Yay! Finally got my M8 1 yr 2 mos later & thanks

[Keyne]

Yay! I finally got a nice used M8 1 year and 2 months after finding this forum and researching/lusting for a digital RF. I purchased it from Tamarkin camera and they were awesome to deal with.

I had purchased one from a different large respected vendor and returned it (without issues and full refund) due to the dreaded sensor line being discovered during my testing (see my other thread in the forum). Anyway, I had some very specific questions and requests for the camera I wanted to buy (higher serial number, box and documents, etc.) and Tamarkin were really great (even emailed me specific pictures). Also, they had a recent test certificate for the camera from Leica indicating that the camera had been tested (11-24-10) and was up to spec. They mentioned they do that with many of the used M8's they have. So far the camera has passed my tests and not shown any issues. Real excited to be out shooting with it and learning the RF technique!

By the way, thanks to everyone here on the forums. Over the past year plus, I have read a ton of posts about the M8 vs RD1, M8's in general, where to buy, etc. Really helped me make my decision.

Regards,

Kevin

 

[efix]

Congrats! Hope it won't make you any trouble and you'll enjoy using it for a long time!

 

[sper]

It's pretty sad that this kind of caution is even necessary for a Leica. M8's are fantastic when they work. Good luck with yours!

I've often thought that calling the first digital M from Leica an M8 was a mistake. They should have called it the M7-D or MD-1 or some variation on that. Then when they were fully ready to roll out a camera worthy of their liniage (M9), call that the actual next generation, M8.

Nobody calls the R9 a dog, but people do tend to think of the DMR as an unsuccesful venture.

 

[jaapv]

When I bought an M3 a few years ago, I went for the one that had been run through a CLA in Solms - and came with a certificate....🙄

 

[RollingBall]

Can I ask Keyne, what made you go for the M8 in the end? I've also been checking out the board here for a long time, especially the R-d1 vs M8 thread. I've eventually gone for the r-d1 mostly on grounds of cost but also because of individual factors.

 

[Keyne]

I really wanted an RD1 for the design (analog display, fold away LCD, etc.)... but I was concerned about getting it serviced. Additionally, I am coming from M4/3's and wanted the smallest crop possible. Also, IMO compared to DSLR's they are both very expensive so I really wanted to buy from a dealer with at least a 60-90 day warranty and a good return policy (e.g. after testing it). I think KEH had some RD1's but not when I was really looking so the M8 was the best option. They both seem to be great cameras and I am really excited to start the RF learning curve. Worst part is it is Winter here in Boston... I wish it were Spring!

 

[semordnilap]

Yep... winter in Boston is... winter. Nice thing is you'll have learned the camera well by the time it warms up. And it's pretty easy to use with a decent pair of lightweight gloves.

Enjoy!!!

 

[RollingBall]

Additionally, I am coming from M4/3's and wanted the smallest crop possible.

What exactly is the crop factor? I've heard it mentioned before. I just know 1:1 viewfinder is the most important to me as I just use 50mm lenses.
Thanks

 

[blimey]

What exactly is the crop factor? I've heard it mentioned before. I just know 1:1 viewfinder is the most important to me as I just use 50mm lenses.
Thanks

the m8/8.2 has a 1.33 crop factor. what it means is that any lens attached to your M8 has a different focal length relative to 35mm film format as a reference.

for example:

28mm lens is actually 37mm in your M8.
50mm lens is actually 66.5mm in your M8.

28mm x 1.33 crop (M8) = effective focal length in the M8

 

[deirdre]

If you just use 50mm lenses, then 35mm on an M8 is pretty darn close to 50mm. Otherwise, you'll be using 67mm lenses (approx).

 

[ChrisLivsey]

What exactly is the crop factor? I've heard it mentioned before. I just know 1:1 viewfinder is the most important to me as I just use 50mm lenses.
Thanks

Two different things, crop factor explained in above posts, 1:1 viewfinder not.

Both M8 and M9 use 0.68 magnification, I add a 1.25 magnifier so see a 0.85 view, still not your 1:1 though. Leica make a 1.4 magnifier which takes you to 0.95 which is close enough ?

ChrisL

 

[Mcary]

What exactly is the crop factor?

Historically when different formats were introduced they included both a new format of camera example 4x5, 6x6, 645 and 35mm as well as lens designed specifically to work with that system/format. This all changed with the introduction of digital in which companies like Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Leica.ext wanted to be able to use as much of their current product line as possible but were unable to produce a 36x24 digital sensor at a marketable price so they went with ones that varied in size from about 22x15 to 27x18. Since the effective field of view of a lens is determined by what format of film/senors its used with. Lens that were considered to have normal field of view when mounted on a 35mm format camera became short telephoto's when mounted on a camera using a 22x15 sensor. Just like when 35mm first came out and 80mm lens which were considered as having a normal field of view when used on a medium format system became short telephoto's when mounted on a 35mm body.

 

[RollingBall]

Thanks, I understand crop factor now.

I add a 1.25 magnifier so see a 0.85 view, still not your 1:1 though. Leica make a 1.4 magnifier which takes you to 0.95
ChrisL

Is the magnifier mentioned above an external viewfinder, or attached over the existing viewfinder? Any link to a pic would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[ChrisLivsey]

It screws into the existing viewfinder. There are more reasonably priced variants from China on the 'bay and they do sell S/H as well.
http://uk.leica-camera.com/photography/m_system/accessories/viewfinder_accessories/2211.html