Value
Leica's SLRs and interchangeable-lens rangefinders have been expensive for as long as they have had competition. They've made Nikons and Canons look like budget options. There are many ways of measuring value – professionals consider how a piece of equipment will increase profits. Investors speculate about whether an item will gain value. Enthusiasts probably won't think about money at all, but if they do, they'll look at the Leica M8 and say that it's obvious where the money went. The materials are without compromise. The craftsmanship is remarkable. The design is careful, very smart and very detailed. It's a niche product. Leica has to spread its development costs over relatively few units sold.
Who’s this Camera For?
Point-and-Shooters – a $5000, almost exclusively manual camera is not for casual users.
Budget Consumers – The M8 is a luxury purchase, even for the few who will use it professionally.
Gadget Freaks – Not all gadget freaks are looking for the cutting edge. Some of them want perfect things. The Leica M8 is in the same league with Rolex watches and Porsches.
Manual Control Freaks – Manual control freaks will love the M8. Its manual controls are front and center, uncrowded by a bunch of automatic options. And apparently, it will have the image quality these types also crave.
Pros/Serious Hobbyists – Rich ones will get this camera. The M8 will be gratifying to use for people who started with film cameras and aspired to M-series cameras, or have some.
