blado Posted May 24, 2007 Share #1 Posted May 24, 2007 Advertisement (gone after registration) Thought I'd better let everyone know that my camera has had it. I received in early November, and had not sent it back for the factory upgrade yet (I kept needing it!). It has suffered from intermittent lockups from time to time, with increasing frequency. The camera was quite warm after the last time, in fact, and perhaps this led to this permanent failure. Battery removal and replacement would usually rectify things until now, but frankly I'm no longer interested in these crazy measures to bring the camera back to life. I have spoken to my dealer and he will begin to negotiate a replacement for me. And darn it all, anyway, I had just received my filters! My hope is that somewhere along the line they have actually identified the source of this problem, and that when I get a replacement, it will be reliable. This has been the toughest camera to own, I must say. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted May 24, 2007 Posted May 24, 2007 Hi blado, Take a look here M8 dead .... I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Knorp Posted May 24, 2007 Share #2 Posted May 24, 2007 Hi Jon, that's been a tough ordeal indeed, trust your replacement will make you a happy chappy again. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
fotografr Posted May 24, 2007 Share #3 Posted May 24, 2007 My sympathies. But be happy this happened while the camera was still in warranty. I do believe the cause has been determined and seriously doubt you will ever have this issue again. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
blado Posted May 24, 2007 Author Share #4 Posted May 24, 2007 I know it will all be good again. In a twisted way, I'm kind of relieved! I think I knew it wasn't a matter of if, but when it would happen. Oh well, they've had six months since they made mine to figure things out, so I'm convinced a replacement will be rock solid. I do wish they'd be more forthcoming with details on problem resolution, though. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guy_mancuso Posted May 24, 2007 Share #5 Posted May 24, 2007 Agree still waiting for a green flag. But totally understand where you are coming from been there done that and it is not fun as Brent and i have lived through it. I tend to think there replacing them now but your dealers support on this will be good Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gesper Posted May 24, 2007 Share #6 Posted May 24, 2007 It has been quiet lately regarding the failure syndrome. Did anyone ever determine conclusively what has been causing it? Is it a random issue, or one that we will all see sooner or later? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
blado Posted May 24, 2007 Author Share #7 Posted May 24, 2007 Advertisement (gone after registration) The problem seems to progress, at least with my camera. The body being quite warm after locking up the last time seemed to signal its imminent total demise. That also indicates circuit failure, and when they get them back, they must be able to pinpoint the problem. Still, most fun camera ever, and a great community of users! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
carstenw Posted May 25, 2007 Share #8 Posted May 25, 2007 Leica made a statement at some point about transistors which were out of spec, IIRC. They need to replace them individually. Presumably their transistor stress test is now more aggressive. I have not heard of any new cameras dying recently, just older ones giving up the ghost. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlos diaz Posted May 25, 2007 Share #9 Posted May 25, 2007 It has been quiet lately regarding the failure syndrome. Did anyone ever determine conclusively what has been causing it? Is it a random issue, or one that we will all see sooner or later? Well after watching and reading of these complete camera failures from a comfortable distance, it has come to pass with my M8! I have and continue to be a true believer in the camera but this situation is a new reality for me. What I am so distressed about is that I leave in 3 weeks for a cruise of the Meditteranium (which has been discussed before on this forum) and had intended to begin my first serious body of work done digitally. What now and what a bummer?! I know that various attempted solutions have been discussed, on this forum. Can anyone point me to that thread............At this point I will try anything. Another question regarding a solution to this problem. What can/should I expect from my dealer, in terms of an exchange? They are a reputable institution that I have done business with for many years and are infact "friends" of mine but should/can I expect a complete exchange? I know for a fact, that they have a silver M8 in stock! Is a complete exchange unrealistic? Thanks for your support and any help anyone can offer. Carlos Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Etruscello Posted May 25, 2007 Share #10 Posted May 25, 2007 In response to the M8 repair thread (I've not contributed to this forum before -- I'm new), my tale of M8 woe began last month. I may have some useful information to share. My M8 would not turn on -- resetting by popping the battery in and out provided no help. Waiting overnight before inserting a fresh battery did not help either. Days before the failure, the camera was doing quirky things. It gave an occasional blank image while shooting (black and white stripes only). Sometimes the play back would show the previous image rather than the one just taken, which may or may not show at all. I sent it off to Leica NJ. It was not possible for me to speak to anyone in the repair department. The secretary played interference. The secretary said I would receive a letter in one week, which would probably say that I would be receiving a replacement M8. The letter never came. Mr. Fisk of Leica NJ never answered my email (on this topic). Eighteen days after sending out my camera, a replacement M8 arrived! That was impressive, but communications with Repair were still non-existent. I called to find out if the replacement were a new M8 or a refurbished model. No one could/would tell me. I'm sure it was a refurbished model because it came in a damaged box and its chrome finish was smudged with what I think was graphite. It did clean up