New M8 - some quick questions!

[Cranialpush]

Hi All,

Well my new Leica M8 arrived today and I am absolutely thrilled, I'm in love. If I had a slight negative observation it would be the thickness, but I knew about this beforehand and appreciate it's due to technical limitations.

I do have two quick questions however:

• The manual warns not to use lenses that have a retracting inner tube as damage could occur. Of course the first lens I wanted to try (Summicron-M 1:2/35) does seem to retract inwards every so slightly when at infinity - approx 1-2mm; am I being over-sensitive or should I not use this lens? Leica in Milton Keynes have confirmed the lens should be 6-bit compatible but am unsure if a new bayonet would solve this inner retraction?
• I notice they include Capture One LE, a product I am familiar with from past experience. I understand Capture One has some special recognition/configuration for the M8 to allow better processing of DNG, if so - does anyone know the status of Apple Aperature and Adobe Camera Raw on this?

Many thanks,

😀

Ian

 

[kbg32]

Your 35/2 Summicron is fine to use. The warning is for collaspable lenses such as the 50, 90 Elmars and 50 Summicrons. You cannot collaspe them into the M8 body due to the fact the rear of the lens will touch and damage the shutter curtain. The shutter curtain on the M8 is further forward to clear the sensor. As for C1, do a google search on the net or check the Leica Users Group. There are downloadable profiles for the M8 when one does not use or have the UV/IR filters with specific lenses. There are no profiles for the M8 for Aperture or Adobe Raw as far as I know.

 

[sirius]

Is that the case for all 50 collapsables such as the summicron?

 

[Bob Parsons]

..............

• The manual warns not to use lenses that have a retracting inner tube as damage could occur. Of course the first lens I wanted to try (Summicron-M 1:2/35) does seem to retract inwards every so slightly when at infinity - approx 1-2mm; am I being over-sensitive or should I not use this lens? Leica in Milton Keynes have confirmed the lens should be 6-bit compatible but am unsure if a new bayonet would solve this inner retraction?

The reference to "retracting inner tube" only refers to lenses known as collapsible ones. In those the lens cells are mounted in a long tube (several centimetres) which can be unlocked and collapsed into the body of the camera for stowing. The 35mm Summicron you have should be fine. As you focus, the lens and rear protective shroud move a few mm, that's normal and not a problem for the M8. There are a very few lenses where the shroud can cause a problem on the M8 such as some variants of the 35mm pre ASPH Summilux. Even collapsible lenses can be used if tape is wrapped around the lens barrel to prevent them from being fully collapsed into the camera body.

Enjoy the camera! 😀

Bob.

 

[grduprey]

I have not heard of any 35 pre-asph sumilux's having a problem with the m8, it does not collapse as the manual talks about. it is not on the list of not to be used, or may have exposure problems lists. I have one and it works great.

gene

 

[Gman]

I've just attended one of the Leica M8 workshops in NYC and asked one of the Leica people just that question about Aperture. Apparently Apple's been waiting for the IR cut filters just like the rest of us!

Now that they have these they are working on the profile for the M8 and I'm told it should be compatible with Aperture 'soon'.


jeff

 

[Cranialpush]

Another quick question if I may...

The manual states the Summicron 1:2/50 isn't compatible and some other threads I've read go into this further by explaining it's something to the with the bayonet fitting on older versions of this lens (DR?).

I assume I'm ok with a Summicron-m 1:2/50? Leica service seemed to indicate this should be upgradable to 6-bit, and possibly even at Milton Keynes. I must say the bayonet size looks the same as my Summicron-m 1:2/35.

Thanks again,

Ian.

 

[zeitz]

The Dual Range 50 mm Summicron can not be used because of external mechanical interference. The collapsible 50 mm Summicron can be used if it is not collapsed for storaged. All other 50 mm Summicrons can be used safely. As I recall, the manual clearly states which lenses can't be used.