A question for M users...

[Ted Witcher]

If Leica made a set of lenses specifically for the M8 that allowed full-frame capability, or a differently-engineered, different mount version of the M8 plus new lenses, would you re-invest in the new set? All other things being equal.

I understand making a camera that is backwards-compatible. But is there no market for an M8+lenses that, while not working with your existing set, would have no crop-factor issue? Just curious.

 

[usccharles]

i think the one of the main reasons people get into m8's (atleast for me) is to be able to use my film RF lenses on it, and the fact that the lenses can go back and forth between my film and digital body.

to have lenses only compatible to M8s would defeat the purpose.

and who knows how long the M8 setup may last? maybe the M9 will be a different setup allowing for bigger sensor coverage. that would then make the M8-only lens obsolete.

i think this is the same reason why people invest more in EF lenses than EF-s lenses. compatibility.

 

[bottley1]

The compact dimensions of the M body does not allow for full frame capability. Its a simple case of the distance between the rear element of the M lenses, and the sensor/film plane. If full frame could have been achieved, Leica would have done it......

 

[Joop van Heijgen]

The compact dimensions of the M body does not allow for full frame capability. Its a simple case of the distance between the rear element of the M lenses, and the sensor/film plane. If full frame could have been achieved, Leica would have done it......

At the moment the M 8 body with its lens format is not ideal for digital!

In future another type of sensor will be more suitable for the digital M8!
Then you don't have a 'crop' factor!

Leica has the same problem for its reflex cameras!

The R 10 should have allow a full frame capability, .... we hope😕

 

[Ben Z]

If Leica made a set of lenses specifically for the M8 that allowed full-frame capability

You can currently use a 12mm Voitlander lens on the M8 for a fullframe-equivalent of a 16mm. On up to a 560mm on a Visoflex that's now equivalent to 745mm. What more do you think is necessary? Personally, at their current prices I wouldn't remotely even consider buying a new Leica lens, period. Maybe if that digital-only lens line of yours was 50% the cost of the regular line 🙂

would have no crop-factor issue? Just curious.

I'm just curious why you think the crop factor is an issue? There are compact, affordable, excellent-performing ultra-wide lenses (Voitlander and Zeiss), the viewfinder is just as big and bright as an M6. Even the DOF isn't that much affected, not like the 1.5-1.6 crop DSLR's.

 

[KM-25]

I'm just curious why you think the crop factor is an issue?

As I am strongly considering getting an M8 now that it has been out awhile, I did some searches for images on flicker.

After going through about 150 pages of images, I noticed a couple of very distinct things:

1. Not many who use the M8 on that site are photojournalist or travel feature shooter types, it was hard to find great people imagery in general if at all...lots of pictures of coffee mugs and candles shot wide open with a Noctilux.

2. Not a single image had the wonderful peripheral bokeh that is nearly a signature trait of Leica glass...it was all cropped out. Every single M8 image *looked* cropped to me, and I was not looking for this, it all just looked so sterile.

This said, I am still thinking of getting one since I am doing a major film project and will not be using my Canon's for that, so a digital Leica makes some sense for other work while on the road.

 

[cmogi10]

I would not re-invest in anything for 3 reasons.
1-I have gotten used to the crop of the M8 and I deal with it and don't mind it.
2-I still use my film M just as much and like my lenses.
3-I can't afford this stuff anymore!

 

[Chaser]

KM-25

You may try checking these two pages out.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/70355737@N00/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/anne_holmes/

Some M8 PJ work going on. I am in the same boat as you. Although I have pretty much made up my mind to dump my 5D and some lenses for an M8.

 

[35mmdelux]

If Ferrari made a new model would I dump my late model F360? No.