Keith
The best camera is one that still works!
I'd be curious for a few other users to check their cameras ... if they can thanks.
When using manual shutter speeds it's very flakey when trying to select 1/250 sec but you'd never know unless you were shooting in live view or with the EVF because the camera doesn't actually show the shutter speed in the finder ... just the high or low indicator. It tends to show 1/180 when set to 1/250 and will only show the correct shutter speed if you move the dial back and forth over the 1/250 detent a couple of times and will generally only select the correct speed when coming from the 1/180 (between 125 and 250) position very carefully. It's damned annoying!
I've contacted Teds here in Oz who sold me the camera and they have quoted me four to six weeks to get it repaired under warranty which is bloody inconvenient because I have a gallery opening to shoot for a friend in a rural area 100 ks out of Brisbane at the beginning of April and I'm loathe to risk giving them the camera at this stage in case I don't get it back before then. Where it goes in Oz for this sort of work I wouldn't know because a google search for 'Leica Australia' brings up nothing that indicates genuine Leica service in this country ... surely it doesn't go back to Germany for such a minor thing?
Aside from this the camera has been great and I can work around the problem obviously and just hang onto it until after the gallery opening ... but I will ask who has had warranty work done on their digital M in Oz and what was the service like and do you have any idea where the camera actually went?
When using manual shutter speeds it's very flakey when trying to select 1/250 sec but you'd never know unless you were shooting in live view or with the EVF because the camera doesn't actually show the shutter speed in the finder ... just the high or low indicator. It tends to show 1/180 when set to 1/250 and will only show the correct shutter speed if you move the dial back and forth over the 1/250 detent a couple of times and will generally only select the correct speed when coming from the 1/180 (between 125 and 250) position very carefully. It's damned annoying!
I've contacted Teds here in Oz who sold me the camera and they have quoted me four to six weeks to get it repaired under warranty which is bloody inconvenient because I have a gallery opening to shoot for a friend in a rural area 100 ks out of Brisbane at the beginning of April and I'm loathe to risk giving them the camera at this stage in case I don't get it back before then. Where it goes in Oz for this sort of work I wouldn't know because a google search for 'Leica Australia' brings up nothing that indicates genuine Leica service in this country ... surely it doesn't go back to Germany for such a minor thing?
Aside from this the camera has been great and I can work around the problem obviously and just hang onto it until after the gallery opening ... but I will ask who has had warranty work done on their digital M in Oz and what was the service like and do you have any idea where the camera actually went?
ricnak
Well-known
Within Oz it will probably go to The Camera Clinic in Melbourne.
They also have a "Pro" service which you would probably qualify for which allows for a quick turn around.
They also have a "Pro" service which you would probably qualify for which allows for a quick turn around.
Richard G
Veteran
Camera Clinic in Melbourne as of late 2013 early 2014 were licensed by Leica to do the sensor replacements and they are the official Leica repair agents in Australia. I have found them very professional, and not as slow as some people are finding elsewhere in the world. I had a problem with my M9 shutter button smoothness after the eight weeks for the sensor replacement, and that button was made smooth again in a few days' turnaround.
I suspect that your camera has something wrong either with the shutter speed dial electrical contacts or the contacts of the part it interacts with. Ordering in the part might be the main delay in the system. It's worth calling them 03 94195247.
I had something like this with the Fuji X100. That was repaired in Sydney. Because it happened a second time, unable to choose A and only getting 1/4000s, they replaced the whole camera with a higher serial number model which has been great.
I suspect that your camera has something wrong either with the shutter speed dial electrical contacts or the contacts of the part it interacts with. Ordering in the part might be the main delay in the system. It's worth calling them 03 94195247.
I had something like this with the Fuji X100. That was repaired in Sydney. Because it happened a second time, unable to choose A and only getting 1/4000s, they replaced the whole camera with a higher serial number model which has been great.
neonart
Established
Sorry to hear it. Just checked mine, seems ok. Probably just a flaky switch.
I'd push to get it fixed in a more reasonable timeframe.
I'd push to get it fixed in a more reasonable timeframe.
Vobluda
Well-known
Another digital Leica issue :bang:
Here we have by law warranty repair period of 30 days or money back..
Good luck
Here we have by law warranty repair period of 30 days or money back..
