yet another "I handled an M8 today" thread

[gee-bug]

I am one of the blessed ones, for I too have touched the sacred object! Kidding.

 

So I handled an M8 at a Leica Day here in Denver... Yes, there is a

certain "Wow!" factor. It looks and feels like an M. It's a bit weird without

the wind lever, but I could get over that. It is louder than an M, at least

this prototype was. One thing that literally "struck" me, or rather my nose,

was the ill-placed USB port cover. I tend to wedge M cameras against my nose

and "eyebrow bone", and the fingernail slot for the USB cover rubs right

against my nose. I suppose I could change my habits, but I was definitely

annoying and something I noticed right away. Something I didn't realize: you

pop off the bottom plate (just like a traditional film M bottom plate) to

change battery and SD card. Several folks at the Leica day were pre-ordering

the M8. I'll have to sell my car and live through a divorce before that will

happen.

 

They also had the new 4/3 sensor Digilux 3. That isn't a camera to be trifled

with. It's a very similar form factor to the Digilux 2, but of course with

interchangeable lenses, and anti-shake (lens) and anti-dust. Leica will be

making adapters to enable it to accept any major brand 35mm lens mount, include

R lenses, with the 2X mag factor, of course.

 

So, all in all, some impressive new stuff from Leica. I just wish I was in a

higher tax bracket in order to afford it.

[larry_kincaid1]

Doesn't sound to me like you're kidding. I also suspect that the cost of moving your nose over a bit would be less than the M8. If the Digilux 3 really will accept any major brand 35mm lens mount, then I may yet find a use for my Nikon SLR prime lenses. At 2x, my 180mm would be just about right. I checked out the D80 and it just does not feel right; a casualty of using an M6 for a couple of years.

[nolan_ross]

I was in camerawest in Monterey, Ca and they are taking orders like they are hotcakes. They had 70 orders so far. They said about 60% of the folks were selling off there film bodies to raise the cash.

 

http://www.camerawest.com/

[pico_digoliardi]

<i>It is louder than an M</i><p>

<b>Very bad!</b> One reason I use the M is because it is quiet.<p>

<i>about 60% of the folks were selling off there film bodies</i><p>

That is a very good thing for the rest of us.