poli Posted September 21, 2017 Share #1 Posted September 21, 2017 Advertisement (gone after registration) I am shooting a Leica Q and love the camera. However, I sometimes feel that the Q is not simple enough. And although the EVF is wonderful, I am getting a bit tired of looking at all types of screens all day (computer, tablet, smartphone). So I am looking into a first step into the rangefinder. I have come across a used M8 with a 50mm summicron lens. The camera seems to be in very good shape (7.000 clicks). However, it is an old camera of course... The seller agreed to sell the body plus lens to me for 1.400 euro on the Dutch Ebay. Do you think this is a good deal? I have the feeling, yes. But I am not sure, since I have hardly bought second hand camera’s in the past. How big is the ‘risk’ I am taking? And what things should I look out for? I am hoping you can give me some advise. Thanks! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted September 21, 2017 Posted September 21, 2017 Hi poli, Take a look here Good deal on used m8?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
jaapv Posted September 21, 2017 Share #2 Posted September 21, 2017 We don't do valuations here, but if camera and lens are in good shape I would not hesitate to buy. Of course, you are taking a bit of a risk. It is a used camera, albeit a very good one, and some repairs will not be economical any more. Repair prices reflect the fact that this is a 5000 Euro camera. But Leica still services the camera. The photographic results are still competitive in this day and age if you stick with ISO values under 1250. and don't need an extreme pixel count. The lens that comes with it will always hold its value. There are not many specific things you should look for on the body. If the camera works as it should and is not too beaten up, it is fine, there are no specific weak points. The lens should be clean, focus smoothly, aperture ring smooth. Clean glass, no big scratches our cloudiness etc. A minor blemish on the front lens does not matter (but is a bargaining point), the rear element must be pristine, a small amount of dust inside when you shine a light through it is permissible. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
anindyo Posted September 21, 2017 Share #3 Posted September 21, 2017 With that price, I believe it's good deal. Which summicron 50? Ask the seller about the condition and the issues the camera may have. If the camera can be turned on and take picture, it should be fine. Likely you can return it under buyer protection if the item isn't as described. I bought M8 twice, one through ebay and the another through facebook. Both worked well. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted September 21, 2017 Share #4 Posted September 21, 2017 Sell the Q and buy an M9 or M. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wda Posted September 21, 2017 Share #5 Posted September 21, 2017 (edited) If original, you might need to replace the battery, but they are readily available. They also fitter M9 and siblings. Remember the crop factor. 50mm becomes 67mm approx. So you might need to consider a 28mm or 35mm lens as well. The M8 remains a very capable camera, but benefits from attaching a uv/IR filter to improve colour fidelity. Check forum FAQS. Don't sell your Q. Edited September 21, 2017 by wda Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
arno_nyhm Posted September 21, 2017 Share #6 Posted September 21, 2017 1400 sounds reasonable, if camera takes pictures and lens is without scratches. go ahead and give it a try. it's worth it! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
luigi bertolotti Posted September 21, 2017 Share #7 Posted September 21, 2017 (edited) Advertisement (gone after registration) Let's look at the offer in my view.. as a lenses' lover and (former) user of M8 (but still owner of) : - Any Summicron 50 which is a good user item (glass good, mechanics smooth, cosmetics decent) has a "right" value of no less than 6-700 Euros (make some statistics on ebay and dealers, excluding rare precoius items) ; if of the same age as M8 (and good) it's something more. A Summicron 50 keeps its value and this is a sure point. - So you are charged 7-800 Euro for a M8 body : and that's a good price for a well usable M8 : personally, I tend not to use mine anymore : but won't sell it at such a price. - You won't have (I suppose) any warranty term on body : so the WORST case is some months (ok.. even weeks...) of usage and then a failure that COULD be (but not IS by sure) uneconomical to repair. - I don't know how Leica charges for a generic "control" of a M8, and if they, in case, give a warranty term... but this could be a factor to evaluate after you have verified that using your M8 is satisfactory. Edited September 21, 2017 by luigi bertolotti Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ko.Fe. Posted September 21, 2017 Share #8 Posted September 21, 2017 Collapsible, so-so condition, Cron on ebay is 500$ on ebay these days. So-so Rigid is 700$. Version 3 is closer to 1K USD mark. Version 4 is above 1K$ USD on ebay. So, with collapsible Cron 1400 Euro M8 is bottom line price. If it is working, it is very good deal. If Cron is not collapsible, then it is one of the lowest prices deal I have seen so far. In Feb 2017 I paid 1200 USD for clean M8 with all original included, but 11K shutter alterations. IMO. 50mm lens on X1.33 crop factor body is not something as versatile and Q with 28mm lens. 28 mm is iPhone camera, which is one of the most used cameras these days. 66mm is not normal lens, nor tele... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
poli Posted September 21, 2017 Author Share #9 Posted September 21, 2017 Thanks for all your replies! I am going to check the camera this Saturday. For now I am not planning on selling the Q. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wda Posted September 21, 2017 Share #10 Posted September 21, 2017 Paulhek In my post I referred to a filter. This is only needed by m8 owners. Check to see if one is fitted to the lens, if not ask the vendor if he has it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
poli Posted September 26, 2017 Author Share #11 Posted September 26, 2017 Just like to give a short update. I have bought the M8 with the 50mm summicron lens. I am very happy with it. Last sunday I have used it during a walk with some friends. Great experience! Near focus is perfect.I am impressed by the ‘old’ sensor. Infinity focus gives some issues. Cannot get perfect focus in the rangefinder. Anyway, enjoying it and I was very happy with below pic. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! 8 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/277068-good-deal-on-used-m8/?do=findComment&comment=3365766'>More sharing options...
wda Posted September 26, 2017 Share #12 Posted September 26, 2017 A very pleasing portrait. Glad you are happy with your purchase. If after further tests there is still a problem with focusing at infinity, get the rangefinder checked and realigned. Speak with the vendor who might meet or share the cost. It is not uncommon for rangefinders to need recalibration from time to time. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rivi1969 Posted September 28, 2017 Share #13 Posted September 28, 2017 (edited) An M8 in excellent plus to mint condition will always be a good deal. I would sell any other camera before this one goes anywhere. Performing Arts Program by Ricardo Villagran, on Flickr Edited September 28, 2017 by rivi1969 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmahto Posted September 28, 2017 Share #14 Posted September 28, 2017 Curious. Why use RF patch for infinity focusing. Yes, RF patch not aligning at infinity indicates some RF tuning issue but if you are happy with near/mid focusing then for infinity simply turn the focus ring all the way. I never use RF patch to focus for infinity. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
poli Posted November 25, 2017 Author Share #15 Posted November 25, 2017 Really enjoying my M8. Sent it for CLA and also have my two lenses 6 bit coded, plus a CLA on the 50mm Summicron. The camera is great and my Leica Q is catching dust.... Also decided to change the leatherette, since I did not like the black plastic feel. Got a few colours send from Japan (aki akashi). For now have put on the dark blue one. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! 1 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/277068-good-deal-on-used-m8/?do=findComment&comment=3403742'>More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now