Leica M8 (black)
Manufacturer: Leica Camera, Inc. Part number: 10701
- CNET Editor rating: Not yet rated
- Average user rating: 4.5 stars out of 3 reviews
- More product information:
- Editors' take
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Accessories
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- Leica's M8 rangefinder has a good feel and solid construction. Unfortunately, a production flaw has kept us from making a final judgment. Check back soon for our verdict.
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CNET editors' take
Leica M8 (black) price range: $5,495.00
- Reviewed by: Philip Ryan
- Edited by: Jim Hoffman
- Reviewed on: 12/20/2006
- Updated on:01/30/2007
The bottom line: Leica's M8 rangefinder has a good feel and solid construction. Unfortunately, a production flaw has kept us from making a final judgment. Check back soon for our verdict.
As a camera company, Leica built its reputation on the back of its rangefinder cameras. From the Leica II, introduced in 1932, through the M7 still available today, Leica rangefinders have endured, in no small part thanks to a reputation for top-notch craftsmanship. On September 14 of this year, Leica officially announced the company's first digital rangefinder, called the M8. It packs a Kodak-made 10.3-megapixel CCD sensor and a 2.5-inch LCD screen into a classic rangefinder body design that's just a touch larger than the M7.
For those of you unfamiliar with rangefinders, the cameras offer certain advantages over SLRs. Foremost is the lack of a mirror. Since they use a rangefinder instead of a mirror and prism, you never lose sight of your subject as you do when an SLR's mirror flips up to capture an image. You also don't get the internal vibrations that go along with the mirror slapping up inside the camera, which can rob your images of an extra--though admittedly very minor--level of sharpness capable with a rangefinder. Plus, since rangefinders are smaller than SLRs, in this case 5.46x3.16x1.45 inches (body only), it's easier to bring them with you wherever you go.
Also, rangefinders--especially Leicas--are traditionally much quieter than SLRs, again the result of SLRs' mirror slap. This can be particularly advantageous in street photography or any other situation in which the photographer wants to remain unnoticed. However, the M8's shutter is electronically controlled, which means that rather than the winding lever found on the company's film rangefinders, an electronic motor cocks the shutter. While still a lot quieter than an SLR, the M8 isn't as whisper-soft as some Leicas.
However, it is just as well constructed, and Leica fanatics should feel at home when handling the M8. For example, just as film loads into the bottom of the M7, the M8's bottom plate removes to reveal the SD card slot and the battery. Plus, just like most rangefinders, the M8 has old-school controls. Aperture is changed by turning a ring on the lens, while shutter speed has a control dial on top with marks from 4 seconds to 1/8,000 second, as well as a bulb setting, which holds the shutter open as long as you hold the shutter-release button down. The shutter-speed dial also includes an automatic setting, which is how you can engage aperture-priority mode. Other than that, you'll have to stick to full manual exposures. The on/off switch, which surrounds the shutter button, also lets you choose the drive mode: single, continuous, or self-timer. A small round LCD display on the left of the camera top displays the number of images (that is, the amount of space) left on your SD card and the remaining battery life, while mimicking the look of a classic rangefinder's film counter.
Focusing with the M8's rangefinder is great, but be warned: there's no autofocus option, though that's how Leica fans like it. The finder is bright and surprisingly effective even in low light. The M8 is the first Leica M-camera to use the company's new 6-bit encoding system for lenses. All new Leica lenses come with the 6-bit code, and older lenses can be sent back to Leica--for about $100--to have a code installed. According to Leica, the code allows the M8 to write lens data to your images' EXIF data, and lets the camera customize its image processing based on the lens being used. But, in images we shot with a new 28mm, f/2.8, 6-bit encoded lens, the EXIF data didn't include actual aperture information for the shot and identified the lens as having a maximum aperture of f/1.0, though this problem might be solved when Leica issues new firmware for the M8. On the plus side, the camera does automatically change the framing lines in the finder to match the lens that's mounted on the camera. The camera includes frames for 24mm or 35mm, 50mm or 75mm, and 28mm or 90mm.
The menu system is fairly intuitive, though not overly fancy. There are no explanations of the various functions built into the menus, but that shouldn't be a problem, since this camera is geared toward more-advanced users. Leica places certain functions, such as ISO, exposure compensation, white balance, compression, and resolution, in a separate menu, accessed by pressing the Set button. Sensitivity choices include ISO 160, ISO, 320, ISO 640, ISO 1,250, and ISO 2,500. Exposure compensation ranges from plus 3 to minus 3EV in one-third EV increments, and white balance includes a Kelvin temperature setting, in addition to auto, manual, and the usual array of presets. The camera can shoot images in two levels of JPEG compression and/or Adobe's DNG raw format. That means that Photoshop users who use Adobe Camera Raw won't have to download an update to start converting raw files from the M8.
