End of the Line for M8? Disappointing and Grateful

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 Post subject: End of the Line for M8? Disappointing and Grateful
Unread postPosted: Tue Mar 25, 2014 9:19 am 
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No screens and no sensors?
This is indeed disappointing as Leica is my choice of photographic equipment because I simply enjoy using them more than others.

A happy customer, I am also honest. IMO, I am grateful that I never bought a digital M for the simple fact that, with my luck and meager finances, the camera would be in a landfill in short order. That limited lifetime makes a digital M even more expensive.

For years I have tried them, loved them and dreamed countless hours of owning one. But not now. Even an M9 at a 4k price tag is destined to be a disposable in a few years.

I reckon I will keep my film Leicas (and the X1 until it becomes landfill material) as I actually prefer using them along with the ability to use them for the rest of my life...

Leica has followed the competition down a rabbit hole that I will not follow. YMMV and that is as it should be.


Last edited by dave_gt on Tue Mar 25, 2014 3:14 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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 Post subject: Re: End of the Line for M8? Disappointing and Grateful
Unread postPosted: Tue Mar 25, 2014 9:25 am 
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Agreed, Dave... Such is the nature of digital cameras. Not just obsolescence from a spec perspective, but also parts. Clearly not just a Leica problem, obviously - but the cost/life ratio is definitely steeper and makes the reality a bit more sobering. At least with the film cameras, there are a LOT of parts out there with a long history (and little to break).

People can bash others for using half cases, padded camera bags, etc. but to them I simply say, "you do things your way, I'll do things my way."

As for resale value, that's another story. And one for those with frequent turnover. I don't buy cameras to play with; they're usually with me until they fall apart.

Thankfully I've never had problems with any of my Leica bodies; M7, M8, M9, MM... They all still look and work great. Though I may need to have infinity adjusted on the M9, apparently. :oops:

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 Post subject: Re: End of the Line for M8? Disappointing and Grateful
Unread postPosted: Tue Mar 25, 2014 3:11 pm 
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Yeah, it just shows how times are a'changing. Never thought a 5,6,7 or $8,000 camera would be basically a disposable throwaway item five years after they make the model. The M3 is happily working for a living six decades later and looks as beautiful as when it was new. The R4, same thing after more than 3 decades. The R8, yep, beautiful and working like a champ. All three together cost about 20% of the cost of a new M. But, I bet film will still be around and they are still working long after the new M's start filling the landfill. Sigh...

I still want one (or even an M9) but it is now less probable because I can no longer throw money away. If I buy something these days it is most likely something that will last me the rest of my life. That is why I still drive old Mercedes cars and keep them maintained. That is also why I love buying old classic cameras and lenses.

Lots of folks out there who just like to buy, try and sell on a frequent basis. Others have plenty of cash and don't care. That is fine...but not my interest at all. :D

I have grandchildren who will be handed (and taught how to use) the cameras I pass on to them. Always wish I had that shotgun from my Dad's hunting days, and of course, my great uncle's Stanley Steam Carriage (I bet it didn't have any electronics)....Or even the old Brownie that my parents used when I was a kid. But I don't, so I will pass on a legacy on my own. :D And I can guarantee that nothing will be digital.


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 Post subject: Re: End of the Line for M8? Disappointing and Grateful
Unread postPosted: Tue Mar 25, 2014 7:44 pm 
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Crickey! ... and I thought that a Leica was a camera for life. How silly of me. So pleased I opted for the M2....mind you I'm freezing film as insurance against it being discontinued!


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 Post subject: Re: End of the Line for M8? Disappointing and Grateful
Unread postPosted: Wed Mar 26, 2014 7:39 am 
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Definitely hanging on to my film Leicas.


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 Post subject: Re: End of the Line for M8? Disappointing and Grateful
Unread postPosted: Wed Mar 26, 2014 10:44 am 
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The story was updated - apparently Leica NJ still has some sensors left, at least here in the USA.

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 Post subject: Re: End of the Line for M8? Disappointing and Grateful
Unread postPosted: Fri Mar 28, 2014 6:35 pm 
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My M8.2 still ticks along nicely.

:D


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 Post subject: Re: End of the Line for M8? Disappointing and Grateful
Unread postPosted: Fri Mar 28, 2014 6:55 pm 
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Yeah, same here! :)

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 Post subject: Re: End of the Line for M8? Disappointing and Grateful
Unread postPosted: Wed Jul 22, 2015 3:27 pm 
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Just a update
I purchased my 8.2 serial 3556XXX used with 14K shots back in April 2015
it was used came with a warranty and the price was right, when I received it
I noticed it had the dreaded coffee stain on the LCD display, sent it back after all it was sold to me with a warranty, long story short it was sent to NJ who in turn sent it to Germany, just received an email today from Camtec, camera was repaired and I should have it by the end of the week
so Leica must still have displays, best of all my warranty is now extended
yay
cheers
Carlo


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 Post subject: Re: End of the Line for M8? Disappointing and Grateful
Unread postPosted: Thu Jul 23, 2015 12:33 pm 
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The M8 uses the same screen as the M9/MM so it makes sense that they still have screens. Now sensors on the other hand...


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