Would you buy the M8 again? [Archive]

KM-25

05-19-2008, 15:00

At the prices they are used, $3,800 on the average...maybe.

For the price I paid at $4,750, probably not.

It has proven to be much more of a hassle to keep taking the IR filters on and off to shoot color slide than I would have thought. The front barrel of my 28/2 is coming loose since that is a very popular lens for me on either the M8 or the film M's.

And there is no way I will ever not shoot film M's in even if only black and white, they are simply in another league from the M8 in terms of nearly everything.

The images I get from my D3 with my CZ 35/2 at ISO 3200 put the M8 to shame, even the sound is better. The D3 makes a precise snap that is very short in duration, more discreet than the M8 in my direct experience. The M8 on the other hand sounds like slowed down cartoon sound bite of a rubber band being shot across the room, pathetic for a camera company that has made it's reputation due in part to near silent cameras.

I do make some nice images with the M8 and it certainly has it's place, but it is in no way my go-to camera.

It's either color film or color digital with the M system though, the M8 and other M's simply don't play nice together and that is truly a shame..

retow

05-19-2008, 15:10

Absolutely. As well as the DP1.

grduprey

05-19-2008, 19:42

I'd buy another if I had the cash. Absolutely. Not a single problem.

tmfabian

05-19-2008, 20:11

Absolutely, in fact, i just ordered 2 more before my educational discount stops working (graduating in june)

JWW

05-19-2008, 21:35

Of course!

urban_alchemist

05-19-2008, 21:39

If it worked as I think it should (full frame so my lenses can be used as originally intended, usability at high ISO, quieter shutter) then yes.

As it now stands, sorry to say, no.

Speenth

05-19-2008, 23:11

Yes! There is nothing like it ... and I like it.

Gid

05-20-2008, 03:49

Having recently sold mine and kept my RD1, my answer would have to be no.

Keith

05-20-2008, 03:55

I would have been unsure a couple of months ago ... but having now been given the occasional paid gig where the M8 is the only camera that will do the job the way the client wants it done, I can say yes. In fact if I had the money I would buy another one as backup!

Keith

05-20-2008, 04:20

How many paid gigs does it take to pay for two M8's? ;)

The commitment that they (QUT) have just made to me, to keep giving me work, is incentive to do it correctly ... which to me may ultimately involve having a backup camera. The results from the latest gallery opening I shot for them absolutely stunned them ... the images were exactly what they wanted and their arts curator is going to help me put a portfolio together to allow me to present my services to other similarly placed institutions!

As for your question ... I'll let you know!

usm

05-20-2008, 04:26

I would definitely if I could afford it.
For me it was a special deal for 50% off - so I did it. Best camera I ever had.

Ben Z

05-20-2008, 08:58

Honest answer: I'm not sure. Definitely if I hadn't bought one when the price was still $4795, I would only be looking at a demo now. But that's an economic issue, not related to the camera itself. Why I'm not sure, is that when I look at the situation regarding film and processing (in my area) it's no worse now than it was almost a year ago when I bought my M8. I probably could have kept my M6's and gone on shooting film and spent less than what my M8 has depreciated. The reason for that is, whenever I've been called on to "take pictures" for someone else's (friend, family etc) event, I have ended up going with the 20D instead of the M8.

One reason is for indoor no-flash situations, the M8's noise @ ISO1250 requires a ton of Noise Ninja and it still doesn't look as good as the 20D @ ISO1600. Don't get me wrong, I like the filmy look of the M8's 1250 noise better than the 20D's HDTV-look, but my friends/family prefer the noiseless digital look.

The other reason is that I don't fully trust my M8, which in all fairness has been so far 100% free of the scary glitches others have reported, not to break down just when I'm depending on it to shoot something important for someone else. I have a second 20D as backup, whereas another $4000+ for a second M8 is more than I care to spend. So my M8 has been seeing duty only for my travel photography, with a Dlux-3 as backup. Granted I'm grateful to have it, and would not like to schlepp a 20D and some lenses on my travels, in the size of bag needed to fit it all. Been there done that.

