Leica M8.2 investment question?

It is still nonsense and at odds with the official statements Leica officials made last year on LUF. I file this under "sales talk" For instance Leica Shop Vienna is selling three M8 cameras with their usual guaranty right now, which would be highly unethical if they knew they would not be repaired.Map cameras is blathering, as there is not one cracked M8 sensor known. There is a small percentage of M9s that cracked their sensors, and Leica is still replacing them free of charge right now.
If you don't believe me, just call Leica Customer Service in Solms and ask. A lot more reliable than some guys trying to part you from 7000 Euro.
seanbonner said:
I bought an MM after talking to many shops and dealers, and I heavily considered the M8. I decided against based on what I was told.

- I was told at the Leica Shop in Vienna that they are not buying used M8s right now because sensor, lcd and some other parts are no longer being made and so they are flooded with cameras with cracked sensors that are too expensive to repair.

- The next day I went to the new Vienna Leica Store and asked the guy there about what I'd heard and he said bluntly "I don't know how much longer Leica will be offering service for the M8, it's discontinued at this point"

- Steve's Camera in LA said directly "do not buy an M8, you won't be able to have any problems with it fixed in the near future"

- Map Camera in Shinjuku told me they are always looking for M8s to buy, but only ones without cracked sensors which is common, and unrepairable.

Maybe this is all misinformation and "random guys" on the internet know better, but since no one in this thread is offering to repair cameras or buy old models, I put a little more stake in what I'm told at stores by people who deal with these every day. What I've been told, repeatedly, is that M8s have issues that can not be repaired and Leica has not committed to servicing them indefinitely. YMMV.
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When I went to MAP camera in october, they must have had 100 M8/M8.2 cameras in the cabinet. They probably aren't buying more because they can't sell the ones they have for the ridiculous prices they were asking.
 
I agree with the notion of calling Leica Service directly and asking them for information on M8/M8.2 repairs and service, if that's an issue. There's nothing like first-hand information, that's the best you are going to get. Everything else — from anyone here or from a dealer — is opinion and second-hand information on this subject.

While I've only rarely needed a backup camera, whether buying a Nikon or other camera as backup is sensible depends upon what you're trying to achieve. If you are using the Leica for specific qualities of its use, lens, or imaging qualities, then a Nikon is not going to do the job. Having a second camera body identical to the primary is the safest course when you're doing a high pressure job as then all the camera controls and options are the same, presenting fewer opportunities for mistakes.

If, however, you just need a second camera in case your primary camera dies, then sure.

G
 
Just before Christmas I sent my M8.2 for a sensor hot pixel/green line repair at Solms. Also took the opportunity to have it serviced and top plate replaced at the same time. All the work was progressed without any issue. Got it back in 11 days as well (which included collection and delivery from UK).

No complaints here!
 
jaapv said:
just call Leica Customer Service in Solms and ask. A lot more reliable than some guys trying to part you from 7000 Euro.
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I bought my MM directly from Leica, I did research on M8s from shops selling/servicing them so there was never sales aspect to these conversations. And as I said I asked actual Leica reps too.

I have no dog in this race, I don't give a crap what cameras other people buy. OP asked about the investment potential of buying another M8.2 and I'm simply passing on what I found from the research I did for the last 6 months on that topic. I was unconvinced that buying an M8 made sense, if you feel otherwise there are plenty out there just waiting to be snatched up!
 
I use an M8.2 with over 30,000 actuations, never a problem. Routine serviced a few months ago by Leica N.J. Back-ups are a Lumix G3 w/14mm and 20mm, and just yesterday, an M6TTL. I use this kit for some types of professional work, and Canon for other types. I would miss the M8.2 so I keep using it. Not ready to spend on an ME. Thumbs down on Xpro1 and all the other mirrorless rangefinder style pea-shooters.
 
Godfrey said:
I agree with the notion of calling Leica Service directly and asking them for information on M8/M8.2 repairs and service, if that's an issue. There's nothing like first-hand information, that's the best you are going to get.
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Hi Godfrey,

I did spend some time this morning speaking with Leica Customer Service. What I found out is that the LCD on the camera is no longer available, so if the LCD goes out, Leica can't fix that. The shutter and sensor are still repairable on the camera, though expensive to repair. If you are the original owner of the M8 or M8.2, Leica has a program where if your LCD goes out, they will sell you an M9 for a discounted price.

