buy an M8 in 2012?

I recently bought, sold and now am getting back an M8. I wrote a long description of my comparison between both cameras in the R-D1 forum, might be worth a read as the comparison is just a few weeks old. I liked the M8 very much. I probably will sell mine again as it's likely too much money for me to have locked up in one body, but if that wasn't issue, I'd sure as heck keep it. It's really a lovely camera to shoot with and I had no IQ issues with it. I liked the R-D1 for reasons not germaine to this thread, but there was and is a lot to like about the M8. Buy one used and try it, you're not likely to lose much money if you decide to pass it on afterwards.
 
I would hope an M8 would last 5 years with little/no maintenance. I have an original Canon Rebel, Olympus E-1 and a pair of Nikon D70s at the office that have been lent out to students for years, taken to all kinds of places, treated to all kinds of indignities, and still work well.
 
Jeff S said:
Not needed for lenses beyond 50 mm unless EXIF data is important.

Jeff
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Hi Jeff -- Yes, I do want EXIF info for all pics, so the lenses I use on the M8 are coded. And 50mm is as long as I shoot on the M8, a surprisingly useful combination. :)
 
chrispiper said:
Jeff - why the large disparity in cost between the two? Is it simply "newer is better"? Would an "average" M8 be expected to last say 5 years with little maintenance?
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Not just newer, but incorporates all the upgrades to the basic M8, which I enumerated...shutter, sapphire screen and frame lines (plus some other minor changes...paint, cover, etc.) Second generation products (not just cameras) tend to be more refined, with bugs worked out. The M8.2 is no exception. Note that the upgraded shutter (via upgraded M8 or M8.2) removes the 1/8000 speed; important to some, not to others, including me.

With the help of Leica service and parts, as needed, an M8 can last many years. Cameras now are essentially computers, so things can happen. But they can also be fixed. My first M8.2 is 3 years old and has been problem-free after much use.

Jeff

Edit....Note, too, that if you send a basic M8 to Leica for all 3 upgrades, it will end up costing quite a bit more than you'll likely spend on an M8.2 to start.
 
Doug said:
Hi Jeff -- Yes, I do want EXIF info for all pics, so the lenses I use on the M8 are coded. And 50mm is as long as I shoot on the M8, a surprisingly useful combination.
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That works for you. I was referring to your comment that the OP 'should' get lenses coded...maybe, maybe not...I was providing the basis for the decision.

Jeff
 
Interesting read on the RD1 vs. M8. I think I'm a little closer to realizing the M8 is what I want. I shoot raw only w/ Lightroom workflow, so jpgs are a wash. I'm not ashamed to admit I love the Leica-ness of my M3 and M6 cameras and I'd miss that. I want real manual focusing (vs. EVF a la x100, x1-Pro, NEX, etc) and as seamless a transition from M6 as possible. Having to buy filters for everything seems a pain, and adjusting to the crop factor could be awkward, but if an M8 in decent shape could be expected to go 5 years without much fuss then it seems there's really not much else that ticks all of the boxes.
 
Dante_Stella said:
M8 --> M8.2

- Lose 1/8000 sec. (-)
- Gain slightly quieter shutter. (+)
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Dante, how nice to see you posting ---------- I've often enjoyed your writing on things Leica-like.

For me, the 1/8000 shutter of the M8 was a negative, and the 1/4000 shutter of the M8.2 was an improvement; not only because of it's quieter operation, but because many suspect that the substantially increased energies involved to give the M8's 1/8000 capability made the shutter less robust than the M8.2's slower top speed.

However, the M8 remains a camera for serious work when used seriously.

.............. Chris
 
I have an M8 and was thinking of buying another one but I don't think I will. Don't get me wrong it's a fine camera (assuming you get a good copy) but the senor resolution is pretty low for 2012 and it's not full frame (which isn't that big a deal) and for $2,000 (the price of a good used version) I think it is a bit much.

So I will keep using the one I have and hope it holds up till I get my M10!
 
Damaso - that's funny you bring up the sensor resolution. It's one of the reasons why I like it. I do a lot of newspaper work, and frankly anything more than 10-12 MP is overkill.
 
Let's face it, the Leica M8 is an absurd proposition: $2000+ for a nearly six-year old 10.3 MP camera that basically caps out at ISO 640, has only manual focus, manual aperture and manual/aperture priority-mode shutter control. It demands you use IR/UV cut filters with all of your lenses just to get proper colour-rendering. You also have to either purchase or manually code your lenses with a marker (!) just to keep them from vignetting. Mine went to NJ to correct a stuck pixel that a $400 Olympus can fix with the push of a button. You'd have to be crazy...

