Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1997/08/30

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Subject: Re: Quality Control
From: Richard Clompus <rclompus@voicenet.com>
Date: Sat, 30 Aug 1997 12:16:14 -0400

GH wrote:

<snip>
Now, many companies rely on random sampling.  I think Leica uses this for
subjecting cameras to maximum and minimum temperature tolerance tests.
Using statistical methods, they check a certain number of items coming off
the assembly line in a random manner.  If those items pass a thorough
inspection, they assume that the entire batch is acceptable.
<snip>

When I visited Leica Solms in 1995, my tour guide (please forgive me, I
have forgotten his name) stated quite clearly that Leica tested EVERY
camera before it could be shipped out of the factory.  They did not use
statistical sampling.  The Leica tour guide told me of a visitor from IBM
couldn't believe Leica tested each camera.  Leica literature even states
that they make negatives with every lens that is produced and even keep the
negatives on file for future comparison.  Solms must have some very big
file cabinets.

It would be nice if someone from Leica would simply respond with an email
for the group to let us know they hear our concerns.  If anything, its good
public relations.  Kind of makes you feel better when you know someone has
heard your comments.  I mean no disrespect but up until now, you'd think
Leica was deaf, dumb and blind to these issues.  

Now that I said that, I guess I don't get a free 15mm R lens for my R8.
<bg>  My kids are getting real skinny without any food for 2 weeks now...

Richard
- ------------------------
Richard Clompus, OD
West Chester, PA, USA  





  If
>you happen to purchase one of these items that happened to undergo thorough
>testing, then chances are you will not experience any problems.  If, on the
>other hand, your merchandise proves to be defective in some way, then you
>have become the unfortunate victim of the vagaries of statistical analysis.
> Random sampling is faster and less expensive than individual testing.
>
>-GH
>
>