[Leica] Leica M8: "I think it's going to be all right"

[firkin at ncable.net.au (Alastair Firkin)]

Hugh, with your attitude and requirements, the M8 will be fantastic I'm
sure. I'm loving using it, and it makes a great companion for the Tri-E. I
think the filter issue will be an ongoing problem for Leica, as
non-traditonal M users will demand colour, BUT the colour rendition is
great in normal lighting situations. I would love to try it out with an IR
filter, as I think there may be a slight "warming" effect which is being
corrected in the software. For me the only real issue seems to be in low
light situations, where colour correction software could lead to
misrepresentation of "important" colours: purple is NOT the new black ;-)


> I am new to the LUG (although I was a member a few year's ago), I am
> here to listen and learn, but I am amazed by the bad rap many are
> giving the M8 - because for me it is the ideal solution to my
> shooting needs, as I will do a lot in B&W, and in many low light
> situations.  I may never need the filter, and, when I do color, I
> will use the filter, but only where I might run into artificial
> fibers in black clothing, like a party, wedding or formal.  Other
> than that I intend to work with it as much as possible without the
> filter.
>
> To me the beauty of the Leica lens is the most important factor, I
> love the creamy deep finish, and the ability to take a shot without
> the camera having to think about focus, f-stop etc.  I think it will
> be a wonderful companion on the Street, and I am really looking
> forward to working with it.
>
> Secondly, I am glad the sensor is set up to read as much information
> as possible, and many photos I have seen on the web reinforce the
> fact that the image from the M8 is of extremely high quality.  A
> colleague of mine called me the other day, and said it is easy to get
> rid of the Magenta cast by a simple PS maneuver, so, how difficult is
> that?
>
> I am actually going to lease the M8 and 28/2.8 lens.  Sure, progress
> will be made over the 3 years of the lease, great, just in time to
> lease a new one in 2009, and I am betting the M8 will still be worth
> something at the end of it.
>
> I have no wish to argue with anyone, but just reading Tina and Ted's
> postings confirm to me that the M8 will be a wonderful tool, and,
> even though it may not be perfect, I am truly looking forward to
> getting to know all about it.
>
> Hugh