...except that it also produces the best RAW files of any digital camera I have used (at film-like ISOs), is more fun to shoot than any digital camera I have shot with, gives me more keepers than any other camera I own, and I wouldn't trade mine for a Canon 5DmkII or Nikon D7000 if you offered me one (I've shot with both those cameras).

Does that help clear things up?

;)
 
Rdeleskie - funny and to the point. In financial terms and in comparative terms, the M8 is a complete non-starter. As a digital camera, compared to anything released in the last few years, it's a dinosaur. Financially it's so far out of line it's almost silly. Logic is only a small factor in the decision.
 
There's a difference between price and value. For me, the M8.2 is priced consistent with its value, if not under. Totally logical IMO.

Jeff
 
I have an M8 and have loved it. Got it four years or so ago. However, if I didn't have one now, I actually would hold off to see what the M10 brings. I hope it brings improved "basics" (e.g., high ISO, DR, LCD) and not a D800-like pixel count, video, and live view. But if you don't want to wait and don't want to spend that much, then getting an M8 for a couple grand would be a fine move.
 
rdeleskie said:
Let's face it, the Leica M8 is an absurd proposition: $2000+ for a nearly six-year old 10.3 MP camera that basically caps out at ISO 640, has only manual focus, manual aperture and manual/aperture priority-mode shutter control. It demands you use IR/UV cut filters with all of your lenses just to get proper colour-rendering. You also have to either purchase or manually code your lenses with a marker (!) just to keep them from vignetting. Mine went to NJ to correct a stuck pixel that a $400 Olympus can fix with the push of a button. You'd have to be crazy...

...except that it also produces the best RAW files of any digital camera I have used (at film-like ISOs), is more fun to shoot than any digital camera I have shot with, gives me more keepers than any other camera I own, and I wouldn't trade mine for a Canon 5DmkII or Nikon D7000 if you offered me one (I've shot with both those cameras).

Does that help clear things up?

;)
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EXACTLY! Could I have bought a 5DMII, D7000, etc.... sure but honestly I am soooo glad I didnt. I bought an M8 last year and have LOVED every minute of it.
 
wow, thanks for all your response! I really appreciate. ;)

The M9 (and especially the M10) is not an option. As I mentioned, I use and own (lots of) Canon gear for my work. So if needed, I'll grab one of of those. As a matter of fact, I am perfectly happy with shooting DSLRs and would never sell my Canon gear for Leica. At least not with the current camera bodies. Maybe for Nikon I would....;)

BUT, the M7 is my 'everyday camera'. And I really love to shoot with a Rangefinder for all my personal stuff. The M8 will not replace any of my cameras. I just like the fact of shooting digital if I want to, and dont have to carry around one of those huge Canons. Therefore money is an issue and I might justify to spend 2000-2500.- , but not more. The M8.2 is therefore out of my reach unfortunately. As are the upgrades...
Nice to have surely. Especially the larger framelines and the quieter shutter.

But I get from your response, that the M8 is well worth it, even nowadays. Thats good to hear!
Its just a bit worrying, that so often I read about 'the importance of getting a good copy'! Its actually ridiculous, that so many bad ones are around then...

Hopefully I will made up my mind soon and if the decision will be pro M8, I will of course post lots of nice pics...;)

thanks once again!
 
overtoom said:
wow, thanks for all your response! I really appreciate. ;)

The M9 (and especially the M10) is not an option. As I mentioned, I use and own (lots of) Canon gear for my work. So if needed, I'll grab one of of those. As a matter of fact, I am perfectly happy with shooting DSLRs and would never sell my Canon gear for Leica. At least not with the current camera bodies. Maybe for Nikon I would....;)

BUT, the M7 is my 'everyday camera'. And I really love to shoot with a Rangefinder for all my personal stuff. The M8 will not replace any of my cameras. I just like the fact of shooting digital if I want to, and dont have to carry around one of those huge Canons. Therefore money is an issue and I might justify to spend 2000-2500.- , but not more. The M8.2 is therefore out of my reach unfortunately. As are the upgrades...
Nice to have surely. Especially the larger framelines and the quieter shutter.

But I get from your response, that the M8 is well worth it, even nowadays. Thats good to hear!
Its just a bit worrying, that so often I read about 'the importance of getting a good copy'! Its actually ridiculous, that so many bad ones are around then...

Hopefully I will made up my mind soon and if the decision will be pro M8, I will of course post lots of nice pics...;)

thanks once again!
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If you just need a digital solution for M lens, maybe you should consider R-D1 too. Now the price is very affordable and the repair is available at a reasonable cost.

