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View multi-angles images
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- Low-noise 10.3-megapixel CCD image sensor specifically matched to the compact lens design
- Full compatibility with nearly all M lenses means unique imaging performance
- Incorporates rangefinder system with its advantages of discreet and quiet operation, speed, and precision
- Future-guaranteed raw data format (DNG) and the raw data converter Capture One LE
- Main settings clearly structured in menus on the bright 2.5-inch display
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List
Price: $5,995.00 |
New, lowest price : $5,495.00 |
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| Product Description |
| The dream of many Leica photographers has come true: the Leica M system is now open for professional digital photography. Breaking completely new ground, the LEICA M8 doesn't only look like an M - it utilizes all the benefits of the analog Leica M system for sophisticated and creative digital photography. It is the only digital camera for professionals to incorporate the rangefinder system with its advantages of discreet and quiet operation, speed and precision. And the no-compromise quality criteria of the M system continue to apply to the M8. Full compatibility with nearly all M lenses means that their unique imaging performance is now available for digital photography, too. The low-noise CCD image sensor with a resolution of 10.3 megapixels has been specifically matched to the compact lens design to guarantee superlative photographic quality. The controls and functions of the digital M still concentrate on the essentials. The proven M concept is complemented by the intelligent extra functions that digital technology has to offer. The LEICA M8 is the first timeless digital camera "Made in Germany". Fascinatingly new and yet still a real Leica M.Exceptional performance in every detail For Leica, image quality is not only a catchword, but a value attainable by optimizing all the links in the performance chain: Leica's M high performance lenses, now performing even better in the digital system with the new 6-bit coding. The low-noise CCD sensor wh |
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Digital Camera Reviews Writed by Customer
[ Total Reviews: 10 Average Rating: 
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Yes, it's an M camera!
2008-09-13
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After spending a day out shooting, er, ah... "making photographs" with my M8, I thought I'd share with you my impressions. In summation, it really is an M camera. I doubted it, but I was wrong. Here are my individual footnotes as to why: Handling the camera & lens, my hands and brain were often led to think I was handling an M6. Only when my thumb reached for the film advance/shutter cocking lever did my hands and brain went "hey, what the heck? There is none!" If I had the option, I'd choose the original manual shutter cocking lever over the electric one, even on a digital M camera.
My hands could not even detect the slightly thicker body compared to the M6. The weight, combined with a 50mm lens was noticeably lighter than the M6 with same lens (which surprised me). The handling is the same, and so is the balance and heft.
I never once looked at the instruction manual, because: Everything is logical. Just read what is in the LCD, scroll, and press the right buttons.
Crop factor: what crop factor? My wide angle lens is still pretty wide with the M8, and I'm getting more than what the frame lines are showing me with the 50mm! Could it be that the M8 is a full-frame, but they aren't saying it is? Could be!
The write time is slow. You can see it writing as the red light in the back flashes. This is of no consequence, because of the ample buffer.
At present, the largest capacity SD card that can be used on the M8 is a 2 gig. I tried to use a 4 gigabyte SD card, and the LCD would say that the card is full. With a 2 gb card, you get 539 shots at the highest quality jpeg setting. How do they do it? I can only get 399 shots in a Panasonic DMC-FZ50 (with a 2 gig card)!
With the M8, you can use every lens that Leitz Wetzlar ever made, right back to the beginning of (Leica) time with screw-mount lenses. And you can use other lenses like the manual-focus Minolta MD lenses (and others, I was told)...with a Novoflex adapter! Find out by going to Novoflex' website. You can also use the new Voigtlander screwmount lenses, and some Konica Hexars. This is good, because Leica lenses cost thousands.
This is my review. I hope it was helpful. |
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Beauty and simplicity
2008-06-23
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In the short period that I've own the M8, I have learned more about optics, technique and photography than in any other time in my life. Had I chose a more conventional camera; I doubt that I would make this assessment. Still, we develop and move forward and the M8 is no less of a camera today, than it was when I purchased it. If anything, its better following the last firmware (AWB) update. Still, the M8 is markedly expensive vs. its features and for this reason alone; I can't recommend it to most people. However, if you love rangefinder style shooting, then you will love this camera!
~ Digital Dude |
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Nearly perfect!
2008-05-01
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| I have gone through so many cameras in the last ten years, I can't even count them. At each stage of my life I need something different. I travel a lot and I wanted the same results I get with my Canon EOS 1D Mark II N without all that weight and trouble. I have found the perfect solution. The Leica M8 paired with a 50mm Summicron lens takes the sharpest photos I have ever seen. It takes a lot of getting used to, but once you do, you can't shoot with anything else. It can't capture sports, or moving targets well, but that's not what it's for. It's for people who want to take their time with their photos and do it right. Get one if this is you! |
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You Get What You Pay For
2007-11-22
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After 16 years of retail photography equipment sales I've demoed hundreds, if not thousands of cameras to purchasers. When I decided to invest in my own digital camera my criteria was to purchase a camera that was built solid, had an easy to use menu, excellent picture quality, the best optical lineup available, compact, unobtrusive and a bright simple viewfinder. Price was not going to be THE issue because I wanted to purchase a camera I would keep and not fall into the throw away world that has been created by the electronics industry.
I had read the initial reviews of the camera and the howling by Leica film traditionalist and non-users about the IR issue. For those of you not familiar with the camera Leica opted to omit the infrared blocking filter on the sensor to maintain optimal sharpness when using the superb Leitz lenses. The omission of this filter causes some black synthetic fabrics to appear maroon in color. Leica opted to give purchasers of this camera two IR cut ultraviolet filters to put on the front of the lens to solve the problem. Leicas solution also caused Leica tradionalist to complain about putting a filter on the front of the lenses and although many of them had a standard uv on their lenses already this was made an issue that went way beyond its applications.
I have been involved with film infrared photography for years and saw the potential IR capabilities of this camera as a benefit. No more loading, unloading and handling IR film in total darkness was a definite added bonus in a camera that already produced superb color and black and white images. That has proven to be true over the 8 months I've owned this camera.
A major plus for the M8 is its simple and easy to use menus. I've witnessed so many potential purchasers of digital cameras roll their eyes when I start to demonstrate the convoluted menus and seen so many photographers miss a shot because they were trying to access a feature they needed. My only suggestion for improvement would be to include the choice of image type and saturation with the working "set" menu that way you would have everything regarding exposure under one roof.
I've used Leica rangefinder cameras for years and am used to using a rangefinder in all types of photography situations, but rangefinders are not for everyone and I would highly suggest that anyone considering this camera, who has no experience with rangefinders and is presently using an SLR, to find a dealer where you can either rent the camera or return it within a time period if you are not happy with it. It is not for everyone.
I'm more than happy about my investment in this camera, have not experienced any of the complaints I've read about it, appreciate the added bonus of the IR potential and if I have any complaints it is about the shutter sound that one user likened to a nail driver gun. Leica please try to make the M8 shutter as quiet as your film cameras.
I highly recommend this camera to anyone who can afford an investment into a superb digital camera that will not be a throw away, who have a collection of Leica lenses and want to go digital and anyone interested in the simplicity and photographic involvement in using a Leica rangefinder. |
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The Leica Bloodline continues
2007-11-16
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I just wish I had not waited 10 months to get mine. There is no other digital camera in the world like it and it lets you use the great Leica and other manufactures glass from the last 70 years.
The people who think it's over priced just don't get it. It's the Leica heritage and the sensor with the glass that make it unique.
Remember budget the luxuries first and the M8 is one of those luxuries a well rounded life needs.
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