Used M8 - pricing serial number & actuation differences

[Stephen G]

So I've tried to do some research on actuations & shutter life.
Also tried to read up on serial numbers.
Neither came back with anything overly conclusive.

However, I am looking at comparing relative value of used M8's on the market, with different actuations & serial numbers.

Actuations
What price premium would you pay for a body with 3k actuations instead of 11k? $100? $500? Or both are low enough to not matter?

Serial Numbers
Are there any cutoffs where you can say "this camera was definetely not in the first batch, it is safe from the initial issues"?
Otherwise, how would you feel about-
#319xxxx
#311xxxx
#3105xxx
#3102xxx
Again, would you pay a premium for any of these?
Or all these all similar enough that it doesn't matter?
Were they nonsequential and depended on color/factory/etc and thus useless to go by?

In the end does the bodys condition trump all of the above?
I usually buy directly from classifieds/auctions, but given the M8's reputation, I am leaning more towards a dealer with at least a minimal return policy/brief warranty period..

thanks!

 

[Sonnar Brian]

A warranty period is always good, as is a return period. Especially with digital cameras and other high-tech items.

The first batch of cameras often have teething issues, and the model undergoes slight revisions to correct them. The M8 was no exception. I suspect the yield and quality of the Kodak sensor improved during the production life. A number of early M8's went back to have the CCD changed out. So repair/revision history of the individual camera also counts.

My 319x Leica M8 has been great, bought used and still under warranty.