Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/01/15

[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]

Subject: RE: [Leica] Seeking Elmarit-R 19 Advice
From: "Richard Clompus" <rclompus@voicenet.com>
Date: Fri, 15 Jan 1999 19:53:23 -0500

Dear Fellow LUGnuts,

I recently ordered and received a new 19/2.8 R lens from Tamarkin.  The new
lens focuses very smoothly due to internal focussing.  Unfortunately the
metal barrel of the lens toward the mount looked like someone took a file to
it.  Tamarkin (highest praise for their service) was embarrassed and agreed
to immediately send another new lens as a replacement.  The second lens had
remarkably difference multicoating, focussing was much stiffer and the
intrernal filters didn't line up when locked into place.  It was as if the
internal filters were only half-way in place.  Deal embarrassed again.  The
serial numbers of the 19/2.8 were sequential.

I'm waiting for my third lens to try it out.  The photos taken with the
first lens were very clear.  I just couldn't accept a new lens with a
significant external defect when I paid $2995 for it.  The LUG had this
discussion about lapses in quality control with Leica but it never directly
affected me.  I buy almost $10K of gear per year with Leica.  Call me crazy
(my wife and kids do) but I like Leica gear and the quality that goes with
it.  Great images and always the chance to trade gear in for new stuff when
you get tired of it.

Have a nice weekend.

Richard Clompus, OD
West Chester, PA, USA