michael_b._elmer

I have not made direct comparisons, but I think Stuart's comparison is correct.

 

One might add one more difference, which is that production of the DMR has ceased, so that it might be very difficult to find a new one.

I have never seen a used DMR for sale and, thus have no idea of the price for a used DMR. Could anyone give us an idea of the price level?

 

Another interesting observation might be that my DMR has been sitting in my closet since I got my M8. The M8 is simply so much easier to take with you, when you go somewhere, and, if necessary, you can always find room for an extra lens in your pocket.

 

In conclusion, the M8 is the perfect tool, at least if you have been working for many years with traditional M cameras.

I agree with Jonathan, it does not look like a Summicron bokeh with those rings.

 

Why not try to find a summicron? After all, the glass is what Leica is all about.

Leica does not recommend the use of the cris adapter.

 

Leica recommends that you use the Weincell 625 (make a Google search) as replacement for the mercury battery.

Mine is black chrome, just like the ordinary black M6.

 

I do hope, however, that Leica will make a black paint and a titanium finish later on, but as far as I am informed, they will not have time to think of other finishes than the normal chrome and black chrome until 2008.

I am certain that there must be some sort of misunderstanding. Without knowing the details of the case, including the papers exchanged, I cannot judge whether the fault is on your side or on the shops side.

 

All I know is that I have bought lots of equipment at this shop, which is the leading German and probably also European shop, and which is also leica's partner in Berlin.

 

Mr. Martin Meister has always provided me with excellent service, and has always kept his promises. I do not hesitate the least to recommend this shop from my own experience since 15-20 years.

 

So I suggest you contact Mr. Meister to try to get the misunderstanding cleared.

I have had several R cameras (and a lot of M cameras). R9 is the best SLR ever built by Leica, and many of the R-lenses, especially the Summiluxes, are wonderful. Everything on this camera works perfectly IMHO. A further advantage is that you can build out the R9 with the DMR so that you get an almost perfect digital camera (the flash function with the DMR is not so impressive as on the R9 with film, but it works) without the astonishing magenta problems of the M8 (which haven't kept me from buying the M8).

 

Don't hesitate to buy the R9.

The hallmarks say Sterling standard silver made in London 1979 by Alfred Dunhill, producer of usually smoker's accessories. I do not know the function, nor the reason that Leica was engraved on the object. It was certainly not cheap merchandise!

Who is Brad Pits?

Dan, you are quite right, but do remember that one often can get the impression that some people want to turn this (and other similar) wbesite(-s) into a Leica hatesite, either because they hate the idea of Leica inventing something more modern than the M2 or simply because they hate Leica and all that it stands for, i.e. exclusive and expensive tools (and toys) of great perfection.

 

Some people also seem to think that if they are able to find even the smallest imperfection in this perfect photographic tool, then they will be regarded very fine photographers with great expertise.

 

Having owned Leicas for more than 45 years, I am confident that the M8 will fully meet all my expectations, and I do not mind waiting for the one I ordered almost a year ago.

This may be old news, but the above lens for Digilux 3 and other four thirds

cameras is now official, see

 

http://www.photografica.com/news/default.asp?mode=display&category=33&id=481

 

and

 

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0609/06093008panasoniclenses.asp

Is that a fair comparison?

 

M8 with the 35/1.4 would be equally suited for night work at iso 400, although the picture would be cropped in comparison to what you are used to. If the angle of view is important, also the M8 with the 28/2.0 with almost the same angle of view as your present setup would be a resonable solution.

The number is essential.

 

You did not notice the missing serial number until after having bought and paid the camera. The dealer did not draw your attention to this fault and gave you 2 years warranty. Accordingly, the dealer must be obliged to remedy the obvious fault on the goods he sold to you, i.e. the lack of the camera's serial number, probably by sending the camera to Leica for repair.

 

I suggest that you first contact Leica in order to get clarification with regard to what happended to that number and whether your camera is a rare example that perhaps has higher value as is. I do not know whether leica can find the serial number elsewhere in the camera, but it is obviously a problem for Leica to have bodies circulating without serial numbers, and I am sure they will help you in getting the problem solved in a way that everybody can be happy with.

The Leica bags are excellent - practical and durable. The 14852 is best suited for the R9 with DMR, 4-5 lenses, a flasch and other accessories. For your M camera plus 4 lenses and flash, the 14853 is the proper bag. I have ordered it myself for the M8 and lenses.

Hi Frank! So you have a pristine new camera. Yes, a camera really needs a lens, and if you do some reading and research, you can in fact quite on your own get much interesting information without wasting others' time.

Read G�nter Osterloh: Leica M - Advanced Photo School, which will answer your questions and the many more to follow.

The M8 and the trip!

Why don't you ask Leica?

 

The comments you get may seem stupid, but perhaps they demonstrate that it might be desirable with more explanation on the background for your need.

Andrew, the bar code system is also ingenious. The only difference is that now it is widespread.

Leica has a beautiful brown leather everready case in retro design, which you will love. If you want a handy camera, do not plan to use it regularly with the sf 24 d mounted. The charm of the CM is its small size. OTOH having the flash won't hurt - it can also be used with other Leicas, including the M8. Good luck!!!

Hopefully, Leica has patented the coding and the code reading system. Leica needs protection of this ingenious system if they shall survive.

Leica Berlin, Fasanenstrasse 71.

The CM is an excellent camera, and probably Leicas last film camera of a compact size. I have had no problems with my Minilux, nor with my CM, they are reliable and take splendid pictures. The lens (40/2.4) belongs to leicas best lenses and is comparable to the famous 40/2.0 for the CL.

 

I do not believe that this camera will have collectors value.

 

The possibility of using the sf 24 d is a plus, but in real life the built in flash will prove sufficient for normal use.

 

Buy the color you like best.

 

Of course, another possibility would be to buy a digital leica such as the D-Lux 3 which I would also warmly recommend. I have the D-Lux 2, which I find excellent, and the D-Lux 3 is an evolution of that camera, just like the CM was an evolution of the Minilux.

Sorry, the 75/1.4 is not an ASPH - but that does not change my preference for this lens.

Every potential buyer of the M8 makes the same considerations.

 

Perhaps a 3- or 5-lens combination like this might be sensible:

 

24/2.8 ASPH

35/1.4 ASPH

75/1.4 ASPH

 

24/2.8 ASPH

28/2.0 ASPH

35/1.4 ASPH

50/1.4 ASPH

75/1.4 ASPH

 

Apart from the Noctilux, I listed the fastest lenses in the current programme. However, the 28/2.8 ASPH and the 75/2.0 ASPH also seem to have advantages. The 35/2.0 ASPH is also a very good lens, although I personally would always prefer the 35/1.4 ASPH.

 

Those of us that already have some lenses in this range, may also want to keep them instead of or until buying some of the new asph-lenses.

Manfred, a google search will lead you to the cech city of Oplava.