advice needed: used upgraded to M8.u or demo M8 w/ 2 yr warranty ?

[Wouter]

In the process of acquiring an M8 I have now the following two options:
- a used in excellent condition M8 upgraded to M8.u (quieter shutter and screen), no warranty;
- a demo M8 w/ 2 yr factory warranty.
What would be the best choice ? Is the upgrade significant enough to justify a somewhat higher risk ? Have upgraded M8s regularly presented problems or did the factory revision mostly eliminate potential issues ?
Thanks

 

[binky]

warranty

2 years is a long time, and peace of mind is invaluable

 

[Jeff S]

Are you sure the upgraded camera didn't get a warranty extension at time of upgrade?, which I believe is the policy for some upgrades like the shutter.

Jeff

 

[jaapv]

The M8u is considerably quieter than the M8 and slightly quieter than the M9. If you buy an upgraded camera, inquire which upgrades have been done. The upgrade program is modular. An upgrade automatically extends the warranty one year, however if this is a USA camera, the USA warranty is non-transferable. You will still have the International warranty if you send the paperwork in, but the camera will have to be sent to Solms if you need service.

 

[ampguy]

Jaapv is correct

Jaapv is correct

in that there is no model "M8u" an upgraded M8 could have been a covering or LCD upgrade, and not have had a shutter change to the slower half speed M8.2 version.

The M8 original 1/8000 shutter is louder than a film M, but just barely in the "discreet" mode, but a longer duration of sound as after the click, there is a delay, then a shutter advance sound. Still quieter than most SLRs I've used.

And if you want quiet, you really need the Hexar AF, film M's still make a noise.

The M8u is considerably quieter than the M8 and slightly quieter than the M9. If you buy an upgraded camera, inquire which upgrades have been done. The upgrade program is modular. An upgrade automatically extends the warranty one year, however if this is a USA camera, the USA warranty is non-transferable. You will still have the International warranty if you send the paperwork in, but the camera will have to be sent to Solms if you need service.

 

[ozmander]

Where do all you folks manage to find 'demo' models of the M8? I've found a couple of decent used options, but never these elusive 'demo' models!

 

[tightsqueez]

This should be a no-brainer; get the two year peace of mind.

 

[Roger Hicks]

This should be a no-brainer; get the two year peace of mind.

Or the better camera.

That's why it's NOT a no-brainer.

I don't know which way I'd lean in the OP's situation.

Cheers,

R.

 

[tightsqueez]

I'm sorry but a two year warranty does in fact make it a better camera, especially compared with a marginally quieter shutter and a useless screen. The only thing that would be quieter is when he's left speechless with the bill if the thing dies.

Cheers!

 

[Roger Hicks]

I'm sorry but a two year warranty does in fact make it a better camera, especially compared with a marginally quieter shutter and a useless screen. The only thing that would be quieter is when he's left speechless with the bill if the thing dies.

Cheers!

Um...

No.

I have both cameras and have compared them.

That's why I'd find it hard to choose.

Cheers.

R.

 

[popeye]

Is price a consideration and is there a difference in price between them?

 

[crist]

where is the best place to get an used m8. I live in chile and i need international shipping. What store ? Maybe popflash??

 

[Wouter]

Prices are equal which is one of the reasons why it's not easy to choose.

 

[tightsqueez]

Um...

No.

I have both cameras and have compared them.

That's why I'd find it hard to choose.

Cheers.

R.

If there should be anyone that can help the OP, it should be you Roger. Given that you've owned an M8 with a two year warranty and an M8u (quieter shutter and screen) without any warranty, it is understandable why this is such a tough decision. Please post some examples of how the M8u produces better images.

When it comes to buying digital cameras, it is hard to argue that a warranty plays a huge roll in the decision making. Any variant of the M8 have not the greatest reliability record, nor does the M9. On a personal note, I've had my first M8 replaced and now my first M9 replaced (no need to sell me on a warranty). I'm sure there are quite a few people can attest to how nice a warranty is.

On a side note though, my second M8 was THE most reliable camera I have ever owned. Wouter (OP), M8's tough as nails do exist.

Would you at least get a 30 day store warranty with the M8u? That would at least give you some time to run it through some hoops if you went that route.

Cheers!

 

[Roger Hicks]

Does my M8.2 inherently produce better images thsn my Exakta Varex IIa?

No.

Do I enjoy usng it more, and is it easier to use?

And because I enjoy using it more, and find it easier, do I therefore get more good pictures?

Yes.

That is the nature of the difficulty.

EDIT: Broadly, Tightsqueez, I agree with you. I'd probably go for the (guaranteed) M8. All I'm saying is that it is a very long way from a 'no-brainer'.

Cheers,

R.

 

[jaapv]

From content, Roger, I agree, there is no reason the M8 should produce better images than even an Ur Leica. However, an M8 does produce an image quality that is hard to match on an older camera. You are right, though, that the image quality of the M8 and M8.2 are absolutely identical. Having said that, if the M8 and M8.2 are the same price, there is no contest: get the M8.2, if only for the guaranty and resale value.

 

[lewis44]

Wouter,
The upgraded M8 would have a 1 year warranty from the time of the upgrade. Leica usually goes through the whole camera so the warranty is the same as new, except 1 year. It is not transferable, but if from a private party, you can have the PP send it back. From a Dealer, you can register in your name.
If that is the case and there is a warranty, go with the Upgrade. Any Problems have probably been sorted out and you will have some time to make sure.

If not, go with the M8. The 2 year warranty is worth it.

There is some minor shutter noise difference in the two, but not that big a deal unless you are shooting in a Church, Library, etc.

I have 20K on my M8 shutter and it's still going strong. Knock on Wood.

 

[ruslan]

Original M8, 1/8000 shutter speed instead of 1/4000 and 1/250 synch instead of 1/180 making M8 is better than M8.2 for me at least, big plus is two years of warranty.

 

[Ben Z]

According to Christian from Leica USA, the new shutter is supposed to be more durable over the long term. If the OP intends keeping the camera longer than 2 yrs, that could be a factor. I agree with Roger, it's not exactly a no-brainer. I would find out from Leica if sending an M8 in for a "CLA" results in a 1 yr overall warranty (as it does with film bodies), and if so, how much it would cost. I also find the framelines in my M8 much more user-friendly since the upgrade. Sure I was handling them ok before, but it took so much more imagination to frame outside the box at anything over about 3ft. The OP doesn't mention this camera has the upgraded frames, but if it did, it would be that much more compelling. Remember too, an upgraded camera will have been disassembled and re-checked compeltely, whereas you never know with a demo. These are warrantied, but not guaranteed to be "refurbished". Remember it's not only the cost of service on a Leica, it's the turnaround time, which can be weeks or even months.

 

[ramosa]

i would recommend the warranty--unless you intend to have insurance specifically for the camera.