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M8: 12 hours to decide (help, please).

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QDIEM4SC

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I have an opportunity to purchase the M8 at a more than reasonable price. The trouble is, the offer is good only until tomorrow.

I have been very tempted to purchase this camera for a long time, but have always dismissed the notion. Yet I frequently lurk in this forum.

In truth, I have regarded the M8 as an antiquated photographic device that is sponging off its previous reputation (at best) and photographic jewelry (at worst).

I am also blessed to have a Nikon D700 as my "main" camera--which is superb, and the Canon G10 as my compact. Ironically, between the two, I have been using the G10 the most (for portability, flexibility). I have found myself being more creative with the G10 as well (can't quite explain why).

I guess the question I have, especially from those of you who own different camera systems (although all are welcome to respond): Will I benefit in any way beyond what I currently have, by owning an M8? I seem to be under the impression that there is a "look" to the M8 + Leica lenses that I'm not getting with my current gear. Of course, my impression may in fact be just camera lust in disguise....so, set me straight.

If it helps, please have a look at my gallery (strictly the work of an amateur).

Peter.

--
http://qdiem4sc.zenfolio.com/
 
Simple really

If it really IS a good deal, then, if you don't like it you can sell it without losing much.

But if you love it like some others around here who've waited (Stovall and Jim come to mind). . . . .

If you have the money it seems like a no-brainer

all the best
--
Jono Slack
http://www.slack.co.uk
 
I just got an M8 again after almost 2 years without owning one. I also had a D700 and can tell you right off the bat that the D700 files will be better quality overall. I have some amazing quality D700 shots and the full size files were incredible. I used all Zeiss glass and loved it BUT it ended up the same as all of my other DSLR gear I have owned. Sitting at home most of the time. Im not a pro and no longer do paid photo jobs. The D700 while being IMO the best bang for the buck DSLR out right now was just too much when we went for a walk, or drive or hike. I came back to the M8 for its size, weight, feel, and I like the way it works. I like MF and the M8 is easy to operate and gives great files if you shoot RAW. Just by shooting a bit today with it I remembered I have to shoot RAW with it for the best quality.

The D700 I shot mainly JPEG and the results were great. As for the look...with an M8 and 50 Lux or 75 lux you get a special look but you can also get this look with a Zeiss ZF 85 on Nikon. I think the "look" you refer to was more about the film days. While Leica glass is IMO the best there is, its expensive and a bit overpriced right now. With the M8 you pretty much lose macro, tele and each lens will set you back a bundle if you want Leica glass.

With all of that being said, the M8 will be my cam of choice. I have learned my lesson and realize I just do not carry around DSLR's. The M8 makes me want to take it with me at all times.

Below is a shot with D700 and then one with M8:

D700



M8



--
My D700 1st Test Shots Gallery
http://www.pbase.com/stevehuff/nikon_d700_1st_shots_test_gallery

My Homeless Project
http://www.pbase.com/stevehuff/the_homeless
 
Hi Steve
digislr said:
I just got an M8 again after almost 2 years without owning one. I
also had a D700 and can tell you right off the bat that the D700
files will be better quality overall.
Click to expand...
I simply don't agree (except at high ISO). I've also owned the D700, and I think the files are flat and lifeless in comparison, with questionable colour for everything except skin tones (Nikon do that so well).

I also use a Dslr for lots of my stuff (why would you use a rangefinder if you need fast AF or sports or telephoto), but the M8 files have a certain feel about them which you can't get elsewhere (maybe it's the sensor rather than the glass, but I still think its there).

all the best
--
Jono Slack
http://www.slack.co.uk
 
Peter,

Never underestimate camera lust.. (or any kind of lust for that matter)

Lets drop the image quality discussion, you can get a 24meg sony for much less than a M film or digital.

The real issue is process, how you see a image and how you capture it. The M contribution to this is a different way of working compared to a AF DSLR, you look through a window, and significantly can see about 28mm in the window, the window have lines for the lens you are using, because of this you constantly can also see what is outside of your image, Personally I feel this helps re-adjusting the composition and also helps awareness of when a subject steps into my image.

