Leica M8 NJ Service Questions

[mattwong92]

I have been shooting on my Leica M8 since 2014. I bought it used on KEH as a college graduation present to myself and have traveled the world with it. It has served me well and only suffered from the usual:
- banding issues
- sometimes battery issues (2 bars then just dies)
I have since gone to Sony mirrorless cameras but still shoot my M film and M8 when I can. However recently I realized that the meter (inside the viewfinder) one of the diodes had gone out for the underexposed arrow. The center dot + right arrow were still displaying as expected.
I decided to send my Leica M8 into NJ to get the diode serviced and this was about 3 weeks ago. I was originally quoted $500 for the CLA, cleaning, possible service fees added. I finally got word from them about the inspection and they stated I needed:
- Adjust/ Cleaning + labor $625
- Leather covering replacement $50
- Entire sensor replacement $1157.41
- New hotshot $250
- Flexible board?? $11.50
- Carrier (to display the frame lines) $6.75
- Rear cover (entire rear body cover) $108
For whopping grand total of $2244.26!! (with shipping back) That is more than most used M8's on the market right now!
I emailed the service department and asked what they found that needed an entire new body + image sensor as the camera was working perfectly fine when I sent it in.

To which they replied: "The technician stated it is out of tolerance and not working properly. They are not sure what caused the error, just that it needs to be replaced."

I was wondering if anyone else has experienced service from Leica NJ? I feel like they disassembled my camera and broke a bunch of things that were fine and now want me to pay out of pocket to fix it.

 

[Range-rover]

I purchased a M8 and called them about checking out the camera and they said it would be $700.00 to look at it and adjust it alone. My problem I purchased
a non working M8 camera off ebay (it was cheap) I thought all help was lost but found someone who was selling a M8 in parts so I purchased a new top plate
and circuit board that goes on top of the rangefinder and decided to repair it myself and I have a great working M8 now. I took a chance and I made out good,
see the problem is the people who repair Leica's won't even touch a Digital Leica so the only recourse is Leica. I hope you get it fixed their great camera's.

 

[jsrockit]

For whopping grand total of $2244.26!! (with shipping back) That is more than most used M8's on the market right now!

I'm thinking they do not want to repair it ... and are making sure you do not want to repair it. Next, they will offer you a discounted M10 or M11. I would ask them to return the camera in the manner you sent it. If they cannot do that, ask to speak to a supervisor and make some demands due to the fact that all of these issues did not exist when you sent it. An email to Leica CEO Matthias Harsch (google says his email is matthias.harsch@leica-camera.com but that could be too easy) explaining the issue couldn't hurt either.

 

[TR3B]

If you had taken any images in the recent past, I would use one as proof that aside from any banding issues, the cameras images were fine. Why it needed an entire sensor is a bit concerning.
I would want the camera returned as shipped.
I may be biased. I sent a M9M for sensor replacement on assurances they had a sensor for my camera and the camera sat for 2 weeks at the USPS due to nobody at Leica NJ to accept during covid. Unsuccessful reaching a human body, I had it returned to me. As I only use the camera at wide apertures, it does not interfere with my use. When I contacted NJ about the mixup they then claimed Leica Germany had requested Leica NJ return any M9M sensors they had in stock. I’d still like to know what Germany did with them. Planning a M9M- E resurrection?
The bill would have been $1600- I feel someone was looking out for me.
I’m not out $1600 and it’s not a brick or door stop to me, nor do I intend to sell it.

Use it, love it and the hell with the so called Leica Ambassador Trade In Program.
Wahoo, as far as I’m concerned

 

[raydm6]

The quote you received reminded me of a quote I received from Honda dealer years ago when I brought my Accord in for a minor auto repair. They definitely ran up the repair bill estimate. I quietly refused and never went back. Ever since that experience, I take my cars to independent mechanics. I am fortunate I have a good and honest one and know all three mechanics personally. Plus, because I drive Lexus's, I don't need to see them that often. 🙂

I agree with John's observation above. It may have been damaged by a technician during inspection. Does Leica ever disclose who the technician is or what their experience level is?

 

[boojum]

I am the crank here. I would never send my camera to Leica for repair. Too many times I have read of these shoddy stunts by a camera company that presents itself as the pre-eminent manufacturer. They bungled the M8 and the M9. If Leica were a responsible company they would have made good on all those cameras as they were all subject to failure when they were sold new. What kind of a manufacturer does this? Well, most do until there is legal or governmental action. I have Leicas. You can be sure they will never be inside a Leica dealer or com[any repair facility. Just look at their track record.

And before the fan boys build their wailing wall let's be clear, yes, we do hear about the failures and not the successes. My point is that there should be no failures like we see. A good, responsible company would care more about its reputation. This does not seem to be the case with Leitz camera. That is just so disappointing and I am so astounded when it is defended or there are excuses made for this awful behavior.

As usual, YMMV.

PS - and while not all shops fix the electronics and sensors, some do. Shop around, ask questions. Or try and deal with Leica, famed for customer service, just not good customer service.

 

[raid]

I would move on to another camera. It is a poor investment otherwise. The M8 could break down again soon.