Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2002/01/16

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Subject: Re: [Leica] M Durability
From: Hans-Peter.Lammerich@t-online.de
Date: Wed, 16 Jan 2002 09:08:57 +0100 (MET)

Another aspect is that nowadays precision components are built to tight 
tollerances whilst in the good old days components were made to fit 
during assembly. The relatively soft brass was very convenient for 
this, but if tight tollerances are possible, stainless steel is simply 
more durable. And nowadays the number of components is less. All that, 
plus pre-assemply at a place with relatively low labour cost helped to 
lower the real cost of a Leica M. 

As an additional benefit there are less interfaces that could go out of 
whack. Progress in lubricants and surface coatings in bearings etc.. 
eased the periods for cleaning lubing. 

Generally I find that most of todays' products are more reliable, need 
less maintenance and repairs, except thosee from Microsoft for which 
however there was now equivalent in the 1950s.  

On the other hand the cost of manual, skilled labour has increased in 
real terms which has put pressure on manufactures to reduced scheduled 
maintenance and repair capacities. 

HP
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Replies: Reply from Feliciano di Giorgio <feli@d2.com> ([Leica] LTM neg spacing)