Leica R8: your thoughts

[J J Kapsberger]

I'm seeing some good condition examples on eBay for less than USD 1,000, which suggests the R8 isn't holding its value. It seems that the R8 is despised by many a Leicaphile who view it as the M5 of the R lineup--too large and for some (not me) too ungainly.

What are your thoughts on this body? At less than USD 1,000 are they a bargain?

 

[Harry Lime]

I have the R8, SL and R6.2

The R8 is an excellent camera. It's no bigger than something like a Canon EOS 1v without a powerbooster or the current Canon 5D.

The R8/R9 viewfinder is extremely bright. Metering system is very accurate and over all the camera is very smooth. My biggest complaint is that the Winder uses rather expensive CR type batteries, but you can get a battery pack for it.

In terms of ergonomics I think it's a brilliant design. Some people don't like it's looks and call it 'the Hunchback of Solms'. Personally I think it's a very nice looking design.

I could never figure out why people have such a love, hate relationship with the R8.
Maybe it's because it IS much bigger than a Leica M.

I think prices are coming down, because the R8/R9 have always been a little overpriced and now with digital driving prices down across the market they are landing where they probably should have been a long time ago.