-doomed-
film is exciting
I love mine. I ought to use it more, though.
Keith
The best camera is one that still works!
I love mine in the same way I love my ex wife ... both out of my life! 
nikonosguy
Well-known
David Strachan
Member
love the M8
love the M8
...well love them so much have just received my second M8...in silver yahoo. Shipped from UK to Oz. Perfect condition with <5,000 clicks. I've been after one for 12 months now. My black one has done c. 23,000 clicks.
The camera is a beauty, unfairly maligned, for no good reason.
I'm not tempted by FF, and if I want macro, zooms or super tele, I use my Fujifilm XE-1, which is very complimentary.
cheers Dave S
Have a IIIc and an M6 for full frame/film
love the M8
...well love them so much have just received my second M8...in silver yahoo. Shipped from UK to Oz. Perfect condition with <5,000 clicks. I've been after one for 12 months now. My black one has done c. 23,000 clicks.
The camera is a beauty, unfairly maligned, for no good reason.
I'm not tempted by FF, and if I want macro, zooms or super tele, I use my Fujifilm XE-1, which is very complimentary.
cheers Dave S
Have a IIIc and an M6 for full frame/film
Rob-F
Likes Leicas
I have the M8.2. It's an easy camera to use, and is much smaller and lighter than my D700, making it a good travel camera. There are many times when I'd rather use my D-Lux 6, or X100, or X10, as they are even smaller and lighter. I mostly use the 28mm and 21mm Leica lenses, or the 15mm CV. I have gotten some stunning shots with my 75mm Summicron. The only thing I don't like is having to code the lenses. I use the coding kit, and it's a pain. I think the cost of having Leica do it is around $300 each, which seems absurd.
Oh, and sometimes the histogram does not rise much above threshold, even though the scene looks normal enough. I never saw any other camera do that.
I think I have a love-hate relationship with it.
Oh, and sometimes the histogram does not rise much above threshold, even though the scene looks normal enough. I never saw any other camera do that.
I think I have a love-hate relationship with it.
Damaso
Photojournalist
For all its flaws I still love and use mine...
micromontenegro
Well-known
Not only I do love it, but actually I don't seem to click with any of the RFF-perceived defects.
Let's see: Crop factor. I delayed my buying the M8 a lot over this. When the push came to shove and I finally got it, I also got a 15mm lens, and I never noticed the crop factor at all. Still use the 50 as a normal lens -maybe I take one step back. It was really no big deal- for me.
Poor high ISO performance: I come from film. Ya know, that little canister that is usually filled with 100 or 400 ISO one-time-use sensors. So I have never had any high ISO at all. So I don't miss it.
Reliability: I've always been lucky. Not a problem.
Color shift: I don't do color. Never did. See above: I come from film. B&W, ISO 100 film, of the Fomapan persuasion. So color shift does not irk me. I see the color capability on the M8 as useful as tits on an oyster.
Now, I do dislike something about the M8. All the high ISO performance in the world isn't going to help with that retarded, low magnification rangefinder. Gimme a 1:1 viewfinder, and I will be happy!
Of course, I do have a magnifier behind mine, but that shouldn't be necessary.
Let's see: Crop factor. I delayed my buying the M8 a lot over this. When the push came to shove and I finally got it, I also got a 15mm lens, and I never noticed the crop factor at all. Still use the 50 as a normal lens -maybe I take one step back. It was really no big deal- for me.
Poor high ISO performance: I come from film. Ya know, that little canister that is usually filled with 100 or 400 ISO one-time-use sensors. So I have never had any high ISO at all. So I don't miss it.
Reliability: I've always been lucky. Not a problem.
Color shift: I don't do color. Never did. See above: I come from film. B&W, ISO 100 film, of the Fomapan persuasion. So color shift does not irk me. I see the color capability on the M8 as useful as tits on an oyster.
