New arrival to site/ Leica R camera

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fred (frederick)
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Just came across this site through a Google search, and was very impressed by it and its lay-out and design. Full marks. Am a confirmed film user, and have just added a comment as to where to buy film.
However, I am looking for information about Leica R8 cameras, which was my reason for being on Google.
The prices of that model are dropping drastically, and appear to be even cheaper than the R7. Who out there has owned and used the R8 ? What are your comments, both positive and negative ? I would be obliged for feedback. One alleged fault was that they scratched the film, and that was supposedly due to a plastic part inside. I have seen one report where the owner used a Canon flashgun on his R8, and he could not understand why it ceased to work, the camera, that is, not the flash. I know that the downside is the fact that the lenses are costly, and have to take that into account. However, I am a step up in intelligence re the lenses,having seen a question on another photo forum - "Will my Pentax lenses fir a Leica camera ?"
Hope to have some useful intelligence from you in the near future, before the wife hides my bank book !
 
Can't answer your question but welcome. I'd be interested in hearing how you get on with an R8.
 
Colpepper, Thanks for the welcome. This seems a very well laid out site. It caught my eye straight away, when I stumbled across it. Re the R8, I am not committing until I get reasonable feedback, and information about the model. If I do get one then I will let you know how I find it.
 
See if you can track down a member called Lazzaros (I think that's how it is spelled) and send him a PM (think you need a minimum of 5 posts on here to be allowed to PM) as he has an R8 I believe. He's the only person I know of around here who has one.
 
Having sold both models I'd opt for an R7 as it's very comfortable to hold and the feel and smoothness of the shutter is beautiful (this is my favourite of all the R bodies especially with the thumb grip on the back door), the R8 is quite bulky and I could see why the R7 may have become a more popular model.

If I was taking a great deal of flash and the longer lenses in Leicas expensive array then I'd opt for the R8 as it has a higher flash sync.
 
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chivers67, Thanks for that info. I did fancy an R7, but as I note they are holding their prices well; and probably for the reason you mention. Most R8s are about £200.00 cheaper that the R7. The info. in post No.4 re lazzoros I will follow up when I have qualified to send a PM.
 
I used an R8 for a while but sold it last year. Found it a bit clumsy to use although some of the Leica R lenses were magnificent. The 135 APo Telyt being really great.

I never used an R7 so can't comment directly but I did quite like that shape and I had used R4 bodies for a while some time ago.
 
Still not committed to buying the R8, but have received a PM referring me to a leica site, which I was unaware of. Might find something useful there. There is one R8 on eebygumbay- started off at 99p and in mint condition. I know the seller and he is a genuine dealer. It has now shot up to £357.00 or thereabouts. Might keep an eye on it. Any other info. would be welcome.
 
Thanks to Ulfric M Douglas for the info and the link. Found some interesting bits on it. Am still pondering about the R8, and have seen one advertised by a dealer(a Leica specialist) and with a 12 month guarantee. I suppose I could not go wrong. Any other comments re the R8 would still be welcome.
Thanks.
 
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