Leica support for M8 / M8.2

[jim sink]

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Am I safe to buy a M8 or M8.2 ? I have read reports that Leica may not continue

to have parts for these cameras. Does anyone know for sure ?

Thanks in advance.

[Jeff S]

Jim, I know you decided on an M8.2 after our last exchange. Since then the forum has exploded with news that Leica can't repair broken M8 or M8.2 LCDs (no more parts) and, if that happens, will offer an upgrade to an M9 or M9-P at a discounted price. A quick search will yield several threads, with well over a thousand posts on the subject, with heated exchanges in all directions. Here is one. Stefan Daniel, the head of production, posted this thread to address the discount.

 

Since that time there has been the news about the new M products for 2013, including the M9 replacement (the M-E at $5450 US), and the new M (the anticipated model that most called the M10, for $6950 US).

 

One obviously needs to draw their own conclusions about which M to purchase based on needs and preferences. I intend on keeping my 2 M8.2s even if I end up purchasing the new M next year. If I do the latter, it will because I want a supplementary camera for bad weather (the new M will be sealed) and for use with longer lenses (given the EVF, live view and enhanced focusing).

 

Nobody knows how many M8s and M8.2s will be affected by a broken LCD. And it's unclear if Leica will offer any other solutions to the LCD issue other than the already mentioned discount. My hope is that they find a way to access replacement LCDs. As it stands, however, if you don't mind taking the risk of failure, and if you find the discount attractive, then this might still be a good option for you.

 

Your call. Happy reading.

 

Jeff

[iedei]

Am I safe to buy a M8 or M8.2 ? I have read reports that Leica may not continue

to have parts for these cameras. Does anyone know for sure ?

Thanks in advance.

 

yes....buy it. the camera is fully serviceable....the only known part which is not at the moment is IF the LCD screen needs replacement (not a common issue).

[lct]

Am I safe to buy a M8 or M8.2 ? I have read reports that Leica may not continue to have parts for these cameras. Does anyone know for sure ?...

Indeed Leica do not have LCD spare parts any more so if our LCD gets blank or otherwise broken, we'll end up with a so-called "serviceable" paperweight. Not many dead LCDs have been reported yet AFAIK but nobody knows how many bodies are affected so far because Leica are alledgedly unable to trace them. The cost of the upgrade solution is let at the sole Leica's discretion so it is difficult to advise anybody to purchase a s/h M8 or M8.2 in such unwelcome conditions for now.

[earleygallery]

Buy the M8 if you are happy with the risk - I would only buy one now from a dealer offering a 12 month warranty. They won't be able to repair it but would have to offer you a replacement M8/refund/credit against another camera (or the Leica option) but it gives you more choices.

 

Beyond the dealers warranty you have the Leica trade in offer - they'll sell you an M9 at a discount, but you're still going to have to find a few thousand £$€.

 

On the other hand, you might buy an M8 and it will be fine for years.

[LeicaMSeattle]

The new camera body may be sealed but none of the lenses are. I'm keeping my M8-P along with a newly acquired M9-P. No need to become even more battery dependent.

[Jeff S]

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The new camera body may be sealed but none of the lenses are. I'm keeping my M8-P along with a newly acquired M9-P. No need to become even more battery dependent.

 

So far Leica has not indicated a need to seal lenses with the new M configuration (Stefan Daniel interview with Thorsten Overgaard). We'll see whether this holds true.

 

The new M battery is twice as big, so if you choose to use it as you do your upgraded M8 or M8.2 (there is no M8-P), you'll get far better battery life (and a faster, more efficient camera with the Maestro processor). The added features...live view, etc...are easily ignored. (And the camera is the same size despite the much bigger battery.)

 

I'll likely keep at least one of my 2 M8.2s if I pick up a new M. The litmus test for me will be the IQ of the new camera, both color and b/w. But if that holds true, I'll gladly add a sealed M to the arsenal. Note, too, that the new M is also a quieter camera, with the dreadfully long shutter re-cocking mechanism revised back to a 'one click' sound according to the Thorsten video.

 

Jeff

[wlaidlaw]

Quote from interview with Jesko von Oeynhausen to DP Review, when being asked about longevity of digital M cameras:

 

"It's very important for us. For example, we had a problem with M8 displays, that we couldn't repair or replace anymore. In that case, we exchanged those customers' cameras for M9s. Even after the end of the guarantee period, we do not leave you alone if something like that happens."

 

This statement is more that a little disingenuous. It does not mention that there was a very substantial payment required by Leica to exchange a broken M8 for a near out-of-production M9, albeit that there is absolutely nothing wrong with an M9.

 

Wilson