Just received a new MP - shall I worry?

[mp1970]

Hi,

just registered, but passive (read-only) member since few yrs ago; on a daily basis.

Long story short:
- ordered a new MP from AFAIK reputable online shop in EU, and sent it back due to bad vulcanite application around frameline lever; no issue at all and so far very honest and open communication
- so I received a replacement body, and noticed two things:
A/ serial number of 3006xxx, which IMO doesn't seem very recent (please correct me if I'm wrong)
B/ weird marks in the bottom of finder window (attached pics) which may suggest inaccurate sealing on inner side between the finder window glass and body (but that is only my laic guess!)

Could those who recently purchased a new MP please let me know their serial numbers?

And, I would also appreciate if somebody with solid MP knowledge could assess if I shall care about that viewfinder "pattern", and ask for a 3rd new replacement body?

Many thanks!

 

[ken_nyus]

My just purchased serial # is 3469xxx

 

[mervynyan]

If you bought this "brand new" from official dealer, you should exchange to one that you are happy with.

Mine is 3006xxx, but I bought it in Jan 2006, so I guess yours is not a "new" serial number, perhaps it is from old stock.

 

[35mmdelux]

if you paid retail, send it back and let them fix it. If you got less than retail, assuming all else is ok, then you may wish to consider having it repaired thru the warranty.

 

[peter_n]

Serial numbers are allocated in batches and you can't date comparatively recent Leica equipment by them any more. FWIW I bought a new M7 that had a seriously "old" serial nr. but it has been perfect. OTOH that VF looks odd and the mag number isn't vertically centered in the middle of the little silver strip at the bottom either. I may be wrong here but it looks too close to the top of the strip and there may be some misalignment. I'd repeat what has been said above, if you're not happy I think you should send it back to the dealer and ask for another replacement. These things are expensive and they should be perfect. Ask the dealer to thoroughly inspect before shipping and if they balk at the whole idea I would ask for a refund and buy elsewhere. Sorry you're having all this trouble...

 

[mfogiel]

I have a better suggestion yet - you can ask for a refund and buy 3 new Zeiss Ikon cameras for the same money. Use one and keep the other two away, if the first one breaks, start using the second one and keep the first for the spare parts. If the third one breaks and you are still alive, at least you will have the satisfaction to have used a better camera all these years, haha...

 

[Rice Tang]

Hi,

Could those who recently purchased a new MP please let me know their serial numbers?

And, I would also appreciate if somebody with solid MP knowledge could assess if I shall care about that viewfinder "pattern", and ask for a 3rd new replacement body?
Many thanks!

7 month ago,purchased my first MP, NO.29XXXXX.
The same problem,just send it back and I got a new one no.3469xxx ,2weeks later.🙂

 

[astroman]

I have a better suggestion yet - you can ask for a refund and buy 3 new Zeiss Ikon cameras for the same money. Use one and keep the other two away, if the first one breaks, start using the second one and keep the first for the spare parts. If the third one breaks and you are still alive, at least you will have the satisfaction to have used a better camera all these years, haha...

LOL,I like the way you think.
Nice dog by the way.

 

[peter_n]

Presumably the OP wants a mechanical body and not an electronic one.

 

[Olsen]

My MP - bought new less than 5 years ago, has a serial no. of 2890xxx. There can't have been produced many film cameras at Leica after that. The serial no. do not indicate that it is old. - As if that had any importance.

I hardly think that the small 'marks' inside the viewfinder glass has any impact on the 'function' of the camera - or is such a 'visual defect' that it qualify as a reject.

No. I don't think you shall worry. Go out and use it! It is a reliable and remarkable camera. Possibly among the best - and most beautiful ever made.

 

[Nikon Bob]

I would agree with others here that the serial number is a non issue as in new old stock. For the amount of money you have to spend on a new Leica MP you have every right to expect perfection whether or not the the defect is merely cosmetic and may not effect actual use. You are paying for perfection and you should get it.

Bob

 

[mp1970]

Many thanks for all replies.

I have indeed sent back the second example too, and opted for refund. And dealer acted really professional and refunded qithout asking questions!
But, in my eyes Leica quality checks no longer compare with same company 15yrs ago (which is when I got my first Leica - and silly me sold it for a DSLR couple of yrs ago)

I have now eyed one of "Die Letzten 999 M6" (e bay 360115025150) but not sure if price is correct. Seeking any constructive opinion?

I understand that MP have finder flare fixed, but apart from that, if this M6 TTL really good condition it could be less risky buy than a new MP (at least my experience :-(

Anybody knows if Leica will replace M6 0.85 finder with MP equivalent? (or they only replace 0.72)

regards

 

[thomasw_]

Many thanks for all replies.

I have indeed sent back the second example too, and opted for refund. And dealer acted really professional and refunded qithout asking questions!
But, in my eyes Leica quality checks no longer compare with same company 15yrs ago (which is when I got my first Leica - and silly me sold it for a DSLR couple of yrs ago)

I have now eyed one of "Die Letzten 999 M6" (e bay 360115025150) but not sure if price is correct. Seeking any constructive opinion?

I understand that MP have finder flare fixed, but apart from that, if this M6 TTL really good condition it could be less risky buy than a new MP (at least my experience :-(

Anybody knows if Leica will replace M6 0.85 finder with MP equivalent? (or they only replace 0.72)

regards

Ah, I am sorry for your troubles with the MPs. I count myself fortunate that all 3 of the MPs I have owned were functionally and cosmetically perfect. I know DAG will change the VF to a ,85x MP VF; but he told me it is very costly for the part, the cost for the M6 and VF part being more than just buying a used MP.

 

[fbf]

Ah, I am sorry for your troubles with the MPs. I count myself fortunate that all 3 of the MPs I have owned were functionally and cosmetically perfect. I know DAG will change the VF to a ,85x MP VF; but he told me it is very costly for the part, the cost for the M6 and VF part being more than just buying a used MP.

The parts? Isn't it just a plastic mask? I believe the labor counts 85% of the cost. It is a very precise and time-consuming process.

 

[35mmdelux]

My MP bought used (first batch ser. 2,8xx) had a battery drain problem that I got fixed under warranty. I was lucky because I was told the fix typically cost about $300 (US). I got it back four weeks later. Ive now had it two years and it works great.

 

[Prosaic]

I have now eyed one of "Die Letzten 999 M6" (e bay 360115025150) but not sure if price is correct. Seeking any constructive opinion?

If you want a mechanical M with the MP finder, simply try another MP.