[Leica] Service Matters

[Vondauster@aol.com]

Hi All, 

Seeing a post from Ms Brenda Olesin on this forum recently reminded me of an
experience I had with Leica, NY relevant to the discussion of Leica QC,
service, etc.

About a year and a half ago I bought a new USA 35mm Summicron-M. Once I opened
the sealed box, I found a clearly visible reflection from the center of the
middle of the lens. It appeared to be a good size bubble, it turned out later
to be a machine shaving (!). For reasons not relevant to this story, I did not
want to have any further dealings with the out-of-state merchant from whom I
had purchased this lens. Bad blood was there...

So, I called Leica and spoke with Ms Olesin. I explained I am a professional,
the situation with the dealer, and that I needed the lens for a shoot that
weekend. This was on a Monday. After confirming Passport protection, Ms Olesin
had me send the lens to her attention. By Friday I had a new replacement lens,
along with new Passport card. The shoot went well - the BW "Male Nude"
photograph on my website is from that session. The replacement lens has
performed flawlessly since that time.

Such service is exemplary. As for the original defect, it is possible the
machine shaving shifted in between the lens elements during shipping and was
therefore not visible at the factory. 

Leica's quick replacement beats the heck out of service I am currently
receiving from Canon on a defective EOS body.

Thanks for your patience with this longish post.

Will von Dauster
http://www.fsl.noaa.gov/~vondaust/www.will.html