I am about to buy an M8!

[Ron (Netherlands)]

If you take some time looking around, you may be lucky to find a M8.2 for the price or a little bit more of a M8. I always go for the second type (RD-1s, M8.2. What is 'better' on the M8.2: the framelines and its shutter, the rest is mere cosmetic. About three years ago I could buy a mint M8.2 for the price of a M8 at DPI.com from a fellow member.....and sold there my RD-1s...

btw in the past I read about M8 owners having quite a lot of problems, never read that about M8.2 owners...which is no guarantee of course

why I like the M8/M8.2 so much: because of its crop factor: I can use my little 35mm summicrons as standard lenses!

[Lss]

Originally Posted by raid

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

As far as I know the continuous mode shutter failure thing is software-related and it is fixed in the current firmware version. The failure could happen when shooting in continuous mode with the discreet shutter function activated. This issue anyway is fixed, and I am unaware of other continuous mode problems. I have used it a few times without any issues.

[Eric T]

Raid,
I have an M8 and the Fuji XPRO-1. I confess that I haven't used the M8 since the Fuji arrived. The Fuji has SOOO many advantages over the M8 including:
1. Much better at higher ISOs - 3200 is not a problem. On the M8, I hate to go over 640.
2. Autofocus on Fuji lenses but a wide range of manual focus legacy lenses can still be used.
3. Better resolution - but the M8's resolving power is still very good.
4. No need for IR filters.
5. Live view.
6. Much quieter shutter noise - the loud shutter on the M8 is its weakest feature in my opinion.
7. The Fuji is much lighter in weight but still feels solid.
8. Aperture and shutter priority available but you can still manually set shutter speed and aperture.
9. Better auto white balance.
10. Menu much more intuitive especially with the Q button.

Stronger features on the M8:
1. Rangefinder focusing making manual focusing much easier and faster, although manual focusing may be more accurate on the Fuji with the EVF.
2. 1/8000 shutter speed compared to 1/4000 on the Fuji. 1/8000 not available on the M8.2. (I confess that I only used 1/8000 once while shooting on the big island of Hawaii.
3. Many more lenses available for the M mount but all M mount lenses can be used on the Fuji with an adapter.

Summary:
I get a much higher percentage of keeper shots with the Fuji. It is a much better choice in my opinion.

[JohnP1]

Raid

We can only speak as we find. I purchased my M8 in March 07 and have had no problems whatsoever. The downside of the camera for me was the shutter sound, over conservative frame lines and image noise over ISO 640. I had the upgraded shutter and frame lines fitted a couple of years ago and could not be happier. Moving forward the only slight issue is dust on the sensor that more modern designs from other manufacturers have now minimised. I have an X100 for high ISO work. Go for it.

John

[raid]

Hi Ron: i was thinking before you posted your thoughts here of my 35mm lenses that I have been using far less than the 50mm lenses that I own. I have a Summicon and. Pre-asph Summilux. With the 1.3. Crop, they would be similar to a 35x1.3 focal length with DOF like a 35mm lens. I see it not as an advantage but as a lesser evil.

The many ideas and opinions in this thread have made me take a step back to wait and find more and better sounding offers. There should be a registry for cameras requiring repair. Then we could have statistical data bases on very useful inormation. Maybe we can start at RFF.

Your opinions are very important to me.

Originally Posted by Ron (Netherlands)

If you take some time looking around, you may be lucky to find a M8.2 for the price or a little bit more of a M8. I always go for the second type (RD-1s, M8.2. What is 'better' on the M8.2: the framelines and its shutter, the rest is mere cosmetic. About three years ago I could buy a mint M8.2 for the price of a M8 at DPI.com from a fellow member.....and sold there my RD-1s...

btw in the past I read about M8 owners having quite a lot of problems, never read that about M8.2 owners...which is no guarantee of course

why I like the M8/M8.2 so much: because of its crop factor: I can use my little 35mm summicrons as standard lenses!

[Eric T]

I forgot to mention on other advantage of the M8 over the Fuji and that is the slightly larger sensor (1.3x vs. 1.5x).
But I think that is just a slight difference and I still MUCH prefer the Fuji.

[Eric T]

And one more thing: my M8 has been VERY reliable, never a problem since 2007.
TIme will tell with the Fuji but so far, so good.

[raid]

Hi Eric,
I know that quite a few people here are favoring the Fuji cameras. Your points are good and valid. Still, there is also the factor of enjoying to use a Leica RF camera that cannot be fully defended if we look only at technical issues. I still favor using film cameras, but I find myself switching between picking up a camera bag with the EP-2, and a second camera bag with the M3 and M6 with two Summicron lenses. Buying a digital Camera like the M8 is in a way preparing me for a digital future one year.Not yet.

