thomasw_
Well-known
Congrats Dave, though I hope you are not facing a third mortgage due to this affliction!?! Now, in all likelihood, you will be interested in the Summicron 28/2, as I hear it is the cat's meow on the M8 
Good cheer, thomas
Good cheer, thomastripod
Well-known
I think I have a problem with this statement Could you explain?
BTW, congrats on the M8, Dave!
tbarker13
shooter of stuff
Woohoo.
I'm betting you'll love it.
I'm betting you'll love it.
Benjamin Marks
Veteran
Good going Dave. I have loved mine from the moment I opened the box. I think you'll ultimately want to go to 3 batteries. I mostly shoot without the IR filters -- color is slightly better with them than without IMHO, but I do a lot of b&w and a lot of color tweaking in CS2 when my pix are in color. The only gadget that I would add to your list is an Exposdisc for custom WB -- incidentally I use it with my D3 too, particularly in mixed lighting. I got a 77 mm one and just hold it over the lens at the beginning of a shoot to set the WB once. I have not thrown out my handheld lightmeter either. It can be useful.
Ben
jplomley
Established
Hey tripod,
No problem. Some of the lenses I owned for the Canon were great on film, but when i moved to full frame digital, the shortcomings of these lenses became rather evident. In particular the 16-35/2.8L was rather lacklustre as was the 24 tilt/shift. The lenses just could not keep up with the sensor resolution. Based on this experience I was a bit nervous that any shortcomings of the Zeiss 35/2 Biogon would be exploited by the digital sensor in the M8 even though the lens performed very well even on Velvia 50 chrome film. Therefore I was more than pleasantly surprised that the resolution demands of the M8 sensor could be met by the Biogon and that the images had a "crispness" that edged out film, suggesting perhaps that Zeiss had always intended for the ZM series to meet the criteria of digital sensors.
Note, this is not meant to start a film vs digital debate. I shoot both...film in 6x7 (Mamiya 7) and 4x5 (Arca Swiss view camera) and I leverage the strengths of each medium for the task at hand. My M8 is always accompanied by the Mamiya 7 as is the Arca Swiss.
As an aside, are there any plans for an RFF get together in Montreal?
No problem. Some of the lenses I owned for the Canon were great on film, but when i moved to full frame digital, the shortcomings of these lenses became rather evident. In particular the 16-35/2.8L was rather lacklustre as was the 24 tilt/shift. The lenses just could not keep up with the sensor resolution. Based on this experience I was a bit nervous that any shortcomings of the Zeiss 35/2 Biogon would be exploited by the digital sensor in the M8 even though the lens performed very well even on Velvia 50 chrome film. Therefore I was more than pleasantly surprised that the resolution demands of the M8 sensor could be met by the Biogon and that the images had a "crispness" that edged out film, suggesting perhaps that Zeiss had always intended for the ZM series to meet the criteria of digital sensors.
Note, this is not meant to start a film vs digital debate. I shoot both...film in 6x7 (Mamiya 7) and 4x5 (Arca Swiss view camera) and I leverage the strengths of each medium for the task at hand. My M8 is always accompanied by the Mamiya 7 as is the Arca Swiss.
As an aside, are there any plans for an RFF get together in Montreal?
dcsang
Canadian & Not A Dentist
Thanks a tonne guys, I've got quite a bit to do before I pick her up and bring her home.
Lots of further reading - I'm going to see about the possibility of using the old "Copperhill" method to clean the sensor (I already have the Eclipse 2 - E2 solution for cleaning and I'm used to doing it for my 5D's)
For the guys in Montreal, I should (currently) be there over labour day weekend for a stag - will let you guys know..
Cheers,
Dave
Lots of further reading - I'm going to see about the possibility of using the old "Copperhill" method to clean the sensor (I already have the Eclipse 2 - E2 solution for cleaning and I'm used to doing it for my 5D's)
For the guys in Montreal, I should (currently) be there over labour day weekend for a stag - will let you guys know..
Cheers,
Dave
ben
Member
I bought a few cheap (like $5 each, including shipping) batteries on ebay. Do they last as long as the OEM battery? Hard to say. But good enough.
tripod
Well-known
So you're saying that the full frame sensors out-resolve a fine-grained film?
(I am not up to speed on digital capabilities and don't intend to argue the point.)
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Rafael Macia
Member
Here is the Leica list of "approved as working" list from Leica. I bought San Disk Extreme III 2 gig, and they are fine, You get about 180 Dng shots on each. The Extreme transfers files quickly, other cards ar very slow. You will see on the lis only one or two 4 gig
Good luck!
