Is Leica M8/M8.2 still a good choice/relevant?

[Obelix]

I am thinking of embarking into the world of digital rangefinder, and would like to seek opinions from the seniors here on the above topic.

A system introduced about 7 years and 4 years ago (for M8 and M8.2 respectively), and discontinued in favor of the M9, M9P, MM etc. is it outdated? I do not mind the 10.3mp files as I do not do large prints. I do not mind the low ISO as I do not intend to use this in low light environment. I do not even mind the noise created by the shutter.

Is the technology on the M8/M8.2 still relevant, as compared to the later versions on the M9/M9P? (Discounting the latest M-240 which is out of my budget)

Your views are sought.

 

[NazgulKing]

I am thinking of embarking into the world of digital rangefinder, and would like to seek opinions from the seniors here on the above topic.

A system introduced about 7 years and 4 years ago (for M8 and M8.2 respectively), and discontinued in favor of the M9, M9P, MM etc. is it outdated? I do not mind the 10.3mp files as I do not do large prints. I do not mind the low ISO as I do not intend to use this in low light environment. I do not even mind the noise created by the shutter.

Is the technology on the M8/M8.2 still relevant, as compared to the later versions on the M9/M9P? (Discounting the latest M-240 which is out of my budget)

Your views are sought.

Well, if you aren't asking for much, the M8, or even the R-D1 is more than good enough for your needs, to be frank.

 

[larrytok]

haha then why not try out a film leica rf.. m6 + entry level scanner probably costs similar to m8, u get full frame also. plus u dont need to always get the IR filter, which i think is something troublesome imo lol.

another suggestion is to save up abit more and get 2nd hand m9. but then again, u will need some more $ for ur m lenses.

 

[Obelix]

@ NazgulKing - I am thinking along the same line. As the cost of a used M8/M8.2 is much more affordable now, the urge of jumping into the boat is much stronger.

 

[Obelix]

@larrytok - thanks for your suggestion. But, I am not into film. The IR/UV filter is something that I will have to contend with when using the M8/M8.2. The price of M9 is still beyond my reach as of now. And you are right. Will need to set some budget for an M lens to mate with the M8/M8.2.

 

[nightwolf75]

@larrytok - thanks for your suggestion. But, I am not into film. The IR/UV filter is something that I will have to contend with when using the M8/M8.2. The price of M9 is still beyond my reach as of now. And you are right. Will need to set some budget for an M lens to mate with the M8/M8.2.

the IR/UV filter problem is a problem if you foresee yourself shooting a lot of reds/magentas. i was using the M8 a couple of years ago and honestly, the lack of IR/UV filters for me was not that big a problem. YMMV.

otherwise, it is still a good choice lah... going for ard $2.2k now on buy/sell. if you are just starting, try out those budget lenses from voigtlander or even the older LTM lenses. just need to get the appropriate M-LTM adapters. dun need to blow a wad of $ on the summicrons or summiluxes... until the BBB bug bites big time. ;p

 

[NazgulKing]

I think the best part about the M system is the wide range of 3rd party lenses. Thanks to Zeiss and Voigtlander, there's a plethora of lenses to choose from for under 2K SGD, and pretty good too.

 

[Obelix]

Thanks Nightwolf and NazgulKing for the sharing of experience.

Currently, I only have the CV 12mm UW Heliar in M mount (used with my X-Pro1). And since the M8 is a 1.33x Crop FOV, I am planning to get either the CV 35mm Ultron or ZM 28mm Biogon to start with. Will need to get the BBB virus vaccination before more Leica virus creeps in? :blah:

 

[Thoth]

Thanks Nightwolf and NazgulKing for the sharing of experience.

Currently, I only have the CV 12mm UW Heliar in M mount (used with my X-Pro1). And since the M8 is a 1.33x Crop FOV, I am planning to get either the CV 35mm Ultron or ZM 28mm Biogon to start with. Will need to get the BBB virus vaccination before more Leica virus creeps in? :blah:

D CV 35mm f/1.7 asph Ultron is a fantastic lens. Value for money considering d IQ from it. Too bad mine is just lying in d dry cabinet now.

 

[newghost]

IR problem, crop factor and affordability aside, the m8 is now considered old tech (relatively) and if you're dealing with such, you need to find out about parts / service availability in the unfortunate event the camera breaks down?

 

[anerjee]

I will chime in to say that the RD1 is a superb camera, and high ISO is better than the M8 from what I have seen. Very fun to use, very satisfying.

Here is something I shot a few days ago.

 

[Thoth]

I will chime in to say that the RD1 is a superb camera, and high ISO is better than the M8 from what I have seen. Very fun to use, very satisfying.

Here is something I shot a few days ago.

Very sharp, Cron ASPH? Is yr RD1s from bro fudgecake?

 

[anerjee]

this is with the old version of the 40mm rokkor, which suits the rd1 perfectly.

 

[Thoth]

this is with the old version of the 40mm rokkor, which suits the rd1 perfectly.

Good to know the Rokkor is producing such good images on the RD1s...

 

[zixaw]

If you like the images from a M8/8.2 then go ahead because the image quality will not change. It will not get worse when something new is released. At most the newer camera (M9, M, Monochrom etc) will give you a different image. Like using a different type of film.

As for the film alternative, I did some math the other day. If you add up the cost of the film, development costs, cost to scan or cost of scanner, time required to scan, cost of storage/containers/folders etc, it is not cheap. If you shoot alot, film can get ridiculously expensive.

On the other hand, film is film, you are changing a different sensor every time you load a different type of film. Nothing can quite compare to the images that it captures.

 

[ziggy]

I may be wrong but I thought I read somewhere that Leica will no longer be able to replace the M8 sensor. If this is so, then it may not be such a good deal after all.

 

[ricohflex]

No .

 

[Obelix]

Thanks everyone for the views and comments. Appreciate the effort!

 

[Royale With Cheese]

I think the M8 is a good way to kick start the "budget" RF route if you dont mind the 1.33x crop sensor.

Weather Leica can fix the cam or not, I think now at the range of 2k+, I wouldnt mind getting it to really trash the camera around on a 28mm.

 

[zixaw]

Leica gives a ridiculously good trade up to a M9/ME deal if they can't fix your M8.