So I really am not totally certain I would buy an M8 if I had it to do over again, but neither am I certain I wouldn't. I guess it boils down to the fact that it was so expensive compared to anything I've bought before, photographically. I only paid over $1000 for a camera once, which was a demo MP, and I sold it later for what I paid and bought 2 M6's for the same money. Otherwise all my cameras I've ever bought, including Leicas, were always under $1000. After a year I'm still reeling from the sticker shock of the M8.

Gabriel M.A.

05-20-2008, 09:38

I guess that answers the question "will you be asked about your M8 purchase decision again?" ;)

DWeston

05-20-2008, 10:17

If pushed I would have to admit that I am still ambivalent about it, after a year plus. I want to like it, lord I want to LOVE it, and I do for its size, and sharpness across the image field with most lenses...

But, I think I may just be a slr type of guy. I had used an M6 back 20 yrs ago and liked it until I went up format, but I can compare images I have shot to both a 5D and my friends D3 and I just don't see major shortages in these other cameras either. For the cost, the 5D is a bargain for similar image quality. I won't get into nit picking, there are of course pros and cons on both sides. Lord knows you can take amazing images with any of them. Guess when either Nikon or Canon come out with a 40D size camera with a full frame chip, I may have to really think about making a change. For the most part, I think it comes down more to what one is comfortable shooting with and how one shoots, that is the deciding factor that overrules all else. One could make a perfect camera[ I gest] but hypothetically, it might not be perfect for all.....

ONe day you may find it in the FS section.....

Olsen

05-20-2008, 12:27

I bought my M8 to 'go digital' with the excellent of M-glass I had, - and could buy. - Like most, I had waited with great expectations for this monumental event that a digital M would be launched.

I have used my M8 parallel to my 1Ds II (sold) and my new 1Ds III. The M8 stands up good compared to both. The difference in resolution compared to both the huge Canon cameras are marginal and has little significance in daily use. The M8's strong points is the far better optics - from the Noctilux to the WATE. The M8/WATE combo costs about the same as a 1Ds III/16-35 mm 2,8L - but is far better. - Sure, the crop factor cheats the M8 to the victory, but if you are a pro interior photographer, the Leica M8/WATE combo must be a serious contender to consider.

The M8 had been on the market for a good 6 months when I bought it in late spring 2007. Already then: The launch was deeply troubled with purple fringe, odd spots, streaks (freaks) and freezes. I find the 'fixes' from Leica,- and their dedicated service follow up quite sufficient. I knew I might be in for trouble. I had my Leica lenses coded, filtered (off and on) and have learned to live with the M8's slight downsides. Like the crop factor. Having had only FF-DSLR's before the M8 and was skeptical to the crop factor. That's why I bought the WATE which solves the problem.

My M8 has been to Solms once. For a 'line' problem. It was back within two weeks. Fixed. Two weeks I used to introduce myself to my new 1Ds III. - An excellent camera that reveal the limitations of much of Canon's lens line. Particularly the zooms fall through; swet drips down your back when you see the blured corners at 100% in PS. Help! - With a few exceptions; the EF 35 mm 1,4L, the 200 mm 2,8L etc. are just excellent. Stubbornly, Canon will not cooperate with neither Carl Zeiss nor Leica to supplement their line with glass of higher quality. That could well be a mistake.

I have had a few M8-freezes which I regard as a battery problem. Have a fresh battery at hand. Avoid 3.party batteries and buy a new one when the freezes occure too often. They are cheap.

I love my M-gear. It is light weight, compact and offers high resolution and contrast. Exceptionally high.

I was very much aware that I supported one of the two, of any significance, European camera producers, when buying the M8. As I have said before; if there is going to be a M9 we all have to buy the M8.

Sure, I would have bought it again!

Olsen

05-20-2008, 13:27

Blurred corners of a lens from a 1DsIII at 100%? That would be a 16x24 print without any interpolation. What size print does 100% in Photoshop from the M8 represent?

