Two problems with M7 (rangefinder, flare)

[peter_n]

I just checked Warranty card, camera was bought in 12/12/05 therefore it is still in warranty, thought on the page were should be writen name and address of buyer is blank (not filled) does this mean I can fill this and take it to my local leica ditributor?

No Vladimer. It is only useful if you are in America. I bought a new 90/2.0 ASPH from Popflash in January and it was a UK Passport lens but it came with a one year Popflash warranty.

 

[Nachkebia]

one year popflash warranty comes usualy with used products, it was used or new?

 

[Nachkebia]

does anyone know what is the turn around time for DAG? do they have big waiting list? Thanks

 

[Ken Ford]

If you email Don (DAG), he may be able to fit you in if you explain your situation. Also, it's very likely that the camera was properly adjusted when it was sent to you - shipping is hell on RF alignment.

 

[Nachkebia]

Yes Ken, I am planning to call them up today, phone would make things even faster 🙂

 

[Huck Finn]

To one degree or another, flare has been an issue with all Leica viewfinders from the M2 to the M7. It has to do with the internal construction of the rangefinder mirrors & the angles at which they are set. After the M3, Leica made a decision to save cost & to adopt a cheaper rangefinder design. I agree that this is unforgivable in a $3500 camera.

Erwin Puts explains the issues with flare & the Leica rangefinder design in the Engineering section of his Leica pages.

See www.imx.nl/photosite/leica/technics/RFbasics/rfissues.html.

Puts also discusses the issue in his review of the Zeiss Ikon on the same site (www.imx.nl) as he compares the more complex & flare free rangefinder design of the ZI with that of the Leica M system.

 

[Nachkebia]

ZI is indeed flare free, thanks for great info

 

[35mmdelux]

aligning the RF is a simple procedure. I haven't needed to do so because none of my Leicas have ever been off. Check the Pnet archives for the procedure.

Flare is another issue. Most Leica cognocenti know about the M7 flare and part of buying such a camera is knowing what number and above to buy.

Mine fortunately came w/ the newer MP VF. Good Luck -

 

[Nachkebia]

Called DAG today, had a very pleasent talk with customs, they promised to replace and fix missalignment without any waiting time, so I think I am relax now, thanks everybody for your input!

 

[peter_n]

one year popflash warranty comes usualy with used products, it was used or new?

Let me put it this way, they are described as used but they are not. There is a gray area there, if you get my meaning... 🙂