used Leica M8.2 - should I ?

[menos I M6]

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I have found a used Leica M8.2 for a standard price (no bargain, but not outrageous either).

 

The camera shows some brassing on the edges and therefore seems to be well used.

What prices are the going rate at the moment?

 

Are there issues known with the M8.2, that were taken care of over the known issues with the M8 (dead pixel lines, shutter failure, coffee cup LCD, flawed rear wheel, camera lockups,…)

 

I followed certain "problem treads" on different fora these days, to be informed, what to check.

 

Anyhow, I feel still uncertain about the reliability and issues that made word about a used M8 (strange, I had no such contemplations, buying a used R-D1 in an eye blink earlier).

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[Guest PhotoWebb.co.uk]

Hmm. I'd think twice. My experience has not been great. Good camera but flawed and somewhat unreliable.

[andybarton]

The M8.2 has a different shutter from the M8.

[marknorton]

I assume this is a black camera? They switched from black chrome to look-at-it-and-it-scratches black paint in moving to the M8.2; the silver chrome cameras remained unchanged. Cosmetically therefore, a silver camera is a better bet.

 

By the same token, it doesn't mean the camera has been to hell and back. The M8.2 benefits from the quieter shutter (albeit to 1/4000th only), the more accurate framelines and the sapphire glass screen cover.

 

It is however blighted by the facile "S" mode which is of no use to anyone but does benefit from the improvements in build and especially alignment processes in Solms.

 

So, a mixed bag, it doesn't sound like this camera is it but a silver one with a sensible warranty might be.

[menos I M6]

Hmm. I'd think twice. My experience has not been great. Good camera but flawed and somewhat unreliable.

 

I have seen your thread and follow it loosely.

I hope things get sorted out in a adequate manner for all 3 parties.

 

 

The M8.2 has a different shutter from the M8.

 

Andy, there are no circulating shutter fault stories, regarding the M8.2 as with the M8?

 

The 1/4000 should be a nice upgrade from my 1/2000 R-D1 and the 1/1000 film bodies.

The quieter shutter than M8 sounds also ok.

 

 

I assume this is a black camera? They switched from black chrome to look-at-it-and-it-scratches black paint in moving to the M8.2; the silver chrome cameras remained unchanged. Cosmetically therefore, a silver camera is a better bet.

 

By the same token, it doesn't mean the camera has been to hell and back. The M8.2 benefits from the quieter shutter (albeit to 1/4000th only), the more accurate framelines and the sapphire glass screen cover.

 

It is however blighted by the facile "S" mode which is of no use to anyone but does benefit from the improvements in build and especially alignment processes in Solms.

 

So, a mixed bag, it doesn't sound like this camera is it but a silver one with a sensible warranty might be.

 

Yes Mark, it is black.

I don't care for the brassing - it looks ok.

It would have only been a sign of heavy usage to me (on/off switch right side worn down and front upper left edge worn down, looking from the photographer side).

 

There would be no real warranty, other than the Chinese exchange goods after purchase time (if I remember correctly, just 2 weeks).

 

I plan, to bring a computer for file inspection and I compile a checking list for the known issues. After money goes over the counter, I am lost though.

 

 

I am mostly interested in the shutter and of course sensor troubles, as these two seem the most costly issues.

 

What are the going rates at the moment for a M8.2?

[jamesk8752]

Menos, in the US a good used M8.2 from a dealer will generally sell in the range of US$3500-4000 or more, depending on condition. Of course, there is always eBay where "bargains" may be had...

 

Regards, Jim

[SJP]

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For me the M8.2 never made sense compared to the M8 exactly because I like to have 1/8000 and find the M8 silent enough. I tried the stealth mode once (available with the latest firmware) and disabled that immediately, it just slows me down & distracts attention.

 

But bottom, line there, is nothing wrong with a used M8.2 unless it has 100.000+ shutter actuations. In fact it is a great camera.

[August_West]

Andy, there are no circulating shutter fault stories, regarding the M8.2 as with the M8?

 

I recently made up my mind to get into the M world and in a short time my local Leica dealer informed me that Leica had two "demo" M8.2 units available to him-a black one in 98% condition, and a silver/chrome in 95%. He said I could buy either for $3700 US. Since they were coming from Leica they would have a 1-year warrantee.

 

The camera came in this week, and I went buy to look it over. Dealer had charged the battery, and we put a 35mm Summarit on it to play around. Mounted the lens, turned it on and the screen blinked "drive fault" then "shutter fault" error. The camera was not functional.

 

The dealer immediately got Leica on the phone and was told to send it back right away. The Leica customer service person in NJ assured me and my dealer that I would be taken care of, and in a very prompt manner.

 

So, to answer your question, yes there appears to be shutter fault issues with the M8.2 as well. Although I'm not the luckiest guy in the world and probably got the only one with the issue!

[stunsworth]

Why not buy it though a dealer that offers a warranty if you are concerned about reliability? Remember that internet forums - not just this or other photographic ones - tend to magnify any problems out of all proportion.

 

I've had my M8 for over three years and it's been excellent in that time. The only camera I would want to replace it with would be an M9.

[menos I M6]

Andy, there are no circulating shutter fault stories, regarding the M8.2 as with the M8?

 

I recently made up my mind to get into the M world and in a short time my local Leica dealer informed me that Leica had two "demo" M8.2 units available to him-a black one in 98% condition, and a silver/chrome in 95%. He said I could buy either for $3700 US. Since they were coming from Leica they would have a 1-year warrantee.

 

The camera came in this week, and I went buy to look it over. Dealer had charged the battery, and we put a 35mm Summarit on it to play around. Mounted the lens, turned it on and the screen blinked "drive fault" then "shutter fault" error. The camera was not functional.

 

The dealer immediately got Leica on the phone and was told to send it back right away. The Leica customer service person in NJ assured me and my dealer that I would be taken care of, and in a very prompt manner.

 

So, to answer your question, yes there appears to be shutter fault issues with the M8.2 as well. Although I'm not the luckiest guy in the world and probably got the only one with the issue!

 

Scary!

I assume, one never knows, whether his/ her sample could be affected.

 

 

Why not buy it though a dealer that offers a warranty if you are concerned about reliability? Remember that internet forums - not just this or other photographic ones - tend to magnify any problems out of all proportion.

 

I've had my M8 for over three years and it's been excellent in that time. The only camera I would want to replace it with would be an M9.

 

Steve, I am afraid, I could not find a trustful dealer, who regularly offers used M8 in Shanghai. The next best place would be Hong Kong or some bigger city in Germany.

 

I know, I am to itchy right now, to inspect the camera and probably buy it.

[menos I M6]

So - I got it.

 

45 min of close inspection and working through my check list were completed.

 

The test shots do not show dead pixel lines or unusual banding.

The vertical rangefinder setting is slightly off, but will be taken care of later.

 

The camera is complete with papers, parts and seems a genuine buy.