M8 file against 1Ds3 file :)

[jaapv]

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Actually, I don't want 24 new lenses, an M9 and a smaller M - I want an M8 that works without lockups, without venetian blinds, without madly scrolling menus, without hopping pictures in review, without fully charged batteries that show as almost empty. I want an M8 that does not lock up and discard 10 out of 11 images taken in continuous mode. I would be most happy, indeed, if I could have a digital M that actually works - not most of the time but every time. In short: I would like to have Leica quality back. The price for the M8 is already Leica enough for me, but I want the Leica quality that should go with a price like that.

 

My compliments to Mr. Lee: until Leica returns to producing Leica quality I will use the M8 for fun - and Canon gear when I need to deliver...

 

I don't want to sound smug, but you are describing the way my two M8's have been functioning since day 1....The only thing that may happen is skipping the last shot taken in review if I push the play button too soon.

[zapp]

So right, most of the new Leica products are obvious based on a business and technology point of view. Big question will be for a couple more months how the R10 will fit in the R world and what other 20 lenses will be presented as you pointed towards 24 new lenses - this looks more like a five year plan than short term delivery. But I am with you, photokina08 will be interesting for Leica users - just like last photokina.

[jaapv]

From what i have seen does stop me in my tracks and wait for Leica and see what they do next.

 

Interesting; this is the first time in years (maybe decades) that somebody worth listening to has said something like that about a non-Japanese camera maker.

It should cause some head-scratching in Tokyo.

It may well be that Canon can gobble up Leica without burping as a company, but the top-end of the market is a lot smaller than that, making Leica a serious contender?

[Fotomiguel]

I don't think I'm a voice in the wilderness, but as there seems to be a lot of M8 bashing (for real reasons given some of the QA issues that are being mentioned on the list) I thought I'd give some examples of how the M8 does the business for different clients in different contexts. You have to learn how to use it and especially you have to learn how to process RAW, but once you're there, IMHO the M8 does what a rangefinder should do and does it remarkably well.

 

I make 20%-40% of my income with a camera. I've used film and negative, I've processed and printed my own work, and worked with labs. Now I shoot digital. I use Canon pro level DSLRs with L glass and I use Leica. Like both systems, will keep using both. In the last month I've been in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, France, Spain and the UK. Some of the work was photographic, others part of my consultancy and academic work. I've had 2 M8s and a bag of lenses with me on all these trips and they have been the only photographic tool I've used. I shoot for myself and for clients. Below are some shots from this period, at ISOs ranging from 160 through 1250, using mostly 28 f2, 35 f2 & 75 f1.4 lenses (seem to be defaulting around here with occasional forays down to 15 CV and up to 135 APO Telyt).

 

I'm putting this work here to remind people that the M8s can be used for a range of paid and personal work, in performance, documentary, reportage, landscape, what you will. Sure, there will be times when you'll want another tool, but for my purposes, it's the only system which lets me carry two bodies and eight lenses in a small Domke satchel. It's the only system that lets me work unobtrusively in quiet spaces in available light (OK - I don't have a Sony R1...). And for me it works. The shutter release is smooth, the files are clean up to 1250 (and 2400's usable to my eye), the screen doesn't flicker now I've the latest firmware, it doesn't die on me (hubris, hubris I know...!).

 

So it you're reading the list and thinking that the M8's dead in the water and the only thing to do is to wait for a reliable M9 iteration, I'd say don't worry. We've got a reliable, high quality digital RF - it's called the M8.

 

I totally agree. Thank you Chris. You've explained so well.

Cheers

[Guest guy_mancuso]

Looking at Reichman's comments on the 1dsIII outresolving is likely to be the main issue with such large pixel counts on 35mm... Laws of diminishing returns have to set in at some point, and it's possible that 22mpx is a step too far for the format...

 

re Guy's comments

 

 

... a selfish bit of me hopes that we don't get the M9 before the M8 has been made as good as it can be through firmware ... but I suppose that's the digital replacement treadmill we all bought into when we made the decision to get the first iteration of the digital M... Glad I've still got my M6TTL and M7 - at least they're not going to suffer from upgrade redundancy...

 

I don't think you will see the M8 being left in the dust without further firmware and improvements to it . Photokinia is a long way off and the M8 is still there revenue right now and more firmware is coming I'm going to bet on it.

[Jack_Flesher]

My compliments to Mr. Lee: until Leica returns to producing Leica quality I will use the M8 for fun - and Canon gear when I need to deliver...

 

I think you've hit on a very good point, though my take is perhaps just a bit different: For sure the M8 has its share of warts, but the inescapable fact is that if you are an M-shooter from any era, this camera is just darn fun to use!

 

On the reliability, I hear you. I bought one of the first M8's available in the States, and sent it back three days later in total disgust. Fast forward to 6 months later and I had another, 30 days after that a second body and now a total of too many lenses (around a dozen). But when the chips were on the table and I had to prodice a hired portrait, I grabbed the Canon. But hey, at least I had the M8 and 75 Lux in the bag

[mhoersch]

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I don't want to sound smug, but you are describing the way my two M8's have been functioning since day 1.

Lucky you, Jaap! I envy you most sincerely. But after the repair of the fourth body I have worked with failed completely I am getting just a trifle impatient with announcements of new wonders of technology from Leica.

 

But hey, at least I had the M8 and 75 Lux in the bag

Same here

[jaapv]

Lucky you, Jaap! I envy you most sincerely. But after the repair of the fourth body I have worked with failed completely I am getting just a trifle impatient with announcements of new wonders of technology from Leica.

 

I would be rather %@#! annoyed as well then, Manfred. But from where I am standing, it seems unusual. I have two, my brother has one, my cousin one and I know at least six other owners, who, all of them, had trouble-free cameras. I hope you will be able to sort it out, as this camera is really a joy to use - when it works.

[Jamie Roberts]

{defective M8 stuff snipped}

 

My compliments to Mr. Lee: until Leica returns to producing Leica quality I will use the M8 for fun - and Canon gear when I need to deliver...

 

Exactly my thoughts about needing Canon gear on the job--till the top of my 50 1.2L came off with the lens hood My 1970s Tele Elmarit 90 has never done that, and I paid a lot less for it than the 50 1.2L (come to that, I paid less for my used 50 Lux) .

 

BTW--if your M8 is eating 8 or 9 shots in continuous mode you have a defective M8 or defective cards, and need to get then replaced or fixed. BTW--I completely empathise with going through 4 bodies. Inexcusable, and Leica should just be replacing, not repairing, anymore.

[mhoersch]

Jaap and Jamie,

I'm glad you understand my feelings. Thank you for your comments.