Just my Opinion

[wbesz]

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When the M7 first came out, I decided to wait a while before investing. After all, the first release of anything can have hidden bugs and faults.

 

I guess I waited more that 8 months before getting my M7.

 

Unfortunately, in Australia we don't sell too many Leicas due to our small population, so I got the original released M7.

 

This camera had several inherent problems, ..VF light reflections at very particular angles, dust leakage (into VF eyepiece), and the occasional jamming of the shutter button.

 

The local importer (after 2 attempts at repair) replaced my camera and all was OK with the shutter release, but still, I had the first production release M7.

 

I guess I should have waited longer before buying my camera.

 

The remaining problems, some minor ingress of dust and the VF problem did not have any real effect with my camera usage for the next 3-4 years.

 

This year I decided to visit Leica in Solms, and had all of these minor issues rectified, for no charge.

 

(Admittedly, I have had similar problems with Canon's first releases, ..3 different products from Canon were faulty by design, but that's another story)

 

So, I plan to wait a bit before buying my M8.

 

I am sure all will be well, ..eventually. WE are such an impatient mob!

[kamilsukun]

What a useful, helpful message. What a descent approach.

[phlogiston1]

Is it too much to ask that products in the top of the market are released with the bugs well sorted out. This whole M8 controversy reminds me of a fable about an Emperor with new clothes; the way some people are talking.

P.S. despite the low number of posts I have been around since almost day one ( change of address etc,) and I own a lot of Leica gear. Nearly every camera I have owned from leica has had a MAJOR problem from new. RE, shutter; R8 metre TWICE. I have just laid my money down on a V1 and if it doesn't perform then it will be good by Leica FOREVER. Think about it... this is a disgrace!!

[reddawn]

Is it too much to ask that products in the top of the market are released with the bugs well sorted out. This whole M8 controversy reminds me of a fable about an Emperor with new clothes; the way some people are talking.

P.S. despite the low number of posts I have been around since almost day one ( change of address etc,) and I own a lot of Leica gear. Nearly every camera I have owned from leica has had a MAJOR problem from new. RE, shutter; R8 metre TWICE. I have just laid my money down on a V1 and if it doesn't perform then it will be good by Leica FOREVER. Think about it... this is a disgrace!!

 

I know how u feel but I hope u do know that V1 u just laid down good $$ for is essentially a Panasonic dressed up in Leica clothing.

 

U can't really blame Leica alone if it doesn't perform properly! (On the other hand, there are lots of reviews u can read now to check out the Panasonic model, and it ain't tat bad except for high noise at high ISO)

[phlogiston1]

Oh come on now, I know all about the V1 heritage, and I've seen the comparisons. I continue to believe in leica, but its gettin' harder. I am a professional photographer and I now own several Canon bodies, and I have bought more Canon glass recently than Leica. I bought the V1 as a backup option and as a take-away camera and the 400mm reach may come in handy. As for noise I can mostly shoot at iso 100, I have a tripod and use it!

And I don't except that the PanaLeica will perform in any other way than my most realistic expectations.

The Emperor still has new clothes David.