Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2003/07/24
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]I just got off the phone with Leica, New Jersey. I'd asked some months ago about the availability of a replacement speed dial for one of my M4-Ps. Informed that it was available at a reasonable price, I quite naturally procrastinated in purchasing it, thinking that I'd put together a little order of miscellaneous stuff. Moved by the recent discussion, I called today to order one. Dave Elwell, who strikes me as a stand-up guy, agreed to sell it to me, because he'd said he would in our earlier email exchange. While I had him on the phone, I asked whether I could also purchase a few odds and ends for my M3--a replacement for the lens release button, which has grown worn, and a couple of trim rings which some previous had marred. Dave hesitated, and then mentioned that I needed "special" tools to get them off. I told him that I owned the appropriate tools (I've pulled the top-plates on nearly all my Ms to clean VF windows and the like. I do not mess with the shutters or otherwise perform maintenance on them). He said that he could not sell me any of these parts. Apparently Leica will now allow those of us who have used and purchased these cameras for many years (over thirty in my case) to obtain PC socket plugs, battery compartment covers, what they consider to be "user" replaceable parts, no tools required. I protested that the lens release button required nothing more than a screwdriver to remove and replace; he offered to have the camera picked up for free, whereupon Leica would determine the "problem," check the camera, and provide an estimate for repair. I responded that the camera has recently undergone a CLA and that I was merely interested in improving its cosmetic appearance, which hardly required a trip to NJ, God alone knows how much time in the shop, and a labor charge for something that I can accomplish in 30 minutes. Doesn't matter--no parts. I have been setting money aside for a new 35/1.4 asph. So much for this. The fund's now going toward a Canon D1s or its equivalent, even if it takes longer to accumulate it. I'll continue to use the Ms in the foreseeable future, but I will never buy another new Leica product again, period. CHandos Chandos Michael Brown History and American Studies College of William and Mary www.wm.edu/cas/asp/faculty/brown - -- To unsubscribe, see http://mejac.palo-alto.ca.us/leica-users/unsub.html