Would you trade your M9 to go back to an M8?

[Vickko]

Would you trade your M9 to go back to an M8?

Factors:
- M9 is still $5K to $6, and will start going down its devaluation curve
- M8 is likely at the bottom of its devaluation curve, with mint units at $2.5K
- M8 is still a darned fine camera, and I still have a whack of UV/IR filters

Has anyone gone from M9 back to an M8? What were your reasons?

Vick

 

[Keith]

I'd have to ask ... once you've had an M9 why would you go back to the M8 if you didn't have to for financial reasons?

 

[raid]

... or trade your M8 towards an M7 .....?
I am sure that some people have done this too.
This is different from going from an M9 to an M8.

 

[Keith]

... or trade your M8 towrards an M7 .....?
I am sure that some people have done this too.

But that's going from digital to film Raid ... that's not a change that's a quantum leap! 😀

 

[Lss]

once you've had an M9 why would you go back to the M8 if you didn't have to for financial reasons?

Exactly. Unless you want to shoot IR on the M or need to get some cash, there is no reason to go back to M8. Just crop the M9 files and you are basically there. 🙂

 

[thegman]

I'd have to ask ... once you've had an M9 why would you go back to the M8 if you didn't have to for financial reasons?

I'd consider trading for something cheaper, not because I need the money, but because I'd feel more comfortable putting something cheaper in precarious situations, and also I suppose maybe the perceived feeling of a lack of value.

I think with items like this, which are emotional purchases more often than logical ones, just a general "feeling" can be enough to sway us.

 

[Benjamin Marks]

In a word: no. M9 is FF, allowing a wider range of wide-angles to be used. Also M9 has a better handle on the IR problem. Also, bigger sensor = more resolution. The M8 is a find camera, but the M9 is truly the next iterative product from Leica and a better one in many ways both large and small (e.g. selectable lens menu). The relative placement of the cameras on the depreciating-without-a-parachute model that digital currently favors is, to me, irrelevant.

 

[MikeL]

Can you get a warranty on $2000 M8?

 

[dof]

I am in the opposite camp so my first reaction is based in reality. Even though I had the desire, I never found the need to upgrade from the M8 to an M9.

If I were in the opposite situation, I would probably find little need nor interest in downgrading.

Can you get a warranty on $2000 M8?

If you have it serviced by Leica, then yes you can.

 

[randomm]

But that's going from digital to film Raid ... that's not a change that's a quantum leap! 😀

Hang on Keith, do you mean that a larger sensor and an IR filter is a quantum leap?

I mean, well, yes M8 is an older generation camera, but compared to the M9 I'm not sure if one can say the difference is a quantum leap...

But hey, I'm biased as an M8.2 owner 🙂

 

[Vickko]

No, but my M9 is at the end of its warranty.
I think I can find a demo M8 with warranty though, for $2.5K
And I'd have $3K in my pocket.

Yes, this pondering is about money.

Vick

Can you get a warranty on $2000 M8?

 

[thegman]

If you feel you'd be happy with an M8, why not? Worst that can happen is that you realise you prefer the M9, and it's worth the extra money. Then you re-buy at a lower cost once the M10 comes out. With digital, you pretty much always get the chance to buy again at a lower cost.

 

[tbarker13]

One thing I'd have to challenge is the idea that the M8 is at the bottom of its devaluation curve. When it comes to digital cameras, I've yet to see anything that would convince me there is such a thing as being at the bottom of a devaluation curve.


That said, if you don't need full frame, I'd see no issue with going back to the M8. If the M8 meets your needs, why have several thousand more dollars tied up in an M9?

 

[MCTuomey]

If the M8 meets your needs, why have several thousand more dollars tied up in an M9?

Exactly - decide which meets your needs, then do it.

 

[TennesseJones]

Interesting thread, have been thinking about selling an M6 to try digital via an m8.... Good that people think its still a viable option...

Exactly - decide which meets your needs, then do it.

 

[thegman]

Interesting thread, have been thinking about selling an M6 to try digital via an m8.... Good that people think its still a viable option...

I guess it is every bit as viable as when it was released. The only thing you need to consider a little, is long term servicing.

 

[Araakii]

M9 to M8? Unless you are living on the street but still want to shoot digital, I don't see any reason in this world why you would do it.

 

[ferider]

If I had the lenses fitting my needs on the M8, I would trade one M9 against two M8 bodies in a heart beat. And have enough cash left for another lens or a week-end in Hawaii or similar.

It's like rowing: a single paddle is too slow 🙂

Roland.

 

[TennesseJones]

Good point! Assumed they'll service them for a good few years yet...

I guess it is every bit as viable as when it was released. The only thing you need to consider a little, is long term servicing.

 

[splitimageview]

No, but I'd trade an M9 for an X-Pro1 and cash. 🙂