Originally Posted by Eric T

Raid,
I have an M8 and the Fuji XPRO-1. I confess that I haven't used the M8 since the Fuji arrived. The Fuji has SOOO many advantages over the M8 including:
1. Much better at higher ISOs - 3200 is not a problem. On the M8, I hate to go over 640.
2. Autofocus on Fuji lenses but a wide range of manual focus legacy lenses can still be used.
3. Better resolution - but the M8's resolving power is still very good.
4. No need for IR filters.
5. Live view.
6. Much quieter shutter noise - the loud shutter on the M8 is its weakest feature in my opinion.
7. The Fuji is much lighter in weight but still feels solid.
8. Aperture and shutter priority available but you can still manually set shutter speed and aperture.
9. Better auto white balance.
10. Menu much more intuitive especially with the Q button.

Stronger features on the M8:
1. Rangefinder focusing making manual focusing much easier and faster, although manual focusing may be more accurate on the Fuji with the EVF.
2. 1/8000 shutter speed compared to 1/4000 on the Fuji. 1/8000 not available on the M8.2. (I confess that I only used 1/8000 once while shooting on the big island of Hawaii.
3. Many more lenses available for the M mount but all M mount lenses can be used on the Fuji with an adapter.

Summary:
I get a much higher percentage of keeper shots with the Fuji. It is a much better choice in my opinion.

[Bingley]

And Raid, just think of how much you will enjoy using an M8 on your next trip to Cairo! (not trying to be an enabler or anything... just saying)

[Eric T]

Raid,
You are quite right. The M8 is an easier transition camera from film to digital compared to the Fuji. Both cameras are great. You can't make a bad choice here.
Eric

[raid]

Originally Posted by Bingley

And Raid, just think of how much you will enjoy using an M8 on your next trip to Cairo! (not trying to be an enabler or anything... just saying)

Steve,
I do not think there will be any trips to Cairo. I had three invitations, and the grant is over. Your point is undstood.

[raid]

This is good to know, Eric.

[denizg7]

Originally Posted by crispy12

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!

no offense but you sound a little bit like seal

[GaryLH]

Raid,
FWIW, I spotted this thread over at photo.net. There are two contributers to the thread that had m8 and xp1. If u are a member over there may good to ask these two about it.

http://photo.net/leica-rangefinders-forum/00aa3g

Good luck with it.

Gary

[Ron (Netherlands)]

Originally Posted by raid

With the 1.3. Crop, they would be similar to a 35x1.3 focal length with DOF like a 35mm lens. I see it not as an advantage but as a lesser evil.

yes Raid I get your point. Since I am more into land/city scape shooting, the DOF of the 35mm is very welcome to me..for portraits I use the Jupiters 3.

(btw for narrow cityscapes I use the Biogon 25mm - best lens in my bag and great on the M8.2, should be very nice on the M9 too though)

[raid]

This thread has confirmed to me to go ahead and get an M8. The opinions are mixed, and there is no absolute truth on what is really the best for the money. Luck plays a role here, and I have been a rather lucky man in my life.

[Rob-F]

Another happy M8.2 user here. I bought it rather than the M8 mostly for its framelines, which are more accurate at a distance than either the M8 or M9. It also has the sapphire glass LCD panel, and the better shutter; both were points in its favor, but the framelines were the main deal-maker. Some of my favorite lenses with it are the 15mm CV (20mm equivalent); 21mm (28mm eq.); and 28mm (37mm eq.).

For me, my M8.2, plus an M7 and a few lenses, make for a very compact and effective travel kit!

[clear2000]

Originally Posted by JSU

I felt I wasn't making a fair contribution so I deleted my post.

If you want to check the number of actuations, this works well:

Turn the camera on.
Press the right arrow key 4 times.
Press the left arrow key 3 times.
Press the right arrow key 1 more time.
Press the info button.
Scroll down to body debug data.
Press Set.
Scroll down to NUMEXPOSURES.
Turn camera off to exit

The M8.2 and M8u shutter should be good for many tens of thousands of actuations. I haven't heard any data on the original M8 shutter with the 1/8000 upper limit.

Thanks JSU, this is helpful.

[raid]

If you hear of a good deal for a clean M8 or m*.2, let me know. Thanks.

[michaelm6]

I just bought an M8 Friday. Beautiful camera. Between the amazing number and types of lenses that I can put on this body and the sensor with its lack of an AA filter, plus the rangefinder experience in general (which I happen to love) I feel as though I couldn't possibly achieve the same sort of results with anything else (save an M9 maybe). I'm beyond happy. I hope that I get a year or two out of it without any trouble. We'll find out...until then, I'm very happy.

