Anyone visit Leica in Allendale NJ to drop their M8 off for repair?

[eleskin]

I live in Allentown PA, and I thought I would do a road trip into NJ do conduct some business I have there already. I thought it may be better to drop off my M8 for service rather than mail it since Allentown PA is so close.
Are they (Leica) ok with that. My assumption is they would be, and that many here that have been there can say yes also. Any thoughts?

 

[jke]

I haven't but a friend has. She seems to have developed a good relationship with the people there as a result. I don't think she has ever gotten "service while you wait", so expect to leave the camera. Most of my interaction with them has been over the phone with Sarah Mayville, who is helpful. But this is for lens work and not M8.

 

[icebear]

eleskin,
you can directly drop off items for repair in the Allendale office. You'll get in and wait in some kind of lobby/reception area until a technician has time to look at your camera. Then he'll explain what needs to be done a give you an estimate, some paperwork with your information and you'll be one your way. You can choose to pick up or have it mailed once it's completed.
I had my M6 VF upgraded there directly, no M8 repair but for the process, it doesn't make much of a difference, I guess.

 

[eleskin]

I just called them and they were more than happy for me to drop the camera off. Here is another thing which I thought was very professional and nice of them. My plastic screen that protects the lcd had fallen off 6 months ago. I had held it on with tape because I always needed to use the camera and this issue did not affect the camera which has had no problems since new. The warranty just ran out on March 6, but the technician told me if I had a note written out with the camera stating that I could not send it in because I needed it for my work, they probably would not charge me for the new screen protector since March 6 is so close to today, march 16. That is classy, and I can see they value my business and understand the needs of the professional photographer. I cannot afford new leica glass, but I bought my M8 new, and I am likely to buy the M9 as well!!!

 

[robklurfield]

I have been there. They are nice, pleasant, will treat you well, etc. Being Leica, turnaround time is slow. 90 days to get the camera back from them. I was Allendale last year dropping off a Digilux 2. The sensor went kaput on me long after the warranty expired. Apparently, a manufacturing or design defect, so they replaced it gratis.

I am awaiting UPS today with delivery my new M8 Panda. Only film camera left in my house now is an old Nikkormat belonging to Mrs. Gave up my beloved M4, an M6 Classic, a Cron 35mm canadian, a DR 50mm cron and a Tele-Elmarit to get the M8 and an Elmarit 28mm asph. Someone please tell me I haven't made a horrible mistake and that I'm going to love this combination.