My favorite Leica DMR photogrpher

[dave lackey]

Doug Herr.

http://wildlightphoto.com/birds/accipitridae/baeagl04.html

He has got me hooked on wildlife photography. Maybe one day I will be able to get into it.🙂

 

[sc_rufctr]

Thanks for the link.

I'd love a DMR for my R8 but I'm concerned about long term reliability.
... The thought of spending so much money on something that could die with no notice scares me.

Does Leica still fix these if they go wrong? I'd imagine if they did it wouldn't be cheap.
I know you can get the batteries rebuilt with new cells but not by Leica.

 

[dave lackey]

Dang, just going back over some of the images Doug sent me this past year...stunning work:

http://wildlightphoto.com/birds/accipitridae/goeagl07.jpg

I love his work.

 

[dave lackey]

Thanks for the link.

I'd love a DMR for my R8 but I'm concerned about long term reliability.
... The thought of spending so much money on something that could die with no notice scares me.

Does Leica still fix these if they go wrong? I'd imagine if they did it wouldn't be cheap.
I know you can get the batteries rebuilt with new cells but not by Leica.

Why should it die? I understand the hesitation of buying an out-of-date product, however, I haven't approached Leica yet about supporting the DMR....maybe I will get to that this week and let you know.🙂

 

[nobbylon]

I'd have liked a play with a DMR myself however the cost of repairs would probably pay for a nice Nikon. Like everything digital with Leica, beautifull colour, superb sharpness but when things go wrong you need either a warranty or a fat wallet.

 

[sc_rufctr]

Why should it die? I understand the hesitation of buying an out-of-date product, however, I haven't approached Leica yet about supporting the DMR....maybe I will get to that this week and let you know.🙂

The problem is the electronics. It really is only a matter of time and usage before something releases it's magic smoke. 😉
But Leica still supports their older SLRs and M cameras. I would imagine it's same for the DMR.

If I got one now and used it for 5 years I would feel I got my moneys worth.

BTW: Fixing a faulty light meter in an R8/9 costs about $1,500 AUD. (That's back to the factory, 6-8 week turnaround)
It's not what I would call a common fault but it seems as the R8/9 get older it's becoming more frequent.

 

[jarski]

was pondering about this some time ago, but gave up after reading. serviceability of DMR is either big ? or $ sign, depending what breaks.

batteries are not available anymore, re-celling old ones is made by some companies.

camera understands only old SD-cards, nothing sold in shops today, so need to search eBay for correct type and hope its usable.

 

[dave lackey]

Well, whatever...

It seems that Doug uses his DMRs in the outdoors under all kinds of conditions and like the Energizer Bunny...they just keep working.😉

I have emailed Leica to see what support they give but if one were to pick up a DMR for $3000 and use it for 5 years and it died or had to be fixed for the same cost, fair enough cost-wise. Besides, you still have a great film camera to use!😀

As far as servicing any old camera, sometimes it is better to pick up another body... R8s are available for $600 all over in Ex+ condition. Not a bad buy IMO.

Heh...here I am talking like I have a job....yikes.

 

[sc_rufctr]

Well, whatever...

It seems that Doug uses his DMRs in the outdoors under all kinds of conditions and like the Energizer Bunny...they just keep working.😉

I have emailed Leica to see what support they give but if one were to pick up a DMR for $3000 and use it for 5 years and it died or had to be fixed for the same cost, fair enough cost-wise. Besides, you still have a great film camera to use!😀

As far as servicing any old camera, sometimes it is better to pick up another body... R8s are available for $600 all over in Ex+ condition. Not a bad buy IMO.

Heh...here I am talking like I have a job....yikes.

All good stuff Dave but the thought of discarding an R8 because of a faulty meter fills me with dread. I would rather cough up the money to fix it than buy another one. At least you get a warranty from Leica and you saved it from the scrap heap... I know that makes no economical sense but somehow that feels right to me.

An R9 and DMR would be my dream setup. 🙂

 

[dave lackey]

All good stuff Dave but the thought of discarding an R8 because of a faulty meter fills me with dread. I would rather cough up the money to fix it than buy another one. At least you get a warranty from Leica and you saved it from the scrap heap... I know that makes no economical sense but somehow that feels right to me.

An R9 and DMR would be my dream setup. 🙂

Very good point, Peter! Agreed!😀

 

[nobbylon]

I'm not wishing to put a downer on this idea BUT, would it not be better to just buy a cheap M8? The only good reason that I can see to use a DMR is like Doug H' for long telephoto work. If you are 35-90mm users then an M8 makes much more sense now.
By the time you have your R8/9 DMR combo and a few R lenses you could quite easily have an M8, equally as reliable as a DMR 😉 and a lens or two plus a Nikon FF and 70-200 VR for the long shots.
Of course if you just simply want an R8/9 DMR then there is no discussion.
When I was working at a particular garage in the 80's, people used to ask me about Ferrari reliability. I used to tell them that we would have it more than they would so buy a Porsche. I often think the same about Leica digital Vs Nikon/Canon 🙂

 

[dave lackey]

Ah, the reality of the situation about Leica support for the DMR has just been confirmed from Leica AG:

Dear Mr Lackey,Thank you very much for your message.I regret to inform you, that we cannot give any repair support for Leica DMR any longer.I kindly ask for your understanding.If you have further questions feel free to contact me.Mit freundlichen Gruessen / kind regardsAnsgar Wehnge Leica Camera AG Customer Care - Software Support Solmser Gewerbepark 8 / D-35606 Solms / Germany

Actually, this confirmation from Leica Camera AG makes life easier for me and cheaper.I will stick with the R film cameras and wait 5-10 years for the Leica M to drop in price to a level I might actually be able to afford. Or, I can sell what I have, buy the DMR at a reliable source I have found and roll the dice that the DMR will last 5 years. I hate to gamble but given a chance to shoot a DMR for 5 years or a Nikon/Canon....roll 'em!

In regard to using Nikon digitals...I am simply tired of Nikon digital products. How many Camry's can one own in a lifetime before one gets sick of Camry's? I am there already. No more! My last Camry went to the recyclers a few years ago and I am not going back.

 

[david.elliott]

You can always pick up a 5d for not too much and use your r glass on it...