Like most aging digital cameras, there are plenty of limitations with the Leica M8. However few can come close in terms of an experience that's similar to shooting film. In this video I explore some of its pros and cons and why this continues to be one of my favorite cameras. Here's the main reasons you'll want to try one - 

The build quality is something you can actually feel, operating this camera is an amazingly tactile experience and the body is all brass which will wear and patina with heavy use. A worn M8 is one of the coolest looking cameras IMO.

The sensor! Yes it's only 10.3 megapixels, no it's not full frame, BUT hear me out, you will be amazed by the level of detail this camera can capture. Because there is no IR cut or anti-aliasing filter in front of the sensor there's less between your lens and the surface capturing light, this presents some complications but does help the sensor capture incredibly sharp and detailed images. Unless you’re printing very big the resolution is a not a concern. 

The RAW files, there is so much more flexibility in the files from this camera than you would ever think possible just looking at a spec sheet. You have to get your exposure right but honestly you should be striving for this no matter the camera. With the M8 there's just no coming back from over or under exposure, but the amount you can push and pull what is captured is very impressive. 

The last thing I'll say is that CCD sensors and specifically this Kodak designed CCD sensor has a wonderful way of capturing light and color, the limited dynamic range gives you a contrasty but still pleasing image with loads of color information to adjust to your hearts content.

My favorite way to use the Leica M8 is to treat it like a 35mm film camera, my ISO is always set to 160 and with the super fast Voigtlander Nokton 35mm f1.2 I can always open up the aperture if I need more light or on a sunny day utilize the 1/8000 of a second shutter speed while still being able to capture shallow depth of field. I then apply my film presets in post and with one or two clicks I have the look I want. It's as close to the experience of shooting film as I've been able to get with digital. 

If you can't tell, I love this camera.