Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/09/23
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]In a message dated 9/23/00 9:06:16 AM Eastern Daylight Time, RDD5TK@aol.com writes: << 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? >> I recently bought a new M6TTL .72, which had a misaligned rangefinder. The factory rep got me a replacement within one week. I cannot complain about the service, but I was more than mildly surprised by the defect, after using an M3 off and on for about 25 years. New bodies and new lenses appear to me to be lighter than previous versions like the heavily chrome plated brass 50 and 35 Summicrons I was accustomed to. Focusing mounts of more recent lenses do not feel quite as strong or smooth, nor do diaphragm click stops feel as firm or positive. I surmise that certain trade-offs have been made in the designs of lenses and selection of materials, in favor of weight reduction. I suspect this leaves less room for error in the assembly process and for hard or extreme use in the field. Meanwhile, I have to say that the lighter weight of the newer lenses makes them easier to handle, especially where continous shooting is required and fatigue becomes a factor. Moreover, by objective standards, they generally produce images of enhanced quality. Therefore, to address your question directly, I have concluded generally that failures are probably more likely to occur with recent or latest vintage equipment than with the "iron horses" we aspired to own when we were growing up. I base this assumption on what I have read, old and new equipment I own and use, and a vastly greater quantity of gear I have handled in stores and at many camera shows, as well as discussions with numerous dealers in new and used Leica items. However, your experience should not necessarily be regarded as typical. All things considered, I believe you have had bad luck, and we all empathize. Joe Sobel