Leica R8 + DMR for sale and its local!

[sc_rufctr]

Oh... Wow. There is a Leica R8 + DMR for sale at my local pro shop.

Looks good and it comes with all boxes and paperwork but I don't have any real details. They're asking $4,500 with a 35, 70 Vario ROM. (I think)
I dared not spend to much time staring at it because my Visa card was in my wallet 🙄
I would check about any warranty and would want to test it for myself before burning my card.

One issue. I already have a 35, 7O Vario but its not ROM so I'll probably sell mine and keep the ROM version.
I also have a 80 Summilux (3 cam) a 250 F4 (3 cam) and a 60 Macro (R only) so I'm good to go. My old 6.2 wouldn't get used much though.

Anywho... What does the brain trust think? Honest opinions please.

My biggest worry is a terminal fault with the DMR that can not be fixed by Leica.

FYI, Leica won't/can't repair the DMR now.

 

[jarski]

iirc, DMR cant write to memory cards on shops right now. need to buy older ones from eBay.

re-celling the batteries might be needed if it has exhausted ones. finding new/little used battery will be hard.

 

[Vickko]

Yep, that would be my biggest fear, a fatal operational flaw in the electronics. No way to fix. No way to DYI.

After-market batteries and re-celling should be okay.

Didn't realize the issue with memory cards, but not surprised that they can't write to the newest cards.

I know that those that have a functional DMR love them.

 

[redisburning]

I think that, with some sacrifice to convenience, you could get a Canon and get far better IQ. I use a 60 Macro on my 40D and I LOVE the lens. Seriously, I like it a bit more than my 50MP and OM50/2. Sure you lose auto-aperture, but frankly I haven't found it to be an issue and actually if you forgo those stupid little chips the metering is very good.

I would recommend going Nikon if you're ready to leave film behind (or only shoot it rarely enough you don't need to swap the mounts frequently). I've been investigating the D800 + 60ME and 100APO combinations and they're stunning. The Leitax solution is very solid and easily reversible.

I just am not impressed by the output of the DMR, especially for the price. A 5Dii will only run you 1500 and I think it does far better. Frankly, for 300 dollars, my 40D with 60ME does OK for now. You might take a look at how good your R lenses are on a Canon before you invest 4500 into a digital back you can't get fixed.

Here's an example:

Butters / 60 Macro-Elmarit-R first impressions by redisburning, on Flickr

and you can see 100% here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pmcmanis/9480805001/sizes/o/

 

[sc_rufctr]

Thanks for the input and thank you redisburning for the example.

I own a 1Ds Mkii and use the "E" split focusing screen with Novoflex adapters so I have a workable R solution right now.
This purchase would be purely extravagant. I'm not really a collector but looking at my cabinet you could be excused for thinking that. 😉

IF Leica still supported the DMR I would have probably bought it on the spot. That lack of support is the biggest issue for me.
I realy don't want an expensive shelf ornament.

 

[CameraQuest]

if I am not mistaken from past RFF threads,
Leica no longer supports the DMR at all.

That translates to no parts and no repairs,
but does make for an exceedingly nice future paper weight.

Stephen

 

[Keith]

if I am not mistaken from past RFF threads,
Leica no longer supports the DMR at all.

That translates to no parts and no repairs,
but does make for an exceedingly nice future paper weight.

Stephen

We need a 'like' button! 😀

 

[rolfe]

FWIW, I don't think the lack of support is due to a lack of desire on Leica's part, but rather due to the unforseen corporate change of ownership at Imacon (now Hasselblad).

 

[thegman]

Interesting setup, but for digital, I'm not sure spending so much, on something so old makes much sense. I'd spend half that on a new FF camera. It's only the rarity and red dot making it expensive.

 

[sc_rufctr]

Interesting setup, but for digital, I'm not sure spending so much, on something so old makes much sense. I'd spend half that on a new FF camera. It's only the rarity and red dot making it expensive.

That's it in a nutshell. 😉

 

[sc_rufctr]

This is "Misty"... Ironicaly a little bit bigger and heavier than an R8 + DMR.

She does everything I need her to and then some. 🙂

 

[mugent]

If you are a collector, then maybe it has value, but as a user, it's a crazy amount of money. You could buy a Sigma SD1m, have it converted to R mount, you'd have exceptional glass on an exceptional sensor for half the money.

 

[sc_rufctr]

I'm a little closer to a decision. When I make one I rarely revisit it.

I just called the shop and the package is an R8, DMR, battery, charger + 35-70mm Vario. Lots of paper work and the boxes.
The lens can not be separated from the package.

OK> Right now the guy at the shop has assured me both the camera and DMR are working 100% but there is no warranty of any sort.

So how lucky do I feel? At $4,500 I would want at least 5 years usage. :angel:

Considering the common light meter issues with the R8/9 and lack of support for the DMR... This is not what I would call and investment.

PURE INDULGENCE... But you only live once 😛

 

[leicapixie]

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=136356

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=136356

The camera was behind the competition when released.
Now it's worse than an Orphan Annie.
No backup, no parts and a limited future..
Thinking of it is a bad idea.
If one has 4500 to waste, use it on a good cause..
I use Leica but would run from this deal

 

[sparrow6224]

Doug Herr (google him, he does stunning work, mostly birds) uses that set up, or did until recently. You could write to him and he'd be glad to offer advice (you can contact him through his website). He uses the 280mm APO Telyt R f/4 which is truly spectacular. I think he could comment on whether your five years is a good bet (I'd say it's dicey.)

All that said, you could pick up a Canon 5D Mark II, an actually historic camera in my opinion (~$1500) and an R lens adapter (~$50) and you'd have a vastly better digital set up for your R lenses. For under a thousand you could get the first generation 5D.

Or, finally, this: you could get a good R8 and shoot Provia 400 or some other slide film of your liking and have it processed and scanned (no prints.) You could do a couple of hundred rolls before you hit the $4000 mark. It JUST SO HAPPENS that I have an R8 for sale, just overhauled by Leica and under their warranty, looks like new, for $695. I'd give it to you for $720 shipped and paypal'd. You could spend the rest of the money taking the camera and lenses on a trip to Italy.

 

[sc_rufctr]

Thanks Vince but I have a 1Ds Mkii (as posted above)

 

[L Collins]

A camera with the cutting edge technology of a Nikon d100, coupled with dicey reliability issues and no technical or service support. All for only $4500.

Count me in!