US M9 warranty?

[Denton]

Hi folks,

Couldn't find a thread or info on what sort of abuse is covered on the M9 warranty. I'm wondering whether I need to pick up any additional coverage from the retailer?

Denton

 

[tele_player]

Simple - no abuse is covered.
Even ignoring that aspect, the warranty is weak and poorly documented online.
In my opinion - given the cost of the product, and the claimed quality, the warranty should be for a reasonable expected product lifetime (maybe 5 years), should be transferable, and the warranty should be unambiguously viewable on the Leica website.

 

[Beemermark]

I'd suggest you call Leica if you have a warranty issue. I have found them extremely helpful. They repaired my M7 for free even though it was second hand and no warranty was provided. They also upgraded the finder and film code reader for no cost.

I know a number of companies that offer no warranty but will still offer excellent free repair service for defects on new and used.

As far as abuse, what are you planning to do? Use it as a hammer? If damaged thru an accident - dropping it off the roof, running over it with your car, etc then you are covered by your home (or renters) owners insurance policy.

 

[tele_player]

Yes, there are different warranties in different countries - the specifics should be readable online, rather than relying on a camera salesman's interpretation.

Certainly, there are plenty of anecdotes about Leica USA providing service well beyond what's stated in the warranty. However, for very expensive items, with very expensive repair costs, with a single source for parts, with very limited service facilities, stories about Leica USA going 'above and beyond' don't really help when trying to manage the risk of owning an M9.

Currently, Leica doesn't have 'Passport' on cameras in the US. Third-party coverage including accidental damage is available. Expensive, but helps manage the risk.

 

[Denton]

Thanks for all the input. I don't intend to "abuse" the M9, which came today but would like to protect my working tools.

I've just sold four L-lenses and my 5DMII to pay for the M9 and intend to use the camera for portraiture. So far the CV 75mm Heliar f1.8 has been quite nice for that on my M6 with Portra 400, although soft focus wide open. I'm anxious to see how it performs on the M9.

Denton

 

[jamato8]

The big factor will be checking the focus as the M9 and 8 are take a toll on lenses that are not calibrated exactly. I have had a 35 Summicron ASPH in 3 times and my 90 Summicron twice. My 90 2.8 was right on as is my 50 Summicron. Out of 5 M lenses, 3 were off for the M9.

 

[jaapv]

For a camera in this price range an insurance against accidental damage, loss and theft is not a bad thing to have. The factory warranty is worldwide btw and transferable, so if your USA warranty does not provide that you can always fall back on the factory warranty.

 

[Beemermark]

For a camera in this price range an insurance against accidental damage, loss and theft is not a bad thing to have. .

As I always say, a home owners policy covers all this and more. No special riders or declarations needed. Just keep reciepts and get replacement coverage. Cheap.