Yes - I have several M Leica's. They are GREAT cameras! I've been shooting (and trading) Leica's since 1976. The "Leica feel" is legendary, and yes, I'd say it's the Mercedes of cameras. The range finder is different - you get used to it, then miss it with other camera types. You can see what's moving into view before you shoot, you can see if eyes were closed when shooting weddings, focus is more accurate with wide angle lenses, and with the exception of the last two models, no battery is required! The lack of a mirror box reduces the number of compromises in lens design - they can put the rear lens where it ought to be.
The less expensive (there is no such thing as a cheap Leica) digital cameras are built by Panasonic, and the Panasonic digital cameras have Leica lenses. The M8 is classic Leica though. It can use the 1949 50mm/f3.5 Leica lens I have -- and most lenses since then. The M8 is way too much money unless you make your living as a photo journalist, or have too much money. One of the strong points about a Leica (like a Mercedes) is that a well cared for used one is as good as a new one. None of mine were purchased new. Same with the lenses. The glass has no equal - experienced photographers can distinguish a print from a negative shot in a Leica - a certain corner-to-corner smoothness and even contrast. The 50mm/f1 Noctolux is an astounding lens - it captures detail that you can't see. After all that, I find myself shooting the Panasonic FZ30 more than the Leicas now - don't have to develop and print film. I guess if I sold all the M bodies and a Mercedes or two I could buy an M 8. I do have a Leitz Focomat IIc enlarger that I'm seriously thinking of selling - it's the 126 of enlargers. The Reprovit II is also available - serious copy stand that takes an M body. For that matter, I haven't used the Linhof 8X10 in two years-- it should go also. On 6/26/07, Fmiser <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > On 6/26/07, Allan Streib <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > > Been thinking about a new camera. Used to be into photography, had a > > > darkroom and everything. Never owned a Leica but they strike me as > > > sort of the Mercedes-Benz of cameras. Been reading reviews of the new > > > Leica M8 digital, you are right they command a breathtaking price -- > > > Just wondering if anyone had any firsthand experience with them. > -- OK Don, KD5NRO Norman, OK "If Tyranny and Oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy." -James Madison '90 300D, '87 300SDL, '81 240D, '78 450SLC, '97 Ply Grand Voyager _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