Sure, read my post and you see that I point out that 'Leica wins by cheating'.....

The jpg file sizes in PS measures:

M8: 138,85 x 92,85 cm
1Ds II: 176,11 x 117,4 cm
1Ds III: 192,12 x 132,08 cm

By comparison; the largest colour prints I have done are 120 x 120 cm prints from a 6 x 6 cm (Kodak 160ASA Portra) negatives with a Hasselblad (Carl Zeiss 80 mm 2,8 Planar) - sometimes slightly cropped. No doubt, the 1Ds III could match that. Provided it has a good lens mounted.....

TJV

05-20-2008, 13:58

Considering all the problems I had with mine, I think I'm pretty much resolved to pass on the M8 until their game has matured. If that means an M9 or an upgraded M8, anyone can guess. In fact, my experience with Leica service and new products has been so poor I'd hesitate to buy any Leica product again.

I loved using the M8 but I had a horrible time making it perform reliably. Three out of three were faulty. The insane thing is that if I was to have to shoot digital again the M8 is the only camera I'd want to carry around. I enjoy using M's and what else is there on the market that compares? I'm lucky I've got a lot of film kit to fall back on.

aniMal

05-21-2008, 04:28

Yes - I have had one for a while, and am planning on how and when to get a second one...

No problems so far, I put that down partly to having bought a second hand one from a reliable source - i.e. it has been tested for a while...

Didier

05-21-2008, 04:36

Don't have the M8, but if GRD-II and DP1 are your alternatives for candid shooting, then I'd prefer the M8 without hesitating. Candid shooting also means quick shooting - when the people realize someone is shooting you have already done your shots and can smile at them - but the Ricoh and the Sigma are the kings of slowness: shutter and LCD lag, slow AF, hyper slow writing speed, not talking about other invonvenients like poor perfomance above ISO 100, fixed lens, slower apertures (especially the Sigma).

But if you say you already have a R-D1 - what's wrong with that one that you feel you must "upgrade" it to a M8?

Didier

Benjamin Marks

05-21-2008, 05:32

Yup. In a heartbeat. Never had a problem with mine. Last night I was thinking about what lens to use for a particular portrait. Slapped on, in quick succession, the 50/1.5 Summarit, the 50/2.8 Elmarit, the 50/2 Summitar, the 50/1.5 C-Sonnar and a 43/1.9 Pentax just to compare the OOF areas. For this particular shoot the Summarit wins it. I love the idea of being in the digital age, but having lens pallettes from the last 60 years from which to choose.

Don't get me wrong: I am not throwing away my M2-3-5-6, but this camera allows me to do just what I want digitally.

Ben

Keith

05-21-2008, 05:42

The one thing that concerns me a little about my M8 is not being able to have a fast 35mm equivalent. If they do ever bring out a full frame version the current model will be worth bugger all to resell IMHO ... being able to shoot a genuine 35mm focal length at f1.2 would make the upgrade or replacement irresistable if you want to stay with a digital rangefinder! Keep your original M8 and suddenly you have eight focal lengths from four lenses ... and no money left in the bank of course. :p

Richard Marks

05-21-2008, 14:06

Yes I would. Any time. No regrets.
I think Id go for Black rather than Chrome as it scratches less. And if I was starting out i would try and get the quieter shutter.

Richard

Doug

05-21-2008, 23:53

I've had mine only a short time, but it has performed well for me and I'd definitely do it again given the same choice. Very easy to use, comfortable given previous M experience; I have the screen review turned off and just use it like a film camera. It has gone on an overseas trip with me this Spring. In my results I have not yet seen anything that makes me regret not using IR/UV filters. As I work on the trip photos that may change... or perhaps not. :)

Gary Sandhu

05-22-2008, 00:00

Had it, sold the rd-1, then sold the M8, and last week *almost* bought another again.

johnastovall

05-22-2008, 08:17

Absolutely, warts and all there's nothing which does what it does and does it so well.

It put beauty and joy back in to my photography.

kevin m

05-22-2008, 08:20

It put beauty and joy back in to my photography.