Late last year, Leica acknowledged a couple of problems with the M8. The most noticeable problem in our field tests was what Leica has termed the camera's "above-average sensitivity to infrared light." The problem arises from the M8's unusually thin IR filter in front of its CCD. As a result, certain fabrics end up with too much magenta when captured by the M8, giving them a purplish look. Leica offers screw-on IR/UV filters for its lenses to compensate for the problem, and in our tests, they solved the issue. Leica has said it will offer two free filters to anyone who purchases the M8. As part of the online registration process, new M8 owners will get to choose the filter sizes they want (to match the lenses they own). The free filters will not be available at the time of purchase, since it would be unwieldy for retailers to try to stock so many sizes of this obscure filter.
Though we didn't experience any banding or ghosting in our sample shots, Leica says that some M8 units did experience these issues as well. Leica has issued a firmware upgrade to solve this issue, and noted that all new M8s will have this firmware preinstalled.
Since the M8 doesn't include autofocus, its performance numbers can't really be compared to most other cameras, but we still feel it's useful to share them. The camera took 0.8 second from switching it on to capturing its first image. The time between subsequent shots measured about 0.68 second whether shooting RAW or JPG files. Continuous shooting yielded about two frames per second regardless of image size.
As you'd expect from Leica, we were impressed with the image quality of the M8. For the record, we conducted our tests with a 28mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M lens with the Leica-issued corrective filter in place and the most recent firmware factory-installed. Images showed tons of sharpness, accurate colors, and a wide dynamic range, with plenty of detail at both dark and light extremes. We saw no evidence of JPG compression. Noise was practically nonexistent at the base sensitivity of ISO 160, remains extremely low at ISO 320, and just barely creeps in at ISO 640. At ISO 1250, the noise becomes noticeable and robs a minor amount of sharpness, but images are still very usable. By ISO 2500 noise becomes excessive. While there's still an impressive amount of detail for such a high ISO, the noise present changed to include more off-color specs and crossed our threshold for use at full size. While you'll probably be able to get away with using ISO 2500 images from the M8 at smaller sizes--for 4x6-inch prints or downsized for e-mail--we'd suggest you opt for lower ISOs when shooting more cherished photos.
The sad part about the problems faced by the Leica M8 is that the company could have avoided them. The decision to go with a thinner-than-normal IR filter was a conscious one, which the company made in an effort to eke all the sharpness they could out of their famously sharp lenses. Now, those same lenses will have to be capped with potentially sharpness-stealing filters anyway, and Leica has had to deal with cleaning the egg off its face. To its credit, even with the filter in place our test images were plenty sharp, so the company did step up to the plate and offer a decent solution for their customers. Now we'll just have to wait and see what Leica's customers think of their fix.
User reviews
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The only problem you are going to have is deciding if you want the silver or black model.
by buynshoot on May 13, 2008
Pros: Quality from start to finish
Cons: A little high in price
Summary: Mention the name Leica to a photographer and you are sure to get a reaction. Leica is synonymous with cameras and lenses of uncompromising quality. The Leica M8 is the ...
Summary: Mention the name Leica to a photographer and you are sure to get a reaction. Leica is synonymous with cameras and lenses of uncompromising quality. The Leica M8 is the latest member of Leica?s M-series range finder cameras, taking the M-series from film to digital photography. With the same classic, minimalist styling of the Leica?s M7 film camera, the M8 is not only a well thought out digital camera, but a design icon.
Even the packaging of the Leica M8 is beautifully understated. Open the box and you will find the camera manual, warranty and CD-ROMs containing the Leica digital capture and Phase One Capture One LE software. The camera body is found within a display box, protected by high-density foam rubber. You will also find the camera?s Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery, a battery charger, USB cable and a neck strap in the box.
The front of the camera gives no hint that the M8 is a digital camera. Just like the Leica M7, the front of the M8 contains the lens mount, viewfinder, rangefinder and frame selector lever.
On the top of the camera is a hot shoe that will accept most flash units, with additional contacts for Leica?s M-TTL compatible strobes. On the right is the shutter speed dial and integrated main switch and shutter release. The main switch has four positions: Off, S (single), C (series) and self-timer. Holding true to tradition, the shutter release is metal with a cable release thread in the centre. Finally, on the left hand corner of the camera is a small LCD that indicates battery level in five stages and the estimated shots remaining before the memory card is full.
