I am about to buy an M8!

[tmfabian]

Originally Posted by raid

No problem. Do you have more than one M8? How do you feel about using such a camera?

Yup...i've got 3 of them...and I dig them, ESPECIALLY at high iso (being a promoter and often instigator of the 'l2 use exposure properly and high iso isn't a problem' philosophy) My only reservation about the m8, which applies to all digital M's, is that the buttons on the back aren't recessed...and you can randomly end up with images ready to be deleted on your screen from random belly presses...but with some careful and clever gaffer taping...is not an issue.

[raid]

Do you use IR cut filters? If yes, how many do you have?

[tmfabian]

also...if you're looking for some real insight aside from the standard talking points...
the m8 is a digital m7...it has some faults, some random quirks...but it's efficient, it has very little shutter lag...the images are crisp and sharper than my dslr's, the crop is a bit annoying, especially if you're like me and use 50's all the time...oh and bottom plate release thingy is on the wrong side....but to me it's my favorite camera.

[tmfabian]

Originally Posted by raid

Do you use IR cut filters? If yes, how many do you have?

yeah...i've got 2 of them...because i only use two filter sized lenses...and i alternate them..

[raid]

Thomas: did any of your M8 cameras require repair so far?

[Glass Addict]

Originally Posted by raid

Adorama has an M8.2 for $3300. Is it really worth it to upgrade?

You will likely end up paying more through dealers.
I've bought and sold privately and never had any issues.
I know for sure I paid less than that when I bought my M8.2 1-2 years ago. I think I paid $3150 and it came with two Leica UV/IR filters and a Zhou half case. So I would say $3000 for the camera alone.
If I were to guess, you can probably find one for around $2600-2800 privately.

[tmfabian]

Originally Posted by raid

Thomas: did any of your M8 cameras require repair so far?

none of them...and 2 of them have over 250k shutter actuations

[raid]

Originally Posted by Glass Addict

You will likely end up paying more through dealers.
I've bought and sold privately and never had any issues.
I know for sure I paid less than that when I bought my M8.2 1-2 years ago. I think I paid $3150 and it came with two Leica UV/IR filters and a Zhou half case. So I would say $3000 for the camera alone.
If I were to guess, you can probably find one for around $2600-2800 privately.

I need to do some searching then. Thanks.
Dealers may offer extended warranties.

[Glass Addict]

Originally Posted by raid

I need to do some searching then. Thanks.
Dealers may offer extended warranties.

Yes, the extra cost is for warranties + their margin on used gear.
It all depends on what you are comfortable with in terms of risk.
How I think of it is if the cost saving is at least half of what the repair cost is for a simple failure, then it's a good deal. I tend to think warranty premium is where dealers gouge the consumers, otherwise, they wouldn't be in the extended warranty business.
But everyone has their own thoughts on how they value extended warranty.

[Jubb Jubb]

I don't see there being a big advantage to an M8.2. I went through the same dilemma when i bought mine. The M8 is louder, but who cares?! Especially if you are going to be taking pics of the family.

It is the end result that matters most, and all these factors (sapphire screen etc) make little difference. Save your cash and get the M8.

[shiro_kuro]

JSU excellent post on how to check shutter actuations .... just tried it on my M8.2 and worked as it should . Thanks

Raid here are a few comments and opinions .
based on owning the M8 and now a M8.2

Buying a pristine low shutter count M8 is no guarantee you will not have any trouble .
My M8 was like new with under 2500 shutter actuations .After a few weeks of owner ship the shutter exploded under normal use, meaning I took a picture . The camera was in continuous mode which some say you should avoid using because well it causes the shutter to explode . Shutter replacement about $700.00
The up side is I did not buy at full retail so any money put into the camera repair was not too painful and insurance partially helped out with the cost ...
As far as cost of repairs it has been said that when buying a used M8 one should put a $1000.00 into a "just incase fund"

People selling M8's and claiming warranties ...... Warranties are only for the worked preformed on the camera not the entire camera .For example sending a camera in for a new sensor does not cover a shutter failure .

Cost of repairs .... No rhyme or reason . Some people pay ,others get a discount ,while some get a complete pass and pay nothing . Solms seems more reasonable than NJ.

Buying a low shutter count , like new pristine in the Box M8 does not guarantee peace of mind .

M8.2 can be had for a bit more and overall better camera
though you loos the faster shutter speed and higher flash sync speed .

Black M8.2 paint brasses very quick. It looks beautiful to the owner but beat to a buyer .

Chrome M8 is gorgeous as is the M8.2 in chrome both age well .... The black chrome M8 does not .

A guy named JAAP will become a good friend to you and your M8 as he is very helpful and knows his digital M's

anyway these are just some quick random thoughts and defiantly my humble opinion ....
You will love the M8 and the prints are spectacular ..... I print off an epson 3880 and I am constantly amazed .....

Good luck in your M8 purchase ,
Aloha ,
Charles

[Contarama]

Sell some of your other stuff and go full frame - M9. Your 50's will love you for it.

Patience sir!

[shiro_kuro]

Originally Posted by Jubb Jubb

I don't see there being a big advantage to an M8.2. I went through the same dilemma when i bought mine. The M8 is louder, but who cares?! Especially if you are going to be taking pics of the family.

It is the end result that matters most, and all these factors (sapphire screen etc) make little difference. Save your cash and get the M8.

There is no big advantage but there are some differences that may be appealing .... The M8.2 seems on par with the M9P in build quality ..... it's a beautiful camera .

The M8 shutter is LOUD maybe no cares but the smooth quite shutter of the M8.2 an improvement .

The screen on the back only sound ridiculous when called sapphire .... It is definitely an improvement as far a durability is concerned .

