Daft question time.....

[Paul Jenkin]

I currently have an M6 'classic' non-TTL 0.72 and I really like it. Lens-wise, I have a CV 28/f1.9, Summicron-M 35/f2 and CV 75/f2.5. A nice set up. However, I just had a browse round a Leica dealer and saw an M8.

I understand that the sensor has a crop factor of 1.3 which would make my lenses 35mm, 50mm and 90mm. Questions that pop into my thick head are:

1) Will these lenses all work okay on an M8 - i.e. full functionality?
2) Do I need a filter to correct magenta cast for these lenses if all I'm shooting is to be processed as B&W?

I know there are reported issues surrounding reliability, scratches on the viewing screen, clunky shutter and the possibility of a full-frame version sometime soon (maybe, perhaps, if we're lucky.......) but I really like the look of the M8 and the photos I've seen taken by one in the shop.

Would an M8 be a good buy or would I just be waving "goodbye" to a heap of money by being seduced by the dork side?

My main tool of trade is a Nikon D300 but I won't give up film and I just love the way my Leica handles.

I'd welcome your thoughts and advice, please.

Paul.

 

[aniMal]

All the optics will function well, and as long as you convert to B&W you can do without a filter...

I use the 28/1.9 myself - its perfect for the M8 as I see it...

The odd thing about the M8 is that when people discuss all the faults and problems on the net, there is a huge percentage who complain a lot without ever having owned one... Whereas if you as those who actually do own and use it, most are very happy with it!

 

[Paul Jenkin]

Thanks. I'm sort of torn between getting a 300mm f2.8 (second hand) for the Nikon or 'investing' in an M8. As I already have the 70-300 VR lens and the D300 will produce superb results up to and including ISO 1600, I'm leaning towards the M8. All I have to do now is convince my missus.......!!

 

[Tom Niblick]

Thanks. I'm sort of torn between getting a 300mm f2.8 (second hand) for the Nikon or 'investing' in an M8. As I already have the 70-300 VR lens and the D300 will produce superb results up to and including ISO 1600, I'm leaning towards the M8. All I have to do now is convince my missus.......!!

Get the M8. You will not regret it. But buy a demo from someone good, like Camera West, and use the savings to get a 1.4 TC for your 70-200 VR. That way you will have the best of both worlds. Besides, the M8 and 3 lenses weigh less than the 300.
A M8 with a 28 over one shoulder and a D300 with a 70-200 over the other (with a TC and a 35 cron in your pockets) can cover just about any assignment. Talk about photo heaven!

Tom

 

[Olsen]

Thanks. I'm sort of torn between getting a 300mm f2.8 (second hand) for the Nikon or 'investing' in an M8. As I already have the 70-300 VR lens and the D300 will produce superb results up to and including ISO 1600, I'm leaning towards the M8. All I have to do now is convince my missus.......!!

That's a very easy choice; buy a M8! I have both a Canon EF 300 mm 2,8 and a M8 - and the latter is the one being used. The tele has a very limited use. Mine hasn't been more than 20 meters from my car. It is like carrying around a anti tank gun. Only seldom do I find anything worthwhile to photograph with it. The ideal would be a safari on the African savanas, of cause.

You already have a fine collection of M-lenses which would do just fine on a M8. I would not bother much about the filters even when shooting colors. It is a shame not to find use for them in the digital world. Go for the M8.

 

[grduprey]

Buy the M8, either new or used/demo, not a single problem here after a year and a half. I have a D200 and gave it to my wife. Bought a 20D to use with my R lenses, but it spends most of the time in the bag as I just hate the ergonomics of the Canon DSLRs. I'mhoping for a miracle and the new R10 at a reasonable price for my R lenses. A R digital body and the M8 would be heaven.

Gene

 

[bottley1]

A warning - once you get an M8, the M6 will see zero action!

 

[Paul Jenkin]

Thanks for the advice, guys!

One of the 'fears' I have is that I'll make my M6 redundant. Mind you, I should still get a reasonable price for it either as a private sale or a trade and, if I still fancy doing some film work, I could get a cheap Nikon F100 and use the Nikon lenses I've accumulated....