Now, I do dislike something about the M8. All the high ISO performance in the world isn't going to help with that retarded, low magnification rangefinder. Gimme a 1:1 viewfinder, and I will be happy!
Of course, I do have a magnifier behind mine, but that shouldn't be necessary.
Yes, and I avoided it at first. The coding kit never worked very well for me. IMO coding is a kind of package deal with the UV/IR Cut filters. But eventually I gave in and accepted the necessity for both, at least for color shooting.
It need not be prohibitive in cost. When I bought my 21 C-Biogon I had PopFlash ship it to John Milich in NYC, who machined the pits, colored them in the pattern I requested, billed me $65 and sent it on to me. That was some years ago.
Other lenses I sent to DAG for coding (and it seems he was sending John the flanges for machining), along with focus calibrations as needed, and any maintenance on these used lenses that he saw they needed. So it's hard to isolate the coding cost, but it seemed around $75. Certainly one can expect to pay more for the official Leica service!
honozooloo
Established
I've got an original M8 bought used off fleabay in 2008. It had 5k clicks when purchased and it's just over 30k now.
It went for one service, in which the most serious problem was a misalignment of the RF patch. It's starting to show the hot pixel/red line issue in maybe 1/10 shots in lower light, but despite the problem I love using it, and assuming the pixel issue can be fixed, I'll be dealing with that next time it goes to NJ for service/CLA. Other than the pixel problem and the occasional freezing if the buffer filled, it's given me no problems whatsoever.
Admittedly, shooting my M glass on an A7R has changed my perception of the M8's files...but every other camera I own also looks a little "soft" compared to A7R output. In actual use, compared to 1-series Canons, the Fuji X-T1, and Sony A7R, the M8 is still the most enjoyable digital camera I own. The lack of shutter lag and simplicity in use just makes me happy in ways that my more "work appropriate" cameras simply do not.
Let's be honest here, I suppose I could use my M8 for actual, paid work. But it's not the reason I keep it around, really it's there to be a companion when I'm shooting for my own reasons, where how I shoot is less a function of some practical concern and more of an act that I enjoy. And considering it was manufactured back when the Canon Rebel XT and 1D MKII were "state of the art" in the DSLR world, I would argue that the M8 has aged far more gracefully than other cameras from its era have, IQ included. I mean, nobody in their right mind in the year 2015 uses 1D's or ancient Rebels because they enjoy it!!
So yeah, I still love my M8. And given its loss in value over the years, I intend to use it till it dies, hopefully out and about somewhere while it's being enjoyed.
It went for one service, in which the most serious problem was a misalignment of the RF patch. It's starting to show the hot pixel/red line issue in maybe 1/10 shots in lower light, but despite the problem I love using it, and assuming the pixel issue can be fixed, I'll be dealing with that next time it goes to NJ for service/CLA. Other than the pixel problem and the occasional freezing if the buffer filled, it's given me no problems whatsoever.
Admittedly, shooting my M glass on an A7R has changed my perception of the M8's files...but every other camera I own also looks a little "soft" compared to A7R output. In actual use, compared to 1-series Canons, the Fuji X-T1, and Sony A7R, the M8 is still the most enjoyable digital camera I own. The lack of shutter lag and simplicity in use just makes me happy in ways that my more "work appropriate" cameras simply do not.
Let's be honest here, I suppose I could use my M8 for actual, paid work. But it's not the reason I keep it around, really it's there to be a companion when I'm shooting for my own reasons, where how I shoot is less a function of some practical concern and more of an act that I enjoy. And considering it was manufactured back when the Canon Rebel XT and 1D MKII were "state of the art" in the DSLR world, I would argue that the M8 has aged far more gracefully than other cameras from its era have, IQ included. I mean, nobody in their right mind in the year 2015 uses 1D's or ancient Rebels because they enjoy it!!
