M8 Shutter Upgrade - Yes or No

[wda]

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A real dilemma, this one, for the OP. I don't think he can ignore the fact that he has an M8 and M9. Recognizing the conflict in framing anticipation, between the cropped M8 and the full-frame M9, I would be inclined to consider having the M8 shutter fixed at least cost and part-exchange the repaired camera for a second M9. A consistent pair would be preferable to a mixed pair.

 

Regarding noise, my M8s are amongst the last produced. While I was expecting the worst noise after copious negative reports, I was more than pleasantly surprised by the relatively low noise levels. Maybe I was lucky. There is just a reassuring 'tweak' sound which, more often than not, passes unnoticed by others.

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[erl]

David, ideally I would like a matched pair of M9's but my budgetary circumstance can't justify that so I am stuck with one M9 and two M8's, one of which I will probably sell eventually. I have adapted to using the M8 alongside the M9, not ideal obviously.

[jaques]

I have an m8 currently at Solms being repaired (screen, top plate and front cover replaced). They said they would leave the original shutter alone- but also said that the camera will come back with a full 12 month warranty...

[Guest BigSplash]

There have been many threads during the last year that suggest that the ORIGINAL M8 shutter had reliability issues. Ther have been some photos by Mark N that showed minor modifications to the M8 cocking mechanism to overcome occassional faults that originally occurred.

When I vsited Solms recently I raised the question about an unreliable M8 shutter and they looked surprised that I should even raise the question and the assured me that all was OK from a reliability point of view. I believe them as I asked several people in different ways!

 

The M9 is quieter but in my view only marginally. I have often wondered why such a fuss is made about the difference in sound level...it is minute. If the M9 was so silent that an animal would not hear it fine but that is not the case. The M8 is far quieter than the SLR's of old and even today's best DSLR's.

 

The 1/8000th speed I think is very useful with high speed lenses using ISO160 on a sunny day. I have found myself very grateful to have the higher speed of the M8 in practical use. I actually think that any marginal improvement in reduced shutter noise that comes with losing the 1/8000th speed is frankly for me not a step in the right direction.

Now the idea of fitting a saphire screen as on M8.2 for the rear protection is a good idea and clearly an improvement and worthy IMHO of consideration if the camera is going to Solms.

[hoppyman]

Jaques, that is so. The warranty discrepancies being discussed were on work quoted by a local repairer, not by Solms

 

Frank, perhaps that is another example where perceptions based on posts here do not necessarily tell the the whole story.

There have been many threads during the last year that suggest that the ORIGINAL M8 shutter had reliability issues....

[Guest BigSplash]

Jaques, that is so. The warranty discrepancies being discussed were on work quoted by a local repairer, not by Solms

 

Frank, perhaps that is another example where perceptions based on posts here do not necessarily tell the the whole story.

There have been many threads during the last year that suggest that the ORIGINAL M8 shutter had reliability issues....

.

 

 

I agree with what I said previously and also what you say. My feeling is that possibly the earlier M8 shutters did have a design flaw as certainly Solms have modified the interconnect part on those early examples. I suspect but do not know that if they were repairing an early shutter they would bring it to the later specification.

 

That said when I was recently at Solms for two days I specifically asked about the shutter issue and they were emphatic about knowing nothing about some reliability issue with respect to the M8 shutter. In fact they were very keen to say that they have had very few warranty or post warranty shutter related issues for M8. M8.2 and M9.

 

I assume that this is true as our discussion was very open and frank.

 

regards

[jaapv]

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Highly unlikely that Solms modified anything. These shutters are built by Copal.

[Guest BigSplash]

Highly unlikely that Solms modified anything. These shutters are built by Copal.

 

Yes that is correct and well known by anyone who reads this forum. It is as used by Nikon and Canon who get in continuous mode 5 fps not 2 fps so Jaapv there is more to it than you suggest!

 

The actual shutter is part of an ensemble (look at Mark Norton photos) which include at least the following:

1. The Copal shutter
   
2. The cocking Motor
   
3. The cocking release mechanism
   
4. The interlinkages between these items
   

My understanding is that it is the linkages and the adjustment of these that did cause issues in some early M8 cameras. A small teflon piece has been added in later cameras to cure the problem I understand.

