My favourite camera: The Leica M8

[@wilfredobenitez7275]

A most enjoyable camera, and a camera I came back to after having sold my original M8 some 11 years ago. I call the images it produces the sweet spot between analog and digital even with the advanced CMOS sensors of today. I agree the LCD screen doesn’t deliver a quality image but it does help me to check how well I framed my photo and if I need to I can adjust the angle. It’s also a good way to check your focusing after the shot and exposure. I’m am happy to have it back even if by today’s standards it is a klonker. At the end of the day it’s all about the quality of the image it produces. It’s a shame that Kodak is no longer making CCD sensors.

[@luluphoto]

My all time fave camera

[@wilfredshum3703]

I use my M8.2 mainly for daylight shooting with the 50 mm Summilux lens and I like it a lot. The black and white images are fantastic.

[@dromokratis]

The monochrome images are truly one of a kind.

[@wimvandenheuvel6292]

Love the M8, mine is now at Leica (already 3 months) for a pixelmapping. My favorite analogue Olympus OM1n, I wish other brands woud have made the shutterspeed as a ring around the lensmount. That way you can really controll everything with 1 hand. Grts Wim

[@superkrell]

My "kit" consists of a Leica MD 262 and Summicron F/2 Rigid. A camera that shoots and renders almost like film. I shot film for over 30 years and now favor the MD 262/ Rigid more...!

[@dromokratis]

@superkrell My M-D 262 is literally glued to my hands, too. It's the one that made me put away the M8. To me, this is the most digital analogue experience one can get.

[@synlfo7828]

I shoot for some big name magazines and generally use film. But at times they need a next day turn around so I stick on the digital back. I use the old phase one ccd primarily as it looks closer to my analog work. CCD is by far a nicer sensor in my opinion. Yes it has its disadvantages but in the right environment and settings, it blows away cmos for texture depth and colour ❤❤

[@SourPlanet]

Taking just a M body on trips is so satisfying. At first it's a right of passage and then it feels like freedom. The camera disappears into the experience. I've been sticking to one lens as well.. but I recently picked up an old Leica 90/4 Elmar-C to pair with my 35/2. Even still, the kit is so small I can just pocket the spare lens. The days of backpacking 5 kilos of kit feel like a totally different life ha. I like the M8 shutter sound...but I LOVE the M240 shutter. Such a dorky thing to love, but here we are.

[@dromokratis]

I never shot the 240, but it should be similar to my M-D 262 - that shutter sound has its magic too! 🥰

[@SourPlanet]

@@dromokratis Oooh.. M-D is SUCH a cool camera. Always enamored with their choice to release such a bold design. That shutter is about half as loud as the M240 though. I envy you there-- people can definitely hear me snapping their photo even here in NYC ha.

[@f__e__e__l__e__e__p]

Great narrative, thank you as always. I have Rollei 35, took few pictures this summer in Greece as well and just got me thinking. I think it the process of taking the picture that can contribute to shaping it.. and the photographer needs to enjoy this process to use such camera. I had my Leica Q3 as well, that is my first and only Leica. While it is a different beast, one can achieve any kind of results in post these days though. Still thinking if I should sell the Q, get this one and in case I need buy some 'boring' digital beast, should be enough budget after sale of Q 🙂 Need to sleep on it, or get some amazing advice ;-) Best and warmest regards, Filip

[@dromokratis]

@f__e__e__l__e__e__p Thank you so much for your appreciation! 🥰 I think it depends on your personal needs: I still can't get the philosophy behind the Q, it seems too perfect to me. I do all my personal stuff with the M-D & M8, most of my paid work with the M-D & Canon R. The R is a "soulless" workhorse but delivers. For special occasions where image quality is essential, my gear of choice is the Fujifilm GFX 50S II. The M8 is more than enough for nearly everything, but you could get a 240 for the same price right now. It has the same sensor as the 262/M-D and the aesthetics are closer to the M8 than to the M10. If you're into Leica and love photography, I think both models would suit your needs. 😉 I don't know where you're from, but if you are somewhere in southern Germany, you're welcome to meet up and try out my Leicas! Best and lovely regards, Moe

[@f__e__e__l__e__e__p]

@@dromokratis A huge thank you for the reply. I will think about it, but after all, what I noticed, I have to work on atmosphere and relation with people I photograph. I used Q for portraits inspired by Ben Staley and got images that will stay in my mind 🙂 And since I am not professional, this can wait. Would love to meet up and try out, thank you for it, but as a family man I am torn between SW Poland and Hamburg 🙂👍 Again, keep on rocking Moe!

