Used M8 Prices: Only getting better as time goes on? This is good news for shooters

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eleskin

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I was reading Leica Users Forum today in the M8 section and there was a thread on M8 prices going down as time marches on. I have always felt a reasonable price for a used M8 should not be any different from a used M6, and it seems that the M8 is approaching that price level (Under 2K, $1,700 would be ideal).

I have not bought an M9 due to finances (my priorities have been on used Leica M lenses, Voigtlander lenses, bills, daughters school tuition, etc,,,) and print 17"x22" on my Epson 3800. The M8 seems fine for just about everything with this printer. My real need is for a second body as a backup, and the M8 prices are now much more rational.

So for all of us who are watching our finances, and for those who could not buy any digital M in the past because of price, it seems the near future will be a great time for used M8's .
 
Like any "old computer", the digital M camera will go down in value and market value.
A very clean M 8.2 from a reputable seller and at $2000 is OK.
 
Sounds good but just be cautious. (captain obvious ;))

The last thing you'd want is a $1,000 M8 that needs $1,400 in repairs.

Of course this leads to another question.

If there is an M10 in the near future what would that mean for second hand M9s?
Imagine a mint M9 for $3,000... :eek:
 
raid said:
Like any "old computer", the digital M camera will go down in value and market value.
A very clean M 8.2 from a reputable seller and at $2000 is OK.
Click to expand...

I party agree with you but the M8 takes great photos now.
There's no reason those photos won't be considered great in 5 or even 10 years time.
Like any film M... They still take great photos even after more than 50 years.
Of course these older Ms are very simple and robust. I hope the M8. 8.2 and 9s are just as robust but maybe I'm being naive. All electronics are prone to failure eventually.
I hope Leica have built these cameras with longevity in mind.

It's not like an old PC that has been hobbled by and operating system that is now longer supported.
 
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Peter,

I am not an expert on how long the electronic parts of the M8 will last. Will they really last for another 50 years? My guts feeling is that such devices are meant for maybe a 10 year joy ride.
 
raid said:
Peter,

I am not an expert on how long the electronic parts of the M8 will last. Will they really last for another 50 years? My guts feeling is that such devices are meant for maybe a 10 year joy ride.
Click to expand...

I guess that's about what I'm expecting.
My general plan right now is to stick with the M8.2 for now and then pick up an M9 after the M9.2 or M10 comes out.
 
I am lagging behind, Tim.
A clean M8 should be my target now.
I feel that I could do a lot with such a camera.
 
Youd better hurry Raid

Youd better hurry Raid

The M9 users are starting to realize the many capabilities that only the M8 provides.

raid said:
I am lagging behind, Tim.
A clean M8 should be my target now.
I feel that I could do a lot with such a camera.
Click to expand...
 
Ha ha ha ... If I had not targeted paying for a second Lux I would have aimed at an M8.

I may be getting more accepting a gradual move to digital
 
I agree with your prediction.
Any digital M cannot compete with late model film M cameras in terms of keeping its collectability value.
 
HuubL said:
I predict in a year or 2 the M8.2 will sell for less than an M7.
Click to expand...

It's eventually going to happen. These are, after all, just glorified computers. And we all know how computers hold their value over the years.

Raid, I suspect you'd get a lot of enjoyment out of an M8.
 
wow. if they get down to $1,000, what a deal for a fine camera. i have an M8, so am not looking. it has held up well and been reliable and great source of learning and pleasure. with there now being an M9, i guess a point will come when RFF is bustling with rumors of an M10. hmmm ...
 
I was very impressed by what I could get with a LUMIX during my Cairp trip. I can quickly point the camera at someone and take a photo without any shutter sound. The camera handled some very dark scenes beautifully. I used the image stabilizer all the time for the night scenes. I expect an M8 to do even better. Right?
 
raid said:
Like any "old computer", the digital M camera will go down in value and market value.
A very clean M 8.2 from a reputable seller and at $2000 is OK.
Click to expand...

Please let me know if come across any. I'm hoping to find something within that range. Long live depreciation rate of digital equipment! :D
 
Frank,
Using a D80 takes away the possibility of using the RF lenses on a digital camera and it opens the door to more expenses on lenses for the D80. Else, it seems like a no-brainer.
 
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