Purported Leica letter

[jaapv]

Is this for real? it seems so, but I cannot guarantee it...

AW: Leica Info vom 24.11.

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Sehr geehrte LEICA M8 Kundin, Sehr geehrter LEICA M8 Kunde,

Im Namen der Mitarbeiterinnen und Mitarbeiter der Leica Camera AG, die für Sie die LEICA M8 geschaffen haben, möchten wir Ihnen für den Erwerb der Kamera und das damit bewiesene Vertrauen in unsere Produkte ganz herzlich danken.

Im Zuge der Entwicklung der M8 haben wir die maßgeblichen Entscheidungen bezüglich der Funktionen der Kamera immer dahingehend getroffen, dass Folgendes sichergestellt ist: Die M8 liefert Ihnen die Abbildungs- und Fertigungsqualität, d.h. die Präzision, Handhabung und Ausführung, die, wie uns wohl bewusst ist, Leica Kunden von uns erwarten. Entsprechend sind die Rückmeldungen der Kunden, die die Kamera bereits einsetzen konnten, überwiegend außerordentlich positiv.

Wir haben Bestätigung von vielen zufriedenen Anwendern erfahren, ob von Profis oder anspruchsvollen Amateurfotografen, wie auch von der einflussreichen Fachpresse, sei es in gedruckter Form oder im Internet. Wir alle bei der Leica Camera AG nehmen dies mit Genugtuung zur Kenntnis und betrachten es als Ermutigung, unsere Bemühungen fortzusetzen, Ihnen weitere, noch leistungsfähigere und innovativere Produkte zu liefern.

Ich schreibe Ihnen persönlich, weil wir nach dem Start der M8-Lieferungen entdecken mussten, dass die Kameras der ersten Herstellungslose unter bestimmten, recht seltenen Aufnahmebedingungen nicht den Leica Qualitätsstandards entsprachen. Die angesprochenen Effekte treten weder häufig auf, noch werden alle Anwender sie überhaupt bemerken, trotzdem gibt es sie, und wir tragen dafür die Verantwortung. So unbedeutend und selten diese Dinge auch sein mögen, sie können ggf. die Ursache für Unzufriedenheit gewesen sein und Ihre Freude an Ihrer neuen M8 getrübt haben.

Wir möchten uns ausdrücklich bei Ihnen dafür entschuldigen, dass wir diese Angelegenheiten ursprünglich unterschätzt haben.

Unsere Ingenieur-Teams haben die zugrunde liegenden Ursachen der gemeldeten Effekte umfassend untersucht und Lösungen erarbeitet und geprüft, um sie zu beseitigen. Insbesondere haben wir mit unseren Gegenmaßnahmen sichergestellt, dass die Effekte nicht nur nicht wieder vorkommen, sondern dass sie jede M8 unseren Qualitätsstandards entsprechen lässt, ja sie sogar übertreffen lässt. Wir sind sicher, dass die Kameras, die das Werk ab dem 27. November verlassen, als fehlerfrei getestet sind.

Da Sie eine LEICA M8 mit einer Auslieferung an den Handel vor dem 1. Dezember 2006 erworben haben, möchten wir Sie darin bestärken, dass Sie die richtige Entscheidung getroffen haben und dass Ihre M8 sich der besten Betreuung erfreuen wird: Unser Customer Service wird sich mit Ihnen in Hinblick auf den Zeitraum, in dem Sie Ihre Kamera für die
kostenlose Überarbeitung ins Werk nach Solms schicken möchten, in Verbindung setzen. Der Vorgang dauert etwa 10 Tage zusätzlich Transport, und danach wird Ihre Kamera fehlerfrei arbeiten. Weitere Einzelheiten darüber, wie Sie Ihre Kamera verpacken und schicken sollten, nennt Ihnen unser Kundendienst.