Well that's an endorsement that can't be argued with! :)

dseelig

05-22-2008, 09:01

I will keep mine and curse it on occasion . I would buy again but would buy a demo from a reputable store to keep price down. I would only buy used lenses and send them top a good indy store to be checked on . Leica service to slow. Prices have got to come down . David

baycrest

05-22-2008, 14:44

M8 brings the fun factor back to digital photography. And when the M9 comes out I'll be there as well.
Best
Rob

giellaleafapmu

05-24-2008, 10:02

I don't think it is the kind of camera you should have doubts about.
I don't like it and could not justify in any way buying it but if you are considering it then I assume you can afford it or you need it for a specific work. If any of these is the case, then it is the only rangefinder digital camera. No alternatives. If on the other hand it is just image quality we are talking about, for that kind of money you can clearly get many other options (and on most of them you can put great Leitz or Zeiss or whatever glasses easily if that is what appeal to you).
If you like it and have the money go for it. If you are in the EOS vs Nikon vs Fuji vs Leica thinking then I think you sould't!

GLF

Digital Dude

05-25-2008, 06:16

In today’s troubling US economic market with yet higher prices, and a low-ass dollar rate to the Euro; I’m not so sure. However, just yesterday I received my new silver 35-cron from my dealer and now my M8 set is practically complete! My total investment includes this silver 35-cron, a silver 50-lux and a silver 24-Elmarit, for a current sum of 15k. As strictly a hobbyist, this is a lot of currency in any language.
Regards,:rolleyes:

fefe

05-25-2008, 08:02

It's been one year, and I would definitely buy it again. I actually don't know what I would take pictures with if I didn't have it...

About all the "issues", most of them have not been a problem to me: I like the high IR/UV sensitivity, it lets me do IR or UV photography by merely swapping filters. Crashes ? Yes I had some, can't remember missing a shot. White balance ? It works better than most cameras I have owned since the 1.20 firmware. Issue with rangefinder accuracy ? I misfocus by more than it with my bad eyes, and still I get the pictures I want.

I obvuiously "see" how to make it better but until there is a camera with these improvements there is no alternative for me than my M8.

Iron Flatline

05-25-2008, 10:22

Yes, I'd buy it again.

Ecar

05-26-2008, 10:12

Only had mine for 3 months now and haven't looked back since. It took me a year to make a purchasing decision, but I wish I had bought it earlier in a heartbeat.
Like others have said, it has been a joy to use and - more importantly - has changed the way I take pictures. The almost "physical" pleasure of holding and using it is hard to describe.
I now only go to my DSLR when I either need the zoom range or the speed - ie, not very often. Similarly, I reluctantly take my Ricoh GX100 with me when I must have the smallest possible travel kit.
Otherwise, it's the M8. Yes, it's expensive - but the lenses actually account for most of the total cost (that is, if you want a range of Leica glass), and I expect to be able to use these on future M's.
Do I need to say I'd buy it again?

Roger Hicks

05-26-2008, 10:17

. . . I now only go to my DSLR when I either need the zoom range or the speed . . .
Speed?

Cheers,

R.

Ecar

05-26-2008, 10:21

Speed?

Cheers,

R.

I mean fps - eg, for shooting fast action.

Roger Hicks

05-26-2008, 10:27

I mean fps - eg, for shooting fast action.

Ah, I understand; thanks.

Of course I'm grossly prejudiced, because I was brought up (photographically speaking) to shoot one picture at the right moment. Despite this prejudice, I completely agree that it's very desirable indeed to be able to shoot another picture a split-second later, which may also be the right moment!

Cheers,

Roger

Ecar

05-26-2008, 10:41

Ah, I understand; thanks.

Of course I'm grossly prejudiced, because I was brought up (photographically speaking) to shoot one picture at the right moment. Despite this prejudice, I completely agree that it's very desirable indeed to be able to shoot another picture a split-second later, which may also be the right moment!

