Leica M8 Freezes requiring battery pop

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My M8 frequently freezes, effectively behaving like the power is not on. To resolve I have to remove the bottom cover, pop open the battery, reinsert the (original Leica) battery and all is well again.

 

First I thought my battery was running out (too soon) and bought extra (and as you know they ain't cheap). Then I realised popping the battery allowed me to continue shooting. So I took the camera into a Leica specialist in Sydney and they upgraded the software for me. The problem continued.

 

I finally figured out how to replicate the problem. All I have to do is accidentally press the shutter release button part way in an attempt to activate the exposure meter, while the camera is switched OFF. Once I realise it is off and turn to power dial to "S" the camera is effectively frozen when I try and activate meter or even fully press to take pic, regardless of turning dial to other positions, S, C, or off and on again. The only way to resolve is to pop the battery. Of course this is very frustrating as I am in the habit of turning on and off frequently to preserve battery life, so occasionally I forget that it's off and when I am about to take that perfect shot I have to spend x seconds removing cover - re-inserting battery etc. And yes this happens with original battery not after market.

 

Do you have this problem with your M8?

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[dblrifle]

Thanks for the heads up. I'm afraid to try and reproduce your problem as I have never had it and don't know what else that sequence might precipitate. You should try and retrain auto responses to automatically check the switch setting before you shoot if you turn it off. I almost always turn both mine off after use each time as ,like most ,I am an impulse shooter. Don't ever remember forgetting to turn on camera before shooting. I started digital photography with a Nikon D1x and the battery life on those is abysmal at best. You had better conserve.

[WestMichigan]

While I have nothing to offer for solutions for what you are experiencing with your M8. This is first I recall reading of a problem like this and I have never ever experienced odd camera operation other than during a low battery situation.

However!

Since you say you have a second battery now, why wouldn't a good work around be to not turn the camera off as aggressively between shots?

I personally operate with two batteries with my M8 and find it quite workable to leave camera on/awake while I shoot a lot of images. I also have camera set to not show a review images after an image is taken. I find it wonderfully prolongs battery life & helps keep one's eyes and mind from being distracted by Chimping.

Ihope you share any solutions or answers you receive for this situation.

Sincerely

Richard in Michigan

[pieter.h]

Tried to replicate your problem. But no freeze over here. Serial number: 3331xxx (2008)

[lct]

Never happened to me either. If you cannot borrow another Leica battery, i would buy a $15 DSTE battery or other and check if your M8 freezes as well with it.

[luigi bertolotti]

Tried to replicate your problem. But no freeze over here. Serial number: 3331xxx (2008)

 

Ditto... tried yesterday night... no freeze ; but I DID experience freezes with my M8... 4 or 5 times in 6,5 years.... in situations in which indeed, for casual reasons, I "played" odd with switch/button (I remember just one sequence... thought to be in normal mode, was in "selftimer long wait"... pressed 3 or 4 times the button...realised... switched... freeze... battery out-in,ok )

Other freezes I did experience only in extreme cold (-20° or so) with camera not well protected.