The M8 needs a film advance lever - but not for film

[Leicaiste]

I don't need a faux lever, but I will have use of the possibility to delay the moment the motor is cooking the shutter after taking the picture, because I understand that's the moment the M8 is a little bit noisy.

On the R8/R9/DMR or motor, if you detach the winding lever from the camera body, the motor will not cook the shutter before you want it.

The same will be really nice on the M8.

 

[jaapv]

The M8 needs a film advance lever -- but not for film.

To be more exact, it needs a DUMMY film advance lever.

Why?

Think about it a moment. We carry the M around in our right hand and use our thumb / lever advance to help grip the camera.

Woe be to the fast grabbing M8 owner who watches their camera slip from their hands to the concrete / rocks below.

Seriously, the M8 needs a dummy film advance lever to 1) replicate the M feel we are used to and 2) to help grip the camera.

Whether or not a M7 / MP advance lever can be installed on the M8, I don't know. IF not, it would be a smart Leica move to to design one which can be fitted to the M8.

Stephen

Wouldn't that be a nice accessory to sell, Stephen?

 

[Bob Ross]

I have been trying as hard as I can to remember how I never dropped my Contax II, Kodak Medalist or Oly XA for all those years that I used them, but my mental search engine seems to be off line. It must have just happened without my making a mental note of it.
Bob

 

[Didier]

I don't feel concerned as I have a R-D1 WITH lever. For all others it's to be hoped that TomA will design a gorgeous M8 rapidgrip...
Didier

 

[Andrew Sowerby]

use a wrist strap...

My thoughts exactly.

 

[greggebhardt]

No lever required or desired on the M8!

 

[skimmel]

Any recommendations for a good wrist strap? (Could use one for my current M). The "sling" looks like a finger strap more than a wrist strap -- for those who have tried it versus other straps, is that a better option?

 

[dcsang]

Any recommendations for a good wrist strap? (Could use one for my current M). The "sling" looks like a finger strap more than a wrist strap -- for those who have tried it versus other straps, is that a better option?

I have one of Gordy Cole's straps for my IIIc and it's perfect imho.
I'm sure you can use it on your M as well.

Cheers
Dave

 

[back alley]

expensive, but leicatime's strap is fast becoming a favourite.

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

I can't say I miss a film advance lever on a camera that doesn't exist yet.

I also have never used the film advance lever as a means to hold the camera -- what a proposition! I don't believe they're designed to sustain the torque the weight of the camera plus the force exerted by your thumb (assuming it is the thumb when you are doing this, you never know).

For a better grip I use either a wrist grip and/or a camera case; you know, because I care about my camera. The one that exists on my hand.

 

[rvaubel]

I can't say I miss a film advance lever on a camera that doesn't exist yet.......

Gabrielma

Aren't you being a being a little too accepting of an obvious defect in a non-existing camera that you haven't tried yet? Your calm tolerance towards a known problem (see possible pictures of potential camera), is not advancing the science and craft of camera critique.

What we need is a little more speculation to clear things up.

Rex

 

[ChrisN]

Straps are one of our favourite subjects!

Since getting the M5, I've found that the side-mounted strap, on the left side of the camera body, is perfect to wrap around my left wrist. The camera is secure, and my right hand is free for other duties (I'm right-handed.)

The Leica-Goodies "Sling" (the little finger-strap) I found to be not very comfortable for me.

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

Gabrielma

Aren't you being a being a little too accepting of an obvious defect in a non-existing camera that you haven't tried yet? Your calm tolerance towards a known problem (see possible pictures of potential camera), is not advancing the science and craft of camera critique.

What we need is a little more speculation to clear things up.

Rex

Indubitably:

My M8 rangefinder patch is out of alignment. Anybody else have this problem?

 

[rvaubel]

Indubitably:

My M8 rangefinder patch is out of alignment. Anybody else have this problem?

Gabrielma

I'm sure I'll have the same problem. They sure won't make them like they used to!

Rex

 

[jaapv]

I have just been checking-I don't hold my M6 that way. The nearest comaprison I have is the Digilux2. I cannot say that a thumbgrip is needed on that one as far as I'm concerned, and a film-advance-lever-dummy? A bit too kitschy for my taste...
Maybe in the M8 a-la-carte programme of the future 😉

 

[merlin]

Since getting the M5, I've found that the side-mounted strap, on the left ide of the camera body, is perfect to wrap around my left wrist. The camera is secure and my right hand is free for other duties (I'm right-handed).

Right on. I have forever regretted letting my early M5 (one side only) go. Not a particularly pretty camera, but supremely rock-steady because of it's size and the strap thing.

 

[sf]

I don't see why they couldn't use the advance lever as a manual source of action for the shutter. Like the RD-1... doesn't it use the shutter wind?

 

[rvaubel]

I don't see why they couldn't use the advance lever as a manual source of action for the shutter. Like the RD-1... doesn't it use the shutter wind?

Shutterflower

Yah, the RD1 uses the advance lever to cock the shutter. Some people seem to think the advance lever is some sort of Faux Retro affectation, but it isn't.

The M8, on the other hand, is reported to use a electronic shutter, the some one on the R8. Hence, no need for a advance lever.

I would like an advance lever on the M8. But only of it did something. My choice was to charge the battery, in case of emergancy. That would be sort of cool and in keeping with Leica's image of a camera less tied to technology than others. Of course, that would just be the image as such a feature would only be more complicated and expensive. Nevertheless, it would still be cool, sort of a mechanical, digital camera!

Fat chance

Rex

 

[skimmel]

Thanks for the advice. The wrist strap seems like a good fit for me. Seems like the Gordy Cole version is a nice option. I must admit, I use the film advance lever frequently when I hold the camera. I'll be interested to see what the M8 is like without it.

 

[amateriat]

Any recommendations for a good wrist strap? (Could use one for my current M). The "sling" looks like a finger strap more than a wrist strap -- for those who have tried it versus other straps, is that a better option?

SLING, as used on one of my two Hexar RFs. It's never left this body since I put it on.


- Barrett