Originally Posted by jonwvara

I have a used set of 7-speed Shimano 105 indexing downtube shifters that I'd like to trade for a similar 8-speed set.

Yes, I know you can use them in friction mode for any number of cogs. That's what I'd do if it were my bike. But it's not my bike.

I also have other trade goods that I'd offer for the 8-speed shifters, including an intact set of 7-speed brifters (also Shimano), although I think they're cosmetically mismatched.