first purchase M8 questions

[zoom2zoom]

finally ready to buy a M8, currently have a 1dmk3 and D3, but like to carry something smaller.

i am in the process of getting a used M8, but not sure what questions i need to ask to make sure the camera is 100%, the serial # is 3104xxx

the camera appears to be in excellent condition, is there a way to check # of clicks?

thanks in advanced.

 

[ali_baba]

make sure you try an image in low light conditions (1250 & 2500) and check with a loupe for banding. I have had alot of such problems and have gone through many units. Enjoy!

 

[Bill Blackwell]

DO NOT buy it without a warranty!

 

[evad1962]

finally ready to buy a M8, currently have a 1dmk3 and D3, but like to carry something smaller.

i am in the process of getting a used M8, but not sure what questions i need to ask to make sure the camera is 100%, the serial # is 3104xxx

the camera appears to be in excellent condition, is there a way to check # of clicks?

thanks in advanced.

Hi Zoom

There is a technique for calculating the number of shutter actuations which requires examining the meta data of the last pic taken with the camera. Are you buying from a dealer?, if so you may be able to take a DNG file photo in the shop, download it to a laptop and then find the unique ID in the Exif data (00000000000000000035C4 or something that looks like this). Copy and paste the last 4 digits into your windows calculator (under programs/accessories). Check the 'Hex' button before entering digits then check the 'Dec' button which will convert the ID info into the shutter actuations number. Hope this makes sense. Just did this with one of my very recent files from the M8 & it gave me 16,070 - Oh me GAWD!!!

Alternatively, you could ask the dealer - maybe they've worked it out.

Cheers
Evad

 

[Keith]

Welcome to the fold of PWA (photogs with anxiety). I really hope you have a good M8 experience as I have had and you aren't stricken with some of the problems that have befallen others who took the plunge!

It's a lotta money and it needs to be enjoyed. 🙂

 

[baycrest]

Waranty or Cheaper Price

Waranty or Cheaper Price

Gotta have the warranty or you could be in for expensvie repairs.

Mine was just in for repairs and while they were fixing my problem, they were adjusting this, that and the other, since besides being full of electronics also (this shows the level of my technical competence) has mucho moving parts😱 and even the parts that are not supposed to move, like the sensor, apparently needed to be realigned.

Now it working (as good as) better than new...........

Best
Rob

 

[zoom2zoom]

You guys are now scaring me.. I was going to buy a used M8 from someone on FM privately, not through a dealer. So I assume there is no warranty for sure.

I read about some M8 issues, but thought they were only on earlier bodies, but if there are still potential ‘issues’ with the M8, then I think I rather wait till everything is resolved.


The bad thing is I think I just sold my R-D1.. now I don’t have a digital rangefinder..

 

[Gid]

Check if there is any warranty left - it is transferable. It was two years in the EU, but not sure about anywhere else. Otherwise you are going to be taking a risk, but that is true with any digital. You might also want to check out the proposed upgrades, which added an additional warranty, but I haven't heard if this is actually going to happen (no longer have my M8 so haven't been paying full attention) - it was due from August this year.

Whatever you decide, best of luck.

 

[DaveB]

You might also want to check out the proposed upgrades, which added an additional warranty, but I haven't heard if this is actually going to happen

For what it's worth, I was on the Leica website yesterday and they still describe the M8 as "future proof." It says the sapphire glass, quiet shutter and 1 year warranty upgrade will be available in August.

I'm not sure of the value of this upgrade for anyone with a new M8. It seems that it might be a better value and a good thing for someone with a second hand camera though. Certainly something I would explore.

 

[OurManInTangier]

Received mine this afternoon and have been giving it a test.

The high ISO shots do seem to get quite nosiy and the auto white balance isn't great but then I never use my DLSR's on Auto WB. I've never bothered using film above 400 either so I'm happy enough so far.

Clearly I have a VERY long way to go before I really know the foibles of this camera but I think its pretty damn on the button for what I want....as far as I can make out from one afternoons shooting 😉

Very much a case of horses for courses and possibly luck as to whether you get a good one too?!

Don't rush your decision though, its alot of money!

 

[JWW]

A lot of dealers, such as Popflash, have demo units for sale that have Leica warranties. You may want to look into this. By the way, my M8 that I received in Jan. 07 is my most used camera, great images and no need to scan, and no problems with it.

Jan

 

[Petrus]

For what it's worth, I was on the Leica website yesterday and they still describe the M8 as "future proof." It says the sapphire glass, quiet shutter and 1 year warranty upgrade will be available in August.

When initially announced the upgrade price was around $2000US . Plus still no guarantee that this will actually be offered.

 

[sam_m]

http://us.leica-camera.com/service/service_and_repair/m8upgrade/

The three upgrade-options now available will cost:

- ex 1120,- EUR for both the shutter and the sapphire glass cover
- ex 750,- EUR for the sapphire glass cover only
- ex 800,- EUR for the shutter only

The stated prices include VAT and are valid ex Solms. Regional differences to these tariffs are possible.

Without VAT for those outside EU (17%??) I think these would be:

- ex 957,- EUR for both the shutter and the sapphire glass cover
- ex 641,- EUR for the sapphire glass cover only
- ex 683,- EUR for the shutter only

You could probably get one upgrade done and get a years warranty, and then get the other done a year later? Obviously they cost more separately.