Leica M8 or M7 (at approx same price) ?

[jsrockit]

The Leica M8's framelines are optimized for .7 meters, the M9 is 1 meter and the M8.2 was 2 meters. So, if you are used to photographing things that are far away, the original M8 will have the worst frameline accuracy. If you like to photograph up close at its minimum focus, the original M8 will be the most accurate.

 

[Fraser]

M8 to go with my M9, its one of the few cameras I miss. I've already got an M2 which is like an M7 but better😀

 

[pgk]

No contest - M8

 

[ray*j*gun]

M8....I have film cameras, including an M2 so the M8 works better for me.

 

[mmbma]

M7, it will keep its value much better than the M8. Althought I don't see the M8 dropping lower than 1000 even in a few years.

What you really should do, if you decide to go film, is to get two user M6s for the same price of a M7. More reliable (less the Av auto mode, but who needs it), and takes pictures just as nice

 

[kokoshawnuff]

I wouldn't want a crop-sensor interchangeable lens system as a primary camera, that said I love my new(ish) M7 and have never even picked up an M8 so I'm biased.

 

[fotomeow]

I have owned all M6-M9. M7 is the life-long keeper, and the only one I still have.
Hedge your bets, or buy both before "el fin del mundo".

 

[jagwar.jim]

Do you already own M-mount lenses? If so, how would they do on crop factor? Will they be too long for what you like to shoot? Or just right?

There's obviously the convenience of digital with the M8, but I feel like when you are investing $1800 on a body, you should be prioritising on what you will be shooting, and how it will work with your lenses.

I can vouch for the M7, since I own one. Check out my review too.

Hope that's helpful to you!

 

[Doug]

Sounds like this choice really boils down to whether you want to shoot an M digital or M film. The M8 "crop factor" bothers some. I have denied that it's an issue with me, but it does affect my choices of lenses at the wide and long ends.

For instance I got a used 18mm Zeiss Distagon for the M8; it's very useful with a field of view the same as a 24mm on the M9. But 18mm is too wide for me on the M9, rarely useful. At the other end, I like the 75mm focal length on full-frame, but it's too long for me on the M8. A 28mm lens is a great walk-around lens for the M8, and for a two-lens combo I think it's hard to beat 25 + 50mm.