M8.2 still a good choice at this time?

[twopointeight]

I can buy a used M8.2 with 2 years of use, just back from Leica warranty check-up for $2500-$3000. I own a 35 summilux and a 50mm summicron, so might need to add a 28mm or 24mm Zeiss immediately? All negatives considered; crop factor effect on lenses, need for correction filter, limited high asa, and also long wait for service if anything goes wrong.......Is this still a camera to drop serious money on?

Also, how long does a sensor last, and when it needs to be replaced is that like $1000 or more? Or, save that $3000 towards the M9P?

 

[efirmage]

I wouldn't buy anything until the NEX 7 comes out in November. If the image quality of that doesn't at least come close to that of the M8.2 I'll be surprised. Plus you don't have any of the negatives that you've mentioned besides crop factor.

 

[Gid]

I recently bought a low mileage (approx 1000 shots) M8.2. Couldn't be happier. Can't help you with the other questions, but if you really want an M9p, then just go for it.

 

[Rob-F]

I bought an M8.2 a few months ago, and I'm quite happy, with no plans for an M9. You get quite a lot with an M8.2, such as the sapphire screen and what is for me the most usable frameline size. I would suggest a 28mm if you like to shoot a bit wider than "normal." For me, the 28mm is the dream lens on this camera, giving a walk-around field of view equivalent to that of a 37mm on full frame.

 

[Jeff S]

I bought a second M8.2 this year instead of buying a couple of M9s, which I could have afforded. I posted elsewhere why this works better for me, but in a nutshell...

Got used to the crop in no time despite 3 decades with film Ms. Put on filters once; never touched them again. Prefer using 2 cameras with 28 Summicron asph on one and 50 Summilux asph on the other, rather than switching to full frame and having to use my 35 Summicron asph (not as good as my 28) and 75 Summicron asph (don't like the 75 frame lines and the 50 is special) for similar FOV.

More clarity of files right out of the camera than the M9 due to less filtration, which also helps with b/w (and IR, but I don't use it). Comes in chrome and has a sapphire screen, unlike the stock M9. Has a marginally quieter shutter than the M9s I tested at a dealer shop (nothing significant, but 4 people including the Leica rep agreed).

The 2m frame lines on the M8.2 are also the best I've ever used (for my shooting distances) on any M. I think it was a mistake to go to 1m on the M9.

And most importantly, my prints look terrific as is, as I don't print huge sizes. I also don't shoot extra wide, so this is no limitation for me; nor do I shoot extremely high ISO (ASA 400 was high enough in my film days).

Oh, and I like the black dot on the black camera.

No reason I shouldn't get many more years out of these cameras, with Leica support as needed. The first one (black) I bought new; the second one (chrome) I bought mint used and similar cameras are selling for as much or more than I paid. There will always be fewer M8.2s than M8s or M9s, although one could argue that this is irrelevant value-wise in the digital realm.

Guess you can tell I like the M8.2. I think it's a fantastic camera and better sorted than the M8; I have had no problems with either one, which is more than early M9 owners can say.

By the way, the $2500-$3000 you quote is generally what people want for the M8, or partially upgraded M8, not for the M8.2. That's a great price, but I would only buy from a dealer with warranty.

Jeff

 

[ramosa]

I wouldn't pay $3000 for am M8.2. Better IMO would be an M8 for $2000-2500. The new Nex would be pertinent only if you're looking for a body to use M lenses--and are not in love with the RF experience. I have no interest in Nex-style shooting, not even as a backup. But that's just my opinion.

 

[elmer3.5]

Hi i own an m9 and yesterday was revisiting all my m8´s files, i got very impressed i had forgotten how nice camera it is the m8!
Mine was an upgraded chrome m8, with silent shutter and a lot of extras.
I find that m8 far better built than my black m9 even the neckstrap was better quality...
Had no problems and used from the beginning a biogon 28mm, also had terrific results with a summarit 35/2.5 and a canon 35/1.8.

Bye

 

[LCT]

I would save for the M10 (not M9 or M9-P) or buy this M8.2 for the quoted price but i would check the number of shutter actuations before deciding.

 

[htjvan]

I wouldn't buy anything until the NEX 7 comes out in November. If the image quality of that doesn't at least come close to that of the M8.2 I'll be surprised. Plus you don't have any of the negatives that you've mentioned besides crop factor.

I would never compare a mirrorless compact with a RF. I agree that using m-lenses on a nex can produce stunning results but it is just not do-able for everyday use. I mean, look thru the evf, compose, press some buttons to magnify or highlight focus areas, focus, press some buttons again, etc. Hoping your subject does not move. On a Leica-m it is one fluent process, made for it.
Also, as stated above, maybe!! the image quality will come close to the m8.2!!! The latest 24mp producing huge raw files!!! Compared to a 5 year old 10mp sensor. Not bad what leica did 5 years ago!
And as for high iso, since Leica never did any noise reduction in camera, you use lightroom or other program to do so. And since these software products have improved immensly in the past years, iso 1250 gives perfect result on the m8.2. Ok, there is some noise, but all details are preserved. So, how many extra stops will a nex7 give you?

Just my 5 cents, my m8.2 will be great for years to come.

 

[uhoh7]

Somebody says "nex-7" and blood pressure goes up, 🙂

Though no one here has even looked through a Nex EVF, we know it's terrible?

The nex-7 is smaller, much lighter and far more versitile than the leica M8.2. It's probably tougher and more reliable too.

The leica trumps of course are the RF focus and the crop.

The Nex won't be available till early november, and I don't think its hard to sell a nice M8, so if it was me, I'd buy the M8.2 now and use it at least until the nex-7 is released. Then you could handle the nex and study the real results from real production cameras.

If you did really like the Nex, god forbid 😉 , you could either buy it in additition (it's a measly 1200 for the body--chump change in the leica world), or sell your M8.2, buy the nex and several very nice lenses 🙂

me chimping with my nex-5 & tele elmarit yesterday

 

[Fraser]

If I didn't have an M9 then I would still have the M8😀
Sometimes I wish I had kept just for my 21mm 3.4, not sure at this point I would pay extra for the M8.2. Still easy to sell if you change your mind I bought mine second hand from a dealer sold it through another dealer six months later for the same amount I paid.
Great camera just make sure it comes with a warranty🙂