agentsim
Member
After 4 years of pining for a Digital M, I'm finally ready to jump in. Got a few questions about whether the particular M8 I'm looking at is a good deal.
First off, price is $2175, 8 months of Leica USA warranty left. Cosmetically it is in perfect condition and it comes with a new battery and 1 UV/IR filter of my choosing. The dealer says it has a low shutter count, but does not know the exact number. The model was sold new in 2008, so I believe it is a later model M8.
Whaddya think?
Second question, I have a couple of russian lenses, I'm most eager to use my Jupiter-12. I know this lens could spell trouble on an M8, so my question is, how do I check if it'll work without damaging the shutter?
Thanks guys!
First off, price is $2175, 8 months of Leica USA warranty left. Cosmetically it is in perfect condition and it comes with a new battery and 1 UV/IR filter of my choosing. The dealer says it has a low shutter count, but does not know the exact number. The model was sold new in 2008, so I believe it is a later model M8.
Whaddya think?
Second question, I have a couple of russian lenses, I'm most eager to use my Jupiter-12. I know this lens could spell trouble on an M8, so my question is, how do I check if it'll work without damaging the shutter?
Thanks guys!
Keyne
Established
Sounds like a great deal to me. Especially with the warranty. Once you get it definitely test it and look for the usual issues (pixel line, etc.). I am in the market for a used M8 and would love to find a US dealer that still has some with a transferable warranty... could you PM me with the name of the vendor?
Rafael
Mandlerian
That retailer is very trustworthy, one of the best in the country. You should feel confident dealing with him. The warranty is a nice bonus.
agentsim
Member
Thanks for the replies guys. I thought it looked like a good buy.
I'm thinking of picking up a CV 35/1.4 while I'm there in case my Jupiter-12 doesn't work out.
I'm thinking of picking up a CV 35/1.4 while I'm there in case my Jupiter-12 doesn't work out.
Keyne
Established
Who is the retailer?
agentsim
Member
I'll tell you tomorrow 
Phil_F_NM
Camera hacker
The J12 is out for the M8. The rear element is too large & too deep.
Phil Forrest
Phil Forrest
agentsim
Member
I've read this a few times. But I've also read of people who've been able to make it work. It seems earlier versions (1950s?) protrude more than later version. Mine is a 1979, so it *might* be ok.
I'd really like to know how one would go about checking to see if it is safe...
sper
Well-known
I work in the used department of B&H, and I have to tell you that usually (idk about every case) the warranty is not transferable. I've never seen one that was, but I don't know what your case is.
For my part Ill just say that I was tossing around buying an M8 for a looong time and the conclusion I came to was that it was worth saving for an M9...even if it takes years.
By the time I have the cash either the price will be lower, there will be an M9.2, or Cosina will come out with a viable alternative, OR and probably most likely, I'll be able to afford a used M9 in the 4.5-5k range.
Thats my advice, and you're about to get a lot.
By the way I only intend to use my fantastic Voigtlander lenses, or even better Zeiss lenses. Leica can suck it as far as their lens pricing goes.
For my part Ill just say that I was tossing around buying an M8 for a looong time and the conclusion I came to was that it was worth saving for an M9...even if it takes years.
By the time I have the cash either the price will be lower, there will be an M9.2, or Cosina will come out with a viable alternative, OR and probably most likely, I'll be able to afford a used M9 in the 4.5-5k range.
Thats my advice, and you're about to get a lot.
By the way I only intend to use my fantastic Voigtlander lenses, or even better Zeiss lenses. Leica can suck it as far as their lens pricing goes.
cmdrzed
wallflower
LMAO
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ruslan
Established
I'm using J-12 with M8 and have very good results,
Mcary
Well-known
I'm sure to the discerning eye Leica Lens are worth every cent, but since I don't exactly have one of those I'll stick with CV and other lens that are more in my budget
Couple shots from my first outing with my recently purchased M8 Len CV 35 2.5 Love how smooth the shutter button feels on the M8
SP
Couple shots from my first outing with my recently purchased M8 Len CV 35 2.5 Love how smooth the shutter button feels on the M8
SP
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Phil_F_NM
Camera hacker
Love how smooth the shutter button feels on the M8
What kind of M8 did you get?! Both my M8 and M9 have the worst shutter button feel I've ever experienced in an M camera. Of course, I'm used to a well-worn M4 but "smooth" is not an adjective I'd use for the M8 shutter button. I think "ratchety" paired with "gritty" a more fitting term. You must have gotten a good one! Or maybe one that had the button and shaft polished by a previous owner. Lucky!
Have fun.
Phil Forrest
ampguy
Veteran
why risk it?
why risk it?
The majority of "blown" m8 shutter issues where users showed photos, that I have observed, clearly indicate the shutter came in contact with something, like a sensor swab, finger, or rear lens element.
Fortunately, Leica fixed most of those free ...
why risk it?
The majority of "blown" m8 shutter issues where users showed photos, that I have observed, clearly indicate the shutter came in contact with something, like a sensor swab, finger, or rear lens element.
Fortunately, Leica fixed most of those free ...
dannynono
Survey sez....
I'm _continually_ waiting for the next gen toy (drives my wife nuts), but I finally snagged a used M8 last summer and haven't looked back. I honestly don't think it's in the same class as it's film-based brethren, but neither are any of my DSLRs.
I should add that like you I did have to give up a lens - DR 50 which I toyed around with in the M8 mount and gave myself a scare.
I should add that like you I did have to give up a lens - DR 50 which I toyed around with in the M8 mount and gave myself a scare.
ruslan
Established
M8 and M9 have the worst shutter button feel, agreed, not even close to Canon 1d feel, even Rebel Xsi shutter release is better.
agentsim
Member
Cool, mind sharing the serial #. Also, how did you make sure it would work before risking your M8?
agentsim
Member
The dealer is Camtec Photo. Montreal based. I got quite unlucky, the M8 I wanted had been ordered online when I arrived in store.
However, Jean (the owner and a great guy and Leica know-it-all) took pity on me and gave me a good deal on a used, but totally mint M8.2 + 40/1.4.
Can't wait to try it out!
Phil_F_NM
Camera hacker
You can use the DR in close-focus range just fine. The lens must be mounted in close-focus range then goggles put on & all is well.
Phil Forrest
Mcary
Well-known
Appears to be a standard M8, SN#3XXX041.
The only other M's I've used are a M4-2 and the M6 I have and with them I couldn't take a shot at 1/30th to save my life but with M8 I'm getting some fairly sharp test shots at 1/30th and even at 1/20th.
Does have the line issue at ISO 1250+ but the placement is about 10% of the way from end of the frame figure I can live with it as chances are the next one would be worse or in a worse location.