Ok help me out here ...

[Mark Norton]

I agree, it is a real bargain. For those perpetual complainers, my advice to you is that if you don't like what's on offer, don't buy.

I also agree that there is nothing sacred about 24*36, it was an arbitrary decision based on what film stock was available, so why should we adhere to it now? The argument that out lenses were designed for FF cuts no ice with me. The bit you lose is the lowest performing part of the image circle. Do you eat the rind off a piece of cheese?

 

[gdewitt]

But, despite considering it a real bargain, that doesn't mean it is perfect and the crop factor is partly the reason why.

I like wide angle lenses, with my favorite focal length being 24mm. On a film M the widest framelines I can get are for a 28 but with any VF mag greater than .58x I have to take off my glasses to use them. But at least the lines are there for 28. But on the M8 the biggest framelines are for 24, which is an even smaller FOV than 29 is on film. And let's talk about lens availability. There are lots of small, light and relatively inexpensive 29mm M lenses availabe. The equivalent FOV on an M8 is 21. How many of those are there? How small, light and inexpensive are they? And do I need an external VF?

So I've ordered an M8 and I think it is well worth the five grand, but there is still a need, IMO, for a larger sensor.