M8 shutter repair?

[atracksler]

While shooting today, I heard the worst sound I ever heard. The shutter on my m8 stuck.

Is it worth repairing?
Can it be repaired?
How much does a shutter replacement run?
Who should I send it to (I’m in Maine)?

Thanks.
Adam.

 

[JeffS7444]

I'm not aware of any independent shops that service Leica digital cameras, so you'll want to contact either Leica New Jersey or Leica Germany.

If I recall, circa 2010 they offered shutter replacements in the $400 range as part of an M8 -> M8.2 upgrade program. Newer shutter loses the 1/4000th top speed but is a good deal quieter.

As for whether it's worth the expense and hassle, that really depends on you and how much you like the camera.

 

[jaapv]

I would say that the camera is an economic write-off. The shutter itself is not that expensive, about 170 Euro, but the camera has to be dismantled completely to replace it and recalibrated after reassembly. You would be lucky to get an estimate under -at a guess- 700 Euro.
For the upgrade programme the camera had to be opened up anyway, making the shutter replacement part of the package.
In any case, I would skip Leica USA if I were you and send the camera directly to Wetzlar.

 

[raid]

Wetzlar may offer you an upgrade to an M10.

 

[atracksler]

I think it was just a dead battery. Swapped it out and (fingers crossed) everything is fine. I may check on the upgrade just in case.

 

[raid]

Good for you. I love using my M8.

 

[Rob-F]

It seems the battery is a good thing to check first, when there is a problem. You know, it could even be that removing and reinserting the battery was all that was needed. This has happened before with my M9.