? Please advise. Thanks.

 

Yes, you'll regret it as soon as your 2nd M8 goes down. Then again, maybe you'll get lucky. I think film will be around for a long, long time.

[ken_tanaka]

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I've no idea what guidance you seek from us strangers.

 

I also have an M7 and M8. Although prospectively I don't plan on shooting much film I do like to have a film camera and enjoy a roll or two every so often. So the M7 is, and will likely remain, my sole film camera.

[wilfredo]

I toyed with selling mine but in the end I decided to keep it. If anything else it will be a back-up if the M8 goes on me. I paid good money for it, and I don't feel like giving it away; it is mint, and the latest version M7. But then again, I don't have a second M8. I would still keep it unless you really want to make somebody happy by selling it for $1850.00, and, or you really need the cash. Besides, if you want the film look, you won't have to invest in software to get it.

 

Cheers,

Wilfredo+

[scjohn]

I will keep mine for a few situations the M8 may never be good for... backpaking trips with freezing cold nights.

[carcam]

I would sell it. I have several film cameras and have not used any since going digital. My M8 back up is digital- 5D, D lux3, etc. I enjoy the post-processing so much that the thought of going back to film is not appealing. A film camera as back up requires- film, what speed, color, type, speed, print, slide, is it out of date, how many rolls do I take, where do I get it processed, has to be scanned for PS... I just think that film is a technology that is dated, harder to use, more demanding with more limitations. I have the utmost respect for real photographers who shoot film. Look at the work of Imants and others and it's most impressive. I love the look of film and got the M8 (among other reasons) to get a more film-like results. Digital is so much easier and more convenient. Maybe I'm getting lazy in my old age and don't miss those days in the darkroom.

[ron110n]

Everytime I go to a Camera Show, it drives me crazy with all the bargain film camera, the fact that the previous owner switched to digital.

 

Nothing wrong in selling your M7, there is always someone who want's to own one and has a good edge in capturing an image in film and would appriciate film's grain characteristics better.

 

I already have an M7 and in fact 3 M bodies, but I am now in the market for 4x5 Horseman on a Schneider glass. Graflex is not bad.

 

Best,

-Ron

[doctorb]

KEEP IT! Film still is viable, and you never know when you'll being going to the Antartica!

 

Mark

[marknorton]

Sell it, I hardly use my R-D1 these days, let along my M6.

[Eoin]

You have 2 M8's so obviously digital is the way forward for you. If you don't see yourself shooting film any more then sell, on the other hand perhaps you need a little more time with the M8's before deciding. If finance is not an issue, where is the hurry to make a decision.

[innerimager]

Different strokes. After 5 years of only digital shooting, I just bought a new M7 (new, crazy? the $500 gift certificate went toward a 50 lux asph, and the 3 year passport warranty becomes 6 years under Am Ex, worth the extra $)

I want to explore film, and do so along side the M8. The M7 is a great twin camera with the same meter, AE, same shutter dial. I guess if you are sure you never want to shoot film, sell it, but if you might, the M7/M8 make a great pair IMHO....Peter

[mwilliamsphotography]

Be honest: before the M8, did you use the M7 a lot? Do you shoot B&W as well as Color? Have you ever processed your own B&W negs? Do you find yourself reaching for the M8 instead of the M7 to satisify "immediate need gratification? Do you need the money, or want cash to get more lenses for the M8?

 

I'm keeping one film M to shoot B&W. I have an Imacon scanner and can scan B&W films up to 8000 dpi... and nothing B&W from the M8 looks as good to my eye. If I want that B&W film look I shoot B&W film .... and for that you need a film camera. I also like some color films, and shoot those from time-to-time.

 

One final opinion, when on vacation I now ususally take a film M ... coming home from a week's worth of snapshots is a daunting task at the computer. I like dropping them off at the lab and enjoying what remains of my time off.

[Rolo]

Good advice from Marc who is dedicated to film like many of us.

 

I'd add that you can sell and buy back at a similar price as there is good equipment out there. In fact, as prices are under pressure, you make make a few dollars. It'll be the best test you can have.

 

Rolo

[Guest stnami]

50-100 rolls is not a pain to process in a year.............walk around with a digital and film camera, hey its fun ,800-1600iso film is great

.............................................................................................................................................................................wang bang kafloog ssshfkmmmkkk, I bet you have a whole lot of film keepers as your digital helps to become another set of eyes for film

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[Photoskeptic]

Heck, no. You should have at least one all mechanical M.

[Simon Gleave]

I tend to be a bit sentimental about my old cameras and so far have never sold any of them. Not that I am a collector but I just like to use them occaisionally. So no don't sell the M7 keep it untl the grave!