[Leica] MY first experience with an M8

[douglas.sharp at gmx.de (Douglas Sharp)]

That is exactly what you shouldn't do with a bloody expensive camera 
that isn't doing, and probably won't for a while do, what you paid for.
Unless you are so well off that it doesn't matter, this camera is a 
total failure IMO

Did you want to buy a defective camera? I think not
Did you want to pay so much for a camera that may, purely by 
coincidence, be good in BW and Infrared?

Offering filters to correct the effects is like offering a season ticket 
for the  bus when your Porsche won't get above walking pace.

The camera is beautifully built, pretty, it handles well, it's light and 
compact, takes Leica-M mount lenses and says Leica on the front
The difference to previous Leicas, and many other digitals at a much 
lower price is - it doesn't do what you paid for - get your money back 
is the only thing to do

I handled one here a while back, it really is a gorgeous piece of 
equipment, but it just doesn't work as it should and Leica should recall 
them all.
Cheers
Douglas

Jim Laurel wrote:
> I would agree with what B.D. is saying here.  There is no doubt that 
> Leica nailed the user experience.  The M8 handles beautifully.  The 
> controls and menuing structure are very well laid out.  Resolution of 
> fine detail is impressive - better than a 1Ds with the finest L series 
> lenses.  Mine even had a perfectly aligned RF out of the box - can you 
> believe it?
>
> I am also seeing the magenta cast in low light scenes.  Again, several 
> people have told me that this gets solved with the IR filters.
>
> What really galls you about the M8, though, is that Leica sells it to 
> you as if it is a viable product without the filters.  It isn't.  
> After the first dozen images, I realized that I could not trust this 
> camera for any shoot I cared about.  So the owner experience is:
>
> -Unpack your M8
> -Oogle over it being a digital M
> -Admire the great form factor
> -Shoot your first photos and enjoy the magenta casts over everything
> -Go online and order your IR filters
> -Set your M8 on the shelf while waiting for the filters to arrive  ;-)
>
> I