October '13 - Still a good time to buy an M8?

[AndyMc]

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Files are probably not the hardest element to conquer however the starting point is different and therfore my treatment has to alter. The capture is tougher partly due experience of using Leica rangefinder cameras and paryly due to lack of kit.

 

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[Jessestr]

Thanks.

 

I got my M8. I l found my love again.

 

About the canon / leica post process.. I think the Leica needs a little bit more work on colors to make them "pop". But it could be my Sonnar lens. It's very soft (which I like).

 

But I prefer the M8 files.

[pgk]

In what way... easier or harder to pp.

I'd say easier. They are much more tolerant of shadows being lifted and whilst shadows can be noisy if lifted, they tend to suffer far less from 'lines' and unevenness relative to the Canon files. Generally a good, well exposed file from canon/leica will post process easily although colours are often somewhat different. But this is to an extent a reason for using the different cameras anyway.

 

Occasionally a file from either camera can be problematic, but generally I find the Leica files take no more time to adjust than Canon ones. PP also depends on what you are trying to achieve. I usually leave the Leica at base ISO and adjust underexposure in post. I wouldn't do this with the Canons.

[jankap]

My Apple Mac SE/30 of 1989 is still running. But it runs at 16 MEGAHerz and has 80 MEGAbyte disc space, that is the problem.

My IIIf is perfect working still, but the man machine interface (the viewfinder) is not usable any more for 2013.

 

If an M8 strikes, it cannot be repaired any more. Same thing with an SE/30, about 30 elcos are loosing fluid. The IIIf is mechanics pure, he could be repaired.

 

In the 1960s I had a 19set (the radio set of a WW2 tank). Would be interested to know, if valves are available as spare parts still. Types were something like 6SK7 or so.

Jan

[e1k3]

Still using my M8 with a lot of pleasure. I wished high ISO were better. That's all.

[Jessestr]

My Apple Mac SE/30 of 1989 is still running. But it runs at 16 MEGAHerz and has 80 MEGAbyte disc space, that is the problem.

My IIIf is perfect working still, but the man machine interface (the viewfinder) is not usable any more for 2013.

 

If an M8 strikes, it cannot be repaired any more. Same thing with an SE/30, about 30 elcos are loosing fluid. The IIIf is mechanics pure, he could be repaired.

 

In the 1960s I had a 19set (the radio set of a WW2 tank). Would be interested to know, if valves are available as spare parts still. Types were something like 6SK7 or so.

Jan

 

They still repair the M8's right?

 

Hope it lasts me more than a year...

[earleygallery]

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My IIIf is perfect working still, but the man machine interface (the viewfinder) is not usable any more for 2013.

 

If an M8 strikes, it cannot be repaired any more. Same thing with an SE/30, about 30 elcos are loosing fluid. The IIIf is mechanics pure, he could be repaired.

 

 

I regularly use a lllf. I find the viewfinder/rangefinder perfectly fine - small yes, but it works well enough. Why do you think it isn't useable?

 

The M8 CAN be repaired, it's only LCD which isn't available any more (if the LCD fails or you break it, Leica will take your old camera back against a discounted new model).

[AndyMc]

Ok so I said from capture to PP. I had a successful photography business using Canon digital and scanned negs so im familiar with PP techniques.

 

My point is that the m8 dng files are a different starting point and for me this creates a different challenge

 

I will say PP is subjective because we all see the end result differently. . And have a different vision for the end result.

 

I am interested in peoples experience of shooting with a rangefinder. . following years of shooting slr

 

 

 

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[jankap]

I regularly use a lllf. I find the viewfinder/rangefinder perfectly fine - small yes, but it works well enough. Why do you think it isn't useable?

 

The M8 CAN be repaired, it's only LCD which isn't available any more (if the LCD fails or you break it, Leica will take your old camera back against a discounted new model).

 

I assumed, that the electronics/sensor could be problem already. Sorry.

 

I have a couple of OVFs for the IIIf. This is the last one I use:

 

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=407171&stc=1&d=1383818233

 

But the screen of the Ricoh GXR + Hoodman is much better.

Jan

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[Staka1977]

Ho to all! I'm still valutating to buy an m8 and the notice that for some problems it cannot be repaired make me worries. Is right than only by LCD default it will be impossible to repair the camera?and is sure that leica will be offer a newest model in discount?these are the only problems with this beatiful camera that make me thinking a lot before to buy it!

