Perplexing M8 display problem

[wstrong]

My M8 has developed a weird tick.

The menu buttons only bring up the display once the camera is very cold.

The display is not broken. When the camera is cold (outside in sub-zero tems for 10 minutes or so), all buttons bring up a perfectly functional display. Once the camera warms back up, the menu buttons cease to bring up the display.

The display will light up to warn 'base plate removed' or 'no sd card', even when the menu buttons have no effect.

The camera works perfectly well in all other respects save one. Once the menu buttons no longer bring up the display, the single frame shutter release behaves as if in discreet mode even though it is not. Continuous mode functions as expected.

Shots fired while the display is not operating are fine. Flash continues to work as expected even in ttl.

The battery is genuine leica and only a few months old.

I'm truly perplexed here. I've searched the forums and not found anything exactly like I'm describing. Why on earth would it only function properly when very, very cold??

Thanks!
Walter

 

[Lss]

Sounds like a connection issue. You need to send the camera to Leica to get this fixed.

 

[ChrisLivsey]

My condolences, I will not bore you with the long list of issues my M8 is exhibiting. the last time I did that I was rather criticised by those with fully functioning M8s for daring to suggest they would perhaps not demonstrate the longevity they forecast as in "the "upgradable forever" statement from Leica.
I have enquired, not formally with Leica, as to the likely repair cost and it would seem to exceed the cost of replacement in every case two dealers were aware of, for assorted issues.
I have not come across the problem you have but agree it would seem to be a connection issue. If a cable connector has worked loose that would be great if a board is playing up that would be bad.
A trip in the Germany is the only way to find out I'm afraid.

 

[wstrong]

Thanks Lss and ChrisLivsey! I figured a trip to Germany would be the only solution for the camera, but there's always the faint hope that a series of incantations and a secret button sequence could bring the camera back to life.
w

 

[jarski]

Leica charges premium for such features as lcd-less camera. You got one for free 😀

 

[ChrisLivsey]

a series of incantations and a secret button sequence
w

That's easy:

4 times right arrow button
3 times left arrow button
1 time right arrow button
INFO button

Gives you the service menu, if your screen responds to that given your issues.
A "screen test" gives a totally white display.
For shutter count:
Scroll down to body debug data.
Press Set.
Scroll down to NUMEXPOSURES.
Turn camera off to exit

I came across this which I'm afraid is more bad news:
http://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/243714-accessing-menu-to-adjust-time-on-broken-lcd-on-m8/

But if you can count and press you can work the camera!!

 

[wstrong]

Follow up

Follow up

I sent my M8 to Leica New Jersey for repairs at the end of January. I got it back recently (end of August). It took a while because they had to wait for parts to be sourced in Germany. That seems reasonable to me, considering the camera is probably about ten years old and has been out of production for I don't know how long.

They did a pixel/column restoration, replaced a circuit board/transistor, cla'd, replaced leatherette covering, and replaced a sealing ring. It came to $538.44 USD, priority shipping included.

Seems like a fair price to me. Glad to have a super minty M8 in my hands now.

Tempted to sell and put money toward newer Leica.

I don't know if there's a moral to the story other than -30 degree weather may not be good for M8s.

Was surprised Leica still services M8s.

Cheers!

 

[Rob-F]

Sounds like a connection issue. You need to send the camera to Leica to get this fixed.

I'm thinking the same thing. I'm thinking it could be a temperature related problem in the menu button.