Jark89
Member
Hi all, first post here. I was actually referred to this forum from the seller of the $1800 M8 from SF (a thread regarding that sale also posted here I saw). Unfortunately I was a bit too late, and missed that deal.
Anyway, I am just about ready to purchase an M8. However, reading the "M8 problems sub forum" here, it got me a bit worried.
I understand that the M8s are affected by a couple of sensor issues:
1. thin vertical line of dead pixels on the sensor.
2. "green blob" thing that happens when pointing at an artificial light source.
These couple of issues are a bit startling.
My question is, are those issues a QUALITY CONTROL issue, or a sensor design defect (all M8s affected)? If its only a QC problem, do the issues present themselves immediately, or could a seemingly problem-less camera become affected at a later time? And finally, regarding the "green blob" issue, does that only happen SOMETIMES, or is the problem repeatedly demonstrable without fail?
I'd appreciate it to get some feedback from the Leica members here. And hopefully I'll be on my way of owning a digital Leica-M of my own! Thanks in advance.
Anyway, I am just about ready to purchase an M8. However, reading the "M8 problems sub forum" here, it got me a bit worried.
I understand that the M8s are affected by a couple of sensor issues:
1. thin vertical line of dead pixels on the sensor.
2. "green blob" thing that happens when pointing at an artificial light source.
These couple of issues are a bit startling.
My question is, are those issues a QUALITY CONTROL issue, or a sensor design defect (all M8s affected)? If its only a QC problem, do the issues present themselves immediately, or could a seemingly problem-less camera become affected at a later time? And finally, regarding the "green blob" issue, does that only happen SOMETIMES, or is the problem repeatedly demonstrable without fail?
I'd appreciate it to get some feedback from the Leica members here. And hopefully I'll be on my way of owning a digital Leica-M of my own! Thanks in advance.
victoriapio
Well-known
Buy it. Except for the first run, most M8's have performed as intended. They are not perfect, but no camera is. Image quality is superb, manual focusing is as fast as auto, AND there are those lovely lenses to mount on it.
One other thought: I had not picked up a rangefinder for many years before I purchased an Rd1s, which I later sold because I liked the M8 even more. Using a rangefinder IMPROVES my photography. That is the ultimate reason why I use one, and will be selling all my DSRL equipment.
One other thought: I had not picked up a rangefinder for many years before I purchased an Rd1s, which I later sold because I liked the M8 even more. Using a rangefinder IMPROVES my photography. That is the ultimate reason why I use one, and will be selling all my DSRL equipment.
Jark89
Member
Hi, thank you for the responses everyone. So the "later" produced M8s and M8.2s should have no such issues?
I would like to get an 8.2, however my limited funds are only allowing a second-hand M8 and a Voigtlander lens to get started, unless I sell my DSLRs (which I'm not ready to do yet).
I understand pretty much all digital cameras have their quirks, however Leica and Range Finders are very unfamiliar territory for me, so I'm trying to eat up as much "nuisance" issues as possible so I'll know what to watch out for when purchasing.
I would like to get an 8.2, however my limited funds are only allowing a second-hand M8 and a Voigtlander lens to get started, unless I sell my DSLRs (which I'm not ready to do yet).
I understand pretty much all digital cameras have their quirks, however Leica and Range Finders are very unfamiliar territory for me, so I'm trying to eat up as much "nuisance" issues as possible so I'll know what to watch out for when purchasing.
Frank Petronio
Well-known
Think of all those suckers risking 3.5x more on those unproven M9s!
When you go onto a "M8 Problem" section you can't help but come away discouraged but you have to remember that you are only hearing about problems. Most businesses get at least 10x complaints than compliments. That's not to say that the M8 is going to be as reliable an investment as, say, an M6, but I bet your fears are exaggerated based on your internet reading.
When you go onto a "M8 Problem" section you can't help but come away discouraged but you have to remember that you are only hearing about problems. Most businesses get at least 10x complaints than compliments. That's not to say that the M8 is going to be as reliable an investment as, say, an M6, but I bet your fears are exaggerated based on your internet reading.
tbarker13
shooter of stuff
I had some issues with the first M8 I owned - it was one of the first ones out of the factory.
