M8 vs RD1 dimensions

georgef · 02-02-2008

Does anyone have(or have had) both an M8 and and RD1? How do the two compare in temrs of overall size? am not just talking about the physical dims but also the ergonomics?

I find the RD1 just perfect for my hand size, but even though its much smaller than my ex CANON 1D, I cant say its a small camera...
Your thoughts?

dacaccia · 02-03-2008

Hi,

the M8 is heavier, and it is not so handy as the R-D1. There is no possibility to stabilize the right hand (with the shutter charge lever). I like the grip of the R-D1, and I like it to have no monitor in front of my nose.

Cheers,
dacaccia

jjcha · 02-03-2008

I agree with the last poster. The M8 is marginally smaller (not as tall) and heavier, but I find the ergonomics of the RD-1 to be much better in my hands. I sold the M8 in large part because the ergonomics didn't work for me (even with the Leica half-case), but this is a subjective thing.

Best regards,

-Jason

Joe Mondello · 02-03-2008

You guys need to check out Tim Issac's "Thumbs Up" for the M8 . . .

http://www.flickr.com/photos/fotogo/...7600242129357/

docolmo · 02-03-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by IdeaDog

The M8 without a grip feels a bit odd to me. My fingers can become cramped using the M8 and I feel like I'm holding something flat and square that my hand must adjust to, instead of something designed for my hand. So I attached the Leica grip. It looks a little silly -like a Tootsie Roll attached to the front of the camera- but it works. (I would never plug a thumb hook into the hot shoe of my M8 because that seems like the wrong use of the hot shoe and I also use it to trigger remote flash with a microsync transmitter.)

The grip works fine, but I feel like my nails will soon peel off the leather skin of the M8 body. And it has the tendency to cause your finger to cover the focusing window of the camera. In the end, I'd rather leave the grip at home, and depend on the neck strap and my left hand more for security.

georgef · 02-04-2008

thanks guys...I'll say that was quite revealing! I did expect the m8 to be a bit smaller but not that awkward ergonmically...and I never thought of the weight...that certainly will play a big role in a decision in teh future to go to the Leica..
hmmm...

usayit · 02-05-2008

I found the M8's coverings a bit lacking of grip... especially with my chronic dry hands. The M8 grip which makes a big improvement to the camera's handling capabilities. There is a bit of regret though... I can feel the grip itself flexing which doesn't inspire confidence. I was able to see and feel the photoequip made grip for the M8 at a local camera shop. A bit heavier and the thicker base plate BUT it feels stiffer and stronger.

Rayt · 02-05-2008

There was no need for the M8 to look like an M6 except for the M5 fear factor.

georgef · 02-07-2008

...so I got my hands on an M8 just yesterday and I have to agree with you guys: the lack os a defined physical grip along the heavier body made me a bit uneasy on carrying it the casual way I carry the RD1...
so my plan of action will be as follows:

1. pray to the RF gods my RD1 runs for a long while still.
2.Wait until the full sensor standard to be incorporated in the next M8 releases (whenever that happens)
3. wait for the M9.

Tuolumne · 02-07-2008

I'm sure a 3rd party grip will come along before long. See here:
http://www.photoequip.net/_forms/fm-grip.htm

Or perhaps Tom Abrahamsson will make a grip similar to his Bessa grip for it.

Tom?

/T

usayit · 02-07-2008

photoequip already makes one.... my local camera shop carries them but I've already spent money on the M8 grip.

Tuolumne · 02-08-2008

I asked Eric Paulsen at Photo Equip about his plans for an M8 grip. Here is his reply as of today:

In design the MD-Grip that Photo Equip offers for the Leica M8 digital camera is a clone of the ML-Grip they offer for the M-Series film cameras, with the obvious changes needed to fit the M8 Digital. Here are a couple links to shots of the new MD-Grip:

http://www.black-hole.com/users/ericpaulsen/MDFntQtr

http://www.black-hole.com/users/ericpaulsen/MDFntLwr

They are in stock and priced at $147.00, plus the normal shipping rates. They can be ordered at www.photoequip.net even though they do not have their own link as yet. Click on the ML-Grip link and add a note in the Order Form box for Special Instructions saying it is an MD-Grip for the Leica M8 you want, which along with the price difference will make sure you get the right Grip.

I've used his grip on the Nikon FM3a and have been very happy with them. They are very high quality and help alot in holding the smooth unmolded surface of the FM camera.

/T

georgef · 02-08-2008

I find the RD1s rear grip as useful as the front one. The M8 grip does not have that. I will try one WITH the grip when I get a chance to get a better feel for it.

Tuolumne · 02-08-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by georgef

I find the RD1s rear grip as useful as the front one. The M8 grip does not have that. I will try one WITH the grip when I get a chance to get a better feel for it.

I want the grip to mow the lawn and shovel snow, too. When will it do that?

Seriously, though, if you want belt and suspenders you can get the Photo Equip grip and the Thumbs Up grip for the back. Bit of a kludge with all that hanging off it, though.

/T

LCT · 02-09-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by georgef

Does anyone have(or have had) both an M8 and and RD1? How do the two compare in temrs of overall size?...

M4-2 and R-D1s here, no M8 sorry.

dacaccia · 02-09-2008

sorry, LCT,

you may not simply consider the dimensions. It really depends on how the camera rests in the hands. And, it is fact, the M8 without its shutter lever, and without a grip material, isn't as "handy" as the RD-1 ...

(Here I am not speaking of picture quality! though despite its age the R-D1 is a very fine camera...)

Cheers,
dacaccia

LCT · 02-09-2008

Why are you sorry my dear? Just telling the facts. Otherwise i like much the R-D1 and R-D1s. I own both and they are my favourite RFs over any other ones except the M3.

dacaccia · 02-09-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by LCT

Why are you sorry my dear? Just telling the facts. Otherwise i like much the R-D1 and R-D1s. I own both and they are my favourite RFs over any other ones except the M3.

well, evidentlly the comparison between M3 and R-D1 may suggest more weight of the Epson because its bigger dimensions - but this is not true. That's the reason because I wrote about handiness of the R-D1/s.

Cheers,
dacaccia

LCT · 02-10-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by dacaccia

well, evidentlly the comparison between M3 and R-D1 may suggest more weight of the Epson because its bigger dimensions - but this is not true...

Last time i compared them, the R-D1 was 550g/590g (w/o and w battery) and the M3 595g/620g (w/o and w film).
Makes a 30g difference in practice which is not that significant IMHO.
I did not compare them to the M8 though, but the latter's weight is 545g w/o battery according to its specs so we stay in the same order of figures as those of the R-D1.
Now i agree that the M8 is less handy than both M3 and R-D1 by far.
Feels slippery like a wet soap-bar i would say

Just kidding folks but try to shoot the M8 with one hand and you'll see what i mean.

georgef · 02-12-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tuolumne

I want the grip to mow the lawn and shovel snow, too. When will it do that?

Seriously, though, if you want belt and suspenders you can get the Photo Equip grip and the Thumbs Up grip for the back. Bit of a kludge with all that hanging off it, though.

/T

so....instead of getting one "good" grip, get two "not-as-good" grips?? Doesn't the fact that a grip (or two) is even necessary say something about the ergonomic design of the M8?