The prices on these cameras have come down considerably so why not get the best ? The price difference between the M8 and M8.2 is not that huge .

[segedi]

Raid, going to jump on this before photokina? Daring

[maitani]

Wanted an m9 really until I found a 4000 actuation m8.2 looking brandnew, below 2k, never looked back feels like an m7 or hexar RF ti use. one of the best digital cameras i had and for sure a keeper. 1.3 crop is not bad at all trow on a 28 and it is perfect

Files at iso 160 rival medium format imo

Those 10 mp feel like 20 sharpness is amazing

Tonality and dynamic range too

[DennisPT]

I was going through the same thought process and I ended up buying an M8.2; to have that peace of mind is important to me when taking photos. Also one thing about the 8.2, the switch is stiffer and you have a lower chance of draining your battery when the camera is in your bag. Good luck.

[LCT]

A serious advantage of the M8.2 is its framelines are more accurate than those of M8 and M9 at medium to long subject distance. But 40mm lenses cannot fit 35mm framelines with other Ms' accuracy.

[denizg7]

Well the x100 is better.

Having an x1 pro with an m mount adapter and an m lens is too much better and lighter

[crispy12]

Originally Posted by denizg7

Well the x100 is better.

Having an x1 pro with an m mount adapter and an m lens is too much better and lighter

Disagree, the experience is completely different and irreplaceable for someone looking for a rangefinder experience. I'd get the M8 over the M8.2.

I went through the same process myself, and based on reading the forums I noticed just as many M8.2 and M9s going through equipment failures. As both the 8 and 8.2 would now be out of Leica warranty, I put aside the money that would've gone to an M8.2 for 'repairs money' in the rare case it actually fails. In fact if that was a major worry I think you'd be even more upset if the M8.2 developed problems. Recommend very very much that you bring a laptop with you when you test the camera, or get it from a dealer with a full refund policy. Check for dead pixels, red/blue lines in both raw and jpeg and shutter count (sellers with those 40,000 low shutter count cameras)!!

The only plus I see with the M8.2 is the accurate framelines, lack of 1/8000 is big drawback imo!

Either way get the camera you feel most comfortable with, that let's you go out and shoot without worry, I don't regret mine one bit!

[Teuthida]

Originally Posted by jazzwave

If you are not high ISO chaser, M8 is the best....the image result so crispy (in good way) compare to Fuji or M9.

And it's real RF, so you will get similiar "feel" with other M (M2-M7).

Good luck with your shopping



~ronni~

Seconded. I much prefer my M8 to my x100. And the b&w files are stunning.

[Lss]

Originally Posted by tmfabian

none of them...and 2 of them have over 250k shutter actuations

That is a lot for any camera that is not used in machine-gun mode, and frankly you can't really do that with M8 anyway. I'm curious to hear what you photograph.

Edit. Okay, had a look. Portraits and weddings. If you do that full-time, then the actuations start adding up.

[jippiejee]

I like the 1/8000th option of the classic M8. But best of all, the M8 killed my gas. I've stopped lusting after other cameras, which was a surprising and good thing.

[raid]

Thanks for all the suggestions given above.
Based on what has been stated about getting an M8 versus M8.2, is is a toss-up, depending on whether you want the 1/8000 max shutter speed and whether you want a newer model with a less noise shutter sound.

So a pristine looking M8 is no guarantee or even "good sign" against the possibility that some parts will soon fail anyways. The alternative is to costly right now, meaning a new M9.

[raid]

Originally Posted by tmfabian

none of them...and 2 of them have over 250k shutter actuations

This is an amazing statement. Maybe it is a matter of luck too, but it is reassuring to know that some users of the M8 are using such cameras professionally and without problems.

[raid]

Hello Shiro-Kuro,
You discussed several points in your detailed response to my thread. Thanks.

I will avoid using the continuous mode for sure, based on what you have stated,

Raid

Originally Posted by shiro_kuro

JSU excellent post on how to check shutter actuations .... just tried it on my M8.2 and worked as it should . Thanks

Raid here are a few comments and opinions .
based on owning the M8 and now a M8.2

Buying a pristine low shutter count M8 is no guarantee you will not have any trouble .
My M8 was like new with under 2500 shutter actuations .After a few weeks of owner ship the shutter exploded under normal use, meaning I took a picture . The camera was in continuous mode which some say you should avoid using because well it causes the shutter to explode . Shutter replacement about $700.00
The up side is I did not buy at full retail so any money put into the camera repair was not too painful and insurance partially helped out with the cost ...
As far as cost of repairs it has been said that when buying a used M8 one should put a $1000.00 into a "just incase fund"

People selling M8's and claiming warranties ...... Warranties are only for the worked preformed on the camera not the entire camera .For example sending a camera in for a new sensor does not cover a shutter failure .

Cost of repairs .... No rhyme or reason . Some people pay ,others get a discount ,while some get a complete pass and pay nothing . Solms seems more reasonable than NJ.

Buying a low shutter count , like new pristine in the Box M8 does not guarantee peace of mind .

M8.2 can be had for a bit more and overall better camera
though you loos the faster shutter speed and higher flash sync speed .

Black M8.2 paint brasses very quick. It looks beautiful to the owner but beat to a buyer .

Chrome M8 is gorgeous as is the M8.2 in chrome both age well .... The black chrome M8 does not .

A guy named JAAP will become a good friend to you and your M8 as he is rurally helpful and knows his digital M's

anyway these are just some quick random thoughts and defiantly my humble opinion ....
You will love the M8 and the prints are spectacular ..... I print off an epson 3880 and I am constantly amazed .....

Good luck in your M8 purchase ,
Aloha ,
Charles