Trying out the Leica R8

[Huss]

What’s the consensus on the 28-70 f3.5-4.5?

That is a Sigma lens and is ok. The 35-70 f4 is much much better, and the 35-70 3.5 (a Minolta design) is also better than the Sigma.

 

[Mudman]

i think using leica M digital for macro work is absurd but thats my own person opinion. I use sony a7iii for macro work . I also use hawk /cv adapter with close focus for leica M lenses. It's so much easier to focus on sony a7iii.
the Leica SL on the other hand is great for manual focus / macro work. The live view and screen is amazing.
Again, my personal 2 cent. You do whatever works for you.
Happy shooting.

The M is what I have, though adapters are out there for. Using the 100mm APO on my Nikon D750 as well.

I got an adapter from DAG, and the Olympus viewfinder today. Honestly, the setup wasn't terrible and I think for my occasional macro needs would work great. Better than an actual Visoflex, lol.

 

[dof]

i can't think of a reason why you want to use the R lenses on your rf digital Ms.

Mine is that it's a great way to shoot the lovely 80mm Summilux-R. Live view on the M10 has opened up a world of opportunities with this lens.

Related to the original question, I had an R8 for a week. The ergonomics are indeed wonderful - it felt so natural in the hands. But I found it was just too large a camera to carry on a daily basis. I learned from that experience that for me, that's a strict criteria for 35mm format cameras. I brought it back to my dealer who graciously allowed me to trade it for an R6. I still use the 6.

 

[f.hayek]

so, no sense of fun

So sorry for taking you seriously.

🙄

 

[Mudman]

Mine is that it's a great way to shoot the lovely 80mm Summilux-R. Live view on the M10 has opened up a world of opportunities with this lens.

Related to the original question, I had an R8 for a week. The ergonomics are indeed wonderful - it felt so natural in the hands. But I found it was just too large a camera to carry on a daily basis. I learned from that experience that for me, that's a strict criteria for 35mm format cameras. I brought it back to my dealer who graciously allowed me to trade it for an R6. I still use the 6.

I am curious to compare it to the R4s that is attached to the 50mm Summicron I just bought. I basically got both the R8 and the R4s for free give the prices I paid for the lenses.

I have a wide range of AF and manual cameras to shoot film and digital with. I'm used to a hefty camera, used my D3 for years with very large lenses. In that context, the r8 isn't huge to me. I'm just utterly happy with how it feels in my hands. The past week and a half, I've done more personal photography (not work) than I've done in most of the year. It's reinvigorated my connection to a camera, and I'm happy with that.

 

[Huss]

The r8/9 seem big but when you actually use them they feel perfect. Fantastic design.

 

[dof]

The past week and a half, I've done more personal photography (not work) than I've done in most of the year. It's reinvigorated my connection to a camera, and I'm happy with that.

It doesn't get better than this! Congratulations on finding a rig that brings you inspiration to shoot. Enjoy it!

 

[Brian Atherton]

The r8/9 seem big but when you actually use them they feel perfect. Fantastic design.

Yes. Absolutely, Huss! A fantastic camera. So nice to see it being used and appreciated here.

I remember when it came out in the UK (I think around 1997) and thought: “what a lump.”

Eventually, when I got to handle it, I was immediately blown away with its ergonomics and quality. The lenses are something else.

 

[Mudman]

Yes. Absolutely, Huss! A fantastic camera. So nice to see it being used and appreciated here.

I remember when it came out in the UK (I think around 1997) and thought: “what a lump.”

Eventually, when I got to handle it, I was immediately blown away with its ergonomics and quality. The lenses are something else.

That was always my thought as well. Product photos don't do it justice. I can't wait to drop off my film and see how the first roll came out.

 

[Mudman]

The 50 showed up today! Both it and the r4s look pretty much mint. If it was shot a lot, it was done carefully. Not sure if I'll part with the R4 yet, might be nice to have a second camera body. Already shooting it on the R8.

 

[Huss]

Is the R8/9 the best designed film sir ever made?
I asked an expert:

 

[DMA1965]

The r8/9 seem big but when you actually use them they feel perfect. Fantastic design.

This is exactly how I feel about the Leica M5. Despite being the ugly duckling it is, hands down, the best shooter in the M lineup. You have to experience it to understand why.

 

[Mudman]

I've sent the first two rolls off to be developed. Can't wait to get them back and see how the camera did!

 

[Mudman]

Should have the film back tomorrow! Talked to the lab, everything looked good, no scratches, good exposures.

 

[Mudman]

The first scan! That 100mm apo is nice and sharp.

 

[Mudman]

A few more from the first couple of rolls.

 

[helen.HH]

Very Cool
Lovely photos !

 

[Mudman]

Thanks Helen! I'm really enjoying looking through the scans.

The Summicron's rendering is exactly what I was hoping for so far.

 

[Huss]

R9, Summilux 50, Portra 160, D850 scan

 

[Mudman]

R9, Summilux 50, Portra 160, D850 scan

Huss is that the Nikon D850 as a scanner?