Cheers,

Roger

Roger,
I sense some sarcasm ;)...
But I'm afraid my reflexes are not fast enough to capture the decisive moment when a bunch of kids are playing basketball AND everyone expects a few good shots to illustrate their respective prowesses.
Anyway, I guess we are going OT here.

HenningW

05-26-2008, 12:43

I would and I did.

I've had Leicas for over 40 years; other cameras have come and some have gone but I always enjoy shooting Leicas the most.

The M8 functions like a film Leica. Yes, the noise is greater and different (doesn't bother me) and it's a bit thicker (ditto) and it's a bit harder to grip. That does bother me a little bit. But it produces great files, and lets me use my best lenses.

Digitally, I also use Canon SLR's, and the 5D is quite nice, but it's an SLR (good and bad) and with something like the 24-105 really bulky and too big for me to carry all the time like I do the M8. Just as important, there exists no really good lens of less than 35mm focal length for Canons. The M8 with WATE, or 21/2.8 asph, or 28/2 or even 15 and 12 CV really shines in comparison.

In the end, it's a Leica M, and that is the reason I bought a second one when I found a good deal. I don't want to be without a good rangefinder when I want to shoot digital.

If (when) Nikon produces a digital rangefinder, I'll look at it, but with my investment in Leica lenses, it just won't come to more than that.

Henning

greggebhardt

05-28-2008, 11:13

I know I would. I am buying a M8 for the third (or 4th) time this next week.

palker

05-29-2008, 10:13

Nope.
I love it, to hold it, use it, look at it, and of course the results.
Not had any problems, and I have remembered the joy of fixed length fast lenses. I may not like to admit it but my eyes are getting too tired to focus with a good success - and that is a bit of a bugger.
However the house was burgled and my sack with DSLR, lenses, flash etc all gone. I got the insurance but I'm waiting for the next generation 5D or a full frame D300. Then I will sell my M8 and my glass.

ChipNovaMac

06-24-2008, 21:18

Have no regrets here on getting the M8... with my lens choices (15, 21, 28, 50, and 90) it gives my M6TTL a new lease on life.....

jaapv

06-25-2008, 02:04

Well, the easy answer is no- I have two and they look set to keep fulfilling my needs for a long, long time. But the funny thing is, I have a DMR as well, which has (even) better file quality, is more practical to use and the lenses are nearly as good. Some of my best work is with the DMR lately, others tell me. But I would upgrade that one to an R10 in a heartbeat, if it suited my needs. I cannot see that happening with a hypothetical M9.... And I have to make a conscious decision to take the DSLR out, whereas the M8 is always with me.
So in the end, yes, if I lost an M8 I would replace it by an M8.

maggieo

06-25-2008, 08:40

I'd buy another one, but I suspect by the time mine is ready to give up the ghost, there'll be something even better than the M8 from Leica to tempt me.

Tom Diaz

06-25-2008, 16:13

Hello,
I shoot with a M6, 35 cron and a 50 lux at the moment. I have owned many film cameras, several DSLRs and a few high end compacts. RD-1, Ricoh GRD, etc. Now my sickness wants me to buy a new toy. Knowing all you know about the M8, would you buy it again or would you try the GRD II, DP1, or something else. I shoot mostly candids and portraits now.
Any input would help a lot!

thanks,
Durr

I will very likely buy another one. I'm very sorry to say that film is getting to be more and more of a hassle for me, and the M8 is starting to give me the kind of results I want artistically.

I have had mine since November 2006 and have been happy with it in spite of all the kludges with filters. I have not had a perfect experience. When I sent mine to Germany for those initial fixes, they goofed up somehow and left screws out; when I tugged on the camera to take it out of my half-case, the top came off in my hand! To give Leica credit, they fixed that by giving me an entirely new M8.

I will hope for something nice at Photokina, and if there is nothing better than another M8 I probably will buy one. However, I hope there is a digital ZI or CV coming out. Or a Panasonic-built "Leica" RF. Or maybe that that rumor about a Nikon RF is coming true. Or maybe that there is a genuinely new and improved Leica M which would justify the same price or an even higher one. However, I think the M8 is outstanding as far as results are concerned.

