Re: [Leica] More lens trouble

[John Collier <jbcollier@home.com>]

The next time your lens jams up, and it is not under passport warranty, I
would suggest that you not smack it against a table. I know all too well
what repair people think when customers try to repair something in the field
by smacking it. Ninety nine times out of a hundred it does not produce
successful results, and, you are very lucky that the passport coverage is so
generous. Any other camera company would not have done anything for you
regardless of what triggered your angry outburst in the first place. As far
as I am concerned this story illustrates what lengths Leica service goes to
keep even unreasonable customers happy. I am impressed with them.

I also have heard reports of problems with all different brands of camera
gear. All companies maintain repair facilities and not just to sort out
accidental or deliberate damage.

The only work I have had on my Leicas was either caused by me through
inadvertent abuse or neglect; or, serving required after many years of
excellent service.

John Collier

> From: RDD5TK@aol.com
> 
> 
> 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?