LN. Also, its serial number was about 7000 cameras lower than than the one I sent in. I've tested for over a week now and am able to say "it works" well -- except for some minor playback quirkiness after the camera is just turned on, e.g., skipping images or giving an index rather than a blow-up. The quick turn around time occurred because, I think, of the intervention of my dealer with his Leica representative. My dealer was Allen of Allen's Camera PA, recommended by Len Taupier. It was a good recommendation -- Allen served me well. It was Sean Reid who advised me to involve my dealer. As you know Sean Reid is doing a survey on M8 failures. I reported my problem to him to add to the data base. I also told him something all M8 users may find useful. I think I know how to prevent major problems with the M8 (tested on my M8, my daughter's and a demo model). When you put your M8 in your camera bag, make sure the On/Off switch does not slide from the Off position to anywhere between the OFF and S positions. This will cause battery drainage, overheating and quirky electronic behavior while shooting. If the misaligned switch is not found on time, it may cause failure. Leica should recall every M8 and fix the switch. They probably won't. I find also that it is useful to allow the camera to "warm-up" after turning it on and using it. Wait until the shutter speed light indicator turns off -- in about 10 seconds. This may all be voodoo, but it's what I'm doing and so far its working. I have no regrets about having bought the M8. The images it provides from my old favorite M-lenses are superb. Good luck to all M8 owners. I hope Leica NJ gets on top of things soon. Tom P. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlos diaz Posted May 25, 2007 Share #11 Posted May 25, 2007 Well after watching and reading of these complete camera failures from a comfortable distance, it has come to pass with my M8! I have and continue to be a true believer in the camera but this situation is a new reality for me. What I am so distressed about is that I leave in 3 weeks for a cruise of the Meditteranium (which has been discussed before on this forum) and had intended to begin my first serious body of work done digitally. What now and what a bummer?! I know that various attempted solutions have been discussed, on this forum. Can anyone point me to that thread............At this point I will try anything. Another question regarding a solution to this problem. What can/should I expect from my dealer, in terms of an exchange? They are a reputable institution that I have done business with for many years and are infact "friends" of mine but should/can I expect a complete exchange? I know for a fact, that they have a silver M8 in stock! Is a complete exchange unrealistic? Thanks for your support and any help anyone can offer. Carlos Sorry but in my distress, I forgot to mention the symptoms which may be helpful in getting suggestions. They are quite simple. When I turn on the camera the red light blinks once and then nothing........no info appears in the frame counter/battery power window and when I trip the shutter, the red light blinks once again. I have tried to remove the battery, put in another memory card, change the lens. Am I missing something? Thanks again.......... Carlos Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guy_mancuso Posted May 25, 2007 Share #12 Posted May 25, 2007 Well after watching and reading of these complete camera failures from a comfortable distance, it has come to pass with my M8! I have and continue to be a true believer in the camera but this situation is a new reality for me. What I am so distressed about is that I leave in 3 weeks for a cruise of the Meditteranium (which has been discussed before on this forum) and had intended to begin my first serious body of work done digitally. What now and what a bummer?! I know that various attempted solutions have been discussed, on this forum. Can anyone point me to that thread............At this point I will try anything. Another question regarding a solution to this problem. What can/should I expect from my dealer, in terms of an exchange? They are a reputable institution that I have done business with for many years and are infact "friends" of mine but should/can I expect a complete exchange? I know for a fact, that they have a silver M8 in stock! Is a complete exchange unrealistic? Thanks for your support and any help anyone can offer. Carlos Carlos I would certainly get your dealer involved on this , most cases lately they have simple replaced the camera since the madness has died down quite a bit so i would involve him and see what he can do. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rvaubel Posted May 25, 2007 Share #13 Posted May 25, 2007 ..........I also told him something all M8 users may find useful. I think I know how to prevent major problems with the M8 (tested on my M8, my daughter's and a demo model). When you put your M8 in your camera bag, make sure the On/Off switch does not slide from the Off position to anywhere between the OFF and S positions. This will cause battery drainage, overheating and quirky electronic behavior while shooting. If the misaligned switch is not found on time, it may cause failure. . Tom P. Tom, That is very interesting. Let me say that I have had absolutely no problem with M8. But last week I removed my camera from the bag after sitting there for a few hours and it felt warm to the touch. The LCD was on and showed a black, noisey frame. The battery was almost dead. I figured I just forgot to turn off the camera. But previously forgeting to turn of the camera just activated the "auto off" feature. And I have never felt a warm camera. Anyway I just changed batteries and forgot about it. But I wonder if this is an example of leaving the off switch half way?? I will try some tests Rex Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlos diaz Posted May 25, 2007 Share #14 Posted May 25, 2007 Tom, That is very interesting. Let me say that I have had absolutely no problem with M8. But last week I removed my camera from the bag after sitting there for a few hours and it felt warm to the touch. The LCD was on and showed a black, noisey frame. The battery was almost dead. I figured I just forgot to turn off the camera. But previously forgeting to turn of the camera just activated the "auto