To M8 or not to M8, that is the question.

[ryan00013]

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I've been really itching to acquire a digital rangefinder for a while, but the finances had not been there. However, I recently swapped from a 5DIII + Canon L lens setup to a Fuji X-Pro 1 & X100s kit. This has left me with enough spare funds to pick up a used Leica M8/M8.2 with a cheap legacy lens or two.

 

90% of my shooting falls into street photography / documentary category. The Fuji kit currently covers all of my personal and professional needs. The Leica would be for my shooting enjoyment. Using a rangefinder is just plain fun! It's like hitting a target every time you nail focus. Even my Fuji X100s' digital split image focusing is not even close to feeling the same.

 

The issue though, is that I am concerned with the reliability of a used M8/8.2. I've been doing some reading and have found that if the LCD or sensor fails (which these cameras are somewhat prone to experience) then there are no spare parts available to have them repaired (even from Leica). Other issues that may come up "could" be fixed, but might be pretty costly. I've heard some people say that these issues are overstated and not to worry. On the other side, I've heard people say that they would not buy into dated technology and that the camera could turn into an expensive brick at any moment. I think a real life analysis probably falls somewhere in the middle. But honestly? I have no idea. That's where you come in.

 

I have enough to buy a Leica M8, but not enough for costly repairs. What do you think?

 

 

 

 

*note #1 - I am not willing to buy another film camera. (I already own a Yashica Electro 35 film rangefinder).

*note #2 - Camera purchase would not be "just to own a Leica." Like the rest of my gear, I actually plan on covering up all logos with gaffers tape to avoid extra attention and keep it discreet. I simply crave a digital rangefinder shooting experience!

*note #3 - I am not willing to sell my Fuji kit to buy the more expensive M9, M9-P, M-E etc.

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[LucisPictor]

I went the M8-way last year in a pretty comparable situation.

And I honestly haven't regretted it. It's a joy to use and shoot with. It conveys that special "feeling" that none of my other cameras (mainly DSLRs and EVILs) can.

 

Of course, there is that constant worry that something might fail, but it gets better and better after a while. I guess it's fuelled by the internet-forum-experience-hypes.

 

Any camera can suddenly fail. My M8 just once seized to work when it was freezing outside. Some minutes later, inside again, it worked again.

 

I have included the M8 in my camera insurance. This eases the worries a bit.

 

If your heart really longs for an M8, go for it. You can easily resell it in case you don't like it.

 

Ah, yes, welcome!

[Erik Gunst Lund]

Leica has all spares except the rear LCD.

 

Most people here enjoy the M8 a lot, so many posts here state that, but you have to decide...

 

I would recommend a M8.2 or M8 with full upgrade, the frame lines are adjusted for 2meters so more precise for most work, shutter more silent, and rear LCD scratch proof.

 

You can use search for a lot more info....

[vcs700s]

I was in a similar situation earlier this year. I found a mint M8 in black and absolutely love it and the rangefinder experience. It only had 1000 actuations on it so it was barely broken in.

 

I too was craving a rangefinder and I am very happy I bought my M8. I am sure you will be too.

[dkCambridgeshire]

There are several M8 bodies listed on the Leica Forum 'Buy & Sell' section including one which has been serviced http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/market/categories/leica-m-cameras/page/1.html

 

dunk

[wda]

Ryan, welcome to the forum!

 

I think you should know that after the initial problems with the M8, reliability has been remarkably good. Failing LCDs is well documented. My two both suffered coffee stains, but that did not impair their functionality. More serious LCD failures in recent times were not repairable for well documented reasons. But, apart from that, the M8 remains an extremely capable and representative Leica rangefinder camera provided you can live with the need for UV/ir filters and can accept the crop factor.

 

When I upgraded to M9, I retained one M8 and love using it. In fact I exploit its crop factor by using telephoto lenses to increased advantage. E.g. a 90mm becomes a 120mm and a 135mm becomes a virtual 180mm, in terms of relative image size. Of course the actual focal length doesn't change, but the experience in shooting with it is satisfying.

 

If you are unlucky and have an irreparable failure, Leica will give you an upgrade option which few other manufacturers can match. Against that background I would proceed with your planned purchase.

[Jeff S]

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Two things I highly recommend, not just for an M8, and that's insuring your gear and buying from a reputable (Leica) dealer with warranty.

 

I have 2 M8.2s, each without any problem to date. But, if something happens, even as a result of my own neglect, my insurance will cover full replacement at insured value if lost or damaged beyond repair, which in my case would mean a new M 240.

 

No worries, even if Leica didn't offer an upgrade at reduced cost, as is the case with a failed LCD screen.

 

Jeff

[wilfredo]

I had an issue with my first M8 and Leica replaced it with a new one. I've been using the M8 since it first hit the markets. I still get my favorite B&W files from it. Here is a sample from last Saturday.

 

Good luck on whatever you decide!

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