Talk me in to / out of a used M8

Thanks for your thoughts, all.

I can't justify putting any more money into this than I can raise by selling gear. Used M8s at dealers go for £1000-£1200; used M9s start at £2700. And whilst I have quite a lot of stuff to sell, the only things that will really raise any serious cash will be the M3, the RD-1, my 90/2.8 tele-elmarit and a couple of M42 lenses like my macro 50/4 and 85/1.8. That's probably adding up to an M8 quite easily but it's geting nowhere near an M9.

I'm quite happy to think of the M8 as a stepping stone for a few years (in the same way I think of the RD-1). So I guess my only real decision is whether I stick with the RD-1 for a while longer, and wait for M9 prices to fall further (at the current rate this might be another three years) or go for the M8 now.

I think I need to go handle one of these things and see how it feels.

Hypothetically, if one were confronted with an Exc++ M8 with 4k actuations at £1100, and an Exc M8 with all M8.2 upgrades with 30k actuations at £1200, you'd go with the former, right?

Cheers
Jamie
 
Reasons not to get the M8...Filters Filters Filters!, cropped focal length/fov, and then the line issue as stated above. I had the M8 for about 6 months and hated the filter issues having Leica lenses from e39-e46-e60. Additionally, I ran into issues with banding, etc. and ended up biting the bullet and trading it in + cash for an M9. The M9 was a HUGE step up from the M8, and in my opinion was probably what Leica wanted the M8 to be, but didn't have time for the R&D and needed to get a digital M out there. At this time, you can probably get a nice used M9 for about $3500-4000, which is still a lot of money, but in my opinion, you'll get twice as much camera out of it.

On a final note, I sold my M9 eventually, having not used it as much as I thought I would. I have only film M's now, and too many at that. I just find that when I'm shooting Leica, I like the film feel. If money were no object, I would, however, pick up a Monochrom (still have some digital desires). You may shoot differently than me and may need/want digital. If digital is where you're leaning, the M9 is an amazing camera...the M8, not so much. Just my opinion, though...
 
Hi Jamie

Just noticed you're in Oxford. I am too. You're very welcome to try my M8 to see how it feels?

PM me if you'd like to arrange something...

Ernst
 
I was in a similar position to you a few years ago - I had an M3 with some lenses, and considered buying a used M8. In the end, I opted not to. They have so many issues that are well documented, some of which Leica cannot even fix at this point. (look up the coffee stain LCD problem)

If you want a digital camera for M lenses right away, I'd take a serious look at the Sony A7. You can get a new one for a few hundred less than even the cheapest M8, and it's full frame, 24mp, with good high ISO. Focus peaking in the EVF is almost as fast for focusing. If you can wait and really want an optical VF, be patient and save up for an M9.

Coming from an M3, you will be disappointed with any digital Leica, even the M240 - build quality is nowhere near as good, and unlike a smooth and refined film Leica, they're pretty loud and clunky. The larger size is very noticeable if you shoot it alongside a film M as well.
 
I suppose I should post some of my M8 shots.

As I say quite strongly in the post below I do not think I would buy an M8 again due to the technology and other compromises Leica made when developing it and the impact this has for users.

But as I also said it is capable of making very nice images when you can transcend the various problems it confronts you with.

Here are a few personal favourites of mine. I tend to shoot in colour as I have found it offers more creative latitude. And in any event as everyone who has an M8 knows you must shoot RAW to get good images as the jpg engine is apparently pretty bad - another limitation of the M8. (I have never even bothered trying jpg due to the strength of the warnings against it). This means conversion during post processing if you want to go mono in the final image.

Through a glass darkly 3 by yoyomaoz, on Flickr

Through a glass darkly 6 by yoyomaoz, on Flickr

Adelaide food market 1 by yoyomaoz, on Flickr

More M8 shots here in my M8 album if you are interested.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/life_in_shadows/sets/72157625130934544/
 
The camera is just a tool in the hands of the photographer. The M8 can deliver beautiful images if used appropriately. I use the M8 side by side with the M9, along using the Olympus made M4/3 cameras on alternate times. No camera is necessary to own. Use what you feel like using.
 
Again, thank you, all. Whilst I'm not too fussed about making this into an actual poll, the thread has helped me to realise that I actually have a very straightforward decision - either keep the RD-1 for a few more years, or go for the M8 now. Either way, I'll almost certainly upgrade again to the M9 in three years or so.

Thank you for the offer, Ernst, but I think I'm going to pop into London to have a look at a few shops - I really want to hold an M8, M8.2 and M9 in my hands in very quick succession. This ought to tell me, fairly quickly, whether I stick or twist!
 
I bought an M8.2 a few weeks back and really enjoy using it. The biggest problems I've experienced so far? The 40mm I use is a bit tight with the crop, the lights were a bit dim at a wedding I was at last weekend, and I need more practise with shooting moving objects.

All these have very little to do with the camera, but yeah, I imagine it is a bit worse than "camera x" which goes up to gazillion ISO with 60mpx when you need to shoot badly lit subjects and print wall sized posters.
 
I have an M8u and just love it! I feel they are bargained priced right now esp compared to Epson Rd's. Get one with low click count and I don't think you can do better without going full frame.
 
Besides the advantages and disadvantages of the different models, what would you do if your M-M, bought partially with a loan and partially by selling cameras you have, gets stolen or lost?

Even a M9 or M9-P would be difficult to replace given its price-level.
 
I feel I should comment again to contextualise my previous post. The M8 is capable of making great images - Bushwick's work is a testament to that. It's just that, in today's market, I think the choice of a used M8 is a more difficult one given the wide range of alternatives in cameras that have a form factor similar to the Leica. Were I in that position, I would be tempted to look at the Fuji Xt 1 both for its handling and the quality of its lenses which is simply superb in absolute terms and even better at the price. BTW, the main Leica dealer has a couple of second hand M9s - one with a new sensor - for 3,000 Euro which is a little under £2,400. One could probably be had for a bit less than that for cash.
 
The M8 is just a maybe a little quirky for some people. As I haven't touched the new M, I can't really compare.

For me, it's still ok and I bought mine in 2008. The mainboard did fail but it was replaced free of charge.

I use it along side my 2 MPs. Sure, the build quality of the MPs is better but in the end I can use both. The M8 just feels a little different.

I especially like the M8 with my 24mm ASPH Elmarit-M!
 
If you get a M8, if the LCD becomes defective, you get a nice discount on an upgrade. Just consider it a gateway camera and keep saving in case you qualify for a model upgrade.
 
Jamie, I think you answered your own question: If you want a digital rangefinder on a budget, and have already tried the RD-1, the M8 is the only game in town.
 
I've had the M8 and M9, and currently the M240. Although the M8 is not nearly as refined as the current model, it does have it's charm. In it's operable ISOs, it makes wonderful B/W files. I also miss the black chrome finish, which my painted M9 had. The M8 just felt more solid (again, albeit less refined).

If I had a chance to pick one up at a great price, I wouldn't mind reacquiring one to use on some days. (I also wouldn't mind an RD1, though!)
 
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