IMHO, I don't think M8 is a upgrade from R-D1. They are same level of products.
 
rdeleskie said:
Let's face it, the Leica M8 is an absurd proposition: $2000+ for a nearly six-year old 10.3 MP camera that basically caps out at ISO 640, has only manual focus, manual aperture and manual/aperture priority-mode shutter control. It demands you use IR/UV cut filters with all of your lenses just to get proper colour-rendering. You also have to either purchase or manually code your lenses with a marker (!) just to keep them from vignetting. Mine went to NJ to correct a stuck pixel that a $400 Olympus can fix with the push of a button. You'd have to be crazy...

...except that it also produces the best RAW files of any digital camera I have used (at film-like ISOs), is more fun to shoot than any digital camera I have shot with, gives me more keepers than any other camera I own, and I wouldn't trade mine for a Canon 5DmkII or Nikon D7000 if you offered me one (I've shot with both those cameras).

Does that help clear things up?

;)
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^^^ That.

I shoot professionally. The 5D2/35L is the best SLR combo I've ever used. But it's lifeless. It's like the girl you call when you need reliability with something - tax advice, or help planning your 401K.

A Leica is the girl you marry. (Or guy, as you like it.) It's the camera you wake up excited to touch. It's the one that makes you smile.

I had a 2008 love affair with an M8. Shot with it professionally as well as for personal work. Sold it to fund a 5DMKII and have missed it ever since. No camera I've used before or after has inspired me the way that noisy, flaky, temperamental camera could. I'm about to buy another one. Or two.

Couple notes I haven't seen in this thread yet:

- The iso issue is real. ISO 640 is gorgeous. 1280 goes downhill fast. Do you prefer 400 speed film in your M7? Then the M8 is perfect. If you're shooting a lot of Ilford/Kodak 3200 then you might think about a Fuji X100 instead.

- Compared to the beautiful M7 shutter, the sound the M8 makes when you fire it will be a rude wakeup call. I likened it to a emphysemic stapler. Prepare yourself. That's a main reason many people prefer the M8.2.

- Resale value has plateaued. That's good for you. If you buy one and decide it's not for you, you can sell it again for about the same as you bought it. The same was not true in 2008 - I lost a lot of money on it back then. But then, love is expensive sometimes, no?
 
Michael Tyler said:
^^^ That.

I shoot professionally. The 5D2/35L is the best SLR combo I've ever used. But it's lifeless. It's like the girl you call when you need reliability with something - tax advice, or help planning your 401K.

A Leica is the girl you marry. (Or guy, as you like it.) It's the camera you wake up excited to touch. It's the one that makes you smile.

I had a 2008 love affair with an M8. Shot with it professionally as well as for personal work. Sold it to fund a 5DMKII and have missed it ever since. No camera I've used before or after has inspired me the way that noisy, flaky, temperamental camera could. I'm about to buy another one. Or two.

Couple notes I haven't seen in this thread yet:

- The iso issue is real. ISO 640 is gorgeous. 1280 goes downhill fast. Do you prefer 400 speed film in your M7? Then the M8 is perfect. If you're shooting a lot of Ilford/Kodak 3200 then you might think about a Fuji X100 instead.

- Compared to the beautiful M7 shutter, the sound the M8 makes when you fire it will be a rude wakeup call. I likened it to a emphysemic stapler. Prepare yourself. That's a main reason many people prefer the M8.2.

- Resale value has plateaued. That's good for you. If you buy one and decide it's not for you, you can sell it again for about the same as you bought it. The same was not true in 2008 - I lost a lot of money on it back then. But then, love is expensive sometimes, no?
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I agree with you Michael. The 5d MII and the 35mm 1.4 is a great combination! Together with the 85 1.2 my favourite wedding combo. Depending on the Location, I also love the 24/50/135 combo.
400 iso Tri-x is indeed my favourite Film for my M7. I also love to shot Slidefilm like the Provia 100 or 400F. Very rarely I'll use a 1600 or a 3200 iso Film. So the iso shouldnt be an issue.
 
roundg said:
If you just need a digital solution for M lens, maybe you should consider R-D1 too. Now the price is very affordable and the repair is available at a reasonable cost.

IMHO, I don't think M8 is a upgrade from R-D1. They are same level of products.
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Thanks Robin. I guess I have a bit of a Leica Virus in me. The R-D1, certainly a very fine camera, never got my attention. Maybe if it was only an issue of going digital and having some Leica lenses already, then I would take a closer look. But its not. The M8 would be much closer to my M7, but with the digital 'advantage'. I dont 'need' another digital Camera. Its just nice to have the handling of an M and the opportunity to switch between analog and digital.
 
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