M 8.2 Purchase?

[gilpen123]

I am considering to get the M8.2, it will be my 1st Leica digital RF. I use and still enjoy my RD1 but I also have this GAS for an M8.2 since I loved the VF of Leica very much as with my M6 and M3. Moreso, the black paint, quiet shutter and vulcanite leatherette skin. is it safe to say that most M8 issues were corrected in the M8.2?

 

[jsrockit]

Yes, it is safe to say that IMHO... and I've owned both.

 

[frieri]

I am considering to get the M8.2, it will be my 1st Leica digital RF. I use and still enjoy my RD1 but I also have this GAS for an M8.2 since I loved the VF of Leica very much as with my M6 and M3. Moreso, the black paint, quiet shutter and vulcanite leatherette skin. is it safe to say that most M8 issues were corrected in the M8.2?

I have just bought an M8: max shutter speed of 1/8000, lowest price, same firmware 2.005

 

[noimmunity]

I'm very happy with my M8 (within the limits of ISO640) and would not trade it for an M8.2. Since a LOT of what I shoot is at or near minimum distance, the framelines of the M8 work BETTER for me, and the noise obviously isn't an issue. Plus 1/8000 is fun.

But from the way you describe it, it sounds like the M8.2 is the right tool for you and--most importantly--offers a few ergonomic features that will make you bond much better with the camera. I think you'll love it! I had an R-D1, and think the M8 produces much better images (within the limits of ISO640, hahaha!). If you can, keep the R-D1, at least for a while.

 

[gilpen123]

The RD1 at ISO 800 is still very usable, how is it compared to same ISO with the M8. I suppose there are no improvements with the M8.2 on this aspect.

 

[blimey]

go for it pare... i have an 8.2.. pm me if you have any questions...

 

[gilpen123]

I probably will pre. Thanks!

go for it pare... i have an 8.2.. pm me if you have any questions...

 

[menos]

Gil,

Long time ago, I did a small brainstorming on my website, after having used my M8.2 for a few hours.
It describes the eminent differences at the time, I switched from the R-D1, having loved it very much to the M8.2, which I had a hard time with in the beginning.

This small article is a unique time capsule, as I see many things about the M8.2 now differently, using it as my daily camera for some time now.

I love the M8.2. It is indeed an upgrade image quality wise - you won't believe the difference in clarity and sharpness of the images (not to talk about the sweet spot in resolution for printing).
The files are also smaller, which is nice.

The best thing though about the M8.2 over the R-D1 for me is the infinitely better rangefinder for much preciser focussing of fast lenses in low light.

When it comes to pushing high ISO files, the R-D1 still has a slight edge, getting smaller and smaller with every RAW developer software generation.

The latest Adobe Lightroom versions really have transformed the Leica M into a usable camera above ISO 640.

Here is my small time capsule:
http://www.teknopunk.com/articles/about_the_Leica_M8.2.html

Go for the M8.2, check it for the known issues, to assure yourself, you have a good copy and use it, as long you like it.

Good luck!

 

[gilpen123]

Hi Menos,

1st I want to tell you your site is wonderful. I didn't have the chance to see everything but I bookmarked it already. Your very thorough comparison of RD1 and M8.2's features is all that I will need to make a decision. As you see I'm an RD1 user and still loving it but need the M8 for the narrower crop factor, 10 MP and brighter VF. My RD1 has the megaperls with built in diopter adjustment and it really helps a lot in focusing 50 and 90 FL but I have to admit the VF is dimmer as compared to my M6. I have the 28 2.8 asph but I still find myself using the 35 cron V4 more as I am very comfortable with 50 in FF (I have 5 btw).

I'm more or less decided on the 8.2 where I put an LF ad here. I saw one from an online retailer and ebay sellers but prices are way up and no chance to interact with the seller user as compared to buying from bonafide RFF members.

Thanks,
Gil

 

[menos]

Gil, thanks for the kind word.
If you like the 35mm best on the R-D1, you might have difficulties to adjust with the 1.33 crop factor of the M8 sensor.

My all time favorite lens on the R-D1 always was the 28 Cron - just perfect for me.
On the M8.2, it felt much too wide and I found the step to the 35mm lens perfect.

The 35mm is now the most used one on the M8.2, very closely followed by the 50mm.

Hope, you find a nice M8.2 - take your time, to find the one, you feel good about.
Don't do shortcuts, when it comes to any defect on the sensor (dead line issue) or any signs or marks on the shutter blades - these are the two most scary things, to go wrong with the digital M and the two most expensive to fix at that.

There was one user on LUF lately, who bought a M8 with a small dent, which turned out during a trip to Solms, to be a bent front housing, which has been fixed expensively.
So hands off from cameras with obvious fall/ crash damage.

Brassing with the M8.2 is normal (and nice) - so no big deal.
A rangefinder, which is slightly off should (in my opinion) also be no factor, to prevent a camera, but a factor of course in final price negotiation (professional adjustment costs money - I do adjust my Leica M rangefinder by myself as many others do). It is much more reliable anyway, as the R-D1 RF, which will be a delight, once, it is perfectly matched to your lenses.

 

[efix]

I am considering to get the M8.2, it will be my 1st Leica digital RF. I use and still enjoy my RD1 but I also have this GAS for an M8.2 since I loved the VF of Leica very much as with my M6 and M3. Moreso, the black paint, quiet shutter and vulcanite leatherette skin. is it safe to say that most M8 issues were corrected in the M8.2?

What "issues" are you referring to? The UV/IR sensitivity "issue" certainly not. Also not the high-ISO noise "issue". Maybe the "loud shutter issue", but then again the M8.2 has the "only 1/4000 sec issue". The frameline "issue" has indeed been somewhat "solved", as they are now calibrated to be exact at 2m focusing distance, which diminishes the offset at close and far focusing distances to be negligible - the M8(.1)'s framelines deviate quite substantially from the final image most of the time, as they are calibrated for close focusing. Any "issues" I've missed?

Of course, the better leatherette is another argument PRO the M8.2, and the stealthy look of the black version. And if the framelines and shutter noise are "issues" for you, then yes, those have been solved, and you'll be better off with the M8.2 than the M8. I, for my part, love my M8, love the 1/8000 shutter speed, get along with the framelines and would wish for better grip. But you can't have everything - good price AND good handling 😉

 

[JeffNYC]

I think you'll prefer the framelines on the M8.2 over the M8.

Actually, I prefer them over my M9.

 

[menos]

Efix, you can redo your M8 in a new leatherette (Morgan Sparks from cameraleather is one source).
I have handled the "Sandpapier" M8 some days ago and love my old M8.2 by comparison ;-)

 

[efix]

Efix, you can redo your M8 in a new leatherette (Morgan Sparks from cameraleather is one source).
I have handled the "Sandpapier" M8 some days ago and love my old M8.2 by comparison ;-)

Yes, I know, I've also already been to their site. I'm only afraid that in case I should have to send my M8 to Solms some day, they will rip the customized leatherette off of it and replace it with the standard afterwards. But I'm seriously thinking about the option.