rsh Posted August 18, 2007 Share #1 Posted August 18, 2007 Advertisement (gone after registration) Today, I sent the M8 back to New Jersey for the second time. Of course it will then be sent back to Germany, and I will probably get it back in 3 to 4 months, which is time the first repair took. When the M8 has worked, it has worked quite well, but I do not have the affinity for it that I do my M5s, MP or SL2s. To me, the M8 is a still video camera, and not a true photographic tool. Most of you who use the M8 feel differently, and I truly respect that. I will be moving back to film almost exclusively (Portra 160 and E100G). My M5s, MP amd SL2s will get quite a workout. When I think about the cost of my one M8 at $4,800.00 compared to the cost of my M5's and MP (The MP was purchased when the body was still $2,695.00), I have three fim Leicas for the price of one M8. I have far more versatilty with my film cameras because I can carry two to three bodies with different lenses mounted. Most important is the fact that in over thirty seven years of taking photos with mechanical Leicas, the only repair work has been the occasional CLA. The lone exception is when I dropped my MP off of a 30 foot wall and Leica replaced it. I know that digital is the future, but I love the look of film, with all of its flaws. It is not better for many of you, but it is for me. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted August 18, 2007 Posted August 18, 2007 Hi rsh, Take a look here A Move Back To Film. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Guest stnami Posted August 18, 2007 Share #2 Posted August 18, 2007 ....use both and enjoy . . . . . ....... Edit ABr Sorry Imants. That was a little too scary for me (even) much less for the Forum. Thanks. Allan Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tomasis7 Posted August 18, 2007 Share #3 Posted August 18, 2007 at other words, enjoy of what you have when digital evil is away Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
afineman Posted August 19, 2007 Share #4 Posted August 19, 2007 Sorry to hear about your M8 troubles. I am curious as to what the problem was as I am saving up for my 2nd M8 so that I can sell my Canon system. -Aaron Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rsh Posted August 19, 2007 Author Share #5 Posted August 19, 2007 The light meter is way off and it reprduces colors improperly. Do not let my troubles influence you purchase of a second M8. I happened to get a bad copy, but I believe most of the M8s sold are right to spec. As a user of a first generation camera from a company that has always struggled with things electronic, I knew what I was getting into, and I have no regrets. I have an old saying: "Mankind is imperfect, thus an imperfect being cannot make something that is perfect." Leitz/Leica has a great history and a great reputation, but every now and then, a lemon will squeeze thru the cracks. One thing I failed to mention in my earlier post - Many of the photos taken by members of this forum with the M8 are incredible. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
erg Posted August 19, 2007 Share #6 Posted August 19, 2007 Why will the repair in Germany take 3 to 4 months ? Isn't that unusual ? Which part of your M8 has to be fixed ? Best, Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rsh Posted August 19, 2007 Author Share #7 Posted August 19, 2007 Advertisement (gone after registration) The sensor. I do not know why the last repair took that long. Probably because they are backed up. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
carstenw Posted August 19, 2007 Share #8 Posted August 19, 2007 I have heard of much quicker turn-arounds recently. It used to take 6 weeks or so consistently, although a few members had worse experiences, like you. More recently one hears of 2-3 weeks. Good luck with the turn-around time. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rsh Posted August 19, 2007 Author Share #9 Posted August 19, 2007 Thanks, but to be honest, I am in no hurry. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guy_mancuso Posted August 19, 2007 Share #10 Posted August 19, 2007 I don't think it will take that long now , they have caught up a lot. If i read it correctly now the issue is the light meter and not a sensor issue . Than repair should be fairly fast than. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
KM-25 Posted August 19, 2007 Share #11 Posted August 19, 2007 I am currently in the process of setting up pro support from Leica and most likely some sponsorship for my project. While this all seems to be going good as it is really for just film rigs, I am wondering if anyone else has set up a pro level turn around time for Leica gear. I know DAH has 6 M6 bodies since he almost always has two in repair... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guy_mancuso Posted August 19, 2007 Share #12 Posted August 19, 2007 I am currently in the process of setting up pro support from Leica and most likely some sponsorship for my project. While this all seems to be going good as it is really for just film rigs, I am wondering if anyone else has set up a pro level turn around time for Leica gear. If your looking for Pro support best avenue to take is through your local leica rep . Which for you is Linda Leslie Butler which is also a good friend of mine but she is the one to contact to get you going. It is not a formal thing like Canon though so running it through your local rep is the way to get this going. