[New test photos released] Leica Summicron 35/2 Eight Element copy made in China

I paid on Dec. 14, got a confirmation email back, nothing since. I wrote to Kevin on March 1 to see what was up but haven't heard anything. Am hoping to get the lens by my birthday in mid-April, but who knows.
 
I also saw on Facebook that there is now a version 3 in LTM, including in brass finish ... so there are many iterations of this lens out there (titanium, brass, versions 1-3, etc.). Mine seems to be made of unobtanium.
 
- maartenmoerman (paid 15 dec)
- tudorandrei (paid 19 dec)
- Deardorff38 (paid 14 dec)
- jja (paid 14 dec)
- Emile de Loen (paid 13 dec)
- Leica0series (paid 14 dec)
 
I also saw on Facebook that there is now a version 3 in LTM, including in brass finish ... so there are many iterations of this lens out there (titanium, brass, versions 1-3, etc.). Mine seems to be made of unobtanium.
 
There's a post from David Chen on Leica Classified on FB where he is now accepting pre-orders for the lens. One comment on the post asked about RFF lenses not all being delivered to everyone. His reply was "wait you still Havnt get your orders? Please DM me". Do what you will with this information.

That was my post he responded to. I've been back and forth with David since then via PM.
David texted Zhou and was told that lenses that were paid for will be delivered eventually, but if you have not been asked to make payment, you will only be able to buy the lens at the current retail price. It seems our 'beta testing' phase is over and it is no longer necessary for them to deliver on their promises.
You can imagine that I am pretty unhappy about this, as I am sure plenty of you also are. I ordered two lenses and only received one about a year ago.I have been told multiple times that my second lens order would be honored, but it would take time.
I don't know what to say. I will not be buying another copy of this lens. Even though I really wanted the multi coated version, I am unable to justify giving someone more money after they have screwed me like this. The lens is great for $500, but it's not a $1500 lens.
As far as Kevin goes, I have to give him the benefit of the doubt on the whole debacle. I can't imagine he had any way of knowing how big this would become and I doubt he has the skills/ability to deal with being a distributor for a lens that has such a low profit margin. How much could he have possibly made on each lens? Not much, I would imagine.
Anyway, just thought I'd ruin everyone's day with this new information.
 
Said it before but this whole thread is the biggest promotion ploy for LLL, and it has worked well as being one of the longest, most active threads on RFF! I'm surprised and disappointed this thread hasn't been locked.
 
" that lenses that were paid for will be delivered eventually"....
 
It must be tempting for Kevin to sell the lenses he has to new customers now the value is established at around EUR 1.300. But it is very hard to believe that he will do that with lenses that are already paid. Could also be that he can't get them anymore now the price is established. In that case he should refund the money he already got.


Erik.
 
I would like to make a request to the head bartender and moderators: Please do not lock this thread, as has been suggested. Future buyers and anyone doing business with Kevin and LLL should know the type of delays and non-response they are bound to experience if they purchase a lens and it should be defective and need to be sent back.

Kevin was participating on this thread regularly, and I'm sure he must still be reading it from time to time. He might restore some confidence and good faith if he were to provide us a public update. And what about the manufacturer, LLL? Shouldn't they be embarrassed that this is turning into a fiasco? I know many RFF members got their lens and are happy with it, but it stinks for many of us to be out $626.46, which was my cost including shipping.
 
Decided to check in the longest running thread in the board. Shocked to see the amount of issues.Feeling for those still waiting. It must be tough. Was anyone using paypal and if so can their be any recourse to take action? Just thinking for those wanting compensation. Hope all goes well for those still waiting.
 
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