Nico Foto Posted June 4, 2013 Share #1 Posted June 4, 2013 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hi all, This is my first post here, so hello to the community. I hope to contribute in the future when my first leica arrives home I'm in the market for buying a used M8, and I came across one that is in excellent cosmetic shape, low shutter count (less than 4000), that was recently CLA'd by Leica USA. They fixed the following: Pixel/column restoration, adjust CCD position/tilt, clean CCD Check meter system Repair motor coupling and lubricate and adjust all functions. Replaced were the in coupling motor, the 4-way arrow button and the leather covering. The camera is being sold by around $300 more than the currently going price of $1900-$2000. Is it a good idea? I mean, it is great knowing that Leica recently checked every aspect of the camera, that alone is a big plus for me, but i'm not entirely sold on the idea of the Pixel / Column restoration, which, as I understand, means that there were stuck pixels on the sensor which were mapped out - don't know how that affects IQ, or how that could get worse in the future. Suggestions? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted June 4, 2013 Posted June 4, 2013 Hi Nico Foto, Take a look here Advice: buying refurbished M8 CLAd by Leica USA. Pixel restoration. Bad idea?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Jeff S Posted June 4, 2013 Share #2 Posted June 4, 2013 If Leica gave it a warranty based on repair and/or if it's being sold by a reputable dealer that will provide support, then go for it. Otherwise, pass, IMO. I wouldn't worry at all about the repairs; nothing terribly unusual, and doesn't infer a defective camera...digital stuff happens. I assume you would receive all the paperwork from Leica on the repair. I bought a mint used M8.2 that way from a reputable US dealer, and have had zero problems in two years. Is the M8 upgraded in any way (either frame lines, shutter or sapphire screen)? If so, that would add value and appeal. I prefer all 3 (as incorporated in the M8.2), but IQ is unaffected. Jeff Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nico Foto Posted June 4, 2013 Author Share #3 Posted June 4, 2013 Hi Jeff, thanks for your help. I don't think any other items were modified/upgraded, otherwise they would have probably stated that info. I will ask regarding the warranty (and yes, this is from a reputable dealer). Do you think the $300 extra on the going price is fair? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest rivercityrocker Posted June 4, 2013 Share #4 Posted June 4, 2013 Hi Jeff, thanks for your help. I don't think any other items were modified/upgraded, otherwise they would have probably stated that info. I will ask regarding the warranty (and yes, this is from a reputable dealer). Do you think the $300 extra on the going price is fair? If the repairs are documented with Leica paperwork even without an actual warranty I'd say that's an OK price. I've seen 'em go for more. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lct Posted June 5, 2013 Share #5 Posted June 5, 2013 I would not pay such a price w/o a warranty personally. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff S Posted June 5, 2013 Share #6 Posted June 5, 2013 Do you think the $300 extra on the going price is fair? I'd be very suspect about a 'going price.' I haven't checked in a while, but when I did so thoroughly a couple of years ago, I found that prices for cameras with seemingly identical condition varied by $1,000 or more. Whatever the market will bear. I wouldn't sweat $300, although that's real money, if you feel good about the camera, the dealer and the transaction (warranty...from Leica or dealer... included). I would, however, do a thorough search to gauge for yourself. You could also ask the dealer, if local, to conduct some tests. Jeff Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
iedei Posted June 5, 2013 Share #7 Posted June 5, 2013 Advertisement (gone after registration) the CLA is nice to have, but probably not work paying too much extra for. Lots of M8s for sale have had CLA done in the past. The CLA doesn't result in any real warranty, so the monetary value of having it done is questionable. It's like buying a car that has had a recent service/oil change! i paid $2k for my M8U/M8.1 last summer and it had a CLA done a couple of months prior. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nico Foto Posted June 5, 2013 Author Share #8 Posted June 5, 2013 The CLA was done less than one month ago. 1 year Leica USA warranty. Reputable seller. Between that and your comments I'm set on that camera. I hope its a good decision. Regards! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff S Posted June 5, 2013 Share #9 Posted June 5, 2013 Easy decision. Enjoy. Jeff Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nico Foto Posted June 5, 2013 Author Share #10 Posted June 5, 2013 Thanks Jeff!!! I hope i'm making a good decision, this is the first time I buy second hand camera equipment - there was no other way for me to test Leica waters. Between camera and lens i'll be spending waaaay north of $4000, which is (by a large margin) my most expensive camera buy ever. So i'm excited, nervous...and...a bit guilty because of the over indulgence that requires. I'm no rich guy! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pgk Posted June 5, 2013 Share #11 Posted June 5, 2013 The CLA was done less than one month ago. 1 year Leica USA warranty. Reputable seller. I'd say that 11 months of warranty left is nearly as good as it gets for an M8 (I still have an M8-2 and it still kicks out cracking images). Add in any UV/IR filters which you need (essential) and which have dropped in price and you won't look back. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff S Posted June 5, 2013 Share #12 Posted June 5, 2013 So i'm excited, nervous...and...a bit guilty because of the over indulgence that requires. I'm no rich guy! In the end, though, it's just a camera. So use it often, and get insurance to give you peace of mind. And I agree that UV/IR filters are important. Jeff Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
vcs700s Posted June 5, 2013 Share #13 Posted June 5, 2013 Thanks Jeff!!! I hope i'm making a good decision, this is the first time I buy second hand camera equipment - there was no other way for me to test Leica waters. Between camera and lens i'll be spending waaaay north of $4000, which is (by a large margin) my most expensive camera buy ever. So i'm excited, nervous...and...a bit guilty because of the over indulgence that requires. I'm no rich guy! Nico, I recently did exactly the same thing- bought a used, mint, M8 and a new 35 Summarit 2.5 lens. Easily $4000 plus with accessories. I don't regret it as I am having a blast using my first rangefinder. Go for it and enjoy it!! Vic Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nico Foto Posted June 5, 2013 Author Share #14 Posted June 5, 2013 Thanks everyone! The seller threw a free IR filter for me, as I bought the entire package (camera, lens, spare battery) from them. So, now, its just a matter of waiting!!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tobey bilek Posted June 6, 2013 Share #15 Posted June 6, 2013 The camera had a CLA as that is what they do. This ensures that probably you will not have to do it. Remap is required if it gets hit with cosmic ray. Impossible to prevent and you will not see it after remap. Leica specs are such that only x number should be done and then sensor replaced. Like repairing car tires, only x holes can be plugged. This sounds like what Dan T does before he resells a camera. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.