Solid built quality, ergonomic, simplicity and very beautiful camera! It has all the pro features required (wide shutter speed from 32s-8000 in half stop, 2nd sync flash, mirror lock-up..). Both auto and mannual features..

A little too thick for my hand (not big nor bulky). With this size, I expect it has built in wider like other branded cameras do while keeping the option for mannual rewind. Also, quite dissapointed with the motor drive speed which could only reach 4.5fps. This is a suprise that such a big (pro-look) camera can only go up to 4.5fps when attached with MD.

A big leap for Leica-R camera that put leica quite on par with other Japanese camera with all pro features you always wish for when using RE/R7/R5 and below. More importance here, Leica offer all first class quality lenses. You will love your R system now. This camera in fact is not heavy compared to other pro cameras. My only wish is that if this camera could be made smaller and the MD speed can be boost up to at least 5.5fps as I need this feature occasionally for birds in action. Bottom line, R8 is a great camera. You will love it.

Customer Service

No error encountered so far after >100rolls of film.

Similar Products Used:

EOS-1, EOS ELAN, Contax RTSIII, Contax S2

Convenient features, such as high flash sync speed, half step shutter speeds, Spot meter with AEL on the shutter, great handling, wonderful R series lenses.

Way too heavy with the motor attached. Shutter delay too long without the motor, shutter bounce quite serious for modern cameras. Not very good coupling with the SF-20 flash. Program shift better than none.

Most practical Leica SLR camera that I've tried, Excellent shutter with AEL built in, great for portraits. Handles well but too heavy with the motor attached. Shutter locks to 1/250 of a second in P mode, nothing quite like those ETTL, or 3D balanced flash programs. The bottom line is, this is the best body to use with those unparelled Leica R lenses.

Customer Service

None required

Similar Products Used:

EOS-1V, Dynax 9, F100, N-1

Very solid body, good surface finishing, I really feel the deluxe design. If I am not wrong, R8 can compatible with all R lenses. All round functions are provided.

The handle is a bit too big for small size Chinese people like me (I am 165cm tall). Thus, using motor drive for comfortable holding is recommeded when using heavy lenses. R8 is a bit heavy even without motor drive, weighs 890g.

It is easy to understand to use the camera. I found one thing is not very wise that I need to change the ISO manually even I use the so called DX function, the DX function just show warning signal and not automatically change the ISO. Also, such a high grade camera body cannot provide 100% viewfinder field and non interchangable viewfinder prism head like F3 and LX. Anyway, this body should be suitable for those who like old style cameras and the price nowaday is afforable and comparable with other top classic cameras.

Customer Service

No experience.

Similar Products Used:

Nikon F3P, Pentax LX, Ricoh XR 8.
Other AF bodies.

quality, dependability, choice of lenses.

none

The name of Leica says it all. Great reputation, excellent quality. It is not cheap, but worth every penny of it. You get what you are paying for.

Customer Service

Never needed

Similar Products Used:

Canon, Pentax

Solid feeling. You can tell a German camera vs. a Japanese camera right away in your hands! Of course, the Leica lens!

Nope! With the passport warranty, does it really matter? ;-)

A very heavy, tall camera, but very egronomically correct feeling to hold. Viewfinder and dials are all very well placed and provide the info required to take a shot. Have not used the second curtain or other specific features yet, relying on my Contax G2 and Contax T2 for everyday photography. Photos are slightly better than my G2, with a bit more color definition and sharpness. The 3yr warranty is best in industry...Nikon F5 or Canon EOS systems cant touch Leica's warranty!

Customer Service

No need so far!

Similar Products Used:

Nikon 6006
Contax 167MT

Construction,Finder,Ruggedness,Lenses

Could be lighter

Jonathan, relax man, by the way, I tried your beloved RTS III. I agree it is very nice, with some great features and the lenses are exceptional, BUT in my climate, the RTS III gave me soo many electrical problems. Maybe it's the humidity. But it seemed as though I had a new problem every month. It drove me crazy, so I traded it in toward an R8. The R8 has handled the heat and humidity without a hitch. I even got caught in a nasty downpour of rain and I thought for sure I would have problems, but to my surprise not a one!
In regards to Minolta parts in the R8, sorry you're wrong, that was the R7 and back that used the Minolta XE body. The R8 is Leica's first SLR since the SL that they manufacture and designed. As to the construction being done in Portugal, I don't know for sure but when I inquired with Leica, I was told that only the compact binoculars were being produced in Portugal. Here's the kicker, Leica's 3 year Passport Warrenty covers everything including abuse such as water damage, drop damage and such. There is not a better warranty out there, it was definitely a strong point for me after my RTS III experince. Don't get me wrong, I'd own Contax before Nikon or Canon, their lenses don't compare. But Leica glass has such wonderful color and a quality that almost illuminates. Leica gives me what I want, durability, great glass, and a great warrenty. Over the long haul, it's not that expensive to own given the high resale value.

Customer Service

no problems

Similar Products Used:

Contax RTS III, EOS 1N

Great lenses

Too expensive for what is offered, build quality is very good, but not best I've tried,

I'm a big fan of Leica's M cameras. On the other hand, I'm not so passionate when it comes to the R line.

The R cameras, unlike the Ms, are not unique in the world of MF 35mm SLR. There are plenty of substitutes out there which offer much better bang for the buck. My favorite, which I intend to get, is the Contax RTS3. It is simply the most hefty and solid 35mm camera I have had a chance to handle. The quality of build is extremely high on the RTS3, unlike the R8 which is only good. Besides, Zeiss optics for the Contax are as good as Leica, if not better as several magazine tests have indicated.

The R8 is also overpriced considering that it shares many key components with Minolta bodies. From what I've heard talking to Leica reps, most of R8's production is done in Portugal, and only the final inspection takes place in Germany. (Same for M6, but to lesser of a degree.) The bottom line is: don't ever get a Leica SLR. There are much better ways to spend you money. If you want Leica, go for the M6. The R8 carries the Leica name, but not much in substance.

Similar Products Used:

Contax RTS3
Nikon F5

Construction, lenses, viewfinder, ergonomics.

none

A sturdy SLR with a great viewfinder, and easy to hold and use. Leica lenses are expensive but really have unmatched color fidelity and contrast. I can be a tough critic, but the stuff works well, not a lot of bells and whistles like Canon or Nikon, just solid body and great lenses. I've tried the other brands, give me Leica day-in, day-out.

Customer Service

Exceptional, though I've never had a problem with the camera.

Similar Products Used:

EOS 1, F5

Solid and beautiful shape, very good in handle.
The best is you can use leica lens(nonsense!)

Too heavy, rom system is not that efficient.

As you know Leica is the top off the line in 35mm SLR, expensive, less choice of lens ( 1 lens maker dare to lanch a len for Leica), this is what you need to think about.

Customer Service

good

Similar Products Used:

None