You can quickly find several articles on the internet claiming that the M is plainly hot-air, so the real answer probably is that is is a matter of art, and as we all know, art is in the eye of the beholder. some artist prefer one type of brush over another...

Seriously, the M is a different experience, you might not like it, but if it is such a great deal, pick it up and see how it works for your way of seeing the world.

If the M inspires you to take more interesting images, or simply make you grab it for the joy of using it, or it makes you enjoy your photography just a little more... well then it is well worth it. After all, we photograph for fun, anything that add to the fun is worthwhile.

Bo

(In the interest of disclosure I also use a couple of Olympus E3 cameras for professional photography.)

DOWNLOAD template for handcoding M lenses

http://bophoto.typepad.com/bophoto/2009/01/m8-coder-simple-manual-handcoding-of-m-lenses.html

Random d-lux4 images - http://bophoto.zenfolio.com/p978526368
Experimental blog - http://www.bophoto.typepad.com
http://www.bophoto.com/panos
 
After you posted this I went through some D700 files (I have about 1500 of them on my laptop) and yea, I can see what you mean about the "flat" look. When I used the 24-120 and Nikon 50 I see this as well but when I used the Zeiss 25 and 85 it improved greatly. My point is the D700 has more resolution, full frame, better build, weather proof, ergonomically its great and is much cheaper than an M8. Still, I myself prefer the M8 and have missed it for these past 2 years greatly. Im glad to have another. I no longer have the D700, just the M8 and two lenses and I have no regrets.

Bang for the buck, hard to beat the D700 if you really want a DSLR. But hey, I trust your judgement as you are a great photographer who has shot with the best and I have always admired your work. You know your stuff.

--
My D700 1st Test Shots Gallery
http://www.pbase.com/stevehuff/nikon_d700_1st_shots_test_gallery

My Homeless Project
http://www.pbase.com/stevehuff/the_homeless
 
This is the best advice for you yet!
Bo Lorentzen said:
Peter,

Never underestimate camera lust.. (or any kind of lust for that matter)

Lets drop the image quality discussion, you can get a 24meg sony for
much less than a M film or digital.

The real issue is process, how you see a image and how you capture
it. The M contribution to this is a different way of working
compared to a AF DSLR, you look through a window, and significantly
can see about 28mm in the window, the window have lines for the lens
you are using, because of this you constantly can also see what is
outside of your image, Personally I feel this helps re-adjusting the
composition and also helps awareness of when a subject steps into my
image.

You can quickly find several articles on the internet claiming that
the M is plainly hot-air, so the real answer probably is that is is a
matter of art, and as we all know, art is in the eye of the beholder.
some artist prefer one type of brush over another...

Seriously, the M is a different experience, you might not like it,
but if it is such a great deal, pick it up and see how it works for
your way of seeing the world.

If the M inspires you to take more interesting images, or simply make
you grab it for the joy of using it, or it makes you enjoy your
photography just a little more... well then it is well worth it.
After all, we photograph for fun, anything that add to the fun is
worthwhile.

Bo

(In the interest of disclosure I also use a couple of Olympus E3
cameras for professional photography.)

DOWNLOAD template for handcoding M lenses

http://bophoto.typepad.com/bophoto/2009/01/m8-coder-simple-manual-handcoding-of-m-lenses.html

Random d-lux4 images - http://bophoto.zenfolio.com/p978526368
Experimental blog - http://www.bophoto.typepad.com
http://www.bophoto.com/panos
Click to expand...
--
My D700 1st Test Shots Gallery
http://www.pbase.com/stevehuff/nikon_d700_1st_shots_test_gallery

My Homeless Project
http://www.pbase.com/stevehuff/the_homeless
 
digislr said:
Bang for the buck, hard to beat the D700 if you really want a DSLR.
Click to expand...
Any thoughts on the Canon 5D Mark II as a comparison? It's certainly cheaper than the D700...

