Leica M8 or Leica M9? That is the question!

pepeguitarra

pepeguitarra

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I posted this on the FM forum, but I realized that the RF forum is the most adequate for this question:

Two days ago, I received my Leica M9 in perfect conditons and absolutely immaculate performance level. After having my M8 for about 6 months, I wanted to sell it immediatly to help pay for the M9. However, I have my doubts: 1) I miss the loud shutter sound of the M8; 2) I miss the 1.3 crop factor that make my lenses so powerful, 3) I miss my B&W shots (when not using the UV/IR filter), 4) I miss checking how many shots left and the battery condition on top of the camera, 5) I miss the black (NOT PAINT) of the M8, which does not wear with the rub, 6) Selling the M8 will give me back only a fraction of what I paid and the M8 is worth a lot more than that. Don't take me wrong, the M9 has provide and will continue to provide satisfaction. But, should I sell my M8? I need to sell it, but I am sure I will miss it. Have you had this dilemma? Thanks, Pepe
 
I thought I would miss my M8.2 until I shot with the M9 a few times. Then I sent the M8.2 to my dealer for a consignment sale. The M8.2 is/was a fine camera, but I have moved on from crop sensors. Other than the crop factor I liked the same things you appreciate about your M8. Mine was in black paint, which I prefer to the gray paint. My Monochrom helps me get over it, however.:)
 
I'm an M8.2 shooter. While I agree with all the benefits, above, of the M8.2, one thing I'd like about the M9 is that you can tell it which lens you have mounted, without having it coded. My luck with using the coding kit has been less than stellar.

I'm pleased with the M8.2 frameline accuracy at my usual shooting distances! I get very good framing with 28, 35, and 50mm lenses.
 
You're right about not wanting to sell the M8 at further discount when it is such a strong camera. My M8 only has 2900 clicks which makes it very new still. It is valuable as backup camera and one that can be taken to places where you don't want to get your M9 hijacked.
 
You're serious about missing the loud shutter of the M8? Really??

If you can afford to keep both, keep both!
 
I was planning on keeping mine, but I don't know anymore. I was always swapping lenses on the M8, but since I got the M9 the 50 has stayed on there exclusively. I might sell my 35 Nokton for a 28 Ultron and keep the M8 for a 35-ish - 50 combo.

I can sell the M8 for about what I paid for it, so it will be like I used it for free AND I made enough money with it to buy the M9.

Decisions, decisions...
 
PineEar said:
You're serious about missing the loud shutter of the M8? Really??
Click to expand...

Honestly, it was annoying at the beginning, but after a while, it felt like a picture was taken every time the camera announced it to the world (almost everyone could hear it!). The M9 has such a smooth and soft button to push, that I am not sure sometimes I have taken a photo. I may overcome that part first. :)
 
Where is the problem if you can afford too keep it if not sell it. I sold mine and sometimes wish I had kept it, but I hardly use my M9 that much so couldn't really justify it.
 
rivercityrocker said:
I was planning on keeping mine, but I don't know anymore. I was always swapping lenses on the M8, but since I got the M9 the 50 has stayed on there exclusively. I might sell my 35 Nokton for a 28 Ultron and keep the M8 for a 35-ish - 50 combo.

I can sell the M8 for about what I paid for it, so it will be like I used it for free AND I made enough money with it to buy the M9.

Decisions, decisions...
Click to expand...

and it will pay for itself again if your M9 fails for any reason, and the M8 gets THE shot for you. ;) It's a cheap insurance policy.
 
I find the shutter sound of the M8 is not that noticeable when the camera is in a half-case. Anyway, the shutter sound isn't really the noisy part, it's the re-cock that makes the bulk of the noise (and once again half case muffles the sound nicely). If I wanted audible feedback I would reach for an FM2n, its shutter sounds like a fire arm discharge.
 
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pepeguitarra said:
Honestly, it was annoying at the beginning, but after a while, it felt like a picture was taken every time the camera announced it to the world (almost everyone could hear it!). The M9 has such a smooth and soft button to push, that I am not sure sometimes I have taken a photo. I may overcome that part first. :)
Click to expand...
I cannot say I hear much difference between the M8 and M9 It is thunk-whizz versus thonk-whizz….
 
I have an M8 with the updated shutter with max speed 1/4000. It makes a hefty "clunk." The M9 is very quiet in comparison.
 
I have an m8 classic, and love it for b&w. I use my m9-p for color. The 50 focal length is my favorite, so I use my 35/1.4 summilux asph on the m8, and the 28/2 asph and 50/1.4 pre-asph on the the m-9p. I vote for keeping your m8.
 
If you would already miss the M8 now, then you'll miss it in the future and you'll end up pining about wanting an M8.
However, if you need to sell it then you have no option it seems. If the M8 is 6 months old, I don't think you will lose that much on your sell.
 
jaapv said:
I cannot say I hear much difference between the M8 and M9 It is thunk-whizz versus thonk-whizz….
Click to expand...

I set the two down next to each other and fired them repeatedly and I could not hear a real difference either.


I just picked up a D5300 the other day and that camera has the quietest shutter of any DSLR I've ever used. It's only slightly audible even when it's up to your eye shooting.
 
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