Godfrey said:
While I've only rarely needed a backup camera, whether buying a Nikon or other camera as backup is sensible depends upon what you're trying to achieve. If you are using the Leica for specific qualities of its use, lens, or imaging qualities, then a Nikon is not going to do the job. Having a second camera body identical to the primary is the safest course when you're doing a high pressure job as then all the camera controls and options are the same, presenting fewer opportunities for mistakes.
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I shoot for a number of publications and my usual "work" kit is my Nikon D4, flash, D-700, wide zoom, tele zoom, filters, batteries, laptop, card reader, and misc. But many times jobs require me to travel by foot or public transport, and more and more I am shooting situations that are more intimate and I am working in much closer to subjects, and the existing light isn't too dark. In this situation, the twenty plus pounds of kit, and the intrusiveness of the big Nikon gear, is working against my purpose.

My M8.2 kit consists of my M8.2, a 25, 35, 50 and 90 and this gives me exactly the coverage I am looking for (when factoring in the crop factor) and is unobtrusive, and quieter. I also really like the look of the 33 (just a skosh wider than 35), 46 (again a skosh wider than 50), 65 (a wonderful mild portrait look), and the 120 (which is great for portraits) that I get with the M8.2 crop factor. I would be carrying the second body with me, to use side by side, as well as a back up. The other thing is that, having sent my different Leicas in for service over the years, I know how long they can be gone, and having a second digital when one or the other is in the shop for weeks, allows me to keep using my M glass.

Best,
-Tim
 
Hi Timmyjoe,

I would be surprised if a shutter or sensor repair is any more expensive on an M8(.2) than an M9. What is crucial is whether any spare parts are available. The LCD issue is well documented as is the scale of discount available to those trading up with Leica (I guess the question here is will they offer the M-E in place of the M9/M9P?).

I had no problem with Solms - maybe NJ are less equipped for repairs/services or perhaps they have to send some repairs/services on to Solms? It would appear to me you guys would be better sending direct to Solms (if there are no warranty issues) if the extra carriage is not too excessive. If your kit earns you money perhaps you should consider paying a premium for accelerated repair (if this is available in NJ).
 
Hi bideford, after talking with NJ, I found out the parts are currently still available for repairing everything on the M8 except the rear LCD.

Best,
-Tim
 
Robert Lai said:
Digital cameras are portable computers.
You seem to be asking if you should buy another Intel 486 CPU computer. There is no "investment" value at all. The depreciation is steadfast. Look at the Nikon D2X thread that is also popular at the moment.

If you can get enough professional use out of another M8 camera to make it pay, then it's worth it. These digital cameras at this point are just there for you to use until they wear out, then discard. You're in this business to make money, not collect gear as we amateurs do 😀.
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If you enjoy using the camera you should get it and if it's a good price
it's more of a reason to get it, I started the mentioned above thread on
on the D2X, It's just that I don't get into the new camera thing and if
you can get great results from some not all the old cameras that's great.
so if you want a M8 go for it.


range
 
Timmyjoe said:
Hi bideford, after talking with NJ, I found out the parts are currently still available for repairing everything on the M8 except the rear LCD.

Best,
-Tim
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and that rear LCD might be repairable too, only some batches had now-discontinued LCD. best to contact Leica with serial number of camera if problems arise.
 
bideford said:
I had no problem with Solms - maybe NJ are less equipped for repairs/services or perhaps they have to send some repairs/services on to Solms? It would appear to me you guys would be better sending direct to Solms (if there are no warranty issues) if the extra carriage is not too excessive. If your kit earns you money perhaps you should consider paying a premium for accelerated repair (if this is available in NJ).
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Good suggestion. For one thing Solms does not do that "first owner" hassle that Leica NJ does. They will extend guaranty (when applicable) or other benefits like the upgrade for LCD to any Leica owner worldwide. Also on cameras bought in the USA.
If you are a professional user and register as such beforehand you will get their pro service. See Leica's website for further information.
 
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