Need a push

[Penceler]

So it's time to move to a digital rf. Mere mortal man cannot afford an M9, the rd is just too dated and I can't come to terms with no viewfiner. I don't see an option.

Anyone know of a clean, aggressively priced m8 available? Some words telling me I'm not crazy would also be appreciated.

John

 

[spikey]

just:
You're NOT crazy, man!

Loved the M8, told myself since the release of the M9 that I don't need an M9 (and I was right)
Love the M9 (bought it a couple of months ago)
Keep looking, get one (M8 I mean( and never look back!
the camera is the cheap part of the equation anyway
🙂

Hans

 

[ricnak]

The ONLY bad thing that I have encountered with a digital M is the need to learn about computers.

push...

 

[rodl]

Go for it. I did a little over a year ago with some trepidation but I use it about 95% of the time now. You didn't say what you're using now but I was using a 5D2 which is the other 5%. There are some drawbacks to the M cameras but image quality isn't one of them. As spikey said, the camera body is the cheap part anyway.

 

[user237428934]

So it's time to move to a digital rf. Mere mortal man cannot afford an M9, the rd is just too dated and I can't come to terms with no viewfiner.

You are looking for a rangefinder? There are no digital rangefinders without a viewfinder. What do you mean with that? Cameras like Olympus/Panasonic are no rf cameras.

Most M8 you will find have far less than 10.000 actuations so they are almost brand new and you shouldn't have a problem with them.

 

[Roger Hicks]

You are looking for a rangefinder? There are no digital rangefinders without a viewfinder. What do you mean with that? Cameras like Olympus/Panasonic are no rf cameras.

I think that's what he meant: viewfinderless alternatives to RFs do not appeal to him.

To the OP I'd say: look for the M8.2 (much quieter and a generally nicer camera). I've had all three (M8, M8.2 and M9) and currently have the M9 with an original M8 (2006) as backup.

Cheers,

R.

 

[Penceler]

Yes, sorry for the confusion. I just don't see electronic displays as an alternative to a rangefinder.

I've been shooting primarily a Bessa R2a for the past several years. The hardest part of this for me has been coming to terms with the crop factor and what that does to my current lens lineup (nothing good). I'll take this as an opportunity to clean house.

Didn't realize there was such a significant difference between the 8.1 and later versions. Thanks for the suggestion. Any thoughts on physical size and handling?

Has anyone felt limited with the 10mp sensor?

Thanks for everyone's help and encouragement.

John

 

[ramosa]

M8 is a fine camera. Have had one for 3.5 years. No problems. Just do it 😉

 

[The Meaness]

Has anyone felt limited with the 10mp sensor?

I'll send you some full size raw files if you want to comb them over - just PM me. I know Steve Huff has some full size pics in his original review of the M8 - those helped me convince my wife it was a good move. 🙂

I did have problems over time with the resolution of the R-D1, but not the M8.

 

[huntjump]

RD-1 is dated, but it's ISO at the higher range can be argued is better than the m8. If you can pick one up for a good price, you should consider it if you are contemplating an m8 in my opinion. About half the cost too if you find the right one.

That being said, m8 is a fine camera.

 

[fotomeow]

Similar to huntjump, I was just going to say not to underestimate the RD1.

Compared to the M8, the RD1's technology is actually just a hair under the M8's.
I've owned both at the same time, and used both side by side simultaneously.
Sold the M8.

 

[JayM]

I like the M8 a lot. My only true frustration with it, and the only thing that really makes me think I'll someday want an M9 (or to start shooting film), is not being about to get a f/1.4 35mm equivalent lens.

I have an RD1 that I really enjoy but gets little use lately since I don't really have much reason to wield 2 cameras.