Leica M8

Opinion: Leica hit the nail right on the head by keeping the camera controls simple. If you want to change exposure, spin the shutter speed or aperature ring, this is quicker and simpler than menu driven systems. The image quality can be excellent but time and patience are necessary to learn about the cameras quirks such as framing with a rangefinder.....others see this as a real negative but once learned the benefits outweigh the disadvantages.
Focusing accuracy is difficult at times. Nikon speedlights such as the Sb-26 are excellent on this camera. They sync the shutter to 1/250 when in A mode (shutter dial), otherwise any slower speed can be used manually. Auto mode on the speedlight gives better than ttl results, fill flash outdoors is easy by setting the aperature 1 1/2 to 2 stops higher than actually set on the lens. Lens f8, set flash to f4 or f4.5.

Opinion: A couple of weeks ago I have completed my M-stable with a M8, and am most happy about my decision to do so:
Detail rendition within the 10 MPix-grid of this photographic tool is ground-breaking. Finest structures can be recognized, skin looks like skin, stone like stone, wood like wood, cloth like cloth.
The exceedingly high image quality of the M8 is worth each and every cent.
Leica: Thank you for that audacious leap ahead in digital imaging quality.

A couples of days later I should add my experience when comparing the M8 with Summicron-M 2/23 Asph. to a Sigma DP1 - just look up my comment on the Sigma DP1. My comparison in terms of detail rendition is in favour of the Sigma DP1! I must admit, that omitting Bayer interpolation in Sigma's technological approach with the Fovean sensor is a key to true detail rendition.

So let's be keen: Hey, Leica people, have you considered a Foveon sensor for the M9?

Opinion: Owned this for a few months and find it very enjoyable to use. Tank-like build, easy
and elegant menus, outstanding image quality - but I only use RAW, not jpeg.

Zeiss and Voigtlander make excellent RF lenses much more cheaply than Leica, though
the 28 and 75 Summicrons are superb on this body.

With manual aperture setting and manual focus this isn't a fast camera but brings you
closer to photography.

Opinion: After 6 months:
I have decided to resell the camera. Still satisfied but good files need a lot of postprocessing especially for white balance. Some focusing issues even with modern lenses. The camera is slow (not in shooting). Sometimes I have to switch it off as the system crashes. Firmware up to now are marginal and hardware upgrades definitely to expensive. I hoped to have the same Leica M analogue feeling unfortunately it is not the case. So I have decided to sell it and stay with my old M4 (plus scanner) for "Leica feeling". For pure digital I will move toward new Nikons SLR and Ricoh GRD2. Waiting for a small light flexible modern Leica.Leica was in the 30s a revolution, today struggles to to keep the pace with technology.--------------------------
Now my few words on the M8. After 30 yrs of Leica M I finally decided to join the
digital Leica world. A nice camera, easy to use, almost nice as the old Ms but...
1)the latest firmware does not solve the auto WB, not to be used if possible
2)jpegs are below average, my Ricoh GRDII is definitely better at a 10th of the
price. This shouldn't be really.
3)ISO settings in menu only
4)magenta cast is an issue, but allows infrared photo ;) if needed. Use IR filters.
5)24x36 would save wide-angle lenses
6)LEICA people PLEASE let us select the used lens in the menu if used lenses are
not coded. It would allow to use lenses from different manufacturers too.I am sure
lot of photographers would buy a M8 if full use of CV or Zeiss lenses would be
permitted.
Said that, and I hope that a new firmware release will solve some of the above
issues, I like the camera. DNGs are great fully comparable to full frame DSLR.
I haven't tested really Capure One as I use Aperture and is fine for my purposes.
I have given 5 to image quality (DNG only) but some work must be done after
shooting. In fact should be a 3-4.
A modern pro-DSLR is faster, easier, gives a better average output but has no
viewfinder. This is the only left heritage from the old Leica Ms.I think they should
have looked a little more at the excellent Epson Rd-1 and do a little copy & paste.

Opinion: As a 15 year long-term Leica user, it took me a while to break the ice and dip into
digital territory. Firstly, through a point and shoot and then into the deep end with
my M8. My joy is that I could still be using my M6 or M2 - it feels so natural. Yes,
it is slightly larger overall then the other Ms and I find the greater depth more difficult to hold easily, but this has been cured by the Thumbs-Up - a fantastic stabilizer for holding the camera steady.

My photographic performance hasn't improved much. I still have to work hard for
keepers, but I find the lens and body performance just as natural and familiar as my
other M bodies. So, I have left all my film in the fridge.

I still prefer shooting with a 28-35mm (35mm equivalent). After 6 months of use, I
find that I am using the little 21mm f:4 Voigtlander lens that sits almost
continuously on my M8. Next most popular is the 35mm Summicron, followed by
the 50mm Summicron. I have even purchased a 1959 90mm Summi - it's a dream
combination, as long as you don't mind the weight.

Opinion: I have been using the Leica M8 for just over a year now. Never had a rangefinder camera before. This is a digital camera like no other.
It is small, built better than any other camera, and has operating software devoid of unnecessary functions.
The simplicity of this manual camera makes it a joy to use and makes the user a thinking photographer again, freed from the size, weight and complexity of the DSLR.
Needless to say the RAW images (never used the jpg output) are fantastic in terms of colour and sharpness and you have a large choice of Leica, Zeis or CV lenses. The current FW has resolved the niggles experienced by early adopters. The use of IR cut filters on the lenses is a must but you get 2 free with the camera.

Opinion: i have been a film editor for years, worked with some great photographers who also
'dabbled' in film. I learned a great deal. mainly that it's all about the message. The
story. In 2004 I went on the road in the US west, i bought a Digilux 2, didn't want
changeable lenses in the desert. I loved it. It took me from shooting snaps to
photography. In 2006 I ordered an M8, along with an f2 90mm lens and a tri elmar
16/18/21, I now have all these pieces and am waiting on a 50mm 1.2 lens. I love
the whole idea of Leica. I sold my D200 and all the lenses to change from being a
computer operator to being a photographer in training. I love it. I have read and
continue to read anything Leica from articles to Henri's story. I am absorbing the
whole damned Leica culture. It fits me well. Simple, unobtrusive, beautifully
crafted. I continue to bang my digilux 2 as a point and shoot.

Opinion: The M8 body is a great machine that helps a photographer create wonderful digital images in both the RAW and JPEG formats. Go to the L-camera-forum.com in the M8 users area to find the thread where an owner, brave one at that, has taken apart a M8 bit by bit to see first hand and appreciate the quality that Leica has built into this machine. Ignore the moaners. They are everywhere in life. The Leica lens quality, no matter which one you may use, is legendary. Your captured images will be proof in the first instance.

Opinion: This is a great camera for all rangefinder shooters. It is a true Leica M. I have 2 M6's and it fits in my shooting style. Picture quality is excellent. Control is simple and timeless. I may a little biased because I have always love Leica equipments. Nevertheless it is great pleasure using this camera.