Leica R8 second hand buy advice

[Bohns]

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Hi all,

I am thinking about buying a second hand R8.

I heard about electronical issues affecting the first series of this camera. I understood it was limited to connecting the motor-winder.

The vast majority of available bodies I found are from the early production batches (S/N 229xxx to 243xxx), with no warranty and no easy possibility for eventual repair. From the photos, the ones I could target are in a nearly mint condition.

So, my questions :

1. If not using the winder, are those early batches body at risk for use ?
2. Am I right when understanding the electronical issues were related to accessories connections / communications ?

Thank you for your insights. Please consider that R9 is not an option for me budgetwise.

Stef.

 

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[Charles Morgan]

I bought an R8 last year and I asked the same question in the Rangefinder forum, and was given this advice by someone who I really trust. In the end I bought a third generation R8 from Leica Nuremburg for the same price as many first being sold in the UK. It is in superb condition, and a quite beautiful thing. My only problems with it have not been switching it off, and thinking because of its much more contemporary design that it has autowind. My advice - avoid those with any hint of a problem - you will not be able to repair them.

"there have been four generations of the R8 camera body. The R8 in black chrome finish is No. 10081, and in silver chrome is No. 10080. There has been no change in the stock numbers since the R8 was introduced. The different versions generally reflect improvements in the electronic components and their resistance to static electricity. The versions by serial numbers are:

First: SN 2285000 - 2422000
Second: SN 2427001 - 2435800
Third: SN 2464101 - 2477300
Fourth: SN (Higher than 2477300)

For this reason, the stock recommendation is, if you are in the market for an R8 as a keeper, at this point in time, what you should be looking for is a serial number 2477300 or higher.

What you are likely to find is that some R8s are listed for prices which are inexplicably higher than the norm, many of these will be ones with the desirable serial numbers, so, maybe not so inexplicable after all."

 

[earleygallery]

Don't buy from an ebay seller who doesn't allow returns (although if it is described as working and isn't you will still be able to appeal as an item not described correctly).

Most dealers offer a warranty - even if it's just that they will refund/replace instead of repair (as most faults are likely no longer repairable). My advice would be either to buy in person so that you can check the camera thoroughly yourself first, and from a dealer with warranty.

[masjah]

There have been reports of meter cell failures in some R8 cameras. Also reports of the LED viewfinder display losing light output. These faults are clearly associated with age. So that just emphasises the above very sound advice (a) to get as late a model as possible and (b) check out thoroughly before purchase, or, if not possible, at least with an option to return if not satisfactory. My R8 has serial number 275xxxx and my impression is that the top parts of the LED numbers are not quite as bright as the lower sections. 

It's a pity you can't run to an R9.

 

[andrew01]

When I was researching mine I found a few forum posts recommending serial numbers above  247xxx.  Here are some of them:

https://www.photo.net/discuss/threads/leica-r8-model.424831/

http://leica-users.org/v18/msg11878.html

Edited November 8, 2020 by andrew01

[Bohns]

Thank you very much all. I will wait to get a more recent serial number, then 😃

[earleygallery]

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Another option to consider is an R7. Being the last of that line of cameras it is apparently reliable and no 'issues' have been reported AFAIK.

That said, as with any of the R cameras, if something goes kaput, it's likely to be a paperweight. However I have two R3's that are still going strong and another that works fine as long as you don't want to shoot above 1/250th!

[Bohns]

On 11/8/2020 at 3:44 PM, andrew01 said:

When I was researching mine I found a few forum posts recommending serial numbers above  247xxx.  Here are some of them:

https://www.photo.net/discuss/threads/leica-r8-model.424831/

http://leica-users.org/v18/msg11878.html

Hi all. I just found and booked a R8, with S/N 2476xxx, described to be free of design / electrical issues in the links above (thank you for sending them, by the way). It looks very clean (just some usage marks on the bottom plate). I shall have it by Friday this week. I wait forward loading some Portra in it 😄

But I will need to wait until my birthday, at the end of the month. My « crual » beloved wife and sons will hide it until then, surely...

Edited November 10, 2020 by Bohns

[earleygallery]

I would test it (with film) asap. If you hold on you might run over any time limit to return it if faulty?

[Bohns]

I will sure test it with a B&W film I can develop myself.

Then my wife and kids will keep it until the end of the month. This is the only tolerance I could obtain. They are tough.