Trade my Chrome M8 for a Black M8?

[photolandscape]

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Not sure if this is the proper place to do this, but I just got back from 3 weeks in South America, visiting great places like Machu Picchu, Easter Island, and Colca Canyon among many others.

 

My M8 performed beautifully. I am just going through the 4000 or so images I shot.

 

I bought my M8 in late December, returned to Leica for the fix, and got it back in early March. It has been flawless ever since. I also have the silver hand-grip which I like a lot. From memory, my serial number is approximately 31031XX.

 

When I got my M8, getting a black one would have been a much longer wait, so I took the chrome. Seven-thousand shots later, and especially after my recent trip, I believe a black body would be better for my purposes, i.e., being less obstrusive and attracting less notice when shooting strangers.

 

On the off chance that someone out there might have a comparable black body they would like to trade, I would be very interested in hearing from you. I have all the original paperwork, boxes and packing, the original bottom plate, neckstrap, caps, etc. plus the hand grip which I would include (the handgrip has a circular mark in the plastic protective cover from using a small Novoflex tripod). I would rate the body conservatively between Mint and NM. The only visible difference between it and a new camera are the slight rub marks in the black protective pads above the neckstrap lugs, and very tiny marks in the chrome finish on the top of the camera--you'd have to look awfully closely to see them.

 

If interested, please let me know. I'd be happy to hear from you.

[Cindy Flood]

I would urge you to keep the M8 that you have if it is working well for you. I have a black M6 and a chrome M8. I see absolutely no difference in the way that people react to them. In fact, the chrome body probably fits in more with the point and shoot set.

Earlier this year, I was at a venue with 30,000 other people in attendance that day. Not one person took any note of my M8 and I shot close to 100 photos. It is way more about how you act than the color of your camera.

[j. borger]

I do not know if it is the chrome, the sound of the shutter or the Leica factor ... but i never got as much attention and looks towards a camera as with my M8 ......... my black R-D1 was far more discrete in that aspect. Never met so many who stopped me to ask questions about it ..... unfortunately...

 

 

Keep the chrome one if it functions as well as you say it does ,,,,,, use black or other colored tape to cover the body/ chrome up and make it look weathered and less "expensive" if you visit places like you do.

I always carry my camera in the cheapest looking plastic or paper bag around .... like i am carrying groceries....

[lars_bergquist]

Look, you are a lot bigger and more conspicuous than any camera, with the exception of a view camera with tripod and black focusing cloth. If people don't react to you, they won't react to your camera. Calm behaviour is all. If you are nervous and embarrassed, this is what people will notice.

 

I have done street photography at 1–1.5m with a 21mm lens on a chromed SLR (not a motorized Nikon, to be sure) and usually nobody noticed a thing! I call it gum-shoe photography.

 

The old man from the Age of HCB

[Shootist]

Sorry to say this but you and anyone that would trade with you would be fools to do so.

For one thing BOTH of you would NO longer have a warranty on the cameras you traded for.

And who in there right mind would trade for a camera that has 7000 shots on it.

Just go out and BUY a black M8.

 

I really don't think you will have any luck. But you never know.

[jaapv]

Gaffer tape?

[charlesphoto99]

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Leica mistakenly replaced my black M8 for a chrome. Being a "pro" I've never owned a silver body of anything, but I immediately fell for it and decided to keep it (and it also worked and I was tired of the hassle). I really doubt it makes any difference, and if anything I think it puts people more at ease as it's less Darth Vader like than the black M8. People are constantly amazed when they find out it's actually a digital camera and not some old film camera (which can be nice when you don't want people asking to see the shots you've just taken).

 

I put nicely cut pieces of black photo tape (the thin 3m pricey stuff) over the logo and the M8 - they tone it down a bit. And I second it's the way you act and not the camera. Act like you have a job to do and be assertive. Believe at ot not that can actually put people more at ease than trying to sneak around nervously. I try and always enter a situation with the camera already out, therefore not springing a surprise later. Of course there are exceptions to that rule and you will know that in your gut or the guide/fixer will let you know.

 

I also find the chrome shows dirt and wear less than the black. But there's good reasons for owning either, but really I think it's purely aesthetic. I doubt you'll find a trader so you'd probably have to take a hit selling and buying new.