Good luck
raid
Dad Photographer
Keith: Could it be that your camera is set for a certain range of range of speeds?
Godfrey
somewhat colored
Sorry to hear it. Any machine can develop a fault, though; it's just an annoyance.
This sounds minor but... I have no idea how difficult it is to change or clean the shutter speed selector component on an M.
See if they have a repair/exchange program, if you want to send it in before your scheduled shoot. Otherwise, keep using it and send it in for service afterwards.
G
This sounds minor but... I have no idea how difficult it is to change or clean the shutter speed selector component on an M.
See if they have a repair/exchange program, if you want to send it in before your scheduled shoot. Otherwise, keep using it and send it in for service afterwards.
G
Keith
The best camera is one that still works!
Keith
The best camera is one that still works!
And I meant to mention the reason I'm asking fellow 240 owners to check their cameras is because there may have been a batch of faulty switches and possibly not just a one off. You would never know the problem was there unless you ran through all the shutter speeds in live view ... I'd had mine a couple of months before I became aware of it.
Godfrey
somewhat colored
I'll check mine when it arrives... M-P on the way here, should be arriving in about two weeks.
G
segedi
RFicianado
Keith - mine's fine. I rarely use anything other than A mode as I like the stepless nature of that setting. Was curious to see if mine also suffered from 1/250-itis, but it doesn't.
Godfrey - I know you were debating on which route to go - I think you'll remain pleased based on your testing. I do recommend an EVF; I opted for a used Olympus for mine and it works just very well to extend the experience.
Godfrey - I know you were debating on which route to go - I think you'll remain pleased based on your testing. I do recommend an EVF; I opted for a used Olympus for mine and it works just very well to extend the experience.
Godfrey
somewhat colored
Thank you. Yes, I have the EVF already, same as for the X2...
G
G
semordnilap
Well-known
No problems with mine... Hope it's quickly resolved, Keith!
rscheffler
Well-known
I checked mine and there isn't a problem selecting 1/250. That speed appears in the LV display (if I read the problem correctly) when the dial is set to 1/250 as I scroll slowly through the shutter speed range.
I'd suspect there is a problem with the switch and the specific point for 1/250 on your camera...
Regarding the 4-6 week quote. I'd guess it means they'd be sending it to Germany.
In my dealings with Leica US, I was informed that M240 service 'regulations' requires all M240s be inspected on a 'special device' designed specifically for the camera, to ensure the camera leaves with the correct RF calibration, sensor alignment, etc. When I was there in person for a prearranged sensor cleaning, this was the explanation given as to why they couldn't just do a 'quickie' cleaning (though that time they did it in about an hour). The explanation was that this device is very costly, which I extrapolate to mean it may not be present in many locations worldwide. IIRC, Leica Australia is relatively newly established and it's possible they don't (yet) have the machine. With it being Leica and strict German adherence 'to the rules' that every M240 sent for servicing be put through this inspection, if it's not possible to do it in AU, it will be sent to Germany.
I was also told this procedure is not required for the M9, which may explain why Camera Clinic will do servicing for those cameras. It would probably be good to check with them about M240 servicing to determine what, if anything, they can do. Over at FM where I frequent more often, one of the Australian contributors to the Leica M image thread often touted the great service from Camera Clinic with fast turnaround times for M9 service/RF calibration. But when he upgraded to the M240, the same calibration required the cameras to go to Germany....
IMO, this is the one aspect of Leica that remains the most frustrating, especially for anyone using the cameras even semi-professionally. I can live with many of the quirks and workarounds because the cameras, lenses and shooting experience are otherwise stellar. But the worldwide service support does not live up to Leica's branding. There is no way I can go without a camera for 4-6 weeks should it require servicing. (A reason I maintain a DSLR system, among other factors). I wish Leica would look at implementing some version of the professional services programs offered by Canon, Nikon and apparently what Sony is now also setting up.... At least consistent loaner availability. If that was available, I wouldn't care if it took them 4 weeks...
I'd suspect there is a problem with the switch and the specific point for 1/250 on your camera...
Regarding the 4-6 week quote. I'd guess it means they'd be sending it to Germany.
