M8 considered a professional camera?

[rHytHm]

Question to you guys; do you consider the m8 a professional camera?

I am extremely happy with mine but when I get paid assignments for event/wedding/studio portraits the dSLRs are usually the ones I end up using for the job. I noticed that is also the trend among field.

Curious to know what you guys think.

 

[abumac]

I own the M8 and it is my only digital camera. When I sell pics they are all from my M8. So for me it is a prof-cam.

 

[jaapv]

If your definition of a professional camera is : a camera used by professionals - yes. There are plenty of professional users out there.

However, I think the concept is aimed at the advanced amateur. That is where the volume of sales for this type of camera is.

But it may be that the non-use of the M8, or a rangefinder in general, for your professional work is not a matter of the best workflow for your purposes, but the result of a fixed mindset. In that case it might be nice to force yourself to work outside the box from time to time. 🙂

 

[kalina]

You can take some amazing pictures with almost any camera, even the "toy cameras" like the Holga. The "professional" is not in the camera, but in the person.

 

[Al Kaplan]

Define "professionsl camera". It's not possible.

 

[Avotius]

A couple Magnum photographers only use Ricoh GRD and GRD2 cameras, would you call those pro cameras? All cameras can be pro cameras, labeling them otherwise is a marketing gimmick.

 

[BillP]

I am an amateur, therefore any camera I use is an amateur camera. If I were a professional, the reverse would be as "true". As Kalina said, it's the person not the product.

Regards,

Bill

 

[LeicaMSeattle]

A professional camera would be best defined as a camera or camera system that can withstand the rigors of intense everyday use. Nikon and Canon both have a professional service for which they will support those photographers with rapid repair and loaner equipment for their line of "professional" cameras. More recently I have been accomodated by Leica in a similar fashion when I needed immediate service on my M8.

I use my M8 almost daily and it seems to keep on ticking for both business and pleasure.

 

[JoeV]

There are no "professional cameras," since by definition the camera does not earn a living at photography, the photographer does.

So the question is really: "Is the M8 included in the type of cameras professionals use?" Broad answer: Yes.

More specifically, there are a variety of motorsports; the type of vehicle one races depends on the nature of the competition. One wouldn't use a Baja-style off-road racing truck in F1. Similarly with photography, there are some genres that the M8 is probably less well suited for; sports coming to mind. Although there are exceptions; I'm thinking of David Burnett, who's used Speed Grapics and Holgas in political reportage. An M8 might come in nice in the locker room after the team wins the series, for instance.

One needs a camera that at least can output files of sufficient quality for one's professional needs. The M8 provides those. The rest is up to the skill, cunning and luck of the professional.

~Joe

 

[presspass]

I use a Canon D1 and an M8. If I have to get the picture, I'll go with the Canon - there's no issue with magenta, etc., and the high ISO is more useable for indoor assignments like basketball. The M8 will be in the bag with the M film cameras, which I use when I don't need color. The M8 acts as a 'just in case a color shot shows up' camera.

 

[totifoto]

Well you may not have to be a proessional to use it but you sure have to now a thing or two about photography to use it.

I have had mine for a few weeks and already used it or some professional work. The client was surpriesed when I showed up with a small bag with one M8 and one M6 and 2 lenses. He was expecting HUGE DSLR with BIG lense. But he was really happy when he got the photos 😉

 

[Roger Hicks]

I love the word 'professional'. My favourite so far -- honestly! -- was lavatory paper described as 'professional'.

But then, what do I know about politics?

Tashi delek,

R.

 

[MickH]

I love the word 'professional'. My favourite so far -- honestly! -- was lavatory paper described as 'professional'.

But then, what do I know about politics?

Tashi delek,

R.

Oddly enough I heard that phrase challenged over the weekend.

Apparently English etiquette is that one goes to the lavatory and uses toilet paper.

Cheers

 

[Roger Hicks]

Oddly enough I heard that phrase challenged over the weekend.

Apparently English etiquette is that one goes to the lavatory and uses toilet paper.

Cheers

Dear Mick,

Well, I wasn't sure how many would understand 'loo' and I wanted to avoid the old schoolboy term 'bog'. I have to admit that this is one of those realms where etiquette deserts me, and 'lavatory' was the first word that came to mind.

Cf, of course, the Bonzos' immortal The Doughnut in Granny's Greenhouse.

Tashi delek,

R.

 

[Michael Markey]

I think that it was Nancy Mitford who defined the correct usage . Lavatory is U . Toilet is non U.

Mike

 

[Roger Hicks]

I think that it was Nancy Mitford who defined the correct usage . Lavatory is U . Toilet is non U.

Mike

Dear Mike,

Yes but Mick may well be right about the paper.

Besides, the Mitfords were a strange lot. Lebensraum seemed to have U as far as Unity and Diana were concerned.

Cheers,

R.

 

[majid]

Magnum's Alex Majoli used to shoot with distinctly consumer-grade Olympus 8080 cameras. That did not make them professional. A professional camera would be one designed by the manufacturer with the needs of professional photographers in mind. The R9 + Digital Modul and Leica S2 are clearly designed as professional cameras, the M8 is more debatable.

Even professional cameras sell more to amateurs than to actual pros, because pro photographers don't make that much money and can't afford to buy gear as much as rich hobbyists can. This is particularly the case among Leica M users.

 

[Jim Evidon]

To paraphrase Lance Armstrong:
"IT'S NOT ABOUT THE CAMERA."🙂

 

[Al Kaplan]

A honkin' big DSLR shouts "Hey LOOK everybody! I got myself a genuine professional camera". I'd rather have people remark "I never saw you take any pictures!"

 

[Al Kaplan]

There are still situations where a pro might need the full range of swings and tilts of a commercial view camera. Some things just can't be done in P-shop. It would violate the rules of geometry.