opinions...on M8

V

vrlr

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I am being sorely tempted to get an M8. The used prices are not that unreasonable any longer. I had been saving up so the money isn't the issue.

I have never used a proper range finder. I did have a G2 that I used, a lot. I really really liked that camera. But it was auto focus, it had a masking finder, it wasn't a true rangefinder per se. I ended up giving it to my father a few years ago. Basically because I just don't find myself shooting film any longer.

The m8 appeals to me because of its back to basics approach. The really fast lenses, the small size and the beautiful build quality.

I'd use it primarily as a hobby camera. Personal photos, candids, street work. It would end up being used a lot in doors in low light. Black and white would be used mostly. Basically the way I am using my D300 and 50 1.4 now.

I know it doesn't have 5D/ D700 iso capabilities. But I figure iso 640 with a 1.4 lens should get me pretty far.

I think it would be fun. I'm hesitant because: 1- I've never had a leica rangefinder, and frame lines etc might not be my liking. 2- its undoubtably not cutting edge sensor, and even at 3K still expensive, 3- everyone seems to have so many grumbles and complaints about it

I already have a d300 for work, and a G9 for play. I just think it might be fun to try a totally new kind of camera. Part of me thinks learning a rangefinder, manual focus, might get my creative juices flowing. I know a d700 or 5DmkII is technically a more competent camera. I know they have better sensors, better ISO, better ergonomics. But I'm 95% happy with my D300, so it doesn't make sense to spend 3K for something that's not radically different.

Am I nuts?
 
First of all: welcome!

To answer your last question first: yes, you are! ;):D

If you have the money and you are willing to spend it on the M8, go for it!
I got mine some three months ago - a demo model with full warranty - and I sent it to Solms to check focusing and to clean the sensor. Incl. shipping it took about two weeks until I had it back - ok, Solms is only a couple of hundred kilometres away from us.
No problems since. I am perfectly happy with mine!

The sensor might not have as many megapixels as the current crop of DSLRs; still, the pictures show much more details than Canon's new 50d with the 50/1.2L:
http://web.canon.jp/imaging/eosd/eos50d/html/sample2_e.html

What about getting a used M6 to try out the rangefinder and "Leica-experience" first?
If you decide that you like rangefinders, you can always sell the M6 for about what you paid for and get an M8 in a couple of months time?

Cheers,
Uwe
 
If you've never used a rangefinder before, I suggest you get yourself a film RF and play with that for a while. It's a much more cost effective way to try RFs and you'll most likely get pretty much what you paid for should you decide to either give it up entirely or move to digital (M8). I know people who prefer DSLRs for their type of photography so Rfs definitely are not for everyone. Good luck to you.
 
I second JKY's advice. If you're new to RF cameras, don't start with an M8. Play with a film camera, find out if it's the right type for you, but don't sink a lot of money on a camera that you may or not like.

Take care!
 
try to find yourself an epson rd-1...they're superb cameras and take the leica glass.

that being said, I love my m8 and if your style agrees with the rangefinder way the m8 will treat you well. The reason I suggest the epson is that if you're not sure about shooting a rangefinder, an epson can be had for a fraction of the price (also i gather you don't have the time to shoot much film, otherwise i'd agree 100% with the others on getting an m6) and yet retain their resale value fairly well since they're kind of a rare find these days.
 
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Hi,

for my point of view do not buy a film version or a rd-1 - probably superb cameras - but they are not a M8 and in your place I'd not be happy with something else. buy the M8. if you don't like it then sell it. i also bought used lenses and saved myself a fortune, when i bought them and sold them.
yes i sold my M8 after about a year - superb camera - but i was too slow with it - so i went back to nikon.
but there is not a day i regret selling it. satisfy yourself and get one. you'll not be happy until you do :)
and
when you are done - post some pictures :)
 
... as tmfabian mentioned, an RD1 is a nice digital RF. Got to briefly play with one this summer and it's a beauty. However, if it's Leica you're after....:)
 
Obviously you want to try the M8. While I agree it would be best to experience the rangefinder through the M6 or another M, you won't go wrong with the M8 provided you shop intelligently (get a good one and don't pay too much). And if you decide it isn't your camera, and you lose a couple of hundred dollars, you'll have gained from the experience. M8 is a wonderful camera regardless of limitations. And it joins a long list of other wonderful cameras, each that had limitations.

