Any Leica M8 owners among us?

[epayne]

I am wondering if any of our members have used the digital Leica M8 camera. I realize it is not the usual choice for wildlife and nature but I would like some feedback from a local user if there are any? I love the feel of the M series in the hand and quick discreet handling for candids. I have a film M body and several lenses and have toyed with the idea of going digital with it to get the dust off the glass. Used M8s are finally showing up at pretty good discounts. Also it looks like Epson has just re released the R-D1 rangefinder that takes Leica M mount lenses but only for the Asian markets.

Edgar Payne
Charlotte Region

[journeyman]

I don't own one myself, but I have a friend who finally made the digital jump & got one last year. I can put you in touch with him if you'd like.

Rich Nicoloff
Charlotte

[epayne]

Hello Rich,

Thanks for the reply, I would be interested in speaking with your friend at some time in the future. If you are going to the annual meeting maybe you can provide his contact information then. Or email me at

epayne3804@aol.com

Best regards,
Edgar Payne

[dalethorn]

I've been using a Leica X1, which is more or less a mini-M8. From everything I've heard from a lot of sources, the M8-2 is much improved over the M8.

If I were buying new I would get the M9 for sure - only 15% higher in price but much better camera. If I were buying a M8 used, I'd want a really low price, since the M8-2 is so much better.

My previous Leicas were a M6 and M4-2.

[epayne]

Hi Dale,

Thanks for revisiting this thread. There aren't many Leica M users among our ranks. I have an M6 and M3 with six lenses from 21 to 135mm so I was considering a digital M body just to get some use from my Leica glass. At the time of the initial post the M9 was not announced and I would definitely go for the full frame M9. It is just hard to justify that much for a camera I would likely use like a point and shoot. Hard to say, but once the M9 has been out a while I may go for a used one if I can find it. To date every piece of Leica equipment I have ever owned has been purchased second hand. Except for maybe a table tripod and large ball head.

I love the way the M series handles and the sharpness and contrast the glass offers. Maybe I will get one (M9) someday.

Best regards,

Edgar Payne
Charlotte Region