ROOOO
Established
Hi everyone--
The subject line is misleading. I actually just got my first M, the M8, but my second Leica. Perhaps, my favorite camera ever is the R8, which I've had since early last decade, because of the build quality and the 50mm Summicron. I bought the M8 used via mail order from a dealer and it showed up today. I'm completely delighted by the thing! It looks and feels like a nearly perfect object. (Of course, I'll probably be complaining once I have a chance to shoot tomorrow about IR problems, rangefinder calibration, shutter faults, frame lines, etc. ;-)
Although I've handled an M8 before, I was shocked when I pulled it out of the box by how small it is. It's certainly bigger than my GF1, but not by a huge margin. Next, I was surprised by its condition. Even though I bought it used and got what I thought was a good deal in relation to the no-warranty copies selling on eBay, the body looks nearly brand new. The plastic on the bottom plate is still there. In fact, the plastic is the only thing on the camera that seems to show any sign of wear from what I can tell so far.
The problem with this, is that I now want to keep the camera in great shape! Ugh! (If only it had some scratches and rub marks already! Haha!) I put a cover on the LCD screen, but what about the rest of the camera? I plan to carry it around with a small lens attached and won't be bringing any additional lenses with me. I would like to just keep it in my messenger bag, as I've done with the GF1. However, my bag offers little protection, so, perhaps, I'll purchase a small pouch or insert. Any suggestions for those?
One of the things I haven't done a good job of protecting on my SLRs is the viewfinder. Mine usually end up getting scratched up. Now, with the M, I have glass areas on both the front and rear of the camera for the rangefinder. How do you keep these in good shape? How do you clean them--air + microfiber?
I would also love to hear any general tips for protecting your Ms--while shooting, walking, traveling, anything--or, well, anything at all that a newcomer should know.
BTW, I guess a Luigi case might be in order, but I'm not sure I can shell out for one right now. Any other similar options available?
This forum has been very useful to me already and I truly appreciate your help and apologize for my newbie's obsession with my new camera.
Thanks!
The subject line is misleading. I actually just got my first M, the M8, but my second Leica. Perhaps, my favorite camera ever is the R8, which I've had since early last decade, because of the build quality and the 50mm Summicron. I bought the M8 used via mail order from a dealer and it showed up today. I'm completely delighted by the thing! It looks and feels like a nearly perfect object. (Of course, I'll probably be complaining once I have a chance to shoot tomorrow about IR problems, rangefinder calibration, shutter faults, frame lines, etc. ;-)
Although I've handled an M8 before, I was shocked when I pulled it out of the box by how small it is. It's certainly bigger than my GF1, but not by a huge margin. Next, I was surprised by its condition. Even though I bought it used and got what I thought was a good deal in relation to the no-warranty copies selling on eBay, the body looks nearly brand new. The plastic on the bottom plate is still there. In fact, the plastic is the only thing on the camera that seems to show any sign of wear from what I can tell so far.
The problem with this, is that I now want to keep the camera in great shape! Ugh! (If only it had some scratches and rub marks already! Haha!) I put a cover on the LCD screen, but what about the rest of the camera? I plan to carry it around with a small lens attached and won't be bringing any additional lenses with me. I would like to just keep it in my messenger bag, as I've done with the GF1. However, my bag offers little protection, so, perhaps, I'll purchase a small pouch or insert. Any suggestions for those?
One of the things I haven't done a good job of protecting on my SLRs is the viewfinder. Mine usually end up getting scratched up. Now, with the M, I have glass areas on both the front and rear of the camera for the rangefinder. How do you keep these in good shape? How do you clean them--air + microfiber?
I would also love to hear any general tips for protecting your Ms--while shooting, walking, traveling, anything--or, well, anything at all that a newcomer should know.
BTW, I guess a Luigi case might be in order, but I'm not sure I can shell out for one right now. Any other similar options available?
This forum has been very useful to me already and I truly appreciate your help and apologize for my newbie's obsession with my new camera.
Thanks!
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robklurfield
eclipse
don't protect it too much. use it. use it as much as you can.
I do have a luigi half case and a thumbs-up mostly to keep my M8 from slipping out of my hands as the camera is a little and my hands are a little small. My M2 fits my hands perfectly, so it goes au naturel but for a Gordy's wriststrap.
I do have a luigi half case and a thumbs-up mostly to keep my M8 from slipping out of my hands as the camera is a little and my hands are a little small. My M2 fits my hands perfectly, so it goes au naturel but for a Gordy's wriststrap.
ROOOO
Established
Thanks, Rob. Given all the years I've kept the idea of using an M in the back of my mind, I will certainly be using the camera! I did order one of the Gordy's wrist straps, though I'm not sure whether I'll use that or a neck strap.
Steve M.
Veteran
If you're used to using an R8, that thing must feel absolutely tiny. I sold my R5 and got a Leicaflex SL and boy is it big! But the viewfinder, wow.
