Leica R8- further query

[pityacka]

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Joined this site yesterday, and posted on the 'How many cameras .. etc' asking for information about the R8. Have spent 90 mins. this morning finding my way round here, and have come across several posts re the R8. I have heard about the camera supposedly scratching film, and I am prepared to take a chance on that. However,one mentions electronic problem, which I thought was the R4 model's predicament. Then another point I have picked up, from a posting by moderator andybarton, amongst others, is that the metering system on the R8 can fail.

What is the cause of such failure ? Any ideas ?

There is also mention of big battery useage, but I thought that was if a motor winder or drive was fitted, and it did not apply to the camera when used without the winder.

Overall, from the different articles here, and what I have read so far, the voting for the R8 would be 99% for, and 1% against.

Looking forward to information and advice.

[Nicoleica]

I used an R8 for several years, and encountered none of the problems that you describe. (I also used an R9 too, with no problems at all.) I had heard that some cameras did suffer various failures, but I think that this is true of just about any camera you care to mention.

If you are concerned about problems such as this, then you might be dest served by buying a 'new' M8. Some dealers still have them in stock, and at very reasonable prices. That way you will have a full Leica guarantee to cover any problems should they occur.

In my opinion, the R8, and the R9, are lovely cameras. They are a pleasure to use, and give excellent results. As far as battery usage goes, I didn't think it was heavy at all.

[pityacka]

Nicole, Thanks for your views. Much appreciated. As I commented most posts are 99% in favour of the camera. I agree with you as regards looking after camera equipment, and how you use it. Saw a post on another site last week where a member had used a Canon flash on his R8, and then found that the camera would not work subsequently, and it would need repairing.

I will keep checking this forum for further comments, and more than likely, I will end up buying one.

Regards,

Fred.

[Nicoleica]

Hi Fred. If you are looking for a new R8. There is a store in the Netherlands that still has them in black or chrome finish in stock. And at under €900 too. New Leica R8 cameras There are probably a few dealers in the UK with some too at similar prices.

[pityacka]

Hi Nicole, I have the money for a new R8, but I think that would be self indulgent ! And my wife would blow a fuse. Mind she buys Bob Dylan records by the dozens, so who is she to complain ? I have seen a used R8 at a dealers in the UK(also Leica authorised seller). It looks in mint condition, and also has a 12 months guarantee, so I would think it a safer bet.

By the way, what is NOC ?

Fred.

[Nicoleica]

Thanks Fred. I'm sure you will enjoy using an R8. It's a lovely camera. The 'NOC list' is my little joke, and is an old term for spies. (NOC = Non official cover.)

[Doc Henry]

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Fred,

First welcome to the LUF Forum

 

I agree with Nicole

I have an R8 and I am very happy

No problem since I bought it new at my Leica dealer

This is one of the best SLR that Leica has released.

It is also guaranteed for 5 years (2 years for R9)

Prices have fallen sharply since Leica abandoned the R system

Henry

Here is the link of vintage pictures taken with R8 :

 

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/people/73833-women-people-vintage.html

[pityacka]

Thanks for the welcome, DocHenry. I will look at the photos later today. I bought an R5 about a month ago, together with the 35-70 lens. I first used a negative film to test and everything was fine. I took some shots of my dog in amongst the corn in a barleyfield. The stalks were pin sharp. I did notice a difference in the lens quality over other well known brands. I will have to get some slide film out of the fridge and get working with that, then I should really see some results. The R5 is the first Leica I have handled and owned. And now I fancy an R8. As regards Nicoleica's prompt about the M8, I looked at its price, and almost choked ! Thanks for the current bits of information, and I will keep checking here for more.

Fred.

[EJohnE]

If you buy an R8 or R9, do not screw it on an old (long-threaded) tripod head, nor operate the shutter wind after rewinding, with the film still in the camera. In the first case, the body can twist a spec; enough to warp the shutter blades when/after firing: in the second case, the film end can poke into the shutter, with the same sorry result.

 

As for meter etc. problems, they are unusual, but can happen to any one sample of any camera make.

 

Otherwise the R8 is excellent.

 

John.

 

p.s. If you want to safely use just about any flash, buy a Wein Safesync. That has only the centre pin to contact, and is safe to 400 volts ignition.

[EJohnE]

Don't know where my edit went, but a Wein SafeSync will safely fire any flash up to 400 volts ignition. It uses only the centre firing pin, so the other contacts do not endanger any camera.

 

John.

[JBA]

I use an R8 with motor, which is a fantastic photographic tool. My only complaint with it is that when loading film the camera back doesn't seem to want to close, and it always takes several attempts before it finally closes and the motor winds on to the first frame. Not sure if this problem is typical of the motor-driven R8 or not, but it's the one and only issue I have. Otherwise, it's an amazing camera and Leica R glass is a great value.

[pityacka]

EjohnE, and JBA,

Thanks for the info. I was aware of the tripod socket use, having seen it discussed on another site somewhere. There is also a photograph on some site showing damage to an R8 shutter blade, where the film end had SLICED through the blades. It was looking like a very expensive repair through Leica, until the owner was advised to check some well known repairer in Canada.

Also as regards the winder, or drive, I have no intention of buying one or the other, as I think their speeds are not all that to harp on about. I have 4-5 fps on some other makes of camera, but I very rarely use them(the drives)

Missed an R8 on ebay Sunday evening. One I was aware of, and being auctioned by a dealer 30 miles from me; and I have bought from him in the past. I watched the final minutes, when it was priced at £387, and expected the bid to rise in the last 20 secs. It did not, so I have myself to blame.

Fred.