Abandoning DMR for new M?

[bcorton]

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Is anyone considering selling off his or her R8/DMR or R9/DMR for the new M and R adapter?

 

I have to admit I'm tempted. While I love my R9/DMR, I often feel hobbled by the low light capabilities of the three R lenses I have (21-35 f3.5, 35-70 f4.0, 80-200 f4.0). There is also the DOF issue. And the batteries aren't what they used to be.

 

I have two film Ms and many M lenses. I would love to be able to use the nocti, the luxes, and the crons digitally. But the only way I could afford/justify the acquisition of a digital M is by selling something—or some things. It's tempting to sell the R9/DMR outfit (maybe keep the 80-200), and pick up the M. Is anyone in a similar quandary?

 

cheers,

 

Brent

[luigi bertolotti]

I think that DMR sets will probably lose much of their value in the next years... for the simple reason that, even if working fine, a possible failure will become at very high risk of unreaparability...

Given that, AT THE MOMENT, the few items for sale still can apparently fetch good money (see here... https://www.leicashop.com/vintage/chrome-dmr-set-p-1664.html) , and that you own a pair of zooms which you seem not so tied to (but can be of interest for people in sight of the M) , I think that yours can be a very good strategy to finance a good part of a new M... ... and, probably the 80-200 is one of the best lenses to keep also in sight of the M itself.

 

P.S. : just my opinion : I am NOT a DMR owner.

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[dkCambridgeshire]

Leica DMRs are not selling unless the price is pitched very low. There is no real demand for them now. They stick for months on dealers' shelves in the UK. But they still produce better photos than most other DSLRs.

 

dunk

[dgktkr]

The new M is tempting, but I'm going to sit tight and let others determine the suitability for R telephoto and macro use.

 

If reports on the use of production M's aren't positive in a couple of months, I figure that there will be enough DMRs for sale in good working order that I can buy one if mine fails. If the M is a good solution, I'm prepared to take a hit in the price that I'll be able to sell my DMR for. Either way, I expect to stay with a Leica digital camera body.

 

dgktkr

[jaapv]

Hmmm.. The brand of the body to take your R lenses appears to me to be less relevant than the suitability.

[artem]

Hi There, I also own a R8/R9 + 1x DMR, until the "Error code 2", did strike ( suddenly ) .. and sending an email to LEICA did result, DMR's with error Code 2, can't be repaired anymore..

 

Hence.. I am only cleaning the DMR since then... and it is worth NOHTING anymore.. ( did not find any not working DMR's which were to be sold )

though I would have never ever sold it.. ( if still working.. ) probably also not now..

despite the fact it does not work anymore, due to "error code 2" .

 

Martin

[bcorton]

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That's rotten luck, Martin. I'm sorry to hear of it.

 

Does anyone know how often that error occurs? I know there are DMRs out there that have functioned flawlessly since new.

 

Brent

[wildlightphoto]

I'm wondering if I should collect broken DMRs for spare parts so I can keep mine working.

[biglou]

I'm wondering if I should collect broken DMRs for spare parts so I can keep mine working.

 

Pity nobody seems economically able to overhaul them, the market is too small.

The idea of removable back was good and with eventually a better new sensor...

[ryee3]

Certainly someone out there can fix it? Please Please Please respond!

 

How about some of our experienced USA repair personnel. I have one that's not broken yet so it important to start collecting the necessary parts. Have you tried cleaning the contacts,etc... charging the batteries, rebooting with the on button off and taking the battery out. Taking out the SD card. Don't push the buttons too quickly once it turns on, so it can finish out the start up commands.

 

Lastly, pray for a miracle!

[stuny]

Error Code 2 requires a replacement of the motherboard, which I had done, I think for about US$1,200. It failed during a January 2010 trip to the Falkland Islands and the Atacama desert, ititially being intermittant and then failing altogether. Theoretically, if a person who knows enough about electronics has a schematicf of the motherboard he or she could troubleshoot the board and perhaps replace parts, if the faulty parts are available "off the shelf."

[gravastar]

Error Code 2 requires a replacement of the motherboard, which I had done, I think for about US$1,200. It failed during a January 2010 trip to the Falkland Islands and the Atacama desert, ititially being intermittant and then failing altogether. Theoretically, if a person who knows enough about electronics has a schematicf of the motherboard he or she could troubleshoot the board and perhaps replace parts, if the faulty parts are available "off the shelf."