Here she is:

with the Aki Asahi #4034 I put on it yesterday

Leica M8, with new clothes. by Michael Hulcher, on Flickr

And an image from yesterday (with a crazy Jupiter 8 - interesting bokeh and cool 'glow'

Madelena by Michael Hulcher, on Flickr

[semordnilap]

Originally Posted by raid

This thread has confirmed to me to go ahead and get an M8. The opinions are mixed, and there is no absolute truth on what is really the best for the money. Luck plays a role here, and I have been a rather lucky man in my life.

I think you'll be happy, Raid. Whatever quirks, the files are superb and it is a rangefinder. With 28 and 35 you'll be all set... I actually really enjoy shooting 50s on mine–it's a very natural field of view for me–so I recommend experimenting for sure.

If it's not a hardship, do consider paying a little more from a dealer to get some kind of warranty, and make sure of course to have a good return policy and test it out well beforehand.

Good luck!!!

[raid]

I am seriously considering buying an M8 once the potential seller(s) have the information needed to set a selling price that works for both sides.

There are several nice RFF members here who may sell me their M8. I need one

Dealers may offer a warranty. I understand this important point.

[raid]

Congratulations Michael. So you chose the "plain" M8 and not the M8.2.
The 50mm lenses become short tele lenses for portraits.

Originally Posted by michaelm6

I just bought an M8 Friday. Beautiful camera. Between the amazing number and types of lenses that I can put on this body and the sensor with its lack of an AA filter, plus the rangefinder experience in general (which I happen to love) I feel as though I couldn't possibly achieve the same sort of results with anything else (save an M9 maybe). I'm beyond happy. I hope that I get a year or two out of it without any trouble. We'll find out...until then, I'm very happy.

Here she is:

with the Aki Asahi #4034 I put on it yesterday

Leica M8, with new clothes. by Michael Hulcher, on Flickr

And an image from yesterday (with a crazy Jupiter 8 - interesting bokeh and cool 'glow'

Madelena by Michael Hulcher, on Flickr

[michaelm6]

Originally Posted by raid

Congratulations Michael. So you chose the "plain" M8 and not the M8.2.
The 50mm lenses become short tele lenses for portraits.

Thank you! I did - the M8.2 just seemed like way too much cash for too little. Now I do LOVE the black paint M8.2, but that's really the only crucial thing to me. I prefer the 1/8000th shutter for a couple reasons. Its the only 1/8000th M shutter, so that's cool. Plus it suits my style - shooting into strong light sources (like the sun) wide open. So 1/8000th will come in handy some day. I could care less about the 'loud' shutter. If it fails? I'll get it fixed. And save up for another M body someday.

The 50 field of view is indeed interesting on the M8! I prefer 35 for portrait work, so we'll see where I go from here. Good luck with your search.

[shiro_kuro]

Originally Posted by raid

This thread has confirmed to me to go ahead and get an M8. The opinions are mixed, and there is no absolute truth on what is really the best for the money. Luck plays a role here, and I have been a rather lucky man in my life.

This really sums it up as there is no hard facts just different experiences from users ...... here is part of an email I received from Leica in regards to some questions when getting my camera repaired ... I posted this over at LUF awhile back ...

Original Thread http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-...ml#post1728491

I had the shutter in my M8 fail recently and had some similar questions and concerns before having it repaired .Here are some answers to those questions I got via email .......
The Email :
Below are a few questions that I have been trying to get answered for the past 3 months . It was never about not wanting to get he camera repaired , just wanted to make the right decision as to which way I should go .... repair the shutter or upgrade and why one over the other .

1 ) Is there a direct correlation between shutter failures and a particular setting on the camera ? No, there is no direct correlation between shutter failures or any particular setting on the camera.

2) What is likely to cause the shutter to fail and is there something the user can do that is preventive in use that would make this less likely to occur or is it completely random ? No, there is nothing that the user can do to prevent a shutter failure, this happens randomly sometimes.

3)Is the shutter upgrade a better shutter and less likely to fail or both shutter are of equal quality and free of defect and just offer different options to the M8 user ? No, the shutter upgrade is not necessarily better, it just offers different options to the user.

4) Do you recommended upgrading the shutter for the sole reason that the shutter upgrade is a more robust and refined shutter and less likely to fail ?
No, it would be up to you.

5) Is there a warranty on the new shutter, if so how long and what is actually covered under the warranty ? Yes, there is a one (1) year warranty on the billable repairs from Leica Camera.

6)What is actually done to the camera while being repaired ? Full CLA ... camera being completely cleaned and checked out ? The work will contain adjustment of rangefinder, focus, light meter and shutter speed.

7) Can I have a Black Dot in place of the red one ? .... just kidding ,well not really ; ) No, we do not have any black dots, our logo is the red dot.

The cost of the repair $650.00 (original shutter)
Shutter count was under 5000 before the shutter buckled .
The camera is now back in use and I could not be happier ... good luck with your repair