m8 serial number help...

[emraphoto]

hi folks
still on the hunt for the elusive m8 deal here... i was wondering, what sort of serial numbers should i be avoiding in my quest? i know the first run had some issues and i was hoping to avoid these. can anyone enlighten me as to how the serial number translates?
cheers
john

[emraphoto]

in particulair i'm looking at one that starts 310XXXX

[kbg32]

You should be fine with that series of serial numbers. Mine begins with that set and has been trouble free since day one. But I wouldn't worry. Check the camera out thoroughly and update or make sure the firmware has been updated.

[BillBlackwell]

It shouldn't matter. AFAIK, there have been no physical changes to the camera since its introduction. The only changes I am aware of for certain have been in the firmware.

[Philippe D.]

Hi,in particular i'm looking at one that starts 310XXXX Those are from the first batch.
I have one (# 31014xx) which was refurbished in Solms.
No particular problems i can say, and i also can compare with a more recent # 3329xxx.
To know if it was refurbished: Have a look at the warranty card.
A red mark (a zero here) shows it has been in Solms.

[fotografr]

in particulair i'm looking at one that starts 310XXXX

I had three consecutive sudden deaths last January and February with M8s that had 310xxxx serial numbers. The one I have had since March with no problems is 332xxxx.

[Philippe D.]

It shouldn't matter. AFAIK, there have been no physical changes to the camera since its introduction.Firmware are not physical. ;)
Yes, some changes have been made, especially to the first batch, that's why some body (like mine) are called "refurbished".
AFAIK, we are on the 3rd. change by main board now, even very small and not particular for the last 2 changes, from the original 1st. production row.

[BillBlackwell]

... AFAIK, we are on the 3rd. change by main board now, even very small and not particular for the last 2 changes, from the original 1st. production row.

I also got into my M8 with a purchase of a refurb. It was anything but trouble free... in any case, it was indicated to me that the camera had been gone over, cleaned, and repackaged - that's it.

I know the M7 has gone through circuit board changes (at least one), but I am not so certain about the M8.

I am not saying you're wrong, but just restating what has been my understanding; that is, all internal and functional changes to the M8 have been with firmware upgrades.

[Philippe D.]

I also got into my M8 with a purchase of a refurb. It was anything but trouble free... in any case, it was indicated to me that the camera had been gone over, cleaned, and repackaged - that's it.
Leica never tell you what truly happen to your equipment when at factory repair shop.
And especially not when the Leica legendary quality is put into question.

[BillBlackwell]

Philippe:

I just had an email exchange with Tony Rose (Popflash) who says he doesn't really know, but also indicated he has sent into Leica some early M8s that have come back with new sensors and circuit boards. This casts some doubt on my earlier assertion. So I should alter to my earlier statement with, "be sure to get one with a warranty!"

Regards, Bill

[emraphoto]

thanx folks! i read all this and decided one of the kurland demo's had my name on it. the price was right and i have a warranty should i happen to need one!
now i'm going to the curb to wait for the delivery driver for a few days...

[eon]

Mine has a serial number starting with 310 and it is not of the earliest batch that needed to be altered at the factory.

/Erik