Wir können nachvollziehen, dass dies für Sie ein sehr lästiger Vorgang sein muss, daher möchten wir Ihnen als Ausgleich für die Umstände, die wir Ihnen verursachen, ein besonderes Angebot machen.

Wenn Sie bis zum 31. Dezember 2006 eine neue LEICA M8 von einem autorisierten Leica Händler gekauft oder ihm die volle Summe angezahlt haben, können Sie ein Leica M-Objektiv nach Wahl mit einem Rabatt von 30% (maximal € 1000) erwerben. Zusätzlich bekommt jeder neue LEICA M8 Besitzer ebenfalls kostenlos je zwei UV/IR-Filter in den Durchmessern ihrer/seiner Wahl (es stehen insges. 7 zur Verfügung). Bitte sprechen Sie unseren Kundendienst an, falls Sie Ihre Filter nicht bei der Registrierung ausgewählt haben.

Zwar verstehen wir, dass keine Gegenleistung die entstehenden Unannehmlichkeiten ausgleichen kann, dennoch hoffen wir, dass wir diese durch die beschriebenen Maßnahmen und Leistungen für Sie auf ein Mindestmaß verringern können.

Vielen Dank für Ihr Verständnis; wir hoffen, dass Leica auch in Zukunft die Marke Ihrer Wahl bleiben wird.

Mit freundlichen Grüßen

Steven K. Lee

 

[jaapv]

Computerized translation:

Very honored LEICA M8 customers, very honored LEICA M8 customer

In the name of the colleagues and colleague of the Leica Camera CORP., who created the LEICA M8 for you, we would like to thank you for the acquisition of the camera and the therewith proved confidence into our products very sincerely.

In the course of the development of the M8, we made the authoritative decisions regarding the functions of the camera always indicating that following is guaranteed: The M8 delivers the image quality and fabrication quality, i.e. the precision, handling and execution, that how is well aware us, Leica customers of us expect to you. Correspondingly the back messages of the customers that already were able to use the camera are, predominantly extraordinarily positively.

We learned confirmation of many satisfied users, whether of pro or demanding amateur photographer, like also of the influential specialty press, would be it in printed form or in the internet. These take we all in the Leica Camera CORP. with satisfaction to the knowledge and regard it as an encouragement, to continue our efforts, to deliver further, yet more efficient and More innovative products to you.

I do not write you personally because we had to discover after the start of the M8-Lieferungen, that the cameras of the first manufacture lots determined under, the Leica quality standard corresponded to quite rare reception conditions. The addressed effects appear neither frequently, yet will note all users it generally, nevertheless there is it, and we carry for that the responsibility. So insignificantly and rarely these things also be like, they can have been where appropriate the cause for discontent and clouded have your joy in your new M8.

We would like to excuse ourselves specifically with you that we originally underestimated these matters.

Our engineer-teams examined the causes lying bottom of the reported effects comprehensively and acquired and tested solutions in order to remove it. Especially we guaranteed with our countermeasures, occur that the effects not only not again, but rather even exceed lets that it lets correspond each M8 to our quality standard, yes it. We are certain that the cameras, that leave the work from the 27 November, are tested, when flawless.

Because you acquired a LEICA M8 with an extradition at the trade the 1 December ago 2006, we would like to strengthen you therein that you made the correct decision and that your M8 will be pleased the best care: Our Customer service will get in touch with you regard on the period, in which you would like to send your camera for the cost-free revision into the work after Solms, in. The process lasts about 10 days in addition carrier, and after that your camera flawlessly will work. Further details about how
you should pack and send your camera, names you our customer service.

We can understand that this must be for you a very troublesome process, therefore would want we you as a balance for the circumstances, that we cause you, make a special offer.

If you bought a new LEICA M8 of an authorized Leica dealer to the 31 December 2006 or paid on account it the full sum, can acquire you a Leica M-lens after choice with a discount of 30% (maximally € 1000). In addition every new LEICA M8 owner also cost-free ever two gets stand UV/IR-filter in the diameters hers its choice (it that g sharp. 7 to the decree). Please you address our customer service if you did not select your filters in the registration.