The rear of the camera has a 2.5-inch, 230,000 pixel LCD display. To the left of the display are the play, delete, protect, info and set buttons. On the right are a menu button and ring and direction buttons for menu navigation and image playback. These buttons are well laid out and easy to use.
Similar to the M7 film camera, the bottom of the M8 has a removable cover. Under this cover is the SD memory card slot and battery compartment. The M8 can accept memory cards up to 4 GB. Leica has a list of compatible SD cards on their website.
The camera can be connected directly to a computer using the supplied USB cable. The cable connection can be used to download images to the computer or, in combination with the Leica digital capture software to control the camera. The USB connector on the camera is on the right-hand edge and is protected by a tight fitting plastic cap.
At 27x18mm the 10.3 mega pixel sensor is smaller than a 35mm film frame. The result is a crop factor of 1.33. Image data can be recorded as either JPEG images or RAW images saved in the Digital Negative (DNG) format. JPEG files can be saved in 10, 6, 2.5 or 1 mega pixel resolutions, using either Fine or Basic quality. The DNG files are uncompressed, and so always take up 10 megabytes on the SD card. The camera can be set to capture both JPEG and DNG images at the same time.
Available ISO sensitivities are 160, 320, 640, 1250 and 2500. As would be expected, image noise increases with increasing ISO. In the test shots taken with the review camera, there was visible noise at 1250 and 2500 ISOs.
The M8?s shutter speeds can be manually selected from 1/8000 to 4 seconds, with flash synchronisation at 1/250 second. Additionally, there is a bulb setting to allow for longer exposures. When using the bulb setting, the cameras shutter remains open until the shutter button is released. However, if the camera is set to self-timer, pressing and releasing the shutter button leaves the shutter open. A second press of the shutter release closes the shutter.
In aperture priority mode, the camera can set shutter speeds as long as 32 seconds. To ensure correct exposure, exposure compensation can be set from ?3 to +3 EV, in 1/3 EV steps.
The M-series lenses are manual focus. Each lens contains rings focusing and aperture selection. The M8 can be used with most M-series lenses, although the user manual lists a few exceptions. The review camera was provided with the stunning Leica summarit-m 75mm f/2.5 and Leica summarit-m 35mm f/2.5 lenses. Also provided was a Leica e39 UV/IR filter to fit the 35mm lens. According to Leica?s FAQ, the M8 has a raised sensitivity to long-wave infrared light, which results in black synthetic material recording as purple or dark-red under incandescent lights. The e39 filter is used to overcome this problem.
Leica has started marking M-series lenses with a 6-bit code on the lens mount. The M8 can read this code and identify the mounted lens. When coded lenses are used, the focal length is recorded in the image EXIF data. Additionally, the camera can apply lens specific image processing. This includes correcting vignetting and the colour cast found at the corner of images when the e39 UV/IR filter is used with focal lengths of 16-35mm. Leica can add the 6-bit code to existing lenses.
The menus are well set out and easy to use. White balance can be set to automatic, one of six presets, manual (by shooting a neutral target) or a Kelvin value. On the review camera, automatic white balance did well outdoors, but didn?t cope well with fluorescent light. Setting the white balance manually provided the best results. The colour space can be set to sRGB, Adobe RGB or ECI (European Color Initiative) RGB.
In use, the quality of the camera shines. Lenses mount smoothly onto the body, and lock with a positive click. The start-up time is quick, and shutter lag appears to be non-existent. Half pressing the shutter button activates metering. If the camera is set to aperture priority, the selected shutter speed is displayed in the viewfinder, otherwise under and over exposure is indicated by red triangles in the viewfinder. If the main switch is set to C (series) the camera can take up to ten frames, at a maximum rate of two frames per second. The self-timer can be set to have either a 2 or 12 seconds duration.
During image playback, a histogram can access exposure. The histogram can either display overall brightness or the RGB channels. Also, over-exposed areas can be identified with a red mask.
The Leica M8 is a precision photographic tool that provides professional results. SLR shooters may take a little while getting accustom to shooting with a range finder. However, the Leica M-series camera is very easy to use. Experienced photographers will have no problem getting the most from the M8. In fact the only problem you are going to have is deciding if you want the silver or black model. -
The first Digital M
by harold67 on December 2, 2007
Pros: outstanding image quality with great sensor, part of the Leica M family
Cons: prone to dust, expensive, LCD could be better
Summary: This is the first digital M. as such , people had great expectations on this product. The image quality is there. You will find reviews here and elsewhere on the net ...
