Thinking of buying an M8 (again) Help sought

[Nick De Marco]

You may have seen from my other threads I have been doing these Rangefinder Chronicles every day for over a month now and am loving always having, and using, film rangefinder cameras.
http://rangefinderchronicles.blogspot.com/

I used to have a Leica M8, and although I loved and hated it in equal measure, the main reason I sold it was that it was not a perfect digital camera, and for certain things (professional work, studio, using fast, high ISOs), I found the 5D mk II to be a better camera. I felt I could not justify owning an M8 if it was not my main camera - and sold it.

Now I keep thinking how much I would appreciate a digital M again. This time not to be my main, or most used camera, but more to compliment my film Ms, try M lenses on etc.

I could not justify an M9, unless I sold half my film cameras and only wanted to use digital. And that's not the case. Also, having borrowed an M9 for a day, I didn't like using it that much. Apart from the full frame (of course) none of the other improvements mean much to me, and so I don't even think of getting an M9.

But I'm figuring, if an M8 can still do what it did before, and if it can hold its value after a year (as they seem to so far) so I could sell it when something new comes out I want without loosing too much money, then an M8 might be a good idea.

What do digital Leica owners think? Would you buy an M8 as your only digital M now, considering it is not going to be the only, or main, camera you use every day? Are they likely to last another year or so and still have good resale value?

I have seen a few for under 2k from good dealers. The M8.s is usually another £500 on top of that, and I'm not convinced that the improvements would be worth the extra for what I would use it for, although I have seen an upgraded M8 for 2k. I don't know whether chrome or black is better, or just aesetic (I have and like both in film Ms). And I saw a M* limited edition panda for a couple of hundred or so more than other users and liked the look of it and wondered whether it might attract a better resale value.

Any hints, tips and advice greatfully received. I should add that I have long since realised that you can't take better pictures by having more or 'the best' cameras, another reason the M9 does not excite me too much. The M8 would be more for use alongside my film cameras for those occasions when it is just more convenient to choose film over digital.

Thanks

Nick

[johnwolf]

Nick,

I've enjoyed your posts on LUF, as well as your blog posts. You seem to have a level-headed perspective on gear.

I can't speak to the M8 as one's only digital M. But I think you don't have much financial risk if you give it a go. If you get a good deal I can't imagine you would lost much if you decide to sell. I do think an M8.2 will likely hold value better, but that's just a supposition.

This isn't relevant to your question, but I wrestled with getting an M8.2 and keeping my 5DII kit vs. M9 and selling everything else. I finally decided on the latter. I'm in the midst of selling my 5DII gear to pay for the M9.

Good luck with your decision.

John

[dshfoto]

How about trying a digital Leica R DMR back, with an R8 or R9.
It gives you the flexibility of a DSLR plus the leica look. Of course, autofocus is gone, but the quality it great.
Also, you may want to wait until the next version of the M digital comes out.
Note that new Kodak sensor KAI-29050 as a possible sensor for a future M camera, some even claim it will be the next one, the M10. A KAI-type of sensor is totally different from the KAF-type now employed in the M9 camera.

[tbarker13]

I'm using an M8.2 as my only digital M. I love it.
Like you, I am more likely to turn to my DSLR (a nikon D700 in my case) for the bulk of my needs - particularly in the studio or in low-light situations.
But the M8 is a nice addition to the kit. I'll take it places I wouldn't drag my Nikon - so that alone means I'll take more photos that I might not otherwise.
I figure that one day I'll get an M9, but not until they hit the used market in the sub $3,000 range. At that point, I'll get what I can out of my M8.2 and make the switch.
Life is too short to wait. If you don't want to shell out the big dollars for an M9, get an M8 and enjoy it.

[thompsonks]

I too enjoyed your M8 posts! I would follow Tim's advice. The M8.2 or u has much more useful framelines. I'd found the M8 framelines annoying until I upgraded. Also the 1/8000 shutter was discontinued because the tension was too high for it to be as durable as the later version.

But if Santa brings you an M9 you'll like it better. The larger sensor gives nicer tonal gradations.

Kirk

[ampguy]

I'd highly recommend you get another M8, just ensure the sensor or electronics, and shutter don't have issues, and enjoy it.

[skommini]

Originally Posted by johnwolf

Nick,

I've enjoyed your posts on LUF, as well as your blog posts. You seem to have a level-headed perspective on gear.

I can't speak to the M8 as one's only digital M. But I think you don't have much financial risk if you give it a go. If you get a good deal I can't imagine you would lost much if you decide to sell. I do think an M8.2 will likely hold value better, but that's just a supposition.

This isn't relevant to your question, but I wrestled with getting an M8.2 and keeping my 5DII kit vs. M9 and selling everything else. I finally decided on the latter. I'm in the midst of selling my 5DII gear to pay for the M9.

Good luck with your decision.

John

John - absolutely love your work on your website! I am sure you will play magic with the M9!

As for me, I am wrestling with the idea of the M9....should I sell my M8.2 + Summicron ASPH 28 & Summicron ASPH 50 and get a M9 + 35 Summicron 35 IV (I really enjoy the 35 mm perspective and hence my 28 stays permanently on the M8.2).

Satya

[woodleica]

Be careful to factor in cost of sending M8 to leica if necessary. My camera was perfectly fine when I got it. Recently it developed the dreaded vertical line issue and I know for a fact this did not exist when I first got it. It's a fantastic camera and I love what it can do, but just keep in mind that people may be wanting to get rid of their "problems". From my experience and looking at the web, it appears that this vertical line issue is quite widespread. Software does not fix it. I sent mine back to Leica before I sell it. When I get it back, I will be selling it since I sprung for an M9, only because an M is my only body and I don't want this problem again. Other than this I'd be happy with the M8 for a while to come. If it's your second or third body, you can afford the wait to send it in to have it fixed. It's not a serious problem, but really a consideration if it's your only body, and potential cost to fix it. cheers...

[Nick De Marco]

Does the M8.2 also suffer from the 'dreaded red line issue'?

[johnwolf]

Originally Posted by skommini

John - absolutely love your work on your website! I am sure you will play magic with the M9!

Thanks, Satya. I think a DSLR probably suits my style of shooting better, but I'm going ahead with the digital M anyway. It feels right.

John

[woodleica]

Originally Posted by Nick De Marco

Does the M8.2 also suffer from the 'dreaded red line issue'?

From what I've heard, it does not - but I did not own one. However the price difference is still larger than the likely repair costs of an M8 last I checked.

[Nick De Marco]

I bought a very nice M8.2 used from Red Dot.
It's great and going to find a place in my Rangefinder Chronicles which will no longer be exclusively film

[viramati]

Enjoy. with a 28 cron asph it will really sing