To be sure we understand balance can, that no return service the emerging unpleasantnesses, nevertheless we hope that we can diminish this through the described measures and achievements for you on a minimum.

Thank you very much for your understanding; we hope that Leica will remain the sign of your choice also in the future.

With kind regards

Steven K. lee

 

[JohnL]

This looks like the same letter of which an English language original has been posted on LCUF. My impression is that its authentic.

 

[ywenz]

Leica should reimburse M8 owners for the lost in monetary value of the camera during the initial part of ownership in which they're not able to use the camera because it is being sent back n' forth across the world... I also expect Leica to pay for the fastes shipping option going both ways..

 

[J. Borger]

I just do not believe in that 30% off lens deal?
I do not need a new lens .. in fact perhaps plan selling some .. how do they plan to compensate me???
Some might even argue it's a selling trick!

 

[iml]

ISTM Leica should be using their dealer network to manage this. M8 owners should not have to mail their cameras back, they should be able to drop it off to their dealer and get it repaired, free of postal charges and having to arrange shipment themselves.

Ian

 

[J. Borger]

ISTM Leica should be using their dealer network to manage this. M8 owners should not have to mail their cameras back, they should be able to drop it off to their dealer and get it repaired, free of postal charges and having to arrange shipment themselves.
Ian

Problem is that a lot of people bought on-line.
For instance shipping to Solms is for me a shorter distance than shipping to the camera store
So i would loose time shipping to dealer first.
THat is true for everybody who does not live near his camera-store!

 

[iml]

Problem is that a lot of people bought on-line.

Fair enough. One of the disadvantages of not buying stuff from a real shop

Ian

 

[jaapv]

I just do not believe in that 30% off lens deal?
I do not need a new lens .. in fact perhaps plan selling some .. how do they plan to compensate me???
Some might even argue it's a selling trick!

You could help somebody out. I have the same problem. If I would need a lens (which I don't) I would buy used, at an even lower price.
GAS would dictate a Noctilux- but for me that would not make much sense.

 

[Nachkebia]

10 days + another 5 or 8 days for traveling around, maaan some geeks going to miss there little digital toys, excpecialy on the weekends in the park

 

[rxmd]

Leica should reimburse M8 owners for the lost in monetary value of the camera during the initial part of ownership in which they're not able to use the camera because it is being sent back n' forth across the world...

And when Mercedes do recalls, they should reimburse Mercedes owners for the loss in monetary value of the car during the time that the car is undergoing repair, and all of this of course in addition to shelling out some free gadgets and giving 30% off the next Mercedes. Not to talk about compensation for the possible value of all the pictures that the M8 owner might have taken during this time (and brick walls count double!)

 

[ywenz]

And when Mercedes do recalls, they should reimburse Mercedes owners for the loss in monetary value of the car during the time that the car is undergoing repair, and all of this of course in addition to shelling out some free gadgets and giving 30% off the next Mercedes. Not to talk about compensation for the possible value of all the pictures that the M8 owner might have taken during this time (and brick walls count double!)

Do the Merc owners get a loaner car while their's is in the shop? I would hope the owners are granted such treatment. Instead of shipping the car back to sttutgart, the owners can usually drop the car off at their local dealer down the street.

Since there isn't another digital alternative from Leica while the M8s are being serviced, Leica should compentsate the owners in some other way... and I'm not talking about the 30% off of MSRP...

 

[rxmd]

Do the Merc owners get a loaner car while their's is in the shop? I would hope the owners are granted such treatment. [...] Since there isn't another digital alternative from Leica while the M8s are being serviced,

Of course there is. It's called the M8.