[@alexbeard88]

I have a black M8 and I absolutely love it. Still going strong after 15000 shots. I wouldn’t trade it for a newer M

[@dromokratis]

Sounds great, I immediately regretted selling my old one - this one will stay with me forever. The M8 can do everything a skilled and passionate photographer wants her to do. Which lens are you using on yours?

[@alexbeard88]

@@dromokratis I had to compromise with the lens as I used the money I had to buy the camera body. I’m currently using a 7artisans 35mm F2 but looking for a used Voigtlander Nokton 35mm F1.4 as an upgrade. To be fair, the 7artisans does a decent job at a budget price but I’d like the wider F1.4 because of the ISO restrictions on the M8.

[@dromokratis]

@@alexbeard88 The Voigtländer 35mm f/1.4 is a great choice, not only because of the aperture. As far as I have heard, the 7artisans lenses are great performer.

[@andersphansson]

It has shutter count? Thinking of buying one

[@alexbeard88]

@@andersphansson yes you can access the shutter count - I can’t remember how to do it but there are KZbin videos and Reddit threads that explain how to access it

[@anexgene]

Fantastic review on the Leica M8! @dromokratis Your passion for photography really shines through. I appreciate the detailed insights you provided about the Leica M8. It’s very clear that this Leica M8 masterpiece holds a special place in your heart. Looking forward to more of your camera reviews! ❤❤❤

[@dromokratis]

Thank you so much Eugene!!! ♥️

[@kimw994]

love it too- but with the Nokton 35 1.2 III : fantastic combo... and just find out: broken pictures with some digital noise- when the battery gets empty ...(not a broken shutter!)

[@dromokratis]

Oh I thought so many times about getting the 35mm f/1.2 but I like the very small form factor of the f/1.4. The 50mm f/1.2 is literally glued to my M-D 262, and it is huge and heavy compared to the 35mm f/1.4. I'll definitely give it a try one day, there's always room for making great things even better.

[@LensForgotten]

Dedication and focused on your craft. Can’t ask for anything more. Great job

[@pwklau]

I agree completely with your take on the M8. I bought my used black M8 long time ago and now I used it also for shooting black and white and infrared. At first I don't like how loud the shutter sound and how slow the transfer of the image but now I really like the loud shutter and the slow transfer that it give me time to slow down and think about the next image. Like you said, it feels like analogue, takes picture like analogue and gives you an analogue like color and black and white result. Mine has several dead pixels but I will never sell it. It is a masterpiece from Leica.

[@ansgarbook712]

Pixel failures on the sensor are being repaired by Leica Germany for about 180 €

[@rightfeelI]

your photos are enjoyable to watch

[@dromokratis]

@rightfeelI thank you so much!!!

[@malcomjhy]

Just amazing. This is actually my favourite and dream camera among the other red dot

[@tuftufclub159]

Hello ! Very intresting philosophy of the Leica M8 ! I thank you for sharing your ideas and your pictures with us all. You explain very well. Very lovely images, also the B+W's. A great job ! The M8 was also my first Leica + the Voigtländer Nokton Classic 35 mm F 1.4 II + the B&W UV IR Cut filter. The setting is always on DNG + I use Capture One I subscribed to your channel ! Greetings from Antwerp, take care, Roger.

[@christopherrodriguez7223]

Well done, the M8 is a true gem, keep up the lovely work.

[@dromokratis]

Thank you so much!!!

[@victordominguez5188]

Thanks for your video

[@peevonb7070]

Love your videos, thank you.

[@dromokratis]

@peevonb7070 thank you so much, I appreciate that! ♥️

[@villegas24]

Amazing pictures

[@dromokratis]

Thank you!!!

[@junhomoon4535]

I also own Leica M8 it one of my fav cameras!! The Sound of shutter of M8 is stunning ~ Its really joyful ! Also CCD image quality its slightly different from mordern CMOS image :) Love your works as well !!

[@dromokratis]

Thank you!!!

