Would you buy a M8 today at the current market price?

lol synchronicity. i just sent a note to my team here at work which had in its first draft the fundamental equation "cost =/= price =/= value".
 
Jeff S said:
Like some others, you confuse value with cost. Only the buyer can assess value.
Click to expand...

In all fairness you took my quote out of context, but you are right as well (per the definition of value). Since you decided to call me out, I will concede and say I should have used bargain.
 
I make decent amount money, but after mortgage, kid tuition and take care of family, I fell selfish or careless to buy a $7K digital M9. I just use a Nikon DSLR. TO me M8 or 9 is not worth it, it is personal things.
 
I suspect the price of the M8 is where it will be for some time to come. Look at the R-D1, its prices have not been moving for several years. The are too few digital RF´s in the market place ensuring that demand has been, is and will be for who knows how long, in excess of supply. If I wanted an M8, I´d buy one, now (after selling of a larger chunk of my collection than Brian). ;)
 
Jeff S said:
:confused: Bad alternative for me, akin to saying "I don't have to photograph anything."

The camera is just a tool for me. The digital Ms are the only tools that meet MY needs and preferences (and the M8.2 does that even better than the M9...for me).

So, the value is weighed against not shooting at all (not an option), or using a less than adequate and desirable tool to help create prints for pleasure and exhibit (also not an option).
Click to expand...

You're right, not having a camera isn't an option (or a bad one anyways).
But I do have one to tide me over: My GF1 with primes and a EVF.
It "works" for now..
 
Last edited:
doolittle said:
@nickw: just picking up on two things you wrote:
"I've been wanting a Leica M for a few years now"
and
"I long for a fully manual camera again. Something well built which will get out of my way, and simply be a pleasure to use."

Have you considered a Leica M film camera? Might be something to bear in mind.
Click to expand...

I have.:)
Here's the short answer:
Film is great, but right now digital works better for me.



And here's the expanded version if you're interested:
Last year I moved, and I made a large effort to downsize a lot of my stuff, I cut about 50%. As part of the cut I decided to give away my darkroom. Absolutely everything, chemical, film, paper, timers, tanks, trays, enlarger, easels, and more. It was the works. I knew it was worth a chunk of money, but I gave it to a friend who is getting into photography and I felt good about that (and I know she's really enjoying it).

I decided sell/give it away for a few reasons:
1) I knew I didn't have a space to set up a dark room in my new place.
2) I find for me I prefer a digital workflow.
3) On a personal level I burnt out and crashed, I didn't have the time or energy to start selling it off. I also believe what goes around comes around. She wanted it, and I could afford to give it away. I find value in knowing she's using and loving it, and couldn't afford to buy a full set up. It was a win-win.

From time to time I've thought about going back to film, but I won't for two reasons.
1) Cost: The tanks and chemicals are cheap. The bigger thing would be a used Nikon 9000 scanner and a film body. Those would cost me around $3K combined, the cost of a digital M.
2) I prefer a digital workflow: I can shot film and scan it, or just shoot digital to start with. I've decided to just shoot digital. I understand the pro's and cons's of doing so.

That's basically it. I understand the compromise. But for now digital wins out due to lack of space, cost and connivence.
There's my long answer. :)
 
Last edited:
On a separate note. Thanks everyone for the thoughts & advise. It's appreciated. :)

I'm just trying to make sure I'm being wise with my money. $2K is a large amount for me to spend on gear. Five years ago I wouldn't of thought twice about it, but since then I've taken a position with a non profit aid agency and my income took a big cut. I just wanted to get some advise on market value. I'd hate to spend $2K on a body just to find out if I had waited another 6-12months I could of saved $500 or whatever. Sure I'd love to have an M8 now, but I don't mind being patient either. That being said, one could also spend forever waiting, so it's a balancing act. :)
 
Last edited:
jsrockit said:
In all fairness you took my quote out of context, but you are right as well (per the definition of value). Since you decided to call me out, I will concede and say I should have used bargain.
Click to expand...

No intention to "call you out," i.e., no offense meant. I was merely clarifying a common misconception, which in this case I think is pertinent to the OP's purchase decision.

But, as long as I've already stepped into this, the use of "bargain" is no different in that it refers to an advantageous purchase, and this again is a value judgment that only the buyer can assess. A bargain for one person might be considered a rip-off for another.

I paid $5500 for a new M8.2 three years ago, and another $3400 for a mint low mileage one last year (the latter was a "bargain" at the time according to a different definition of bargain, i.e., bought at less than market value). And, given the immense value that I've received from these two purchases, I rank them as a fantastic bargain. That's my assessment; YMMV, as might the OP's.

Jeff
 
porktaco said:
is it like when bugs bunny goes to the cave that has aladdin's lamp?
Click to expand...

Yeah... as an example... Before the big sell-off, I had two Dozen Nikkor 50mm F1.4 lenses in various mounts. I am down to 22 now.

This is what happens when you start collecting cameras as a kid. Half a century later, you find out that they accumulate.
 
Brian Sweeney said:
Yeah... as an example... Before the big sell-off, I had two Dozen Nikkor 50mm F1.4 lenses in various mounts. I am down to 22 now.

This is what happens when you start collecting cameras as a kid. Half a century later, you find out that they accumulate.
Click to expand...

Two dozen = 24, then down to 22? only sell two lenses?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom