Is Leica really ending the Passport Warranty program?

[edhohoho]

Someone on LUF mentioned that Leica was ending their Passport Warranty program as of 12/31/07. Anyone know if this is true? They also mentioned that the new Summarit lenses only come with a 2 year warranty, and that given the M8 is only covered for 1 year (in the USA), this seems like the path that Leica is taking.

Although I only own a couple Leica lenses, I really like the build quality, feel, handling, and of course, the image rendering--especially in the context and comfort of excellent product support and customer service. To me, a fundamental part of the reputation and mystique of Leica lies in the traditional values of uncompromising quality, unconditional product support, and the utmost in customer service. What do you think?

 

[hlockwood]

Someone on LUF mentioned that Leica was ending their Passport Warranty program as of 12/31/07. Anyone know if this is true? They also mentioned that the new Summarit lenses only come with a 2 year warranty, and that given the M8 is only covered for 1 year (in the USA), this seems like the path that Leica is taking.

Although I only own a couple Leica lenses, I really like the build quality, feel, handling, and of course, the image rendering--especially in the context and comfort of excellent product support and customer service. To me, a fundamental part of the reputation and mystique of Leica lies in the traditional values of uncompromising quality, unconditional product support, and the utmost in customer service. What do you think?

My new 75mm Summarit came with a 2-year warranty and no Passport as such.

Harry

 

[ClaremontPhoto]

I thought Mercedes-Benz do a 30 year warranty.

Leica could match that.

 

[peter_n]

Although I only own a couple Leica lenses, I really like the build quality, feel, handling, and of course, the image rendering--especially in the context and comfort of excellent product support and customer service. To me, a fundamental part of the reputation and mystique of Leica lies in the traditional values of uncompromising quality, unconditional product support, and the utmost in customer service. What do you think?

I think you drank the Leica kool-aid 😉. What you are saying may have been true in the 50's/60's but if you buy modern Leica lenses you have the high probability of suffering considerable grief.

 

[PATB]

I just sent in $150 to Leica NJ to get a 2-year extension for my two lenses ($75 ea). This after talking to them about it just last Wednesday. The lady (Brenda) said that I could get the 2-year extension any time before expiration of my regular warranty. I am assuming the "passport" is this 2-year warranty extension.

 

[Ronald M]

The passport covers even user induced damage so long as you could return the item with the serial number legible. They would return it to full function, but not cosmetically restore it.

Warrantees typically cover mfg defects/failures.

 

[peter_n]

I just sent in $150 to Leica NJ to get a 2-year extension for my two lenses ($75 ea). This after talking to them about it just last Wednesday. The lady (Brenda) said that I could get the 2-year extension any time before expiration of my regular warranty. I am assuming the "passport" is this 2-year warranty extension.

I don't know about lenses, but the term Passport is used in the US for the regular 3 year warranty offered by Leica NJ for products sold in the US by an authorized Leica dealer. These products are listed as "new US" by dealers such as Popflash. Leica offers a 2 year extension at any point during the 3 years of the Passport warranty. That will all end with the new warranty, which is replacing the old ones world-wide and will bring all warranties into compliance with current German law. That the new warranty will cut costs for Leica is I am sure an unintended by-product of this action. 😉

 

[Tony Rose]

Jan 1, 2008

Jan 1, 2008

It is official!

No more Passport Warranty stating Jan 1, 2008 for M7, MP and R9. They still will have the 5 year warranty though.

TR

 

[Leicabug]

The passport covers even user induced damage so long as you could return the item with the serial number legible. They would return it to full function, but not cosmetically restore it.

Warrantees typically cover mfg defects/failures.

Leica had replaced a M6 top plate(for cosmetic reason) under passsport warranty for my friend Mel Levy some years ago.

 

[edhohoho]

I think you drank the Leica kool-aid 😉. What you are saying may have been true in the 50's/60's but if you buy modern Leica lenses you have the high probability of suffering considerable grief.

Yes, I have to admit I probably drank enough for a whole village. I'm pretty new to this stuff and have been very fortunate to not have any real problems with the more recent Leica lenses. But they really do feel solid...haven't owned anything with such a reassuring heft before.

Then again, I believe that good customer service and quality repair service are rare nowadays, so I suppose even a current Leica warranty isn't as meaningful or reassuring as it may have been in the past. People really do seem to be having serious complaints about items returning from Leica repair depots.

A bit off topic, but I wonder what is going to happen to all things handmade. If it takes a watchmaker with 20 years experience to make certain Patek Philippe models, are there younger watchmakers in the pipeline training to take his/her place in the future? Same thing for cars, shoes, clothing, musical instruments, etc. We seem to want to ensure the constant production of highly educated people (doctors, lawyers, scientists, engineers), but what about highly skilled tradespeople (craftsmen, artists, artisans)?

 

[mr roberts]

I'm a bit confused...

I'm a bit confused...

which is not unusual in the least.

I have an M body and a 50 Cron that I purchased new just shy of 2 years ago and thus should have a bit over one year of Passport coverage left which according to my paperwork can be extended by 2 additional years at my option any time prior to the end of the current warranty. Is this no longer the case or is the end of passport coverage in reference to new sales from Jan 1, 2008 forward?

 

[peter_n]

which is not unusual in the least.

I have an M body and a 50 Cron that I purchased new just shy of 2 years ago and thus should have a bit over one year of Passport coverage left which according to my paperwork can be extended by 2 additional years at my option any time prior to the end of the current warranty. Is this no longer the case or is the end of passport coverage in reference to new sales from Jan 1, 2008 forward?

My understanding of it is the same as yours Mr. Roberts. I have the same US Passport warranty on an M7. My understanding is that you and I (and others like us) are grandfathered; we can have the extra 2 years at any time prior to the expiry of our current warranty. It is new purchases post 12/31/2007 that are affected. If you are concerned about this call Leica NJ to verify.

 

[mr roberts]

Thanks...

Thanks...

That would make sense Peter. I'll probably contact them sometime after the New Year and add the extension. If I put it off I'll just forget to do it and lose the coverage (not unlike my recent Apple snafu).

HPN,

Bob

 

[john_s]

..... But they really do feel solid...haven't owned anything with such a reassuring heft before.......

Reminds me of the Dickensian days when tea leaves, sold by the pound, had powdered lead added to bump up the weight a bit.

My recent experience with new Leica stuff (1 body, 2 lenses) is two returns out of three. Funnily though, the really heavy lens (LHSA 50mm Summilux ASPH) was and is perfect.

 

[Berliner]

I sent in my paperwork on a 75 Summicron on April 15 2007. Yesterday in the mail, I received the Passport card & paperwork. Leica must be backlogged...

 

[RingoHung]

I ordered and paid for a WATE on Dec 1, 2007 but received it after Jan 1, 2008. Do I still have the passport warranty for my WATE?? Would somebody enlighten me please??

 

[BNF]

...That will all end with the new warranty, which is replacing the old ones world-wide and will bring all warranties into compliance with current German law.

All due respect, but, what does German law have to do with a USA warranty? The warranties are extended by Leica Camera USA, just as warranties for any imported product are supplied by the "US division" - which is also sometimes a completely independent organization.

I think that the program was as much a marketing program as a warranty. I would think that with someone like Mr.Lee and his big box, high volume, get 'em out the door experience, that he would be uncomfortable with such a program as well.

 

[pfoto]

I don't think there's any connection. I think Leica is just using the German law "explanation" as an excuse to cut back on warranty expenses, which given the M8 must be significant.

 

[FX trading]

How about UK Passports?

How about UK Passports?

Any ideas on current UK passport status for new cameras and lenses?