....Searching in RFF about M8 thread, understood there is a IR issue and we should use IR filter for all lens; shutter loudness, high iso noise, not-so-good jpeg image so RAW seems a must, etc are also quite a problems with the M8. Except from the above, should there any problems with it, just want to hear from you as I would like to sell the R-D1 to finance a used M8 or 8.2...
Old R-D1 user here since 2004. The M8 (M8.2 for me) is essentially a wide camera in that its VF magnification is 0.68x instead of 1:1 for the R-D1. Sort of M2 vs M3 where the latter would be almost as big as an M5 if you know a bit those old Leicas. So different beasts from this viewpoint.
Shooting both eyes open is a pleasure with the R-D1's. 28, 35 and 50mm frame lines are larger as well with the latter. But the 28mm frame lines are wider and more comfortable with the M8 and it is easier to guestimate 21mm frame with the latter.
Otherwise IR-cut filters are mandatory with the M8 instead of using them from time to time (essentially in tungsten mode) with the Epsons.
The lack of AA filter allows for less sharpening in PP with the M8 but produces more moiré than with the Epsons.
The sensor microlenses of the M8 are much better than those of the R-D1's. Vignetting is not a problem at all with the Skopar 21/4 for instance. But coding of the latter is mandatory to avoid cyan shifts when using IR-cut filters.
Shutter noise is quieter with the M8.2 but its winder noise is significantly louder than the manual cocking of the Epsons. The Leica's discreet mode allows to postpone winder noise but it is just a pis aller.
Digital noise looks dirtier at 640 iso with the M8 than at 800 iso with the Epsons, at least in raw mode with Capture One v4. Epson's jpegs are noisier than Leica's though.
The manual controls of the R-D1's are superior. No need to chimp to change iso contrary to the M8. Now 640 iso looks so noisy with the latter that i use only 160 and 320 in auto iso mode which avoids higher isos w/o chimping.
A firmware update is pending for the M8 and will perhaps reduce digital noise but Leica didn't say anything about that.
Ergonomics of the Epsons are almost perfect vs M8 alone feeling slippery like a soap bar, but accessories like Thumbs up render it better balance and much more handy.
Third party batteries are not a problem with the R-D1's contrary to M8 and M8.2. They work just fine with the Leicas but the battery meter of the latters does not recognize them so that you will have to do full discharges (until the camera stops) and recharges if you need accurate metering. Genuine Leica batteries are very expensive (USD 130) as one can expect.
M8 vs M8.2 wise, the frame lines of the latter are more accurate at 2 meters (great for portrait), the M8.2 shutter/winder noise is quieter and its sapphire LCD is less a luxury than a security. The M8 shutter speeds are faster though (1/8000 vs 1/4000s).
