Shutter problems and repair

[JohnAS]

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Starting a new post, in another, jaapv wrote:

 

"If anything, we have seen more shutter defects of the slower shutter than of the faster ones on this forum. Come to think of it, I have not seen any "broken shutter" post for the last few years."

 

This past winter, I sent my M8 over to Solms from Canada, as the shutter had "stuck". It happened just before going on vacation, so I took the bottom off, and "moved" it by hand, and it sounded ok, but laboured.

 

Worked fine until the last day or two of the vacation; a couple of sticks, but by bumping it when turning on, got the shutter to cock.

 

Anyway, sent over; they repaired it, cleaned it, part of the repair was a new internal shutter frame.

 

It is built like a tank, but tanks need maintenance once in a while.

 

Cost was something like $1,500 CAD for shipping, repair, and return and customs and taxes on receipt. Maybe more, maybe less; I just closed my eyes and paid, thinking all the time that that was a good down payment on a new Leica CL... :-|

 

Still, though, I really like this camera, because I can use it without needing to find and put on my glasses just to take a picture.

 

That's the second time it was sent away over the last 10 (approx?) years - first time was to Leica NJ, as the shutter would not cock, but continue trying to until either the battery drained or the camera was turned off. That was about 7-8 years ago, IIRC.

 

John.

 

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[boojum]

This is an old thread, but, IIRC items can be sent out of the country for repair and returned duty free.  A purchase from outside of the country is another story.  But sending the camera on a repair vacation should be a duty free ride.  I'd check that.  Most of our laws are pretty similar in Canada and the US.  

[Rangeman133]

On 7/17/2018 at 2:59 PM, JohnAS said:

 

That's the second time it was sent away over the last 10 (approx?) years - first time was to Leica NJ, as the shutter would not cock, but continue trying to until either the battery drained or the camera was turned off. That was about 7-8 years ago, IIRC.

 

This sounds exactly what happened to my M8, which I’ve sent for repairs. I realize this is an old thread, but does anybody know if this is a common issue/ what the cause of this may be? My shutter count is in the 7k range, bought it used some number of years ago. 

[jaapv]

The problem with the M8 is that the “fingers” that control the shutter can become sticky over the years, especially when underused. Normally it is a very simple repair. Should there be more wrong, it can become very expensive as the camera must be dismantled completely to replace the shutter. 

[Rangeman133]

17 minutes ago, jaapv said:

The problem with the M8 is that the “fingers” that control the shutter can become sticky over the years, especially when underused. Normally it is a very simple repair. Should there be more wrong, it can become very expensive as the camera must be dismantled completely to replace the shutter. 

I would definitely say my M8 was underused, so I do hope that’s the reason! Thank you, I’ll update this thread when I hear back from Leica NJ, 

[Rangeman133]

an update: the guts of the m8 will have to come out, shutter needs fixing, approx. 5 weeks turn around time. till then, will stretch the M6 for a bit!

[Rangeman133]

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Another update, the camera has returned, and it looks very brand new. I am full of praise for Leica, as they managed to send the camera back to me quite quickly, and everything from New Jersey was very professional done. However, unfortunately the camera has hiccuped again, but this time, it seems to be the rangefinder coupling mechanism? I'm not sure exactly. The camera was working fine initially. but then the rollerball/springy thing kept getting stuck in the IN position of the camera. after removing the lens, and putting it back in, it would work, but it kept getting worse, and happening more frequently. 

I have only taken around 20 photos in the past 2 hours since recieving the camera back today. And now it's just remaining stuck in the IN position. it's not springy at all. 

I was told there will be a 1 year warranty , I hope this is nothing major. I'll email leica again. I'll be honest, I am disappointed, but i'll try to stay positive!

 

 

Edited September 17, 2021 by Rangeman133

[84bravo]

What was the cost of the repair?

 

[Rangeman133]

Update, the rangefinder patch seems to have fixed itself! Not sure how to explain it. Regardless, leica USA in New Jersey have been awesome! 

[cobbu2]

Gotta love it when this happens and good to know!