[photolandscape]

Thanks for the responses. In many ways, I would agree that--given some of the idiosyncracies of the M8--continuing to deal with the camera you know could be a lot more productive than dealing with a new or different one. My luck has been good with what I have, so why upset the apple cart, as the saying goes?

 

Still, it amazed me how often someone recognized my M8, in Chile and in Cusco and Arequipa, Peru especially. They didn't seem to recognize it so much as a Leica M8 as much as they seemed to sense that it was expensive and attracted their attention.

 

I have done street photography for many, many years and feel my technique is quite competent. I am relaxed, open, honest, and discreet. What I may be feeling more than anything is the difference between lugging around my cumbersome old camera (Canon 1Ds with a 28-70 and a 70-300 zoom) and my M8 with a 15CV, 28 Elmarit, and 90 Elmarit, where I have to be much closer and more conspicuous to people. That has been a good thing for the most part, but challenging in many ways.

 

The other thing that was interesting happened 2X in 3 weeks. I am careful when I travel. I am about 6'2", 230 lbs. and know how to take care of myself and be very aware of my surroundings. While wandering through the hills and steep streets of Valparaiso, Chile (a place I can't recommend enough to any and all photographers), and again in Santiago, I was stopped by police officers who noticed me, and told me that my camera would attract the attention of muggers, who stop you to ask a question, spray you in the eyes with something that burns, grab your stuff, and go. I appreciated their suggestion that I head for safer ground, but I wondered whether people notice the flashier looking silver chrome M8 more than they would a black one. I wish I could afford a second body, but that's definitely out of the question at the moment.

[Guest tummydoc]

I am about 6'2", 230 lbs. and know how to take care of myself and be very aware of my surroundings. While wandering through the hills and steep streets of Valparaiso, Chile

 

Unlike Valparaiso, Indiana, career muggers in other countries, regardless of how diminutive they may appear by comparison, are not typically discouraged by the relative size of American men, and are quite adept at disabling their intended victim regardless of his size. I say this not to frighten travellers, simply to dissuade anyone from assuming their size is a deterrent to attack in those areas, or being lulled into a false sense of cockyness from watching too many Steven Seagal movies As you put it "be very aware of my surroundings" is the best plan, and if I were you I would certainly heed the advice given me by local police in unfamiliar places.

[spylaw4]

I was also given advice in Santiago (by 2 members of the public) to wear my camera bandolier style, rather than on my shoulder. I am very street aware but I certainly heeded their advice.

I agree about Valparaiso being photogenic, but it can also be very dodgy, and there were a few times where I felt a bit less safe.

[charlesphoto99]

Yeah, a black body would be hidden a bit more while carrying it, but I think a camera is a camera and once you start taking pics with it people will notice. I actually think a silver one reeks of a cheaper older film camera as most newer $$ cameras are black. I'm sure the police wanted you gone anyway because if you did get robbed it would just be more work for them!

 

As a western tourist you will be noticed wherever you go no matter what. Like you said, best to just keep your wits about you. And of course a local guide is always a good bet. Some tourists spend thousands on their plane tickets, hotels, not to mention their cameras, and then balk at giving a local $20 to take them around for the day. Well, that $20 could mean the difference between having a great time and discovering hidden alleys and invitations one normally wouldn't dare go or the loss of $10K worth of camera gear. Of course, pick your guides wisely, both for safety and annoyance reasons.

 

All this said, I have yet to take my M8 on an overseas trip, though I have traveled in the past with M6/7 and medium format cameras with no problems (all black of course!).

[vanhulsenbeek]

I can add here my recent experiences in a recent month long travel in Indonesia, in brief: east of Bali. My M8 only attracted modest attention. I was often my ownself which was the first focus of people.

 

There is a difference: in some cultures, like in Indonesia, it is customary to look people in the face, in others it is'nt. In the first an open countenance may help to break the ice and then distract from your clothes and camera.In the latter, your gear may attract first attention. That was also my experience in Peru last year. I can therefore understand Steve's experiences in Arequipa and Cusco, but did not have an M8 at the time.

 

Generally, in Indonesia, I kept the camera in its (Ortlieb) bag and tried to make some contact before taking it out and making pictures. It sure helped I speak some Indonesian, and I always, without fail, asked if I could take a picture before doing so.