The one I'm using now has been much more reliable. I like it enough that if it were stolen today, I'd buy another one tomorrow. (though, I'll admit I'd probably look first for an M8.2)
If you are really worried, I'd suggest trying to buy from a shop that offers some sort of decent return policy. (30 days or so). At least then, you can shoot the heck out of it to see if experiences any problems. That would cost a bit more than buying from an individual, but maybe it would make you feel better.
The one I'm using now has been much more reliable. I like it enough that if it were stolen today, I'd buy another one tomorrow. (though, I'll admit I'd probably look first for an M8.2)
If you are really worried, I'd suggest trying to buy from a shop that offers some sort of decent return policy. (30 days or so). At least then, you can shoot the heck out of it to see if experiences any problems. That would cost a bit more than buying from an individual, but maybe it would make you feel better.
cplkao
Member
Hello,
I had also took the plunge and bought a M8, the first few days the camera works fine, then the 'shutter fault' problem comes. Luckily I bought from a good dealer who offer 12 month warranty for the item, the repairing time is very long if they can't fix it on site (3 weeks at least, and longer if they sent it to Solms, but they would do it under warranty).
Always buy from a reputable seller close to you (at least reachable by domestic post) with warranty, even better from a Leica authorised seller, any problem they can refer the camera back to Leica.
And IF anything uncurable happen to M8 regarding the shutter, I heard you can have the option to upgrade the shutter instead of repairing it, then get a year warranty from Leica. (think it is roughly the same amount of $)
Like JSU said, if you have doubt, get a Film M Mount first, you get full frame and all the lovely films to play with. Just the time to get from raw->print/pc last longer.
I had also took the plunge and bought a M8, the first few days the camera works fine, then the 'shutter fault' problem comes. Luckily I bought from a good dealer who offer 12 month warranty for the item, the repairing time is very long if they can't fix it on site (3 weeks at least, and longer if they sent it to Solms, but they would do it under warranty).
Always buy from a reputable seller close to you (at least reachable by domestic post) with warranty, even better from a Leica authorised seller, any problem they can refer the camera back to Leica.
And IF anything uncurable happen to M8 regarding the shutter, I heard you can have the option to upgrade the shutter instead of repairing it, then get a year warranty from Leica. (think it is roughly the same amount of $)
Like JSU said, if you have doubt, get a Film M Mount first, you get full frame and all the lovely films to play with. Just the time to get from raw->print/pc last longer.
larryk34
Larry Kincaid
Very strange. Almost all the reviews of the M9 compare it to the M8. The M8 always performs quite well--perhaps as well as--the M9 in terms of image quality. At $2000-$2500 that makes the M8 a great buy. My M8 had no problems; worked flawlessly, not even a back focus issue. It's been perfect and has "we" have produced some amazing images. For anyone on budget, the M9 at $7000 is just not worth the difference compared to the M8. The main difference is the 1/3 crop factor for the lenses, which all M8 users have gotten used to by now. So, it's a great time to buy a used M8 in good condition.
Jark89
Member
Thank you all for the responses, I ｒｅａｌｌｙ ａｐｐｒｅｃｉａｔｅ ｉｔ！ Ｉ ｔｈｉｎｋ Ｉ ｗｉｌｌ ｔａｋｅ ａｌｌ ｏｆ ｙｏｕｒ ａｄｖｉｃｅ， ａｎｄ purchase from a store that'll offer some kind of warranty.
As for Ben Z's statement, I actually havn't seen much about high failure rate regarding the shutter (I lurk a lot on the Leica forums over at DPR)! Could anyone elaborate on that one?
P.S. What is considered a "higher" (newer) serial number, regarding the M8/8.2?
As for Ben Z's statement, I actually havn't seen much about high failure rate regarding the shutter (I lurk a lot on the Leica forums over at DPR)! Could anyone elaborate on that one?
P.S. What is considered a "higher" (newer) serial number, regarding the M8/8.2?
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cplkao
Member
Think I saw at either here or L-camera forum, that serial start with 32xxxxx is better than starting with 31xxxxx, but can not be sure.
Good luck with your M8 hunt
Good luck with your M8 hunt
JNewell
Leica M Recidivist
The serial number probably matters a lot less, if at all, if the camera has been sent back to Leica (and especially if it's a factory refurb).
