M8 straight talk

[pgk]

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For those of you who use an M8 often, do you find that the rangefinder has distinct advantages over a reflex system other than the speed?

Not sure about speed! Personally I simply LIKE the rangefinder and the whole mechanical operation. Advantages? Disadvantages? People can argue about them forever and a day. Its more about how you like operating as oppose to anything else IMHO. I first used a rangefinder over 30 years ago - I've simply got used to them, with breaks when SLRs were more effective for my needs at times. You really need to try one to see whether its suits you - borrow or hire if at all possible:).

[tobey bilek]

Buy it because you like RF cameras, because there is no other valid reason unless you will pop for the latest fast glass which is superior.

 

For pure image quality for large prints, a Nikon D800 is way ahead and they make competent zoom lenses for it. But if you want to put a camera and 3 primes in a small package, Leica wins. I said small, not light. They are just as heavy.

 

If you can find a nice low mileage M8, go for it. M8.2 even better. To get the best colors, you must use UV/IR filters, coded lenses, and profile the camera with adobe profile editor. The electronics are primitive compared to Nikon. They are expensive to maintain like large homes, expensive cars, fine mechanical watches.

 

Look elsewhere if you just want a small carry about camera.

[stunsworth]

6 years after I bought it I'm still using my M8.

 

In the three years before I bought my M8 I bought a Canon 300D, Canon 20D and Canon 5D, so overall my M8 has been more cost effective than the cameras I was using during my 'Canon years'.

[dkCambridgeshire]

I'll be the first to admit that I'm a Leica snob; my first camera was a Digilux 2, and I've since upgraded to a Digilux 3 and also own a D-Lux3 for casual shooting. As there will be no Digilux 4, I've been considering upgrading to an M8. I am just a hobbyist, so investing in a new camera, especially one as pricey as an M8 + lenses, is a big commitment.

 

I'm certain that most Leica users feel the same loyalty to the brand, which is why it's difficult to find objective reviews of the M8. Yes, it's a spectacular camera, but if the branding, the case, all of that were stripped away and we just considered the hardware, firmware & optics, what is the justification for spending a few thousand more than a high-end Canon with more MP's & features?

 

Thank you!

Ben

 

A decent secondhand M8 body will cost £1100 - £1700 and probably show minimal depreciation over the next 5 years so could potentially be sold 'privately' for 75% to 100% of its current cost price. Any used Leica M lens purchased in good condition could cost £750 - £1750 depending on focal length and age and some are even ££more - but % depreciation is likely to be less than that for an M body and could be zero % or even prove to be an appreciating asset - assuming a future private sale as distinct from sale or PX via a dealer. However, the potential resale prices are just one 'justification' for the £$€ big initial spend - especially if you buy privately and wisely.

 

Other reasons why Leica M lenses are worth buying (especially if bought secondhand) are build quality, reliability and longevity - and of course their particular Leica imaging characteristics. All these characteristics create the M lenses' demand and relative scarcity - and thus justify their relatively higher prices compared to equivalent Canon and Nikon focal lengths. Some might consider the imaging characteristics to be subjective rather than objective - but they can to a certain extent be measured - witness the published MFT curves.

 

Given that those premium prices are usually maintained in their secondhand values there could be little to lose when embarking on the Leica M route.

 

dunk

[iedei]

screw the 'reviews'.....

 

just try one out and fall in love with it. The M8 is a fantastic camera that works beautifully with Leica lenses. I've been using and loving mine for the past year. If i had listened to all the internet 'reviews' i would have never bought one....

 

what matters is how you shoot, what you enjoy, and what you want.....the M8 was built to satisfy. There's a reason WHY M8s still sell for so much money several years after their intro....because those who love this camera KNOW how good it is.

[Photoskeptic]

I suppose it was time I threw in my two cents on this. I bought an M8 in February, 2007. It never even hiccuped for three years. Superior files and even crops would blow up to insane sizes considering they came from a mere 10 mp. In a panic after reports of some shutter failures I sold mine. After a couple of Nikons, one of which I still shoot, I was really missing that M8 so a bought an M8.2. I hope it never dies, but if it does it has earned a place of honor on a shelf in my living room.