So yeah, I still love my M8. And given its loss in value over the years, I intend to use it till it dies, hopefully out and about somewhere while it's being enjoyed.
raid
Dad Photographer
I sense that the M8 is getting more and more acceptance and appreciation by the users of this great camera.
David Strachan
Member
Raid, good observation.
It really is good value if you can get a decent one...and there are so many lovely screw and bayonet lenses out there...they don't have to be the most expensive, and they perform very well in the sweet spot of the lens.
The filters are no bother, as in the past, filters were on cameras routinely; in fact they "tune the light" to make best use of the sensor's characteristics.
cheers Dave S
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raid
Dad Photographer
I kept my M8 for sure. Regular 50mm lenses turn into short portrait lenses that are especially nice.
bohdan
-- Physicist
Interesting. I think about this time to time. I had my M8 but was always annoyed about the crop factor. My 35mm Cron lived on that camera. I eventually sold it because I wasn't shooting it much.
From time to time I go through my old files to find things to print. And, man, some of those photos from the M8 were really interesting. I loved the way it rendered the details. I can't describe it.
Right now, I am fighting a healthy bit of GAS. I've sold a lot of my equipment. I wanted to focus on my M6, my Nikon F3, and my 500cm. That's it. But, I really want to throw those M lenses on a digital body.
From time to time I go through my old files to find things to print. And, man, some of those photos from the M8 were really interesting. I loved the way it rendered the details. I can't describe it.
Right now, I am fighting a healthy bit of GAS. I've sold a lot of my equipment. I wanted to focus on my M6, my Nikon F3, and my 500cm. That's it. But, I really want to throw those M lenses on a digital body.
David Strachan
Member
Well get yourself an el cheapo Fujifilm XE-1 body. They are not too expensive at the moment. With low cost adapters they work very well for all the Leica lenses; Nikon, Pentax, etc etc.
A good camera with excellent sensor. It's my adjunct camera to my M8.
cheers Dave S
Ronald M
Veteran
Glad I kept mine after purchase of M9.
adietrich
Established
I have an M8 and I am not afraid to use it!
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jchfriis
Established
Bought my M8 new, never had any problem and still love it. These days use it with a CV Ultron 28 mainly for B&W and use my M-E for colour. Never considered selling it. I don't see cameras as investment.
LeicaTom
Watch that step!
Been shooting my sexy vintage PinUp Girls with a early serial # *quirky* M8 since August 2009 and it's become a great love-hate <3 relationship.
"Minox Minx 2014"
Shot late last year with my 1955 Canon f1.5/50mm "Japanese Sonnar" , this lens gives a great "3-D" effect, with no dreaded Sonnar focus shift (while I had this lens optimized for f1.5).
This is a non-retouched photo.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well here's my personal gripes about the M8:
Takes forever to load/write up when I'm shooting fast and sometimes it skips a photo, (could be my cards?)
Anytime over stopping down, say f5.6 and over I see little dark spots on my pix, dust? while it NEVER stays clean, haven't found ANY WAY TO CLEAN THE SENSOR PROFESSIONALLY ON MY OWN?
Sometimes after I take a bunch of pix and then shut it off it doesn't turn on again, I have to remove the battery and wait like 25 seconds and then place it back into the camera, then it turns right back on.....*pain in the *ss*
The rear protective screen has stuck to the main screen which has now become loose and now I hold it onto the camera body with black electrical tape.
Have something like 17,000 shots with it, back under warranty in 2010 it went back to Leica NJ THREE TIMES! ~ had that computer board thingy replaced TWICE (it had some serious banding at high ASA/ISO) as well as the complete Sensor TWICE it was also cleaned TWICE also, since then only the slight live-able issues I've mentioned above.
Have 3 OEM factory Leica batteries. that are as old as the camera and they are still holding charges and working.
I use only original vintage Leitz screw mount to M adapters and all but the vintage Leitz Elmar/Summitar lenses are all covered with IR/CUT filters.