[jankap]

Hi.

An M7 (and earlier models) does not have an LCD screen and you would have to develop films. These Ms are used often still. An M8 without LCD would still work like an (digital and cropped) M7.

 

Perhaps Leica would make an offer to you in case of an emergency.

 

But I preferred to work with live view and APS-C.

Jan

[wda]

Ho to all! I'm still valutating to buy an m8 and the notice that for some problems it cannot be repaired make me worries. Is right than only by LCD default it will be impossible to repair the camera?and is sure that leica will be offer a newest model in discount?these are the only problems with this beatiful camera that make me thinking a lot before to buy it!

Staka, welcome to the forum. Yes, you are correct. Most M8 cameras work perfectly, even without a functioning monitor. But you wouldn't want to proceed with that deficiency. Most M8 cameras continue to work perfectly, some having had the screens replaced when Leica could obtain spares. They are generally very reliable cameras. If you are unlucky, your dealer might cover you if recently bought from him. Otherwise Leica will try to repair or offer you a subsidised upgrade path which, assuming you can afford the upgrade, will lead into an even better camera with similar handling qualities. A search through these forums will give you more facts. Remember, most people who have no problems don't post here to tell you of their satisfaction.

[Jessestr]

Staka, welcome to the forum. Yes, you are correct. Most M8 cameras work perfectly, even without a functioning monitor. But you wouldn't want to proceed with that deficiency. Most M8 cameras continue to work perfectly, some having had the screens replaced when Leica could obtain spares. They are generally very reliable cameras. If you are unlucky, your dealer might cover you if recently bought from him. Otherwise Leica will try to repair or offer you a subsidised upgrade path which, assuming you can afford the upgrade, will lead into an even better camera with similar handling qualities. A search through these forums will give you more facts. Remember, most people who have no problems don't post here to tell you of their satisfaction.

 

Exactly! That's what a friend told me too. And I was like oh yeah.. Thousands of M8's out there and you can only find maybe 10 topics on the internet about broken M8's...

[NJH]

Don't forget that there is another thread running here about free shutter replacements, I can't think of any other manufacturer providing this sort of service on a several year old camera. You can also still find M8.2s sold as new with full warranty as well.

[jazzwave]

I bought my M8 used in good condition,never get problem. The key is buy from recommended seller//shop. I bought from well recommended shop in Austria Leicas**p, they check the camera before sell to customer.

 

after 3 years happy time with my M8,I decided to not upgrade or change this camera...still amazing,produce good result and different with another new Rf lookalike camera; Fuji,Olympus,Sony etc.

 

upgrade to M9? I prefer to upgrade lenses.....

 

 

~ronni~

[Staka1977]

Thank you guys for the information. I've readen the discussion about the shutter replacement charge free and some worries about the spending money for an used m8 are away. I've seen an used m8 in good external condition with replaced shutter and 4000 frames for 1100 euro. I think is not a bad price. What should i control before to buy? Is it to prefer to buy from a shop? Should i control with the serial number if the camera has been checked from the leica service?thank you!

[pgk]

Is it to prefer to buy from a shop?

Some shops do offer good guarantees and this may be well worth having if you are worried about potential problems. But generally prices from such a shop will be higher which reflects the fact that they offer a good guarantee.....

[Jessestr]

Thank you guys for the information. I've readen the discussion about the shutter replacement charge free and some worries about the spending money for an used m8 are away. I've seen an used m8 in good external condition with replaced shutter and 4000 frames for 1100 euro. I think is not a bad price. What should i control before to buy? Is it to prefer to buy from a shop? Should i control with the serial number if the camera has been checked from the leica service?thank you!

 

Picked up mine for 1250 (normally it was 1500) with 11k frames. Came with 6 month warranty from a Leica dealer.

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[jip]

Exactly! That's what a friend told me too. And I was like oh yeah.. Thousands of M8's out there and you can only find maybe 10 topics on the internet about broken M8's...

 

Was I that particular friend? Hahaha I'm spying on your threads! *flies away*

[Jessestr]

Was I that particular friend? Hahaha I'm spying on your threads! *flies away*

 

Hahah, yes your are. Stalker