35mmdelux
Veni, vidi, vici
M8u or M8.2 is the way I would go. Im waiting for the M9 to depreciate to <$2000 next year and Ill snag one that was babied.
LeicaTom
Watch that step!
I just traded my resto/George Carr 1945 IIIC K Grey for a #31xxxxx one, and it`s been running flawlessly.....taking on the classic CRAZY 50mm lenses I love so much.
(some work and look better than others ~ I`ve found that vintage Nikkor and Canon LTM lenses look great using the M8!)
The only problem I`ve noticed is a small black dot on (some) photos ~ could be dust on the sensor? and it`s only a problem or noticeable when the cameras stopped down.......
I really can`t understand WHY I didn`t buy when of these babies the week they came out, while using vintage/classic LTM lenses means so much to my work and the business I`m in shooting retro pinups, that I could`nt see myself even working without a M8 anymore.
Don`t be scared TAKE THE PLUNGE!!!!! Look for a later produced camera with upgraded software/ shutter? etc., etc.
And find a seller/dealler with a killer warranty plan
(I have a 4 YEAR ONE!!!! Yes, I said 4 YEARS),
so I`m really sure whatever`s gonna happen bad to this camera is gonna happen BEFORE the 4 years is up, being used but not abused as a business camera, shooting everyday.......and by the time it`s time to REPLACE this or buy another Leica digital backup the M9 would have by then passed it`s acid test.........
Tom
(some work and look better than others ~ I`ve found that vintage Nikkor and Canon LTM lenses look great using the M8!)
The only problem I`ve noticed is a small black dot on (some) photos ~ could be dust on the sensor? and it`s only a problem or noticeable when the cameras stopped down.......
I really can`t understand WHY I didn`t buy when of these babies the week they came out, while using vintage/classic LTM lenses means so much to my work and the business I`m in shooting retro pinups, that I could`nt see myself even working without a M8 anymore.
Don`t be scared TAKE THE PLUNGE!!!!! Look for a later produced camera with upgraded software/ shutter? etc., etc.
And find a seller/dealler with a killer warranty plan
(I have a 4 YEAR ONE!!!! Yes, I said 4 YEARS),
so I`m really sure whatever`s gonna happen bad to this camera is gonna happen BEFORE the 4 years is up, being used but not abused as a business camera, shooting everyday.......and by the time it`s time to REPLACE this or buy another Leica digital backup the M9 would have by then passed it`s acid test.........
Tom
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faris
Well-known
early M8s seemed to have had some problems. these were sorted out.
buy a M8 from a reputed dealer with a warranty. they are beautiful imaging
machines.
my M8 is only limited by my talents, but even then manages to please me
with pics such as these:
the m8 shall serve you well.
good luck.
buy a M8 from a reputed dealer with a warranty. they are beautiful imaging
machines.
my M8 is only limited by my talents, but even then manages to please me
with pics such as these:
the m8 shall serve you well.
good luck.
Jark89
Member
Thank you all again for the great advice! And thank you for the heads up on the serial numbers, I will keep an eye out for that, as well as whether or not its been "upgraded".
LeicaTom, WOW if I could find a nicely priced M8 with that warranty, I will take it in an instant!
faris, beautiful images! Really love the last one!
LeicaTom, WOW if I could find a nicely priced M8 with that warranty, I will take it in an instant!
faris, beautiful images! Really love the last one!
Jeicob
Amateur
Ron (Netherlands)
Well-known
Take the M8.2 and you're over with
Gabriel M.A.
My Red Dot Glows For You
No! Don't do it!
Get a Holga instead
Get a Holga instead
Jark89
Member
Jeicob, thanks I will look into that!
Ron, I'm actually thinking of just saying "screw it" and buy a new 8.2! But so much $$$...
Gabriel, don't mess with my fragile mind! Ahahah...
EDIT: One thing actually, what is the deal with the UV/IR filters? I've read that Leica provides 2 free filters upon purchase? Do they come inside the box, or do you tell them what sizes you need and they mail it to you?
Ron, I'm actually thinking of just saying "screw it" and buy a new 8.2! But so much $$$...
Gabriel, don't mess with my fragile mind! Ahahah...
EDIT: One thing actually, what is the deal with the UV/IR filters? I've read that Leica provides 2 free filters upon purchase? Do they come inside the box, or do you tell them what sizes you need and they mail it to you?
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