If you need that camera professionally, I guess you can figure something out with customer service. That's why they suggest that you can arrange a time period for it to undergo repairs whenever it's most convenient for you. If you need that camera 100% of the time, try asking for a loan camera in the meantime, I guess Leica is in a pretty cooperative mood at the moment and could use some good publicity, so chances aren't bad. If you have an M8 that you don't need full-time, the only reason I see for complaining is trying to scrounge some cash off Leica (in addition to free gadgets + discounts). The argument that the camera loses value during the two weeks or so in transit is pretty nonsensical anyway. If value is all you are concerned with, keep your early unfixed M8, chances are it'll become a collector's item anyway.

If, like me, you don't have an M8 at all, let's leave the complaining to people who do.

Instead of shipping the car back to sttutgart, the owners can usually drop the car off at their local dealer down the street.

Yeah, because it's kind of inconvenient to put a car in a cardboard box and have the UPS deliveryman pick it up at your doorstep.

Philipp

 

[ywenz]

If you have an M8 that you don't need full-time, the only reason I see for complaining is trying to scrounge some cash off Leica (in addition to free gadgets + discounts).

What is with the apologist attitude for Leica? scrounge!? Accepting $5000 from reasonable people in exchange for a well-aware flawed product is more like scrounging in my opinion...

free gadgets? a piece of glass is not a gadget, no one will be geeked out over a piece of glass... The discount is merely an in-store credit.

I basically feel that the early adopter should get more compentsation for going thru the trouble involved of getting the camera fixed.

 

[Sparrow]

In Leica’s defence, and thats not like me, a product launch when you have such a small range must be a nightmare, falling sales on the current line-up for months before hand all that R and D/marketing/advertising to finance, and a very “fixed cost” operation to start with, I bet their January cash flow forecast looked like a black-hole without some sales in November

 

[RML]

Oh boy, another M8 thread becoming stale and tedious!

 

[Ash]

This whole thing reminds me of the iPod problems. Apple 'promptly' addressed problems and arranged courier pick up and drop-off of affected items, (for example when batteries were known to overheat in the iBooks or when iPods were malfunctioning).

Besides, those 'discount' things, if legit, will be in the form of a voucher, so you could sell the voucher on the bay

 

[rxmd]

This whole thing reminds me of the iPod problems. Apple 'promptly' addressed problems and arranged courier pick up and drop-off of affected items, (for example when batteries were known to overheat in the iBooks or when iPods were malfunctioning).

You might want to read the Apple Product Cycle (http://www.misterbg.org/AppleProductCycle/), it's quite funny and bears more than slight resemblance to the whole M8 thing. We're currently in the phase where it says "Electronic petitions are created demanding that Apple replace the devices for free, plus pay..."

Besides, those 'discount' things, if legit, will be in the form of a voucher, so you could sell the voucher on the bay

Or arrange with someone on RFF that you buy a new lens in Solms for him and you split the difference, or something.

Philipp

 

[John Camp]

I think Leica is being fair. Early adopters know that they might have to pay a little more, one way or another -- or they should know that, since almost no new electronic product ever comes out without a few problems. Furthermore -- I can't think of any way to say this delicately -- if you are a professional photographer and you ditched your entire former system to adopt the M8 in the first week it came out, and you depend soley on the M8 working perfectly to keep your livelihood, you're an idiot.

The over-heating Mac batteries are an entirely different kind of problem. An overheating battery could destroy the whole notebook or, at the worst, cause a fire that burns down a house, or a dormitory, and kills people, or whatever BAD THING Steve Job's imagination could conjure up. I suspect Apple was desperate to get those babies back.

With the M8, at the worst, you have to suck up a little magenta. That's a problem several orders of magnitude smaller than Apple's.

JC

 

[roblumba]

Free stuff

Free stuff

They should provide a high speed 2 gig SD card or grip and batteries for you guys who don't need a 30% discount on a lens. A 30% discount can easily be around a $750. Heck, they should just send you $750, like a rebate check.

Like some of these guys said, if you don't need the 30% discount, it's like they didn't give you anything.
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