A less expensive digital M-mount body seems like the right thing for someone to introduce. The M8 would always then have this second body for company in my kit, and it would not have to be everything an M8 is. It would be nice for new people to have a less expensive entree. The Summarit lenses are some indication that Leica understands it has to introduce lower priced products on occasion. If it had a Leica brand and cost half an M8, I think it would sell very well. I'll bet a lot of us who have bought a second M8 or plan to would have bought one or two less expensive bodies instead if we could have.

So I have no complaints, but the experience of the last two years has made me (and probably many other people) question the wisdom of $5000 digital camera bodies in an era of rapid development and obsolescence. My Leica M6TTL made sense at its price because I will be able to use it as long as I want; film will be obsolete before it is.

As a photographer and consumer I liked Lee's idea of upgradability, but now we all are unsure of Leica's commitment to it. If the M8 and its successors are not going to be upgradeable, or not very, then it would make more sense for us users to pour our money into lenses and use less expensive bodies.

yanidel

06-26-2008, 00:25

A less expensive digital M-mount body seems like the right thing for someone to introduce. The M8 would always then have this second body for company in my kit, and it would not have to be everything an M8 is. It would be nice for new people to have a less expensive entree. The Summarit lenses are some indication that Leica understands it has to introduce lower priced products on occasion. If it had a Leica brand and cost half an M8, I think it would sell very well. I'll bet a lot of us who have bought a second M8 or plan to would have bought one or two less expensive bodies instead if we could have.
You make some good points here. Yet, I struggle with the idea that a new rangefinder would be used as a second body. You mentionned obsolesence too so I personally think that CV or ZI introducing a digital rangefinder would automatically send the M8 toward obsolesence. Two years after the M8 introduction, I doubt any new comer would enter with a smaller and less advanced sensor, this also applies to features. Of course, the body would probably less resistant and less Leica like, but if you get a more advanced product at half the price and full Rangefinder ergonomics, would you really keep the M8 as a first body ?

Joe Mondello

06-26-2008, 08:58

While I've truly enjoyed renewing my acquaintance with RF photography, **MY** M8 has been unreliable and so no I wouldn't buy it again.

Probably sell it as soon as it gets back from repair, but will also probably keep my R-D1.

IF the M8 had the low light capabilities and reliability of my D3 it'd likely be a different story for me.

rweissman

06-26-2008, 21:47

I have owned multiple Canons (D30, 20D, 1DS, 5D), an Epson RD-1 and am a medium format enthusiast (Mamiya ZD). When I''m not doing something requiring flexibility and speed (like a wedding or similar event--as an advanced amateur, not a pro), my camera of choice is the M8, which I' have owned since 2006. Despite the fact that I am nearsighted and do not have the the best focusing skills (Leica's 1.25x viewfinder magnifier helps), I get a very high 'keeper' rate from my M8. It is the camera that has given me the most enjoyment and the best images during the past two years.

I use it mostly for portraits, candids and travel and am rarely disappointed and am often amazed at the results. I've been extremely happy with the Zeiss Biogon 25 and the Leica 35 and 50 'chrons, recently replaced with equivalent ASPH f1.4 'luxes (in museums and other low light situations f2 just isn't enough), and the Summicron (Canadian) 90MM f2.0. Leica optics are simply superb. I have begun to experiment with a Noctilux since I far prefer natural light to flash, which I use only as a last resort and love the blur and subject isolation for which the Noctilux is famous (or infamous). The non-Leica lenses that I've enjoyed as much as my Leica gear are the Canon L 85mm f1.2 on my 5D, another fabulous lens (but the lens alone subjectively seems to weigh as much as the M8 plus lens), and the Hassy/Zeiss 110mm f2 planar on my Mamiya 645.

I can take my M8 to places where my Canon 5D + L lenses would be too much, too noticeable or too heavy--and beyond speed and flexibility, I give up nothing in the process and the image quality is, more often than not, breathtaking.

