Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2001/04/03
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]It's bad enough not being able to find any new Leica stock in Australia, let alone any accessories, as we are just a pimple on the worldwide demand for Leica's products. But now I find out that some cashed up American dealers with their real dollars (as opposed to the Australian paeso) are out buying all of the half decent 2nd hand gear to import back to the States in order to make a heady profit. But be warned - the sunlight and UV in Australia is in fact so strong that even slight exposure of a Leica lens or body to this radiation is enough to break down the molecular structure of the materials used. The aluminium, brass and zinc become brittle like glass, the glass becomes pliable like rubber, any film put through a body that has been in Australia quickly turns to a substance that is most similar to contact adhesive. The vulcanite changes such that it exudes a smell best described to rotting fish, the glue between any of the glass (or should I say rubber) surfaces turns milky and the eyepiece will actually expose the user of the camera to an extremely contagious variant of mad cow disease. So if any of the readers of the LUG in the States are offered any ex-Aussie Leica gear at what seems to be a ridicously low price, you've been warned!!! Best return it back to us down here where an immediate re-exposure to the strong sunlight (thankfully) neutralises all of the effects mentioned above. Regards, Peter Zak.