Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2009/06/20
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]If it helps, Stefan Daniel at Leica has just stated categorically (at dinner in Germany) that there will be no further new versions of the M8 (although they are aiming for an M9 and M10 eventually if possible). Firmware development for the M8 will continue. The upgrade options are still available with current prices on Leica's website. You can have your camera upgraded or serviced if desired by sending directly to Leica customer service in Solms. Aimed turnaround within the workshop is 5 days (plus transport and handling obviously). I asked about booking an upgrade date while visiting. Since I was visiting from afar, Leica upgraded my camera for collection the NEXT BUSINESS DAY and did not even charge me any express service fees. They also volunteered to check my 50 & 75 against the new focus calibration measurements from my reassembled M8 (I got shutter and framelines upgrades). "Your lenses are good but we can make them better" Customer service then loaned me an M8.2 on the spot to use over the weekend while my camera was in the workshop. By the way the electronic and optical measurement and calibration of the individual body is done on a very sophisticated and precise rig on 8 optical targets set out at .7m, .9m etc and out. I shot with my M8, then 500 frames with the M8.2 then back to my M8.1 (upgrade) for another 500 frames or so over the next couple of days. So I got a good chance to compare the versions directly in close succession. Incidentally I got unlimited access to the new wides from the Akadamie over the weekend too and shot them on the M8.2. My impressions on the different versions: On price for me in Australia, the upgrades are more economical than buying a new M8 vs. a new M8.2. Based on the used/demo or selling my M8 first, price difference would be even larger. Obviously you have to do your own sums. On framelines the upgrade or M8.2 suit me much better at typical shooting distances. That is I am not constantly allowing for the overly tight framing of the original in my style of shooting. Its quite noticeable when shot one after the other. On shutter speeds I don't care about the loss of 1/8000th nor the slower flash synch speed. I do really appreciate the much more M6 like soft shutter operation and recocking sound. That is Brians' fault. After handling his M8.2 I was conscious of the louder sounds from my original shutter everytime. By the way I shot candids with the new shutter at less than 2 metres with no disturbance of the subjects at all. More importantly it's just a really satisfying soft sound. I can't emphasis enough how much more pleasing it is for me. The shutter speed dial of the upgrade is actually better than the M8.2 in my view. There is no Snapshot mode, which I found was too easily selected instead of A if changing quickly. I think that the S mode is of very limited utility to enthusiasts anyway. The M8.2 in its black paint is a prettier camera to my taste. I use mine in a half case so I don't miss the newer less slippery covering and I can live without the pretty paint. But it is pretty..sob. In chrome there is nothing in that of course and I think that they are pretty cameras too that will resist wear very well. But if you want the classic Leica brass showing through black paint experience..... Anway, just get an M8, any M8 now, if you are pining for one and can assemble the required funds. . 2009/6/21 Ric Carter <ricc at embarqmail.com> > > On Jun 20, 2009, at 3:09 PM, J. Newell wrote: > >> >> If you were buying an M8 today... >> > > > VERY recent buyer > > >> (1) Would you (buy an M8)? Or would you buy an M8.2, or neither? >> > > > I got a factory used/demo M8 and am very satisfied. One year factory > guarantee--same as new but for cosmetics > > If I were not cost concerned, the black 8.2 is one of the prettiest cameras > I've ever seen. I'd get that AND an M8 (old shutter) for the Noctilux. > > > >> (2) What would you be concerned about? >> > > > > You cannot frame precisely with the M8 viewfinder--do not know about the > M8.2. It may only be that I have never been able to do instant comparisons > before. > > I like the 1/8000 of the M8 shutter--one more stop at which I can use the > Noctilux and Nokton 1.2 wide open--really IS a big deal. M8.2 or updated > shutter drops to 1/4000. This is the one advantage to the M8 that I see > other than cost. > > >> (3) What would you expect to pay, roughly, in US$ for a used body? (I've >> done the online search and have an idea of dealer price ranges) >> >> >> > get a dealer to call and ask about availability on demo > > > $2500? > > > >> Thinking...dissatisfied with scanning negs... >> >> >> > I did not realize HOW tired I was of processing/scanning until getting the > M8 > > ric > > > > >> John Newell >> > > _______________________________________________ > Leica Users Group. > See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information > -- Cheers Geoff 'Life's not B&W, except at both ends' http://gallery.leica-users.org/v/gh/ http://www.pbase.com/hoppyman