Buying a used M8 or M8.2 on a pauper’s budget?

[Samuel D]

If you find a decent M8 at a decent price, buy it - you won't regret it, but it is maybe not worth bankrupting yourself

I like the way you threw in a “maybe” here, leaving open the possibility that it is!

I had an M8.2 for a couple of years. Used it professionmally on one project and daily shooting for awhile. The limitation on high ISO was a problem for me.

That seems to be a common complaint, but I somehow managed to get by with Kodachrome 25 not so very long ago. ISO 160 is a luxury by comparison, and I think I could use ISO 320 indoors with good technique. Not ideal, but doable.

Just save up for the M9.

Easier said than done, though an M9 or M-E would be ideal (and I’d prefer either of them to the new Leica M). I’d be more tempted to save hard for an M9 if I were sure Leica wouldn’t run out of spare parts for it a mere few years down the road, as it did with the M8.

This enchanting M8 brochure (PDF) makes me think the M8 has everything I need. The power of a well-designed brochure, eh.

 

[doolittle]

Here's an idea: buy an M8 with the coffee stain issue: 1. You should be able to get it at a lower price 2. If you decide later to get an M-E etc, you can contact Leica about the 'upgrade' program.

p.s. I think you will be happy with the M8, it remains a great camera

 

[Samuel D]

That’s a nice idea, doolittle. I thought you were going to say, “buy an M8 with the coffee stain issue and contact Leica about the ‘upgrade’ program”. But the bit in between – buy it cheap and just use it – adds a twist I hadn’t thought of.

Thanks also for your M8-versus-M6 post earlier. I did read it.

 

[______]

Someone has already mentioned it, but have you factored in the cost of a lens? They can be quite expensive, so your budget may not allow you to buy both a body and a lens. I say this because I was looking into getting an M6 for film photography. Then I priced the lenses and realized I was whistling in the wind.

 

[froyd]

This enchanting M8 brochure (PDF) makes me think the M8 has everything I need. The power of a well-designed brochure, eh.

They sure make a big deal about how silent the M8 is and how great in low light!

 

[Snowbuzz]

Well I "upgraded" from M8 to M8.2 and the difference in noise levels with respect to the shutter is startling. I can't believe anyone would fail to notice the marked difference between the two. The perception of in-body vibration caused by the shutter actuation also feels less with the M8.2. Of course, you lose the 1/8000 shutter speed with the tweaked shutter.

A lot of folks on the Leica forum actually recommended the M8u (an original M8 upgraded to the M8.2 shutter (as well as other possible upgrades)) as Leica would essentially refurbish the camera for the user increasing the likelihood of trouble-free operation.

 

[lenticularis]

Buy the M8 and CV 35/1.4 combo!

Buy the M8 and CV 35/1.4 combo!

...In any case, my advice is to buy an M8 and a Voigtländer Nokton 35mm f/1.4. This was my go to kit on my M8.

Trust me, you won't regret it.

Samuel - bon chance cherchant!

Like Riverrocker, i strongly can recommend the M8 and the Cosina Voigtlander 35/1.4.

I was lucky, buying my first M8 in Australia for A$1500 in Dec 12 (from someone also 'upgrading').

I am on my 2nd M8, simply because I sold my first M8 (bought 2nd hand) to fund purchasing a 2nd hand M9. That M9 has a problem that is taking far too long for repair, simply due to Leica's difficulties with supply. It's taking so long I bought another M8 which only arrived with me a few weeks back,to keep me using my lenses on a digital RF. The 2nd I bought off an international forum, also for US$1500, more like $1800 when factoring in postage and 10% import tax.

I love the ability of the M8 to produce excellent B&W files and also infra-red images, but its colour results are also highly pleasing.

I have had no problems with either of my M8s, both of which I seem to have been very lucky to acquire at great prices, as they are both low-use cameras in excellent condition.

I enjoy using my M8 more than a great DSLR. I also bought an M6 and enjoy that, but digital convenience is great and the M8 gives files that are somewhat film-like in their colour, so it's all good news! Good luck in your search!

PS - If you want a really budget lens but one that still works well, try a Jupiter-3 (Zeiss Sonnar(?) copy - 50 f2), with an LTM - LM bayonet adapter. That will only cost you about US$150 +$15. I attach an image taken on Christmas Day 2013 (in Ireland) as a sample. (no UV+IR filtration).

Jupiter-3 f6.3, ISO160, M8 40% jpeg from DNG
http://flic.kr/p/iGegNg

as above, but 100% crop, jpeg from DNG
http://flic.kr/p/iGewAT