off" feature. And I have never felt a warm camera. Anyway I just changed batteries and forgot about it. But I wonder if this is an example of leaving the off switch half way?? I will try some tests Rex Tom and Rex, I think we are on to something significant here and I hope Sean Reid, Guy and others working closely with Leica will think seriously about this. Yesterday, I was using my camera at a reception for a retiring fellow artist/professor. I now distinctly remember pulling my camera from my bag, with the camera on AND with a black exposure/shot on the LCD screen. This happened a couple of times because I remember deleting one black frame that had what looked like stars in the night sky. Additionally I remember attempting to change the white balance from tungsten to daylight and back and seeing the screen quickly bliking up and down the menu selections. Also, several times, after an exposure was made that image did not appear but rather the exposure before did! So I do know that the camera was either left on or inadvertantly turned on when put into the camera bag and MAYBE that's when the problems began. Up until yesterday evening, I had had no problems! Carlos Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guy_mancuso Posted May 25, 2007 Share #15 Posted May 25, 2007 Thanks Carlos, the fast menu item is a bug that Leica does know about. The warming of the camera was also mentioned . Mine did not do that the first time, I was actually in the middle of shooting but folks have reported a warming of the camera before it went south. I will forward this on though Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
blado Posted May 25, 2007 Author Share #16 Posted May 25, 2007 Hmmm... my power switch could well have been left half way on when I experienced the warm camera thing. It would have been like that for twenty minutes or so, before I picked it up again. I'm worried about what will transpire with my replacement. I think that there have been enough of these failures that Leica should have initiated an expedited 'fast replace' system, and I sure don't want a refurbished unit! You're supposed to feel so good when you spend five or six grand. (Don't get me wrong; I don't feel bad yet!) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlesphoto99 Posted May 25, 2007 Share #17 Posted May 25, 2007 I'm sure it was a refurbishedmodel because it came in a damaged box and its chrome finish was smudged with what I think was graphite. It did clean up LN. Also, its serial number was about 7000 cameras lower than than the one I sent in. I've tested for over a week now and am able to say "it works" well. This is exactly the same as my replacement. A very low serial #, silver (even though I had black before but decided I really liked the silver), a slightly torn box lid, and graphite of some sort on the body with a few slight mars to the finish (but nothing one wouldn't do in a day of use). But everything - and I mean a # of things - works so much better than my original I'm not complaining. Just curious as to what's being done to the replacements. New transistor maybe? Part of me wanted a recent factory fresh model; another part thinks maybe a camera that's been thoroughly tested/refurbished (ie the rangefinder is smack on) is best. It all seems such a game of roulette. It'll be at least a full year of no problems before I trust the camera. Maybe never. Kind of a pity for 5K. At least I have the M7 with it's five year passport warranty. Yeah, Leica NJ really need a bit of automation on their end to speed up (ummm, or actually realise) communication. At least to let you know via email that a package has been shipped. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlos diaz Posted May 25, 2007 Share #18 Posted May 25, 2007 Carlos I would certainly get your dealer involved on this , most cases lately they have simple replaced the camera since the madness has died down quite a bit so i would involve him and see what he can do. Guy, I contacted my dealer, about the M8 problem and he got right on the matter by calling the regional Leica representative. The results are that the dealer has offered to send the camera in for me and to inform Leica USA of my (dire) need for the camera, given my travel plans. Additionally, the Leica rep. has offered a camera to me, for my travels in Europe, if I do not get my M8 back in time! This makes me very happy both about having bought the camera from people I have worked with for many years and it gives me further reason to believe that Leica (and it's representatives) are trying to do the right thing! On another note, after reading suggestions in other threads, I have decided to take the battery out of the camera, let it "reset" and try a fresh battery in about 24 hours. I'll hold one last hope that this will work...............thanks again. Carlos Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guy_mancuso Posted May 25, 2007 Share #19 Posted May 25, 2007 Excellent Carlos exactly what i expected what would happen with your dealer and Leica. BTW who is that. i can't really talk about what leica has been doing lately because of my position with them but i have noticed a major improvement in getting folks back on the street shooting. So this is a postive sign Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlos diaz Posted May 25, 2007 Share #20 Posted May 25, 2007 Excellent Carlos exactly what i expected what would happen with your dealer and Leica. BTW who is that. i can't really talk about what leica has been doing lately because of my position with them but i have noticed a major improvement in getting folks back on the street shooting. So this is a postive sign Guy, The regional rep.is John Kuzniak. He evidently handles Michigan, Indiana and Ohio (?). He has been responsive on a couple of occasions. Also, the best news is that MY M8 HAS COME BACK TO LIFE! After taking the battery out and waiting 7 hours, recharging the battery and putting it back in.......it light up, I fired away (several times to make sure it was real) and it has been just like before, ever since. Man do I feel good and do I feel lucky! All is well that ends well............and I would wish the same for anyone else who experiences the same now or in the future........... Carlos Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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