I have a similar situation with a Nikon LS9000 scanner that "requires a motherboard replacement". Fortunately I have been able to diagnose the faulty component and have obtained the replacement part. I'm now looking for a company that can replace the 64pin surface mount package for me.

 

In most cases a repair can be effected by replacing a faulty component rather than a complete board. But you do need the know-how and schematics. With the DMR a complication could be the component may require programming/firmware which even Leica or the OEM may not be able to do anymore.

 

Bob.

[Bill Allsopp]

The M and some longish R glass is tempting - I'll think on a bit more though.

[Torquinian]

The M and some longish R glass is tempting - I'll think on a bit more though.

 

I have a cupboard full of R lenses, but I agree with you. Let someone else test the water first.

 

David [C19]

[rick_dykstra]

I'm wondering if I should collect broken DMRs for spare parts so I can keep mine working.

 

You and me both.

 

These error code 2s are surely repairable. It's just a matter of getting down to the component level. Sure, replacing surface mount components isn't something a tractor mechanic can do with an oxy torch, but it's not that hard. Do we have any intel on which component is failing on the DMR motherboard?

 

The thread below recorded my hamfisted but ultimately successful repair of an R8 motor drive and battery pack, by replacing a number of components, some blown up by my own 'in-expert tinkering'. Keeping these things going is clearly do-able.

 

A Leica + a screwdriver = hours of fun.

[Marac]

So far, my friend has repaired 4 DMR units, mine continues to work perfectly and my repaired battery lasts around 400 shots. I won't be selling mine at all, I only have the single 28-70 zoom for it but that is fine for when I decide to take her out for a blow out.

 

They are repairable, I am fortunate to know a very clever electronic designer who is also a camera fan so over the years we have repaired many and built many together.

 

Like most Leica products, they are built to last and with a little maintenance they will run for years. Mine is like an old Jag, happy to say she is purring like a kitten and the IQ, as we all know, is stunning.

 

Keep your DMRs, it's slowly becoming a cult group, we can all meet once a year and sing at the moon.

[ryee3]

Thanks for your post. Is your friend open to repair requests:)? You can PM me or share with the entire forum. Is there a common problem on the electronic board with the 4 DMR units he has repaired? Any information will be helpful to all DMR users.

 

So far, my friend has repaired 4 DMR units, mine continues to work perfectly and my repaired battery lasts around 400 shots. I won't be selling mine at all, I only have the single 28-70 zoom for it but that is fine for when I decide to take her out for a blow out.

 

They are repairable, I am fortunate to know a very clever electronic designer who is also a camera fan so over the years we have repaired many and built many together.

 

Like most Leica products, they are built to last and with a little maintenance they will run for years. Mine is like an old Jag, happy to say she is purring like a kitten and the IQ, as we all know, is stunning.

 

Keep your DMRs, it's slowly becoming a cult group, we can all meet once a year and sing at the moon.

[rick_dykstra]

So far, my friend has repaired 4 DMR units, mine continues to work perfectly and my repaired battery lasts around 400 shots. I won't be selling mine at all, I only have the single 28-70 zoom for it but that is fine for when I decide to take her out for a blow out.

 

They are repairable, I am fortunate to know a very clever electronic designer who is also a camera fan so over the years we have repaired many and built many together.

 

Like most Leica products, they are built to last and with a little maintenance they will run for years. Mine is like an old Jag, happy to say she is purring like a kitten and the IQ, as we all know, is stunning.

 

Keep your DMRs, it's slowly becoming a cult group, we can all meet once a year and sing at the moon.

 

Let me guess - his name is Mark Norton?

[sheikhrafiq79]

who says leica not supporting r9 and dmr, i just got few days before replacement of battery and totally refurbished my leica r9 , dmd and 28 to 90 mm lens , and they r like absolute like new

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[stuny]

The battery replacement is possible since Leica found a German firm that will replace the cells inside of old DMR batteries. As to the rest of the service you had, that's pretty standard for Leica. Please note that you probably did not have any parts replaced, at least on the DMR.