 

In villages in Sumba you are even not supposed to do anything before the usual civilities - offering betelnut and chatting a little - are over. Chewing betelnut is another matter, not really advised, but the few times I did, and dribbeled copious amounts of red sap over my clothes, the whole crowd was chuckling with laughter and pictures taking was no problem afterwards.

 

This only shows that the first contacts are sometimes the most important, and camera worries should come second.

 

And I have indeed blacktaped my M8. (Brand and red dot)

[charlesphoto99]

I was also given advice in Santiago (by 2 members of the public) to wear my camera bandolier style, rather than on my shoulder. I am very street aware but I certainly heeded their advice.

I agree about Valparaiso being photogenic, but it can also be very dodgy, and there were a few times where I felt a bit less safe.

 

I always wrap the strap around my wrist and carry the camera in my hand. It's safer, makes a lower profile with the camera, and you're always ready take a picture! My bag I wear bandolier style and use the smallest, least looking camera bag I can get away with. Also, tape up those logos on the camera (both balck and chrome), and leave the expensive wrist watches at home! Don't give a thief the excuse to go for a two-fer-one.

[Photoskeptic]

Having had both types of body color, I'm in the chrome crowd for less conspicuous. Why? Because it looks more like an "old style" camera, especially to those who aren't camera knowledgable. The conception that an all black camera is more stealthly has yet to be found valid in my experiences. Actually it may be just the opposite. The all black body looks newer and therefore may attract unwanted attention. Any M8 regardless of color is certainly more stealthly than any DSLR, IMO.

[stevme]

I have the chrome M8 and use it for street shooting. The only people who seem to notice the camera are professionals, especially the younger ones, who come up and ask about it and lenses. Others, when commenting, assume I am using an older camera, and that's fine with me.

 

Steve

[Dan States]

I think you have a much better chance of being releaved of your Canon DSLR than of a Leica based solely on what people assume an expensive camera looks like. The only recognition I have received of my M8 included "wow, you have a pretty old looking camera there...does it really take pictures?"

 

Face it folks, 99% of the world couldn't care less about Leica's...which is a good thing.

[norbertnl]

I've got both a blond and black M body - they're classic M6s though. The blond one wears nicer than the black one, and to me it looks more 'classic', which means older and probably less expensive. However, when I was taking pictures at Warsaw central station two years ago, a local TV cameraman would approach me and recommend me to hide the camera (which at that moment was the chrome body + chrome lens) under my jacket. That's what I've been doing ever since when walking in places where I feel less secure. Plus, after the Warsaw trip I got my chrome M's red dot replaced by the grey one that was originally made for the platinum edition M7. Looks pretty nice and renders the camera less flashy. The black body has a black dot, so it's hardly visible anyway - as long as you're wearing a tuxedo, that is ;-)

 

Best,

Norbert

[chanyr]

Hi,

I just wanted to comment that if you must have a black M8. There are people who can repaint cameras in enameled black paint for you. The finish will not be like a black chrome M8. It'll probably look like the finish on the Leica MP. One of them is CRR Luton in the UK, Black , Anthracite& Olive Green Enamelling of M and Screwthread Cameras

 

and another is Mr Takahashi in Japan, Terumitsu_inc.html . Here's a link to a DIY job, http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/customer-forum/26341-m2-black-paint-repainted-myself.html

[Daniel Ortego]

I’m still waiting for my new M8 to arrive and I opted for the silver/chrome because of the retro appearance. Admittedly, I do wish I could get the titanium Leica logo instead of the red. Still, I find the whole stealth thing is a bit over stated. I believe the camera footprint has a lot more to do with; “here comes a pro”. Take a photographer who uses a D3 in any color, and I think people will start looking for crime tape or sport heroes.

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-m8-forum/32552-m8-vinyl-vulcanite.html

Regards,

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[jrc]

I am relaxed, open, honest, and discreet.

 

And also know the difference between discreet and discrete. Next week we will give you a test to see if you can spell the word that means "not a winner." 8-)

 

I was out shooting some fall scenery with a Nikon D2x and an 80-400 and came home and put it on the kitchen table, where the M8 was sitting, and seeing them next to each other made me laugh. The M8 is about half the size of the Nikon lens. Although I have to say, when you put the frankenfinder on the M8, it does attract the eye. It's like you're using some kind of odd *instrument,* as opposed to a camera.

 

JC