I would buy one again without hesitation or reservation. Despite truly crappy human factors , viewfinder blockage, IR issues and the imprecise feedback of a rangefinder like the M8, the M8 form factor plus the Leica sensor + Leica optics are a truly winning combination. This is the camera that accompanies me day in, day out.

Tom Diaz

06-27-2008, 13:44

... Of course, the body would probably less resistant and less Leica like, but if you get a more advanced product at half the price and full Rangefinder ergonomics, would you really keep the M8 as a first body ?

You, too, make a very good point. Yes, if there were something from Nikon or Zeiss that had a much lower price and were more modern, it might send my M8 into retirement. Not likely very soon, though. If the basic specification is "get the most out of the Leica M lenses that I have bought already and which have no equal," then it will be a while, I think, before someone can really outdo the Leica M8. I think that is especially true with large-aperture and wide-angle lenses. If something less expensive comes out I will almost certainly try it. I would be surprised if its results are as good as the M8's, but if they are I would certainly consider retiring the M8 and getting a second copy of the new thing.

I'm not a camera designer, but I would think that someone could get away with fewer rangefinder ergonomics and still satisfy my basic "specification" above. For instance, wouldn't a somewhat thicker, blockier body obviate the need for a super-thin sensor and for all the filters? Granted, then I would really be propeled to retiring the M8, because I would have to be exchanging the filters all the time when I switch lenses between bodies. That's the problem I have today, with an M8 and a "backup" M6TTL.

ben

06-30-2008, 10:49

No. I'll be selling mine soon.

kbg32

06-30-2008, 11:42

I would love to have another one. Lets see what comes down the road....

Clark Van Orden

06-30-2008, 11:44

With out question I would buy another!

Carlitos

06-30-2008, 15:53

I would venture to guess most people on this forum don’t consider great machines like the Mark III or D3 a true alternative to the M8. We aren’t talking about film cameras if we are talking about the M8. So, that really still only leaves the R-D1 as option B. There is of course an option C, and that is to do nothing and wait.

For those of you who have shot with both the M8 and R-D1, using both CV and Leica glass; would you still spend $5K to buy the M8? Maybe that is another thread.:D

ali_baba

06-30-2008, 16:53

buy a demo from a reputible dealer, be prepared to give it back in exchange for another, possibly another. but do so! im quite pleased with mine!

Joe Mondello

07-01-2008, 07:02

This should have been a poll!

bohdan

07-01-2008, 11:28

I would be in the 'in a heartbeat club'.

The question is would you buy it again. Having never owned one in the first place, can some contributors form an accurate answer?

jlancasterd

07-04-2008, 12:51

I'm also firmly in the 'yes' category - I have an R8/DMR with 21-35 and 28-90 zooms, but find myself picking up the M8 with a 12/15/28/35/50 lens set more often than not as it is lighter and more fun to use.

However, if the R10 is full-frame, and allows manual focus, I might change my mind...

ChipNovaMac

07-04-2008, 22:33

Been having some time with my M8 of late.... and see more the reason it is perfect for me. I would love to be able to have a 2nd M8 body with me... but even with the glass I have I can seeing work for me... :(

Ray Kilby

07-06-2008, 02:54

I sold mine. It was a bit of a dud in some respects. However, it did also take some fine pictures too. It's a very good camera in many resoects and it is true that if yiu can work around it's particualr fiobles you can get some fabulous results. I just couldn't rely upon it when I was on a job. Also Leica annoyed me somewhat with their attitude and they never addressed the issues I was concerned with.

All that said, I am waiting to see what happens and if they iron out all the problems sufficiently for me to buy one again as I love Leica M cameras with a passion for their simplicity, size and weight and quality.

It is a good camera, as to whether it is better than some other cameras is debateable. However the Leica glass is second to none, and in the end that is what is important.

You wil get a lot of opinions on this, both emotional and technical, but in the end you will just have to try and test run one yourself.

So in answer to your question, I will buy another at a later date, pocket willing and improvements made, but not before.