Rafael
Rafael Macia
Member
monochromejrnl
Well-known
dave - congrats.. i'm sure many of us wished we were as brave as you... i'm still firmly perched on the fence...
curious - what convinced you to take the jump? i understand that you have happily used the 5D for wedding and other pro/project work... do you intend to replace it with the M8 or do you intend to use it primarily for personal shooting??? did you get a chance to use one before making the leap? i've only handled one briefly at eight elm when it was first released but i don't know any one local that owns one and i'm hesitate to buy a 5000+ camera without the opportunity to use quite extensively first...
also, as a Torontonian, I'm curious about where you purchased yours.. afaik, only Brian at Harry's and Eight Elm are authorized dealers... or did you purchase from somewhere else???
thanks in advance...
curious - what convinced you to take the jump? i understand that you have happily used the 5D for wedding and other pro/project work... do you intend to replace it with the M8 or do you intend to use it primarily for personal shooting??? did you get a chance to use one before making the leap? i've only handled one briefly at eight elm when it was first released but i don't know any one local that owns one and i'm hesitate to buy a 5000+ camera without the opportunity to use quite extensively first...
also, as a Torontonian, I'm curious about where you purchased yours.. afaik, only Brian at Harry's and Eight Elm are authorized dealers... or did you purchase from somewhere else???
thanks in advance...
DaveSee
shallow depth of field
Hi Dave,
You will have some "touch" to work out, but worthy... just don't "shoot right" as per the early digitals... OK, sometimes that's the picture you may want
Enjoy!As for SD cards: never fully understood the draw of 4G cards(and no, I'd steer clear of them with your new rig)... a camera is not designed to store images, even with film. 2G cards are very inexpensive, so why put all your eggs in one basket? Really dumb idea, unless you're an event photog/paparazzi style(sic) shooter who believes an amp will go to eleven
Seems said: "divide and conquer"... works with people, why not people's data? My bad, that's a googlism... Back on point: I've several 2G cards working well, and less expensive than the 4G cards: KISS.You'll have more issue getting IR filters for all yer glass... and coding is mostly a 28 and wider issue, FWIW.
All said, and after a lengthy debate as you've had... I suspect you''l be happily surprised... and not ranting about full frame either
rgds,
Dave
edrodgers731
Member
Congrats Dave! I hope you have a perfect experience right out of the box.
I'm still waiting on my IR cut filters from Leica. I'm told that they not only correct the color issues, but they actually improve sharpness a great deal. The idea is that IR refracts differently and doesn't register on the sensor in the same place, hence, anywhere IR gets through, sharpness is hurt.
I did a hundred shots at a wedding reception last weekend, and I have to say you will definitely need the filters. There is so much synthetic material at a typical reception... Table cloths, bride's maid dresses, tux lapels, curtains, carpet... On the street it was never an issue. Here it was like purple hell.
I must say.. I love my M8. My 5Ds will always have a place at my weddings, but good Leica glass on the M8 beats the 5D image quality hands down. If only I could have fast AF and high ISO capability on the M8 my 5Ds would be out of a job!
I'm still waiting on my IR cut filters from Leica. I'm told that they not only correct the color issues, but they actually improve sharpness a great deal. The idea is that IR refracts differently and doesn't register on the sensor in the same place, hence, anywhere IR gets through, sharpness is hurt.
I did a hundred shots at a wedding reception last weekend, and I have to say you will definitely need the filters. There is so much synthetic material at a typical reception... Table cloths, bride's maid dresses, tux lapels, curtains, carpet... On the street it was never an issue. Here it was like purple hell.
I must say.. I love my M8. My 5Ds will always have a place at my weddings, but good Leica glass on the M8 beats the 5D image quality hands down. If only I could have fast AF and high ISO capability on the M8 my 5Ds would be out of a job!
dcsang
Canadian & Not A Dentist
Hey guys..
Ken, since you asked, I am buying from Harry's - I trust Brian and have dealt with him in the past wrt his used gear and while he's a "small player" per se (i.e. no 'storefront' etc.) he has been in the business for a good number of years. I also trust that if there's anything "wrong" with the camera, he'll take care of it for me.
I could have gone to Eight Elm or even *shudder* Vistek but I don't really "know" anyone at Eight Elm and I personally can't stand Vistek for equipment purchases - rentals and sundries I can deal with but the attitude that they had (don't know if they still have it but, as the saying goes, you only get one chance to make a first impression) just makes me feel like I'm not "worthy" of walking in there to discuss any equipment or potential equipment purchases with them.
As for what changed my mind - well - my mind isn't "changed" per se - I too have only "held" the M8 - I know Jamie Roberts in Cambridge has one and I met Steven Miric the other night when he bought my scanner and he's got 2 bodies. I've read Ricci's posts here and on the Digital Wedding Forum; I've seen some shots from others and the only way I'm going to find out for sure if this is anywhere near decent is to get one. Not exactly the way I "normally" like to "try out" gear but I'll live with it.
What did help to sway my decision making was to finally read some reasonable answers to concerns by Matthew within this thread: http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=57062
Specifically: http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=789076&postcount=10
That made me understand a bit better about how it may not be that much of a concern as I am already aware how an M7 handles "things"; and while the M8 is not the M7 (and vice versa), I should be able to translate some of the experience over from one to the other.