In my dealings with Leica US, I was informed that M240 service 'regulations' requires all M240s be inspected on a 'special device' designed specifically for the camera, to ensure the camera leaves with the correct RF calibration, sensor alignment, etc. When I was there in person for a prearranged sensor cleaning, this was the explanation given as to why they couldn't just do a 'quickie' cleaning (though that time they did it in about an hour). The explanation was that this device is very costly, which I extrapolate to mean it may not be present in many locations worldwide. IIRC, Leica Australia is relatively newly established and it's possible they don't (yet) have the machine. With it being Leica and strict German adherence 'to the rules' that every M240 sent for servicing be put through this inspection, if it's not possible to do it in AU, it will be sent to Germany.
I was also told this procedure is not required for the M9, which may explain why Camera Clinic will do servicing for those cameras. It would probably be good to check with them about M240 servicing to determine what, if anything, they can do. Over at FM where I frequent more often, one of the Australian contributors to the Leica M image thread often touted the great service from Camera Clinic with fast turnaround times for M9 service/RF calibration. But when he upgraded to the M240, the same calibration required the cameras to go to Germany....
IMO, this is the one aspect of Leica that remains the most frustrating, especially for anyone using the cameras even semi-professionally. I can live with many of the quirks and workarounds because the cameras, lenses and shooting experience are otherwise stellar. But the worldwide service support does not live up to Leica's branding. There is no way I can go without a camera for 4-6 weeks should it require servicing. (A reason I maintain a DSLR system, among other factors). I wish Leica would look at implementing some version of the professional services programs offered by Canon, Nikon and apparently what Sony is now also setting up.... At least consistent loaner availability. If that was available, I wouldn't care if it took them 4 weeks...
Manuel Patino
Established
I just looked at mine, and sure enough, the shutter speed indicator does not work very well at all in the VF. It does seem to work well in the LV screen. I bought my camera used from a forum member, so I don't have a warranty to fall back on.
It's annoying, but I can definitely work around it. I tend to set a shutter speed and let the auto ISO do it's thing. But it would make life much easier to see what the shutter speed to camera chooses in auto mode. I might get lots more shots without blur.
I wonder what it would cost to get this repaired out of warranty? Also, is there an alternative where to send it for repair, or is Leica the only option....
It's annoying, but I can definitely work around it. I tend to set a shutter speed and let the auto ISO do it's thing. But it would make life much easier to see what the shutter speed to camera chooses in auto mode. I might get lots more shots without blur.
I wonder what it would cost to get this repaired out of warranty? Also, is there an alternative where to send it for repair, or is Leica the only option....
Godfrey
somewhat colored
I wouldn't trust anyone but Leica to service the M typ 240 cameras at this point in time.
Call Leica USA for the answers to such questions. They're always helpful.
G
Godfrey
somewhat colored
Compared to Nikon, Canon, and Olympus (the three biggies with large-scale worldwide pro services offerings), Leica Camera AG is a tiny, tiny company. I doubt they have the resources to offer worldwide pro service like that in any way, shape, or form. Should you find yourself needing frequent servicing, the best solution is redundant units.
Obviously, that costs a bit. There's nothing to be done about it, though. If those are your needs, you need different equipment.
Personally, I can easily afford to be without a particular camera for some unspecified period of time because a) I have a ton of redundancy in my kit, and b) I no longer take jobs for pay. Leica's service is adequate for my needs, and I've only rarely needed it.
G
fireblade
Vincenzo.
Leica Camera Australia Pty Ltd
Photographic Equipment & Supplies--Retail & Repairs - Port Melbourne, VIC
U 3/ 876 Lorimer St, Port Melbourne VIC 3207
don't know whether it's up to date.
Photographic Equipment & Supplies--Retail & Repairs - Port Melbourne, VIC
U 3/ 876 Lorimer St, Port Melbourne VIC 3207
don't know whether it's up to date.
segedi
RFicianado
You mean the EVF right, not the optical viewfinder?
And with auto ISO you should be able to set the lowest shutter speed you want. It defaults to 1/focal length, but you can set to 2x or any other shutter speed to prevent shaky photos.
Manuel Patino
Established
The Olympus EVF and the screen show the proper shutter speed properly (AFAIK). However, in the viewfinder sometimes (often) the shutter speed chosen by the camera or selected manually, will not display at all. The little arrow indicators are also rather a mystery to me as they do not seem to work in a any fashion I can decipher. Perhaps I just don't understand very well how the camera is supposed to work, but I rather think that there is something wrong with the thing...