I shoot lots of legendary M39/LTM lenses on her, like these:
43' CZJ Sonnar f1.5/50mm (for vintage portraits)
43' CZJ Sonnar f4/135mm (for vintage portraits)
45' Leitz Elmar f3.5/35mm and 50mm (for vintage black and white portraits and outdoor INFRARED work, direct from camera, using vintage dark red filters)
51' Leitz Summitar f2/50mm (for vintage black and white portraits)
50' Nippon Kogaku Nippon #5005 "Tokyo" S.C. f1.4/50mm (for vintage portraits)
55' Canon f1.8/50mm (for carshow and vintage portraits)
56' Canon f1.5/50mm "Japanese Sonnar" (for black and white vintage portraits)
54' Nippon Kogaku Nippon "Japan" H.C. f2/50mm (best lens in the world for the Leica M8) - I use this lens 75% of the time I work with the M8, on everything!
67' Canon f1.5/35mm (for carshow and low-light indoor portraits)
67' Canon f1.2/50mm (for low-light indoor/outdoor portraits)
1990's VC Nokton f1.5/50mm (for carshow and vintage high fashion styles)
Working with these lenses, I achieve a *close to real film* look, with the older lenses.
I do miss my M6 LHSA .85 TTL camera and real film, but getting it developed here where I live is the major problem, I might? Start shooting again with one of my 45' IIICK's or buy a 38'/39' IIIa and go back to shooting the way I did with film for limited projects, I started my PinUp business back in 1992 in Germany and I used a 39' Leica IIIa with 100ASA film or slower and also Kodachrome and Ektarchromes, etc.
As I've said it's a love-hate affair with my M8, I will NEVER sell it, I want to use it till it falls apart.
I have thought of an M8.2 BP with real low shutter count, for a backup camera, we'll see?
For now the MOST IMPORTANT THING is that I'd like a compact Sony Digital camera with the Zeiss Vario-Sonnar fixed lens in at least f2.8 aperture opening and 14mp to 18mp so I can shoot styles again like my Sony CD500 did back in the early 1990's.
My Sony CD500 (that camera DID fall apart in my hands) like after two warranties, three replacement cameras and about 200,000+ images, I did really get my money's worth out of that Sony!
I need a newer digital camera with that Zeiss Vario-Sonnar fixed lens to take it's place now, next to my M8 for working my PinUp biz here in Florida.....
IS THERE ANY SONY ZEISS VARIO-SONNAR EXPERTS HERE IN THE HOUSE TO GIVE ME ADVICE? - WRITE ME TO MY EMAIL: koolgirliestuff@gmail.com
Just my 2 cents worth of gab about the M8 and why I STILL love-hate it and use it until the cows fly home.
Tom
P.S. I really haven't thought about buying a M9, because, I hear of so many people saying that they liked their M8 better.......I went through so much crap/good and bad times with my M8, that I don't think I could take the shock of some of the M9 failures I've heard, the M8 is a flawed gem.
"Minox Minx 2014"
Shot late last year with my 1955 Canon f1.5/50mm "Japanese Sonnar" , this lens gives a great "3-D" effect, with no dreaded Sonnar focus shift (while I had this lens optimized for f1.5).
This is a non-retouched photo.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well here's my personal gripes about the M8:
Takes forever to load/write up when I'm shooting fast and sometimes it skips a photo, (could be my cards?)
Anytime over stopping down, say f5.6 and over I see little dark spots on my pix, dust? while it NEVER stays clean, haven't found ANY WAY TO CLEAN THE SENSOR PROFESSIONALLY ON MY OWN?
Sometimes after I take a bunch of pix and then shut it off it doesn't turn on again, I have to remove the battery and wait like 25 seconds and then place it back into the camera, then it turns right back on.....*pain in the *ss*
The rear protective screen has stuck to the main screen which has now become loose and now I hold it onto the camera body with black electrical tape.
