View Full Version : Really Thinking about an R8, talk me out of it...
For the past 4 months or so I've been really GASing for an R8 (When I say I'm GAS free thats in reference to rangefinder land I guess) But it would be the most illogical purchase ever. I would have to sell something now to buy it and then invest in a new lens kit.
But I still really want one, but I can't really sell my DSLR kit because I need it and my current SLR kit is an FM2n which wont cover the spread.
But people still need to tell me how good/bad the R8 is.
http://photo.net/equipment/leica/r8.jpg
At nearly 1 kilo, isn't this the rock you'd attach to your ankle before jumping off a bridge? :)
I found this review informative:http://photo.net/equipment/leica/r8
back alley
10-13-2007, 15:30
why do you want one is the better question?!
nobbylon
10-13-2007, 15:31
I've had mine for a while now, here's my thoughts. It is big, no doubt about it but it really is the most comfortable camera I've ever used. Just feels right. Quality solid build, smooth as silk to operate and the metering is always spot on. The viewfinder is a delight, bright and contrasty and very easy to focus. The downside is that it's heavy. I was tempted to sell but had second thoughts knowing that I would want another. I use it with a 60mm elmarit macro which makes a very nice combo. If you are used to an FM it would definately be worth trying one first before you invest though to see if you can live with the size and weight. If you do go for it then I would go for a later model made in Portugal as all the earlier niggles where sorted out. rgds j
cmogi10 has GAS like nobody else I've seen here. :)
Have you looked at the other R cameras? I read a good writeup on them a while ago and the author was of the opinion that the later R6 cameras were the best by far. Though I think the R8 can accept some form of digital module, can't it?
While you should not have to do more than hold one in your hands to know not to buy it, rent one for a weekend if you really need to be convinced that only someone with suction cups for hands could actually hold it.
I've held it and I think it's one of the most ergonomical SLRs out there.
But
I've come to my sense and realized I don't want another camera. Problem solved. I spent the day with my FM2N and it reminded my how much I love it.
Thread closed.
Uncle Bill
10-13-2007, 15:49
You might want to hit the gym before buying the camera, I managed to handle one at a local camera show, it's big and heavy.
From what I have read, the R8 is a formidable camera in terms of functionality and the fact you can use older R lenses is a plus. The Canadian made glass is pretty nice.
I think you can do just as well with a Nikon F3HP with a set of ZF lenses.
Bill
Why do you honeslty want another camera? Do you really need a Leica SLR? Besides, there are cheaper alternatives which can be had at even more cheaper price.
I have a feeling someone is in "Leica GAS" mode right now. Understandable if you want an SLR but why the R8? Do you really need it?
Unless you do a lot of macro photography or really fast sports photography, I think your Leica M will do the job just right.
Besides dont you already have a digital M as well as a film M? Honestly if you just have to have a film SLR, go buy a second hand Nikon FM2 or something.
Otherwise I think you are just spending to be spending.
Why do you honeslty want another camera? Do you really need a Leica SLR? Besides, there are cheaper alternatives which can be had at even more cheaper price.
I have a feeling someone is in "Leica GAS" mode right now. Understandable if you want an SLR but why the R8? Do you really need it?
Unless you do a lot of macro photography or really fast sports photography, I think your Leica M will do the job just right.
Besides dont you already have a digital M as well as a film M? Honestly if you just have to have a film SLR, go buy a second hand Nikon FM2 or something.
Otherwise I think you are just spending to be spending.
I've held it and I think it's one of the most ergonomical SLRs out there.
But
I've come to my sense and realized I don't want another camera. Problem solved. I spent the day with my FM2N and it reminded my how much I love it.
Thread closed.
Common sense prevailed over the course of less then a day.
Aha, sorry about that... didnt even see that post. haha. Guess thats what I get. heehe.
Good thing, my friend. The money you would have spent on the R8 you can save for future lens gas attacks. :D
Exactly...
while shooting yesterday (and changing lenses on the fly) I was thinking that the only thing that could possibly inspire gas these days would be another M6 body so I can have my 75 lux on a .85 body and my Biogon on a .72.
But then I realized I shouldn't be so lazy and that shelling out another grand because I think it be cool to have both lenses at my fingertips is foolish.
I get these brief fits of Gas but I try to be reasonable.
Exactly...
while shooting yesterday (and changing lenses on the fly) I was thinking that the only thing that could possibly inspire gas these days would be another M6 body so I can have my 75 lux on a .85 body and my Biogon on a .72.
But then I realized I shouldn't be so lazy and that shelling out another grand because I think it be cool to have both lenses at my fingertips is foolish.
I get these brief fits of Gas but I try to be reasonable.
I think another M6 body would be an excellent idea ... I went out last night to our local hall to shoot a musical event with a 90 Summicron on my M3 and a 35mm Hexanon on my M2. First time I've taken two cameras for that sort of purpose and it was heaven not having to root around changing lenses in the half dark ... not to mention how well the focal lengths suited those particular bodies. Everyone bangs on about how well the M3 is suited to a 50mm lens ... well I reckon it's nirvana with a good 90mm on it! :)
Go on ... you know you need another M6! :p
I'd like one, but I don't need one. And more importantly can't afford one.
So nah, no M6, not right now.
cmogi10 has GAS like nobody else I've seen here. :)
Have you looked at the other R cameras? I read a good writeup on them a while ago and the author was of the opinion that the later R6 cameras were the best by far. Though I think the R8 can accept some form of digital module, can't it?
I don't have any gas! :p
Buy the R8, the Modul-R, a M6 and a Noctilux.
Pherdinand
10-14-2007, 12:34
A whole small town in Africa would get good drinking water for a year from the price of the M8.:)
Hey-
you said we should talk you out of it!
Pherdinand
10-14-2007, 12:35
Ah wait, it's the R8 not the M8.
Dunno what's the price of the R8, but you can make that year three to six months and i guess you are there.
Buy the R8, the Modul-R, a M6 and a Noctilux.
Hah! A couple small purchases.
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