Re: [Leica] R8 with Drive is ripping the sprocket holes! ???

[Rick Dykstra <rdandcb@cybermac.com.au>]

Endemic is probably a little strong, but let me see, of the 10 R8s I've 
used (including my newest and problem free one), 4 have had drive or 
winder interface problems.  Now if I consider that I'm counting number 
one also as number four and number six after having been rebuilt twice 
in Germany for other problems, that means that of eight bodies, four 
have jammed with drive or winder attached, with the latest adding 
sprocket tearing to its repertoire.  Of the other four, two never had a 
motor attached, so remain latent suspects.  So, doing the maths, that 
at least 50% and potentially 75%.  :-(

But look on  the bright side.  These are amongst the best bodies that 
can be used with Leica R glass :-)  And, Leica has been very responsive 
in fixing the problems and providing loaners and replacements (even 
though they've tended to jam).  I bought one body and got the use of 
eight!  Beat that.  And the ninth was a brand spanking new replacement 
(which is the one now playing up).  Another silver lining is that with 
digital backs, some of these probs will go away.

I've also learned a few things about R8 lock-ups that I should pass on.

1. If a motor causes the body to jam, possibly with the mirror stuck 
up, it can usually be freed by removing the motor and giving the 
advancing drive pickup on the bottom of the body (the one nearest the 
battery holder) a tweak in the anti-clockwise direction (the direction 
it should turn when advancing).  The insides click and the camera frees 
up.  It may return to normal function, but may also continue to lock up.

2. I managed to free up my number nine body when it became 
disfunctional, with mirror going up and staying up.  First, I removed 
the film, then took off the back and tricked the camera to go through a 
reloading cycle, by popping a canister with no film protruding into the 
recess.  This way the DX contacts tell the camera, "I've got film!".  
Then, with the camera switched on, I poked the camera back latch to 
simulate the back being closed.  The body went through its three frame 
wind on cycle and returned to 'normal' functioning.  This saved me from 
having to immediately send it away.

I'm still trying to figure out how the camera detects that film has 
been drawn out to the wind on mark, so that it should take up and wind 
on the film.

Regards,  Rick.

> Ruddy said:
>>>>> Funny enough. Just this weekend, I overheard a dealer saying that 
>>>>> this
> problem is endemic to the R8 plus the motordrive.  I was really 
> perturbed
> hearing this after buying my R8 only about 6months ago. <<<<
>
> Ruddy,
> I wouldn't say that the dealer was full of Bull S... but? As we have an
> example explained of it occurring right here. However, if it were 
> endemic
> with R8's wouldn't you think we'd have heard about it long before now?
>
> I've been using 3 R8's with motors since we got motors and I don't 
> mean a
> shot here ands there, I mean burning roll after roll shooting sports 
> where a
> burst can be 15 frames at one shot and not once have I had "tearing 
> sprocket
> holes happen!" Nor have I ever heard it mentioned by other R8 users 
> until
> this recent situation.
>
>>>> go with supposedly old reliable R8 which I forsee to be nearing its 
>>>> age
> of problem free functioning.<<<
>
> Well if you haven't had any missed moments with your R8 due to
> malfunctioning don't even think about it and if you do have a problem 
> get a
> replacement from Leica. If you think something is going to happen 
> every time
> you put the camera to eye  that doesn't do anything but throw off your
> concentration on the picture moment before you.
>
> And if you can't get around doubting the R8 operation, may I suggest 
> you get
> rid of it and buy the R9 if it would make you feel better. Nothing 
> worse
> than going around wondering if and when the camera is going to crash 
> and
> burn.
>
> And if you happen to be in that dealer's shop again try and get some, 
> where,
> when, proof and who was he quoting? As he's full of it saying it's an
> endemic problem!
> ted

- --
To unsubscribe, see http://mejac.palo-alto.ca.us/leica-users/unsub.html