Have something like 17,000 shots with it, back under warranty in 2010 it went back to Leica NJ THREE TIMES! ~ had that computer board thingy replaced TWICE (it had some serious banding at high ASA/ISO) as well as the complete Sensor TWICE it was also cleaned TWICE also, since then only the slight live-able issues I've mentioned above.
Have 3 OEM factory Leica batteries. that are as old as the camera and they are still holding charges and working.
I use only original vintage Leitz screw mount to M adapters and all but the vintage Leitz Elmar/Summitar lenses are all covered with IR/CUT filters.
I shoot lots of legendary M39/LTM lenses on her, like these:
43' CZJ Sonnar f1.5/50mm (for vintage portraits)
43' CZJ Sonnar f4/135mm (for vintage portraits)
45' Leitz Elmar f3.5/35mm and 50mm (for vintage black and white portraits and outdoor INFRARED work, direct from camera, using vintage dark red filters)
51' Leitz Summitar f2/50mm (for vintage black and white portraits)
50' Nippon Kogaku Nippon #5005 "Tokyo" S.C. f1.4/50mm (for vintage portraits)
55' Canon f1.8/50mm (for carshow and vintage portraits)
56' Canon f1.5/50mm "Japanese Sonnar" (for black and white vintage portraits)
54' Nippon Kogaku Nippon "Japan" H.C. f2/50mm (best lens in the world for the Leica M8) - I use this lens 75% of the time I work with the M8, on everything!
67' Canon f1.5/35mm (for carshow and low-light indoor portraits)
67' Canon f1.2/50mm (for low-light indoor/outdoor portraits)
1990's VC Nokton f1.5/50mm (for carshow and vintage high fashion styles)
Working with these lenses, I achieve a *close to real film* look, with the older lenses.
I do miss my M6 LHSA .85 TTL camera and real film, but getting it developed here where I live is the major problem, I might? Start shooting again with one of my 45' IIICK's or buy a 38'/39' IIIa and go back to shooting the way I did with film for limited projects, I started my PinUp business back in 1992 in Germany and I used a 39' Leica IIIa with 100ASA film or slower and also Kodachrome and Ektarchromes, etc.
As I've said it's a love-hate affair with my M8, I will NEVER sell it, I want to use it till it falls apart.
I have thought of an M8.2 BP with real low shutter count, for a backup camera, we'll see?
For now the MOST IMPORTANT THING is that I'd like a compact Sony Digital camera with the Zeiss Vario-Sonnar fixed lens in at least f2.8 aperture opening and 14mp to 18mp so I can shoot styles again like my Sony CD500 did back in the early 1990's.
My Sony CD500 (that camera DID fall apart in my hands) like after two warranties, three replacement cameras and about 200,000+ images, I did really get my money's worth out of that Sony!
I need a newer digital camera with that Zeiss Vario-Sonnar fixed lens to take it's place now, next to my M8 for working my PinUp biz here in Florida.....
IS THERE ANY SONY ZEISS VARIO-SONNAR EXPERTS HERE IN THE HOUSE TO GIVE ME ADVICE? - WRITE ME TO MY EMAIL: koolgirliestuff@gmail.com
Just my 2 cents worth of gab about the M8 and why I STILL love-hate it and use it until the cows fly home.
Tom
P.S. I really haven't thought about buying a M9, because, I hear of so many people saying that they liked their M8 better.......I went through so much crap/good and bad times with my M8, that I don't think I could take the shock of some of the M9 failures I've heard, the M8 is a flawed gem.
Lss
Well-known
You don't need professional cleaning. It's a 15-minute job, and it definitely takes more effort to get the camera to a shop and back. I have been happy with Visible Dust products.
LeicaTom
Watch that step!
Please explain? Are these products available in the States, maybe even in Florida?
And also something that costs less than $50......before I spend $150 on a pen to clean a camera sensor, I would send it out, it's cheaper to send it out to be cleaned, then to buy such an expensive cleaner.
Tom