Leica R 8

35 reviews

Apr, 2024

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alaTest has collected and analyzed 35 reviews of Leica R 8. The average rating for this product is 4.6/5, compared to an average rating of 4.3/5 for other Digital Compact Cameras for all reviews.

We analyzed user and expert ratings, product age and more factors. Compared to other Digital Compact Cameras the Leica R 8 is awarded an overall alaScore™ of 80/100 = Very good quality.

Review analysis

(Based on 35 reviews)

1 expert reviews

User Reviews

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Showing 1 - 10 of 34 Show Reviews: in English | in other languages (1)

Expert review by : Hans Petter Strifeldt (photo.net)

Leica R8

All of the new R8 features, except for the flash metering, aren't new to Canon EOS and Nikon AF users. But they constitute quite a leap for Leica.

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Consumer review (photographyreview.com)

Leica R-8

I have had more cameras than I have had dinners. Few are truly satisfying. Few make photography an enjoyable experience. Enter the Leica R8. This camera isn't for the weak-handed. It is heavy, particulalry with the standard Leica lens possibilities....

perfect ergonomics ; solid ; simple to use ; well thought out feature set which is just right, and it uses those great lenses ; the nicest shutter thunk in cameradom ; never had a poor result even in the strangest light ; excellent EV lever design ; a...

very few but ; the base which is made of reinforced fibreglass scratches too easily (why not a metal base) ; the main switch wanders a bit (needs a lock button, a la the R9) ; too costly (never mind, sell every thing that's not tied down and enjoy it)

May, 2006

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Consumer review (photographyreview.com)

Leica R-8

While I liked the classic look of the old R's better (was afraid, it might "attract" the wrong sort of people while travelling in Asia - but nobody cared so far), I nonetheless opted for the R8 because of better handling (I had been using a Canon F1n...

Leica-R-lenses (main reason to buy this body) + no gimmicks, but all you need for creative photography, yet fast enough for a snapshot + ergonomic form, all functions within reach + apparently well manufactured + bright viewfinder

Too big, too heavy, looks (personal taste, but as I am travelling in very poor regions of the world, an "older" looking camera would be better) - lcd display: number of pictures taken only visible after turning camera on - room for improvement in minor...

Nov, 2002

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Consumer review (photographyreview.com)

Leica R-8

Certainly it is not a camera for everyone. It is made like a HP RPN calculator. At first, you have the impression, that it lacks many useful functions, which you can find even in very cheep models of other brands. But when using it, you discover, that...

Bright, high-eyepoint viewfinder with built-in dioptric adjustment ; viewfinder display with easy to read and only necessary information ; ergonomics ; sturdy construction ; flash-metering

Not 100% viewfinder

Nov, 2002

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Consumer review (photographyreview.com)

Leica R-8

I was attracted to the R-8 by the finest viewing system that I had ever seen. I purchased two of these cameras at the same time. They feel great with the motor winder or drive. I experienced major reliability problems with both bodies as did a fellow...

View finder, lens quality, ergonomics

poor mode selection wheel design, reliability problems ,overpriced lenses

Oct, 2002

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Consumer review (photographyreview.com)

Leica R-8

Nice camera. Very well built, but no info on reliability. mirror movement is well dampped, smooth, the best feature to me. Great optics. battery need. a couple things I don't have good experiences with them. 1. the ttl flash. it goes to 1/250 when it...

Well built, mirror vibration will dampped. great lenses to get, well, they are expansive

shutter speed knob easily moved 1/250 ttl setting, stated above

Oct, 2002

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Consumer review (photographyreview.com)

Leica R-8

The ultimate 35mm camera. OK, I know there is no auto focus, but unless you are shooting sports for a living, slow down and have some creative influence on the pictures you are making. This camera is a dream to use, so inuitive and comfortable to hand...

Longer metered exposures than on the R6.2.

Hmmm...I'll get back to you...none so far.

Aug, 2002

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Consumer review (photographyreview.com)

Leica R-8

I''m also using a EOS-1 with EF 28-70/2.8 L and EF 80-200/2.8 L. And a R8 + R7 with 4/35-70, 2.8/70-180 APO, Apo-Macro-Elmarit 100 and 2.8/24. And the R8 and its lenses is way ahead of the Canon L Series. It''s well worth the price. The mechanics are...

Tough, intuitive, reliable, best lens system in the world, very flexible and well balanced

No complaints ! You get what you pay for !

Apr, 2002

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Consumer review (photographyreview.com)

Leica R-8

Was given an R8 to take along on a photo shoot to the Everglades and the ten Thousand Islands for 3 weeks. Got some nice, usable shots. Camera was nice to use. Extremely bright viewfinder. HOWEVER, I''ll stick to my Contax RTS III''s for my general...

bright viewfinder

rediculously priced lenses.

Mar, 2002

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Consumer review (photographyreview.com)

Leica R-8

At 45 years old, a beginner and yet a black Leica R8. I always wanted to take photos, and now I have the time (but not always the money). I went for a Nikon SLR, but came home with a Leica SLR. I love the lens, the sharpness, the contrast, the soul,...

Easy to understand how it works. Aperture-priority is all I need. Well built. Very nice summicron 50 lens (that''s all I need). Black paint is strong (thought I made a scratch, but no).

A little big for my hands. It takes time to learn to handle it well (ergonomics). Always have to turn it on to see how many pictures left. No 100% viewfinder (why?).

Sep, 2001

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