Good luck!
David
 
I bought the M8 first
u get really good results up to A3 in my opinion (printingwise)
i have never had a problem with the camera (knock on wood) but i think what i paid (4000 euro) just for the body was a bit overpriced for what i got.

having said that i have more than 15000 cliks with the camera and i am still happy with it.
it is perfect you can put it in a small backpack with a couple of lenses plus the extra battery and you are ready to go.
i use 35 mm , 50 mm and 75 mm lenses and i fit everything in a normal small backpack.
great for traveling around.
the leica lenses are perfect and i bet that after a while using it you will want to buy a film M as well.
after a month having the M8, i bought a used M4-P and started shooting film again.
now i shoot more film than digital.

the results from film are amazing.

if i were in your shoes i would buy a used one for around 3000$.
i have bought stuff here in RFF and it a safe and pleasant experience

check the classifieds i think there are a few for sale.

good luck

p
 
Transitioning from fast AF to a RF camera is a severe departure from what you may be used to. Prepare to slow things down and rethink your shooting style in certain instances, and yes, perhaps miss a shot or two cuz you were focusing instead of shooting.
 
In my opinion, the M8 is a fine camera, but too expensive, and is depreciating rapidly.

I sold mine after 9 months, because of the financial factors.

Now, if I could get one for $1500, I'd buy back in.

I'm back to shooting film with my other M's, and Leica M lenses.

....Vick
 
I enjoy using the M8 and the images I've made using it. The price is crazy, but after all is said and done (or billed and paid for as the case may be) it's that satisfaction that counts.

One thing to be aware of is that while used prices for bodies are coming down to reasonable levels and market for lenses new and used, is healthier than ever, there are a number of additional costs associated with getting the most out of the camera: filters, lens coding, adapter rings for non-Leica lenses, etc. all add up to another healthy expense.

Again, good luck with your decision!
 
The first camera I bought with my own money was a Contax TVS Digital. I started to get interested in photography. I looked at my favorite photographers and noticed that almost all of them shot with a Leica rangefinder. I spoke with professional photographers and they seemed to think I was nuts to buy a rangefinder. Anyway I thought about it some more and was romanced by the idea. I unpacked my R-D1s and thought I'm nuts for buying a manual focus camera. After a few weeks with it I started to dread the thought of rangefinders ever going away. I couldn't be happier with the format. If you become committed to a rangefinder and buy into all positives, get one!

But also remember that the camera doesn't matter as much as the photographer's will
 
bah, just get the used M8 and if you dont like it sell it for what you paid for it. Used m8 prices have settled for the moment and I doubt the new m8.2 will have any effect on them as its in a different price range itself.
 
M8 is a great camera. I have had mine since Jan. 07 with 12K pictures taken with it. Since I've had it my MP has not been used much since the images from M8 are far superior to my scanned film from the MP. One curious thing about the M8 is that even though I was satisfied with just a few lenses with the film M, with the M8 I had the desire to collect a much larger selection of lenses. So in all that, get the M8.

Jan
 
Lets be honest vrlr, the reason you are even considering buying a Leica is because you CAN. That's what I tell people when they ask me wierdly, "It's because I can". Buy the Leica, trust me. I have no sorry whatsoever switching from Nikon. It improved significantly the quality of my pics, however mediocre they are. But I could clearly see the difference. You'll be glad you have a leica in your hand when you have to shoot 1/15, 1/10. My nikon would render useless.
I agree with tmfabian to try rd-1, but why waste extra money if you know you will get the leica anyway. You know you will, cos you CAN
 
kingmillo said:
Lets be honest vrlr, the reason you are even considering buying a Leica is because you CAN. That's what I tell people when they ask me wierdly, "It's because I can". ...... You know you will, cos you CAN
Click to expand...

Love the post - because it is so true. I wanted one (M8) - could not justify it and was looking for reasons not to buy one.

Then I bought it, 'because I could' - and am loving it!

AND - I so appreciate the low weight, I was sick of lugging around my Canon :)
 
i don't shoot digi; mostly MP. get the M8 and if it doesn't work for you sell it. this is what we photgs do! there are many at this site circa $3400.

i won't buy one b/c the lenses are all jacked up with the crop factor. I want my 35mm Summilux ASPH to work as it was originally intended when I purchased it, YMMV.
 
I'm in a bit of turmoil myself.
I bought an M8 when they first hit the market. I've enjoyed a lot of things about it. But I find myself increasingly thinking about selling it and doing my RF work with a film M and maybe a much cheaper RD-1.
I also recently picked up a Nikon 200D, which I find so very intuitive to use and am planning to pair with some older manual focus lenses.

In the end, I fear that I have lost confidence in the M8. I actually have a new body - after Leica replaced one that was having some sudden death issues. But I worry about what's going to happen when the warranty expires. Is this going to be a camera that I can rely on five years from now? Obviously, no one can answer that question.

Still, I'd urge to buy one and give it a shot. It's a fun ride.
 
I guess there are many reasons to have a M8, the photographs I got was the primary driver i had hoped for.
It is a slower experience compared to to the point and shoot DSLR, and in a way it gives you the time to think about your photo.
Ultimately the feel of holding the M8 is never a pleasure to be forgotten :)
you know want to .. so just do it.
 
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