tomleoni

One of the cameras I covet (after I'm done with a few expenses) is the Leica 10 D. It functions almost exactly like a Leica M 3, save for an exposure compensator on the back. No LCD, no chimping, no nothing. Just you, your camera, a battery and your brain to set up the functions. IIRC, the only thing automatic on that camera is the aperture-priority setting. I know, it's $6-7k used, but I want it. Bad.

OK.

Why not? The rangefinder experience is in itself a nod to the passe'. The M8 is nothing but a way to marry digital convenience to all that I loved about my Leica iiis and my M3. Sure, it would be nice to go for the $6k M10, but I don't know that I could live with my conscience spending that much. Anyway, especially after seeing some of the advice here, I ended up buying the M8. Before, I test-drove a new Leica M from Washington DC's Leica store to see if I would like the feel of a digital M. I equipped it with a 35mm f/3.5 LTM Summaron and a f/2 Planar. So far: What I like: Most importantly, because it's a Leica and because I like it, I'm a lot more prone to take it with me at all times (best camera = the one you have with you at the moment) Feels, handles and focuses in a way not too dissimilar to the M3 The built-in meter is a nice addition compared to what I was used to having to do (my own estimates, or hand-held metering for more important shots) Ditto for the aperture-priority feature, which is nice for street/people/snapshots, while letting you retain control of the image Best of all, as a digital system this gives me instant control of ISO and white balance Battery life is much better than I thought Don't feel like I hurt myself financially, at $1,500 with a couple adapters What I don't like: The LCD was better on my Motorola RAZR cell phone What is not a big deal, although a nominal drawback: The sensor crop factor The 10MP limitation--I don't plan on making poster-sized prints The ISO range limitation (I don't think I ever even used film faster than 40) The sound of the shutter cocking (who cares? It's still not a K-TSCHLACK! of a DSLR) BTW, this is my first and only digital camera, so a lot of what I like about it is tied to the convenience aspects of digital... Still, I'm excited to have this particular model.

Jochen, Ed--thanks for taking the time with the thoughts and advice. I'm almost exclusively a 50mm guy--no reason, just learned to use that lens and in my limited scope as an enthusiast I've never more than dabbled with other focal lengths. Have quite a collection of 50mms, though. One thing that has given me pause is that I'd have to switch to a 35mm for the M8--I have one lonely F3.5 Summaron, but I would definitely miss all the 50's. Used M9... really tempting, but so are the US$1,500 M8s beckoning at me on ebay... Damn the choices! In any case, any type/brand IR-cut filter you recommend?

All - Been absent from these fora for almost 10 years (had to re-register). After a hiatus from photography (hard-core Leica LTM user before), I've become curious about digital. No deep reason, except that with a Leica digital M I can still enjoy the thrill of "doing photography" (translation: using a manual rangefinder) while being able to view, download, enjoy and share my pictures more immediately. I enjoy shooting travel pics (people mostly), street, marine scenes (details), the usual stuff that is OK with rangefinder. And I love my red dot and my manual controls. On ebay, prices of an M8 have come down considerably, so I'm thinking of picking one up and using the plethora of lenses I've accumulated over the years--with the usual caveats about the x1.33 factor, the correct adapter, etc. My question is, do you think the "planned obsolescence" of an M8 makes it a dumb purchase at this time? I've test-driven the M (I forget which "Typ") and liked the feel. Sure, it's a different camera than the M8, but it got my feet wet with the digi-M series and I liked it--although price-wise, I'm nowhere near ready to commit to such a dollar figure. Thoughts? Gut-feelings? Suggestions?