Switching to M 8

[jimleicam3]

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Right now I shoot with Canon 20D, and a Leica M3. I have been thinking of moving up to the M8. Leica is offering a deal on the M8 and the 28mm f/2 until 6/30/08. It's a deal if you call $7995.00 a deal. However, reading past threads and almost every review I can find on the M8, it seems as though people either love it or hate it. Also people seem to want and compare dSLR's to rangefinders, kind of like men are from Mars and women are from Venus. Can you really compare the two? Yes, the dSLR's are less costly, have more features, but they are replaced every two years. Will Leica be supporting the M8 in five years, and of course will Leica still be around in five years? Final two questions; Black or silver? And what do people think of the 28mm f/2? Thanks

[jaapv]

With the combo you have now you'll probably love it. I agree the comparison as camera is useless, as you, with both systems, probably know. As for image quality, the M8 will blow your 20D away, except for high ISO if you are a no-noise fetishist.

The 28 Summicron is a more than excellent lens, probably the best 28 on the market, and perfectly matche to the M8. Be prepared to have to orgive the camera niggles and warts, and it will reward you with a very satisfying photographic experience.

[photolandscape]

I went from a Canon 1Ds to the M8. No regrets really. I had issues with the Canon, and I've had my share with the Leica. Neither is perfect. To be able to travel and photograph so discreetly and to get away from the big, heavy imposing equipment like the Canon to me is worth a great deal. The only thing I miss at times is a longer lens (than my 135 Tele-Elmar, and a zoom).

 

My RAW files on the M8 are quite superior to what I got from my Canon--sharper, much more saturated and real. Really no comparison. I've had a few glitches that are certainly irritating with the M8, but still prefer by leaps and bounds.

[DaveB]

Leica is offering a deal on the M8 and the 28mm f/2 until 6/30/08. It's a deal if you call $7995.00 a deal.

Well, I guess that's what some would call an Eliot Spitzer deal.

 

I'd jump on it if I could be sure my wife wouldn't find out.

 

Seriously, I've had an M8 for a year and shot about 11,000 photos, more or less.

Every shot a keeper... ;->

 

I have a range of lenses, including a 24mm 2.8 ASPH and the 35mm 2.0 ASPH. I can't speak about the 28mm 2.0 from personal experience. People who can, though, talk about it being among their favorite lenses.

 

I love my M8 and I love the lenses including the CV super-wides. I think it's the most simple to operate and easiest digital camera I've ever owned. It has quirks, but some of those can be turned to your advantage. The IR sensitivity, for example, is something I love. I can take hand held IR photos of people in motion.

 

And these Leica lenses really yield special files. The only thing I regret about the camera is not buying it six months earlier. It feels like a real camera in the hand too. It's not a difficult system to master if you're thinking about what you want to do. With a little practice you'll be able to bend it to your will. Only when I try to use it in full auto mode does it disappoint.

 

I sometimes want to have another camera for any number of reasons.

 

But I cannot imagine being without a Leica digital rangefinder.

[jimleicam3]

Thanks for the reply. What color did you get? Right now with the silver M3 I am thinking I could sneak a silver M8 into the house and my wife might not notice! Any info on the 75 mm f/2? Thanks again

[Thomas Edwards]

Right now I shoot with Canon 20D, and a Leica M3. I have been thinking of moving up to the M8. Leica is offering a deal on the M8 and the 28mm f/2 until 6/30/08. It's a deal if you call $7995.00 a deal. However, reading past threads and almost every review I can find on the M8, it seems as though people either love it or hate it. Also people seem to want and compare dSLR's to rangefinders, kind of like men are from Mars and women are from Venus. Can you really compare the two? Yes, the dSLR's are less costly, have more features, but they are replaced every two years. Will Leica be supporting the M8 in five years, and of course will Leica still be around in five years? Final two questions; Black or silver? And what do people think of the 28mm f/2? Thanks

 

...some dealers are offering the m8 with a free summarit lens (choice of 35/50/75/90)...if you don't need the speed and the 28 this could be a less costly alternative...

[jimleicam3]

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What do you think of those new lenses? Where is the dealer? What are you using with your M8? thanks

[M Swartz]

I've been using the M8 w/28 and 90 crons for 5-6 mo's now.It's not versitile enough for my work (DSLR Nikons for work),but I use the M8 for my pics.My only wish is it's not FF,because the wide lenses for the M Leica are a real pleasure to use.I guess we are in a transitional phase of digital photography,trying to adapt to small formatts.Anyway, the M8 is not a film M,but verry close.

[Thomas Edwards]

What do you think of those new lenses? Where is the dealer? What are you using with your M8? thanks

 

...do a search on the m8 forum for summarit evaluations (especially evaluation of the 35 summarit)...go to leica website for dealers in your area that are participating in the offer...bh has a similar offer, but only offers a usd500 discount on the package...

[wildlightphoto]

Silver. Goes well with black or chrome lenses.

[delander †]

Get silver, If you buy a black one you will then be hit with the desire to buy another silver one.

The 75mm AA cron is a stunning lens, like its baby brother the 50mm lux ASPH,

 

Jeff