Congratulations on your new camera. A soft half case is probably in order, and sling the camera over your sholder on a strap. Or do what I do w/ my folders. I found a nice little camera bag in a thrift store that is big enough for my folder-of-the-day and a filter/hood. The camera slips into it vertically, and it's easy and fast to pull it out and be ready to shoot quickly (or as ready to shoot as a folder gets). If you put your camera into a never-ready case to protect it you'll miss a lot of shots.
Congratulations on your new camera. A soft half case is probably in order, and sling the camera over your sholder on a strap. Or do what I do w/ my folders. I found a nice little camera bag in a thrift store that is big enough for my folder-of-the-day and a filter/hood. The camera slips into it vertically, and it's easy and fast to pull it out and be ready to shoot quickly (or as ready to shoot as a folder gets). If you put your camera into a never-ready case to protect it you'll miss a lot of shots.
ROOOO
Established
Steve, it's been a while since I really used the R8. I moved on to a Canon dSLR and, recently, the GF1, which is a fun, fun camera. But there was something about the rangefinder, and the M in particular, experience that I've always wanted to try out. Anyhow, we'll see how it goes!
I think you're probably right about getting a half-case, and I'm guessing I will. However, there's something I don't like about hiding the camera and its design simplicity!
I think you're probably right about getting a half-case, and I'm guessing I will. However, there's something I don't like about hiding the camera and its design simplicity!
Roger Hicks
Veteran
Protect it in much the same way as you do your fist: don't bang it into things too hard.
Otherwise, don't worry. I've been using Leicas for 40 years, and earning a living with their help for three-quarters of that time, and not worrying works for me.
Cheers,
R.
Otherwise, don't worry. I've been using Leicas for 40 years, and earning a living with their help for three-quarters of that time, and not worrying works for me.
Cheers,
R.
Pickett Wilson
Veteran
Use the thing. Scratch it up, wear the black off it, wear it out. It's amazing the number of 20, 30, 40 year old Leicas that look like new. Because everyone is afraid to put a scratch on one. If you worry about resale value, you'll never take photos.
xxloverxx
Shoot.
+1 on that. Just make photos.
_mark__
Well-known
I have a Gordy's neck strap they are strong, so well made and priced.
Renzsu
Well-known
I'm thinking M8's won't hold their value as much as film cameras so you're best of using it as much as you can and don't worry too much about scratching it or something.. stuff like that will probably keep you from getting the shot you REALLY wanted but were afraid to take anyway. Don't baby it too much and have fun with your rock solid camera
greggebhardt
Well-known
I use the thumbs up and OEM grip on my M9 so I am touching it less and have a better grip. The oil from your hands is the most destructive thing your camera comes in contact with. After a day of shooting, I will wipe it down with a microfiber cloth while the grip is removed.
The best you can do is take reasonable care, forget what it costs and just use it!
The best you can do is take reasonable care, forget what it costs and just use it!
oldoc
oldoc
+2 Pickett Wilson.
Give daily exercise. Like all great tools, it's meant to be used.
I feel so sorry for those who white, it ads, "it's just not being used"...WHY???
Give daily exercise. Like all great tools, it's meant to be used.
I feel so sorry for those who white, it ads, "it's just not being used"...WHY???
raid
Dad Photographer
After spending money on half and full cases, these cases just sit there on some shelf while the cameras are being used without "protection". Yes! They live risky lives.
spiderfrank
just a dreamer
send it to me, and I'll send you a weared Canon G7, plus a 2 Giga SD card. When the M8 will be weared, dented and scratched, I'll resend it to you and take back the G7
I like using a fitted case with my cameras, no matter how old and beat up they get. Dampens the shutter sound, and is a last defense against light leaks. Latter is not a problem with an M8 or M9. I plan on getting a fitted case, probably a Leicatime case. The latter has the advantage of covering up the LCD screen.
double-m-7
Member
For casual shooting no protection is required, the finish is very durable although not as good as Canon 1-series. Only real harsh conditions will wear off the finish.
raid
Dad Photographer
Brian,
Have you bought a digital Leica already?
What will your ZCJ lenses think about such a move!
I have not bought a Digital Leica yet- but this will be the year. I have some bonus money coming in from an end-user that was happy with a project.
It will make it much faster to collimate Jupiter-3's and Zeiss Conversions!
I'm thinking the 1953 J-3 will be perfect on it. I dont think I'm putting the Thorium Summicrons on it though. I do not like the thought of radiation hitting the CCD for extended periods of time.
It will make it much faster to collimate Jupiter-3's and Zeiss Conversions!
I'm thinking the 1953 J-3 will be perfect on it. I dont think I'm putting the Thorium Summicrons on it though. I do not like the thought of radiation hitting the CCD for extended periods of time.
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raid
Dad Photographer
My "happy end-user" will finance a lens or two this year.
Let us know how you will make use of the M8/M9
The camera should make your lens comparisons more uniform and also make you independent of film and film developing and scanning.
Let us know how you will make use of the M8/M9
The camera should make your lens comparisons more uniform and also make you independent of film and film developing and scanning.
Kevin
Rainbow Bridge
I think a Luigi case would be perfect for you. I have one for my R-D1 and several other cameras they are a great fit. Once and a while a used M8 case from Luigi pops up here or on eBay. With a bit of patience you'll find one at a very good price.
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