--
  • Vikas
M8, E-3, M6, CLE, D-Lux 4
 
Vikas M Gore said:
digislr said:
Bang for the buck, hard to beat the D700 if you really want a DSLR.
Click to expand...
Any thoughts on the Canon 5D Mark II as a comparison? It's certainly
cheaper than the D700...
Click to expand...
Hi Vikas. I have both and Mk II doesn't replace the M8. For one, the per-pixel sharpness of the M8 is greater. I never shoot JPEG on the Mk II or M8. I use LR and Capture One mostly, and see no reason to shoot JPEG.

I recently got the Mk II and took it on a trip. I got some great images out of the Mk II, but still wish I had taken the M8 with me.

--
Ramesh
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mare_imbrium/
 
--

I have only had my M8 and 28mm Elmarit, for a week now, but so far I am really enjoying it... I agree with what was said above.. it is a different shooting experience and does allow for you to 'see' differently compared to an SLR.

Im bringing it with me everywhere, whereas my SLR gear normally stays at home in a bag.

Going to give it another couple of weeks of trial.. then my D300/14-24/24-70 are going on the market to help fund a 50 lux. =)

If you can get it at a good price and have the available funds... go for it! can always sell if its not your cup of tea.
 
HI There
Bo Lorentzen said:
Peter,

Never underestimate camera lust.. (or any kind of lust for that matter)

Lets drop the image quality discussion, you can get a 24meg sony for
much less than a M film or digital.
Click to expand...
Quite right - and it's an excellent camera into the bargain.
Bo Lorentzen said:
The real issue is process, how you see a image and how you capture
it. The M contribution to this is a different way of working
compared to a AF DSLR, you look through a window, and significantly
can see about 28mm in the window, the window have lines for the lens
you are using, because of this you constantly can also see what is
outside of your image, Personally I feel this helps re-adjusting the
composition and also helps awareness of when a subject steps into my
image.
Click to expand...
There are framelines down to 24mm - I agree - it's a really different way of looking, and the fact that every time you put the camera to your eye you see the SAME field of view, makes the camera like an extension of the eye, rather than a tunnel you look through.
Bo Lorentzen said:
You can quickly find several articles on the internet claiming that
the M is plainly hot-air, so the real answer probably is that is is a
matter of art, and as we all know, art is in the eye of the beholder.
some artist prefer one type of brush over another...
Click to expand...
Or even both - I think there is a place for each - certainly I have a dSLR and a compact, and I use all of them.
Bo Lorentzen said:
Seriously, the M is a different experience, you might not like it,
but if it is such a great deal, pick it up and see how it works for
your way of seeing the world.

If the M inspires you to take more interesting images, or simply make
you grab it for the joy of using it, or it makes you enjoy your
photography just a little more... well then it is well worth it.
After all, we photograph for fun, anything that add to the fun is
worthwhile.
Click to expand...
Absolutely - and, if it really is a good deal then you won't lose much, even if you don't like it.
Bo Lorentzen said:
Bo

(In the interest of disclosure I also use a couple of Olympus E3
cameras for professional photography.)
Click to expand...
and I have a Sony A900 and a d-lux4

all the best
--
Jono Slack
http://www.slack.co.uk
 
--
'Nice pen, bet you write good stories with it.'
 
I went with my heart on this, and purchased it.

Thank you all for the insightful comments and helpful replies. Of course, these types of decisions can never be made for one's self by other people.

But one thing is obvious: you folks are passionate about photography and that passion is infectious.

I've caught the bug.

Peter.

--
http://qdiem4sc.zenfolio.com/
 
I hope you're both very happy together!
what colour? which lense(s)
all the best
--
Jono Slack
http://www.slack.co.uk
 
Peter,

If money didn't get in your way, you made a good decision, as Jono said, you wont lose much if you don't like it.

But more to it, if you didn't buy it you would never solved the desire to get one and this would have come back again & again.

I went to your link and saw your pictures, very clean, nice all the way to watch, and I believe you will cope very well with this camera, you have made the right decision.

(As for me, I will never have a M8 and I explained many times why, while I enjoy my M3 & M6 ; mainly a flawed piece of electronic at this price is crazyness to me, I rather have a G1 and use my Leica lenses, this small cam seems much more polyvalent)

All the best
Michel
 
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