[@kims37]

I so much agree. I it is the only camera I regret selling. I did that because the value had doubled, and I needet founding for Leica M7 and MP.

[@Funktrainer]

I use it alongside the M9-P and the M8 only feels better because the photos taken look brighter and more satisfying on the rear screen because of the different DNG processing. The rest feels pretty much the same, both cameras are great.

[@MoereinDD]

Hi, I would like to know what lens(es) you are using on the M8? Thanks in advance. Robert

[@nicvortec]

Hi the lens hood triger my atention, what is thet model? I use same setting M8 with te 35 1.4, (still lerning) are your pictures dng or Jpg. Looks great

[@inkpenman]

Great video. Thanks for making it and sharing. Still have my M8 ... by the way, you mentioned you use Voigtlander lenses - do you use the IR filter and do you code your lenses with equivalent 6-bit? Thanks.

[@andrewbutton5580]

That covering it called Vulcanite. Some Ms have leather, but others had that non-leather stuff.

[@ansgarbook712]

Very nice video. Great part of music also in the last part. What is that. From all my cameras, the M8(u) speaks the most to me. I will never let it go

[@lukemerrill1272]

I also have and love the M8. I own the 40 mm nokton classic, but having the 35 mm seems like it could be just a bit more versitile. I am curious, what lens hood do you have? Thanks for sharing!

[@Funktrainer]

The battery doesn't last forever, around 100 to 200 shots maximum, depending on how you use it.

[@ThoughtFission]

Just one question; where can I get one cheap?

[@RobMatthews21]

I am looking for that rectangular hood for my Nokton 35mm classic 1.4 - can you share where you got yours?

[@zkramez]

M9 is awesome too

[@Funktrainer]

Yes, I always take both with me, the M8 and M9-P but the M8 is more satisfying because of the superior image rendering right out of the box. You can get the same results with the M9 with some tweaking. Love the shutter sounds, so satisfying.

[@julianwardnz]

I found the M8 to be frustrating because my beautiful old lenses became the wrong focal length with the smaller sensor. For example, my 35mm Summicron became a 50mm. My favorite camera for the last almost 10 years is the Leica M262. I like the lightness (aluminum body) and simplicity.

[@RobMatthews21]

Is a special cable required to connect to the iPhone?

[@Mr.McCray56]

More M8 videos. Plus do you print and what size?

[@andersphansson]

Great video! Do Leica still service M8?

[@Leicashootr]

Great video ❤

[@SpencerLupul]

nice video 😊 I personally really like my X100F. But the Leica system has been tempting me…

[@PaulMacnamara-n4k]

Great video ! - I have just one thing regarding what you have said about the M8 - I have a M8.2 so maybe not the same as the M standard M8 BUT I have never found the display to be poor!. I have every other Leica Digital so I can compare them and I have never found the display lacking. I honestly think that there is a reverse hype about the M8 display and reviewers feel that they HAVE to say that the display is "useless" which to me is just not true. It does it's job by showing the picture and composition and maybe not being able to pixel peep on it but so what! It shows everything that you need to know when you look at it - so sorry I like your review but I can't agree on the display! Regards

[@dromokratis]

Thank you! You are right about the display, but the same cameras sometimes had different displays installed. This means you need a bit of luck to get a good one. The display on my first M8 was noticeably worse than the one on my current one, and I had the same experience with my M9. Often, the color temperatures vary significantly. Overall, though, I have to agree with you: it gets the job done.

[@fodenkano3988]

@@dromokratis try to tilt the display a little bit and you'll notice a change in color/temperature. At least that is with mine.

[@dromokratis]

@fodenkano3988 I'll give it a try, thank you!

[@Funktrainer]

I agree, the display is pretty good, I also never had issues using it. It is perfect for judging sharpness and composition.

[@Funktrainer]

This camera is pretty quick I always get the right moment and if not, I was not good enough. It is never the fault of the camera or the gear.

[@f__e__e__l__e__e__p]

All the gentlemen having one of these jewels. Do you think there is high chance it will fall electronically any time soon?

[@christophecarasco8998]

Oh l’amour…

[@williambichara8364]

Do you worry about charging the old leica batteries for this camera? I have been told they can be dangerous and can cause fire.

[@pascaldelhorbe]

Ah ok il faut un leica pour faire ça .oupsss