[DES]

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I bought my M8 in 2007 and apart from the batteries failing in the cold, it has never missed a beat.

Because I wanted to shoot some sports events, and high resolution landscape, I bought a D800E and it is a fantastic camera and does what it promised.

Does it replace the M8? Not at all, they complement each other and with the two cameras I think that I can handle most photographic situations.

Still,l my camera of choice is the Leica, mainly because of its ease of use, and quality.

If ever they bring out a no gimmick M10 with live view and 36 meg that will be for me.

( unless my M8 LCD screen goes first, and in which case it might have to be the M if I can't wait)

[wilfredo]

Ben,

 

I bought into the M8 when it first hit the market. Apart from the rangefinder experience I simply love my B&W files.

[wilfredo]

Here's an example of what I mean from last weekend: http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/people/295930-harlem-sweetness.html

 

I also shoot with a D2 and Canon 5D Mark II, but haven't let go of the M8!

[squarenegs]

I'll put it this way.

I own both Japanese and German Camera kit,

some of which I have had since my student days in the '60s.

If I could only rescue one body from a burning camera bag

it would be my Leica M8; the silver one.

[steven91]

Like many of those before have stated, you get a Leica M8 or a Leica M because you want the Rangefinder experience.

 

I've owned various dSLR, with my last one being a 5d Mkii +35mm 1.4L kit before trading it all for an M8. On paper, my 5D kit outperforms the M8 in many different aspects and would looks like a much better option than an M8. But the reason why I changed and never looked back is because of the experience and joy of taking photos using the M8 over the 5D.

 

Photography is a hobby for me and I have no intentions of ever going professional or taking photos for the sole purpose of others. Using my Leica lets me feel more immersed into the whole photographing process and I really enjoy focusing using a rangerfinder vs SLR (TTL). Even though I lost high ISO performance, halved the MP I had available and cropped the sensor, these things are not missed very often. You have to know what kind of photographer you are and what you will be happy with.

 

One thing my friend told me in regards to when I was buying the Leica M8:

- You have to be okay with the idea of buying outdated technology, okay with not having the latest and greatest.

[gfspencer]

I'll be the first to admit that I'm a Leica snob; my first camera was a Digilux 2, and I've since upgraded to a Digilux 3 and also own a D-Lux3 for casual shooting. As there will be no Digilux 4, I've been considering upgrading to an M8. I am just a hobbyist, so investing in a new camera, especially one as pricey as an M8 + lenses, is a big commitment.

 

I'm certain that most Leica users feel the same loyalty to the brand, which is why it's difficult to find objective reviews of the M8. Yes, it's a spectacular camera, but if the branding, the case, all of that were stripped away and we just considered the hardware, firmware & optics, what is the justification for spending a few thousand more than a high-end Canon with more MP's & features?

 

Thank you!

Ben

 

I've got several Canon cameras and several "L" lenses including the 50mm 1.2. As nice as the Canon cameras/lenses are they do not compare to what you get out an M8 with Leica glass. Yes, the M8 has its drawbacks. I don't like using the filters and I am always worried that the shutter will stop working. But until my M8 breaks down I will continue to use it.

[jazzwave]

Don't forget the magic of Leica or other RF lens (Zeiss,CV), that you can't find in DSLR world.

[mike_j]

I have had my M8 for about 4 years and it has been no trouble. I sometines miss the M6 it replaced though.

 

I keep wondering about selling the M8 and getting an M9 as the market is awash with them at present and price has fallen significantly. Main reason is FF so my wide anglew lenses work as designed.

 

One think about owning an M8/9 is that you will probably want another complementary system (I use Olympus MFT) for those things a Leica can't do well, macro, tele etc.

[bideford]

I have had my M8.2 for a year and rarely does my 5D2 or X100 get an outing except for low light concert photography (which the 5D2 does really well with a 135mm f/2), and lightweight travel when the X100 takes preference.

 

Amazing camera to use. And a joy to bring old lenses to life.

 

But alas the LCD has hit the coffee beans. I am torn - take advantage of the Leica trade up (if I can afford it!) or stick with the stain. Will a full frame M-E (or whatever) give me the same pleasure?

 

Sad and apprehensive.......