Leica m8 stuck frame lines - worn out spring?

[Borha]

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My framelines are stuck no matter how I move the lever. When I opened it up, I noticed that the spring doesn’t push the frameline selector down as it should. So would replacing the spring help fix this or could it be something else? Thanks for your help!  This Imgur link shows the video of the lever being moved but the frameline changing unit not moving on its own. 
 

https://imgur.com/a/TSlU0W4

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[Ernstk]

Welcome to the forum.

I'm sorry that you haven't had any response to your question but I'm afraid I don't know the answer.

Ernst

[chris_livsey]

Perhaps the paucity of replies is because this is a rare occurrence in an M8 and even fewer readers will have had the courage to remove the top plate or indeed had the need to.

A search will reveal numerous threads with this issue on all M series bodies, the mechanism is broadly the same, what is not clear from the question is whether the changing of a lens does move the frame line, I suspect not but it is not clear as the linkage from the lever has been the point of failure in some cases. Gummed up lubrication of the spring area is also reported but I don't recall seeing a broken or "tired" spring being a cause which doesn't mean it isn't of course. If this is a S/H body laying unused for some years that could be the cause, again we di not know and can only speculate which is really no use to the poster.

Rather than seeking advice here perhaps a chat with a technician with a view to repair would be an approach although many will not work on the digital series this is apparently a mechanical problem and should be within their remit. Finding the correct spring yourself, if that is the cause, would not be easy I would suggest nor would replacing it but having removed the top plate the poster is evidently not without skill.

As Ernst says, far more succinctly:  "I'm afraid I don't know the answer" either.

 

[tommonego@gmail.com]

After having DAG and YYe refuse to work on my M8, for this exact reason, I decided maybe to leave it alone. The M8 I bought in 2018 had the same 40mm lens on it its whole life and the frames were stuck on 50, 75. After using a 25, 35, and 90mm lens on it for a while the frame line setting started to free up, but not totally, I still have to adjust by hand to fine tune. I thought about sending it to Leica US, but then they would want to rebuild an other wise working camera. 

[Borha]

Thanks for the comments everyone. I’ve figured out how to adjust and change the frameline but it is basically permanent and if i wanted it changed, I would have to open up the camera again to change them. Luckily i only have a 35mm lens for now. 

[wilfredo]

I have the same issue with a used M8 I picked up.  Is it worth sending to Solms, Germany for repair?  

[Jeff S]

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11 minutes ago, wilfredo said:

I have the same issue with a used M8 I picked up.  Is it worth sending to Solms, Germany for repair?  

Did you ever resolve your printing issue, Wilfredo?

PS No offense, but you seem to have a habit of starting a topic, then disappearing. Prior thread in March regarding VAT was similar.

Jeff

[jdlaing]

13 hours ago, wilfredo said:

I have the same issue with a used M8 I picked up.  Is it worth sending to Solms, Germany for repair?  

Solms? Not if you really want it repaired.

[adan]

Regarding sticky framelines, in M8 - probably just dried-out (or dirty) lubricant (after 17 years) between the brick-shaped metal slide and the supporting rail. The spring may not be worn out, but simply encountering more resistance than it is designed for. 

Regarding "Solms for repair," the Solms factory was closed in about 2014, when Leica returned to Wetzlar-proper at a brand-new facility.

Leica Camera AG
Am Leitz-Park 5 35578
Wetzlar, Germany

https://www.canonrumors.com/take-a-tour-of-leica-camera-and-lens-manufacturing-at-leitz-park-in-wetzlar-germany/#google_vignette

[wilfredo]

On 11/18/2024 at 11:59 PM, Jeff S said:

Did you ever resolve your printing issue, Wilfredo?

PS No offense, but you seem to have a habit of starting a topic, then disappearing. Prior thread in March regarding VAT was similar.

Jeff

No offense taken.  I don't come on the forum very often. Regarding the camera repair, I contacted Wetzlar and they put me in contact with the Leica Store in Porto.  If I decide to send it off, I will do it through the Leica Store. Truth be told, I'm getting used to shooting the camera without depending on the framelines, so I may just leave well enough alone.  Regarding the printer, I resolved the issue. Regarding VAT when buying outise the EU, I figured it out.  I recently purchased a new 28mm F/2 Voigtlander Ultron Vintage Line ASPH Type II Lens from Japan, and after paying the Vat it was only about 20 bucks more expensive than if I had bought it in person at B&H in NYC.  I'm heading to NYC next month but happy to have gotten the lens now, and already using it on my M8. Years ago I owned the 28mm Summicron ASPH, and this lens is already just as satisfying to use. The image quality, ease of use, and build are excellent.  Here's  a sample photo from this weekend at a local Metro station. 

Cheers!  

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[Jeff S]

9 minutes ago, wilfredo said:

No offense taken.  I don't come on the forum very often. Regarding the camera repair, I contacted Wetzlar and they put me in contact with the Leica Store in Porto.  If I decide to send it off, I will do it through the Leica Store. Truth be told, I'm getting used to shooting the camera without depending on the framelines, so I may just leave well enough alone.  Regarding the printer, I resolved the issue. Regarding VAT when buying outise the EU, I figured it out.  I recently purchased a new 28mm F/2 Voigtlander Ultron Vintage Line ASPH Type II Lens from Japan, and after paying the Vat it was only about 20 bucks more expensive than if I had bought it in person at B&H in NYC.  I'm heading to NYC next month but happy to have gotten the lens now, and already using it on my M8. Years ago I owned the 28mm Summicron ASPH, and this lens is already just as satisfying to use. The image quality, ease of use, and build are excellent.  Here's  a sample photo from this weekend at a local Metro station. 

Cheers!  

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Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

 

Thanks, what was the printer issue/fix?

Jeff

[wilfredo]

7 minutes ago, Jeff S said:

 

Thanks, what was the printer issue/fix?

Jeff

I wasn't giving it the right directives when I went to print.  Printing with the P-900 seems more convoluted than printing with my old 3880, but it's all resolved now, and I'm very happy with the results.  Thanks for asking.

[Jeff S]

11 minutes ago, wilfredo said:

I wasn't giving it the right directives when I went to print.  Printing with the P-900 seems more convoluted than printing with my old 3880, but it's all resolved now, and I'm very happy with the results.  Thanks for asking.

I’m going to replace my P800, and considering either the P900 or the Canon Pro 1100. Pros and cons for each; leaning toward P900.

Jeff