Re: [Leica] More lens trouble

[Steve Beyer <steve@beyerphoto.com>]

I probably am not the best expert in this area because I am not very hard on
my Leica Equipment but I have (let me find some wood to knock on) not had
any problems with my Leica equipment.  I too have seen the horror stories
but can't say I have experienced any.  I think the bottom line is how Leica
USA fixes any problems you have.  I think the interesting thing about your
situation is that they seem to be very similar problems.  I wonder if anyone
can explain what might have happened.

Steve

> From: RDD5TK@aol.com
> Reply-To: leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us
> Date: Sat, 23 Sep 2000 09:02:13 EDT
> To: leica@topica.com, leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us
> Subject: [Leica] More lens trouble
> 
> 
> You may recall that I had a six month old 50 summicron lens to
> malfunction. Aperture ring locked up solid but loosen enough to finish using
> after a couple of sharp raps on a table top. Looking into the front of the
> lens one could see where several of the diaphram blades were jamming into one
> another to the point of leaving scratching on the flat black surface of the
> blades. Needless to say, I was disappointed especially since it was fairly
> new. Sent it to NJ and after three phone calls they have agreed to replace it
> but since they are out of stock it must come from Germany so allow three to
> four weeks delivery. Okay, fine, no problem as Leica is doing the best I
> could ask for by replacing a defective lens.
> 
> Now, lets talk about my second of three Leica lens that I own that is
> going to NJ and it's even newer than the 50 summicron. My 28 elmarit has two
> diaphram blades creating scratches in two adjacent blades very similar to
> what the 50 summicron was doing. The front edges appear to be rubbing against
> the blades underneath them and creating very obvious scratches! There is a
> very slight friction that can be felt when turning the aperture ring as
> compared to my other lens, the 90 A A summicron which so far shows no signs
> of any trouble.......... yet.   I talked with NJ, explained that I had
> another one in trouble and would wait till I got the 50 back before sending
> them the 28. 
> 
> What the hell is going on here??? Two M6 0.72 TTL silver bodies, two
> grips, a 28 elmarit, 50 summicron, 90 AA summicron, and the SF 20 flash all
> purchased new within the last seven months and treated very well (serious
> amateur use) and I've already got two things malfunctioning?
> I'm very concerned. I bought this stuff with the idea its going to
> outlive me (I'm 49), not an unreasonable assumption is it? I've been shooting
> for nearly 30 years and early on heard about and have wanted Leica. My
> initial response to using the gear is I love it and sorely wish I had gotten
> it years ago. I am trying very, very hard to continue to love it but I don't
> know if I can keep the faith if or when one more thing goes down. I've shot
> Nikon since the mid eighties, owned lots of their stuff all the way through
> their current AF offerings and never, ever had anything new (less than 5
> years old) to fail. Since I am fairly new to Leica, please tell me, is this
> type of thing common or am I experiencing a run of bad luck?
>