Summary: This is the first digital M. as such , people had great expectations on this product. The image quality is there. You will find reviews here and elsewhere on the net to go over the different flaws. personally I don't mind the magenta cast of the sensor since I find it more pleasing on some shots. I also shoot mostly in B&W and the magenta cast helps in that case.
I cannot understand how leica could have introduced this camera without a direct access to the ISO button
The LCD angle of view is also not very impressive
I would hope in the M9 a double card slot with one for CF cards -
I am happy!
by rocres on April 15, 2007
Pros: wonderfull images!
Cons: Too expensive!
Summary: You make your own photos like in old times. You need your lenses again and your photos belong to you: no complete automatic system.
Summary: You make your own photos like in old times. You need your lenses again and your photos belong to you: no complete automatic system.
0 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Leica Camera, Inc.
- Part number: 10701
- 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.
General
- Product Type Digital camera - Rangefinder
- Width 5.5 in
- Depth 1.5 in
- Height 3.1 in
- Weight 19.2 oz
- Enclosure Color Black
- Body Material Magnesium alloy
Main Features
- Resolution 10.3 megapixels
- Color Support Color
- Optical Sensor Type CCD
- Total Pixels 10,300,000 pixels
- Effective Sensor Resolution 10.3 megapixels
- Field of View Crop Factor 1.33
- Light Sensitivity ISO 160-2500
- Max Shutter Speed 1/8000 sec
- Min Shutter Speed 32 sec
- X-sync Speed 1/250 sec
- Exposure Metering Center-weighted
- Exposure Modes Manual, Aperture-priority
- Exposure Range EV 0-20 ( ISO 160 )
- White Balance Custom, Presets, Automatic
- White Balance Presets 2000K - 13100K
- Still Image Format JPEG, DNG (RAW)
- Continuous Shooting Speed 2 frames per second
- TV Tuner None
Memory / Storage
- Supported Flash Memory MultiMediaCard, SD Memory Card
- Floppy Drive None
- Image Storage DNG (RAW) 3916 x 2634 - 10.2 MB, JPEG 3936 x 2630, JPEG 2952 x 1972, JPEG 1968 x 1315, JPEG 1312 x 876
Lens System
- Type 16 mm - 90 mm
- Focal Length 16 mm - 90 mm
- Lens System Mounting Leica M
- Lens Manufacturer Leica
Additional Features
- Self Timer Yes
- Self Timer Delay 2 sec, 12 sec
- Flash Terminal TTL terminal
- Additional Features Auto power save, Histogram display, Digital noise reduction, Display brightness control
Viewfinder
- Viewfinder Type Optical - Real-image
- Magnification 0.68x
- LED Information Exposure information
Display
- Type LCD display - TFT active matrix - 2.5 in - Color
- Display Form Factor Built-in
- Display Format 230,000 pixels
Digital Player (Recorder)
- Type None
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x USB
- Expansion Slot(s) 1 x SD Memory Card
Software
- Software Drivers & Utilities, Leica Digital Capture, Phase One Capture One LE
Miscellaneous
- Carrying Case None
- Included Accessories Body cap, Carrying strap
- Cables Included USB cable
Power
- Power Device Battery charger - External
Battery
- Supported Battery 1 x Li-ion rechargeable battery - 1900 mAh ( Included )
Product series
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Manufacturer: Leica Camera, Inc.
Specs: 10.3 megapixels, 2.5 in LCD display
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Manufacturer: Leica Camera, Inc.
Specs: 10.3 megapixels, 2.5 in LCD display
Accessories
- Leica MACRO-ELMAR-M macro lens - 90 mm (31063309)1995.00
- Leica Summicron-M lens - 50 mm (30234289)1895.00 - 1995.00
- Leica Elmarit-M wide-angle lens - 21 mm (30233572)4295.00
- SanDisk 64 MB SD Memory Card (9517063)1.99
- ATP SD Trio Professional PLUS card adapter - flash: microSD - Hi-Speed USB (32128464)17.00
- Canon flash memory card - 1 GB - SD (32594522)59.95
Manufacturer info
- Leica Camera, Inc.
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Leica Camera, Inc. products on Shopper.com
-
- Website: http://www.leica-camera.us/home/
- Address:
1 Pearl Court, Allendale, NJ 07401 - Phone: 800-222-0118
- Email: literature@leicacamerausa.com
- Fax: 201-767-8666
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