In the end, I don't know how convinced I will be that this camera is as good as some say or, conversely, as bad as some say. For me, it will probably drop right in the middle.. and it'll just be "another camera" that's good enough to take images that will make me and, hopefully in the future (once I get accustomed to it), clients happy.
Cheers,
Dave
Ken, since you asked, I am buying from Harry's - I trust Brian and have dealt with him in the past wrt his used gear and while he's a "small player" per se (i.e. no 'storefront' etc.) he has been in the business for a good number of years. I also trust that if there's anything "wrong" with the camera, he'll take care of it for me.
I could have gone to Eight Elm or even *shudder* Vistek but I don't really "know" anyone at Eight Elm and I personally can't stand Vistek for equipment purchases - rentals and sundries I can deal with but the attitude that they had (don't know if they still have it but, as the saying goes, you only get one chance to make a first impression) just makes me feel like I'm not "worthy" of walking in there to discuss any equipment or potential equipment purchases with them.
As for what changed my mind - well - my mind isn't "changed" per se - I too have only "held" the M8 - I know Jamie Roberts in Cambridge has one and I met Steven Miric the other night when he bought my scanner and he's got 2 bodies. I've read Ricci's posts here and on the Digital Wedding Forum; I've seen some shots from others and the only way I'm going to find out for sure if this is anywhere near decent is to get one. Not exactly the way I "normally" like to "try out" gear but I'll live with it.
What did help to sway my decision making was to finally read some reasonable answers to concerns by Matthew within this thread: http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=57062
Specifically: http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=789076&postcount=10
That made me understand a bit better about how it may not be that much of a concern as I am already aware how an M7 handles "things"; and while the M8 is not the M7 (and vice versa), I should be able to translate some of the experience over from one to the other.
In the end, I don't know how convinced I will be that this camera is as good as some say or, conversely, as bad as some say. For me, it will probably drop right in the middle.. and it'll just be "another camera" that's good enough to take images that will make me and, hopefully in the future (once I get accustomed to it), clients happy.
Cheers,
Dave
monochromejrnl
Well-known
Dave - thanks for the reply and reference to that previous thread... i didn't catch that the first time around...
really interesting point Matthew makes about the high ISO performance... I also find that I usually max out at ISO800 with film photography so higher ISO noise ought not to be a deal breaker for me... besides, faster glass out to compensate for those shortcomings...
I've found Brian to be a pleasure to deal with as well and I'm glad to hear that you've decided to purchase from him... like you, I've had less than satisfactory experiences at Vistek and I'd rather order from the US than deal directly with them...
looking forward to seeing your results with the M8, I'm still on the fence but frankly, if i could get the money together by selling off some under utilized gear then it might be in the forseeable future..
Gabriel M.A.
My Red Dot Glows For You
Double-checking the date.Next Monday afternoon... (barring any work issues on my end)
Black Body..
How "bad" (or good) can this thing be anyway.. I'll find out for myself I guess..
(thanks to all who've clarified a lot of my questions via various threads here)
Cheers
Dave
Nope, it's not April 1st.
Congrats, Dave! So, Ramen noodles for a month, eh?
dcsang
Canadian & Not A Dentist
ramosa
B&W
To date (one month into “the M8 experience”), I have no complaints. Well, it would be nice if there was an ISO dial (as you have mentioned). But, other than that, everything is great. For me, the shutter sound isn’t a problem. (Maybe mine is on the quiet end. Who knows?)
I love the much smaller size of the M8 and lens (as compared to a DSLR and hefty zoom, etc.). I had read about how using an RF dramatically changes how you think, see, and shoot. And, now, I understand this fully. I still have a lot to learn in regards to this camera, but am amazed at what I have already learned and how much more developed my thinking, seeing and shooting have become.
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ramosa
B&W
Dave,
Yes, a spare battery is a good idea. To my knowledge, the M8 takes only 2GB cards. (I tried to use one 4GB card, and it wouldn't work. But maybe the M8 works with some, but not others.) I have one 2GB card, but plan to purchase two more. I also picked up a Luigi case. Not cheap, but extremely well-made. I wanted it for "protection." Also, a few posts have mentioned that it may muffle the shutter noise.
Cindy Flood
Established
Dave,
Congratulations. You will love it.
Get a spare battery or two. I know that they are expensive, but having a spare has saved me more times than I can tell you. I wouldn't think of shooting an event without two (I have 4.)
I have heard that Ridata Pro 4GB 150x cards work well in the M8. I have 2 Transcend 4G cards, but the current 4GB Transcends are SDHC and the M8 is not SDHC compatible.
-Cindy
Congratulations. You will love it.
Get a spare battery or two. I know that they are expensive, but having a spare has saved me more times than I can tell you. I wouldn't think of shooting an event without two (I have 4.)
I have heard that Ridata Pro 4GB 150x cards work well in the M8. I have 2 Transcend 4G cards, but the current 4GB Transcends are SDHC and the M8 is not SDHC compatible.
-Cindy