[coup de foudre]

i don't know if the decision is still to be made for the OP, but my answer is YES YES YES!

 

i may be hyper-sensitive, but the shutter upgrade has made all the difference! it is worth the money (and i'm not sure i ever thought i'd say that as i'm trying to save up for an M9). it is almost like having a completely new camera.

[erl]

coup de foudre, (and others). Yes, I have made the decision. A local authorized repairer is doing the repair for $300 and a 3-4 day turnaround.

 

As I already have an M9, the issue is not such a critical one for me. Pragmatically, I have little to lose with this option.

[coup de foudre]

coup de foudre, (and others). Yes, I have made the decision. A local authorized repairer is doing the repair for $300 and a 3-4 day turnaround.

 

As I already have an M9, the issue is not such a critical one for me. Pragmatically, I have little to lose with this option.

erl,

 

that's probably the smart way to go -- and you surely can't beat the 3-4 day turnaround!

 

sorry, but i am truly ecstatic with my "new" old camera as i don't have the M9 in my arsenal yet. my preference is too shoot in dark places so my ability to hand-hold has increased greatly. i guess i stupidly wanted to share the love

 

cheers,

cam

[dbarth]

i don't know if the decision is still to be made for the OP, but my answer is YES YES YES!

 

i may be hyper-sensitive, but the shutter upgrade has made all the difference! it is worth the money (and i'm not sure i ever thought i'd say that as i'm trying to save up for an M9). it is almost like having a completely new camera.

 

Hey, I'm also considering an upgrade for my M8.1. Would you recommend a particular vendor in Paris for the operation, or did you directly send your camera back to Solms?

 

David

[erl]

erl,

 

that's probably the smart way to go -- and you surely can't beat the 3-4 day turnaround!

 

sorry, but i am truly ecstatic with my "new" old camera as i don't have the M9 in my arsenal yet. my preference is too shoot in dark places so my ability to hand-hold has increased greatly. i guess i stupidly wanted to share the love

 

cheers,

cam

 

I totally empathize with the desire to shoot in dark places. It is my frequent habit as well. I can assure you I notice the difference between the "original" M8 shutter and the M9 shutter, both for sound and vibration, so you are smart to enjoy your upgrade.

[coup de foudre]

Hey, I'm also considering an upgrade for my M8.1. Would you recommend a particular vendor in Paris for the operation, or did you directly send your camera back to Solms?

 

David

 

both Jean-Marc at the La Maison du Leica on Beaumarchais and Photo Suffren in the 15th are brilliant to deal with for all your Leica needs.

 

unfortunately, i moved, or i would have gone through either of them (if you prefer a transaction in english, go through Jean-Marc)... it isn't necessary to go through a dealer but, if you're new in town, it's never bad to build a relationship for later lusts

 

but, i think, all shutter upgrades need to go directly to Solms?

 

in which case, if you do want to go direct, send it to the attention of Andrea Frankl, the goddess of Leica service. her english is perfect and i can't recall ever dealing with somebody as wonderful in regards to service. she truly is first rate.

 

i honestly do recommend the shutter upgrade 100% if you're planning on using your M8 in the foreseeable future. it is glorious!

 

if you only have a minor repair, though, Photo Suffren is the place to go -- they actually have a repair center on the premises. between my muddled french and sign language, i never had a problem communicating.

 

cheers,

cam

[menos I M6]

Since the end of last year, there is also an official Leica shop in Paris.

I visited the shop in June, bought a new 35 Lux and had the best of service from the shop manager, providing info, checking an M7 for a potential buy from me, handing me a second hand Noctilux for try out, despite my comment of not intending, to buy it.

 

I have been assisted also with the documents for reclaiming the VAT as I left France the other day.

Very pleasant visit.

 

I will return likely next year. Only better could it be, if such shops would maintain a professional workshop, which does adjust lenses and bodies for customers on site, on visit - but let's not ask too much ;-)

[dbarth]

both Jean-Marc at the La Maison du Leica on Beaumarchais and Photo Suffren in the 15th are brilliant to deal with for all your Leica needs.

 

Ok, thanks for the advice. I'll go and compare the sound with them and see how fast the camera can be serviced.

 

David

[jsrockit]

Well, if you ship it out, add that to your cost of everything too... it is not cheap to ship with the amount of insurance you'll need to cover the M8.