M8 replacement?

[presspass]

After years of problem-free service, my M8 is starting to act up - occasional shutter cocking sounds continue long after the exposure. So I'm thinking of replacing it, but not with an M9 - I can't afford that and usually carry the M8 so I have a digital color camera along with the film Leicas. Suggestions for a replacement or should I get it fixed? When I need digital for work, I have Canons, so the need is for something small and digital; I'd like to use the same lenses as with the film Ms.

 

[Jim Evidon]

I think your best bet is to get it repaired. You can send it to Leica New Jersey or send it to a good Leica repair person.
I had good results with DAG ( http://www.dagcamera.com/ ) when my M4P needed to be CLA'd, and I'm sure he won't find the M8 any more challenging. There is a list of recommended repair persons on this forum site or on http://www.l-camera-forum.com. Why give up the M8 which works so beautifully with your M lenses for a different body that works not as well and then only with a third party lens adapter? I'll probably never give up my M8 unless I find a clean used M9 at some remote time in the future.

 

[noimmunity]

You won't find anything else like the M8, except an R-D1.

If, however, you can live without the VF/RF, but insist on using M lenses, then you have a range of choices. Sony Nex 5n and Ricoh GXR seem to give the best results so far, but each has its niggles.

Others can help you go through trouble-shooting on your current M8. Sounds like you may have a problem with the re-cocking mechanism. Do you have the discreet shutter option enabled? If so, disengage that and see.

Shutter repair is unfortunately expensive.

 

[Phil_F_NM]

Get it repaired from Leica. They'll probably extend your warranty on the camera for a year after repair as well. It won't be cheap, but in the end, it will be worth it.

Phil Forrest

 

[twopointeight]

It would interesting to hear what Leica would charge for this repair?

 

[Phil_F_NM]

Shutter fault would be at least $800, I think. That's an educated guess but I've heard similar figures in the past year or so of out of warranty M8 bodies needing shutter fault repair.

Phil Forrest

 

[ramosa]

I would get it repaired whether you want to use it or sell it. I ponder other types of cameras now and then, but wisely (for me) stick with my M.

 

[Ben Z]

Since the problem with your M8 is only occasional, you could sell/trade it to a dealer to get another used M8,with a 6-mo warranty, but I suspect that would cost you as much as getting yours repaired. Leica's repairs include a full overhaul and a one-year warranty on the entire camera, not just the part they replaced. That's the way I'd do it. Other than a replacement M8 or an M9 there really isn't anything that I think you'll find satisfies you as much. With all due respect to the RD1 (I had one) and all the EVIL compacts that take M lenses, they aren't in the same league ergonomically speaking, especially if you are using it in tandem with a film M. BTW although I could be wrong, I believe DAG does not do repairs on the M8 other than the rangefinder.

 

[kbg32]

The RD-1, while a nice camera, is no M8. Get Leica to fix it. You won't regret it and you'll get a warranty on everything. It'll be cheaper than a used M8.

BTW - independent camera repair services, as to my knowledge, and I believe it has been posted here on RFF, do not repair the digital Ms.

 

[Rob-F]

Maybe you can even get a good package deal that includes some upgrades. I went for the M8.2 just for the larger finder framelines, and they are available as an upgrade for the M8.

 

[Godfrey]

After years of problem free service, you just want to dump a "still worth $2000 or more" camera simply because it needs some service? That seems ridiculous to me. Just have it repaired, and/or do the 8.2 update. Keep using it.

If you want another camera, for other reasons, that uses the same lenses, the Ricoh GXR is my pick. Does the best job short of the Ms with M-bayonet lenses.

 

[Jim Evidon]

That is the big "drawback" to owning a digital M. I think nothing of selling an "obsolete"
Nikon or Panasonic so I can upgrade to the latest iteration with more bells and whistles.
It's good expensive fun, even though my old D300 has features that I never used or probably will never use. But ever since I have had my M8, I know I'll never part with it unless, should there be a dramatic a market turn around, I get an M9. There is some intrinsic value to owning an M, including my pristine film M4P that makes you want to pick it up and just use it.

My suggestion is essentially the same as others already given to you. Keep it and send it in for service. While you are at it, do upgrade the finder to 8.2 specs and invest in the discreet shutter modification. Whether you spend more to get the sapphire LCD screen is another matter. I did it and did away with the 3rd protective screen accessory which always seem to distort the image a little. Then you will have an essentially new M8u which you will continue to enjoy for many years.