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill W Posted August 19, 2007 Share #13 Posted August 19, 2007 Richard, If your M8 requires a second trip to Germany, I wonder why they do not just give you a new one and use the old one for a guinea pig. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rsh Posted August 19, 2007 Author Share #14 Posted August 19, 2007 Thanks Guy and everyone else. The M8 will come back when it comes back. Just shot three rolls of E100G with M5 and 50 Summilux today. Happy as a clam. Like being with an old friend. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest tummydoc Posted August 19, 2007 Share #15 Posted August 19, 2007 Today, I sent the M8 back to New Jersey for the second time. Of course it will then be sent back to Germany, and I will probably get it back in 3 to 4 months, which is time the first repair took. Maybe I was just lucky but my first 2 M8s that died were exchanged by my dealer who in turn exchanged them through his rep. I wish I'd written down the serial numbers, it would be interesting to find out who owns them now that they've probably been sorted. To me, the M8 is a still video camera, and not a true photographic tool. I can see that comment directed at the EOS 1D-MkIII but the M8's sequential shooting rate barely qualifies it as motorised let alone a video camera When I think about the cost of my one M8 at $4,800.00 compared to the cost of my M5's and MP (The MP was purchased when the body was still $2,695.00), I have three fim Leicas for the price of one M8. That's sound mathematics...assuming of course that you get your film and processing for free I have far more versatilty with my film cameras because I can carry two to three bodies with different lenses mounted. I thought I was the only one on the board who doesn't aspire to multiple M8s Most important is the fact that in over thirty seven years of taking photos with mechanical Leicas, the only repair work has been the occasional CLA. The lone exception is when I dropped my MP off of a 30 foot wall and Leica replaced it. I know that digital is the future, but I love the look of film, with all of its flaws. It is not better for many of you, but it is for me. What's not clear is which is your prime motivator for the switch back to film, the M8 or digital in general. I was ready to step back from the M8, but back to my D200, not back to film. I don't view the issues as related. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rsh Posted August 19, 2007 Author Share #16 Posted August 19, 2007 You sound like a prosecuting attorney. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
guy Posted August 19, 2007 Share #17 Posted August 19, 2007 You sound like a prosecuting attorney. Move to dismiss. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shootist Posted August 19, 2007 Share #18 Posted August 19, 2007 I thought I was the only one on the board who doesn't aspire to multiple M8s Simple fact is a backup camera should be the same, or as close as possible, as your primary camera. When I bought my D200, 1.5 years ago, I thought about buying a second body. But I have never been that happy with the files I get from the D200, to heavy an AA filter IMO. I also thought about buying a D2x/s but again that system just doesn't fit me, to heavy and to bulky. When I heard that Leica was cominig out with a digital M that is just what I was looking for. So given the chance I bought 2 of them becasue I never want to be without a M and although I still shoot some film, and had 3 M3's (still have one), a film M is not the same as digital and to me is not a good backup IF you can afford a second M8. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest stnami Posted August 20, 2007 Share #19 Posted August 20, 2007 Sorry Imants. That was a little too scary for me (even) much less for the Forum. so you are not into rubber, vinyl, plastic, latex how about backerlite??????? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
andybarton Posted August 20, 2007 Share #20 Posted August 20, 2007 I have heard of much quicker turn-arounds recently. It used to take 6 weeks or so consistently, although a few members had worse experiences, like you. More recently one hears of 2-3 weeks. Good luck with the turn-around time. Leica UK are taking several weeks (read about 6 so far) to adjust the shutter on an M2 and clean an old Summaron. I have discovered that they now seem to have only one technician to service lenses, and he doubles up as a sales person for the binocular line at trade fairs, although to be fair, August is not a good time to get anything done anywhere, these days. It's definitely worth asking for an estimate of time as well as cost, when sending your kit back for a service. At least it means that my R4 is getting more sunlight / rain on its back... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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