Very Disappointed with Leica QC

[faris]

Thanks X-Ray. I do not rule out that I am a little thick at times. However having
handled various nikons and 35 of their lenses in sandstorms and heat, I have not had one fail on me due to internal problems Sandblasted, yes. sensor damaged
yes. plastic melted yes ( but d70s kept on shooting albeit holding was an issue! )

Not one from d70s/d80/d200/d2x and the best nikkor lenses from 17 to 200mm failed me.

i love my m8, but cannot condone shoddy and cheap workmanship or qc.

Faris:

I could'nt agree more about their QC. I've had 4 recent lenses with mechanical problems and my new MP is back in NJ because the shutter doesn't cap properly. My 50 asph summilux has focus problems and is at DAG and my 90 asph had to go back for binding in the focusing mount. My 50 summicron would bind at 3ft and the 35mm summicron v4 would wobble in the focusing mount. Terrible QC.

None of my Zeiss lenses, 25 35 and Planar, have had any problems and they have had just as much use. My ZI has functioned perfectly and had as much film through it as my MP a la carte that's back at NJ. I have two other new MP's so let's see how they do.

Looking at the leica QC I can honestly say I will never buy another recent or new leica product. From posting comments on the board it looks as though capping problems may be common on the MP and focusing moubnt problems are common in the asph summilux 50. Bad designs and terrible QC don't add up to the prices they charge.

 

[faris]

Bob, thanks. I am annoyed that their best seem to give the most problems.
of course sending to solms in itself is an issue.

I guess if it works, it is excellent.

Very sorry to hear of your and others troubles with new Leica products. I would be slightly more than annoyed had it happened to me. You are paying for perfection, at least that seems to be the old saw, and you should get it first time every time. I am very fortunate not to be in a position that I could afford to take a chance on such a disappointment.

Bob

 

[Taipei-metro]

This whole thread and all the negative follow-ups started because a user did not read the manual. "Fursan" (=Faris) started with almost the exact same wording in the Leica forum - check out: http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-m8-forum/33337-leica-quality-disappointing-very-disappointing.html

Why are people so trigger-happy without checking how the equipment should be used?

- Erling MM

You need to read an instruction manual to take out the hood?

 

[faris]

Ben, thanks for your concern. my dealer has given me a person to address it to
in solms. these lenses seem to be hard to come by.

I am sure leica workplace ethics and staff must be top-notch. maybe i was
just unlucky ( or stupid ). but i know when something is jammed tight
and when it needs technique to release.

as they say the best lenses from others go to 95..leica goes to 97, and
therefore it is costly. guess the cost should include them getting their
qc to 97 at least and not fall behind..no?

Ouch! The good thing is, since it just arrived your dealer should handle this for you and exchange it for another one, i.e. you shouldn't have to send it back to be serviced and wait months. It really is pretty mind-boggling that kind of glaring defect got out of the factory. I've been there for a tour, it's pretty small and definitely a class act. Clean, neat, not overcrowded, everyone in labcoats (and caps and gloves and masks where appropriate for dust control), no music blaring from radios, i.e. the workers looked pretty serious, not like they were having a party or with their eyes on the clock or minds on happy hour. Maybe your lens was damaged somewhere after it left the factory? Anyway, hope it gets straightened out.

 

[faris]

Nick, thanks. i am being blamed for not having read the manual ( instruction
leaflet..what nonsense. )

take care.

Wow! Has Leica subcontracted the manufacture of their lenses to the FSU? Then again, that's not a fair statement since I have three FSU cameras and seven FSU lenses in both small and medium format, and every stinkin one of them worked without issue (except I flocked my Kiev 60 and put a piece of tape over the DOF lever on the 80mm Arsat to prevent a light-leak...). For what you pay for these lenses - beyond top dollar, this is completely unacceptable! I also find it unacceptable that you need to slap an IR filter on their M8 to prevent unwanted "wood effect". I don't "feel your pain" since Leica is out of my price range, but I don't blame you for being PO'd. I'd be!

 

[faris]

or maybe this is within their statistical tolerance for this lens!

Olden day Leica was like the olden days' German cars that were bullet proof.. Modern Leica is on par with Modern German automobile makers in the reliability of their products.. both sub par.

Perhaps it's the laxed culture now that they have a brand name established?

 

[faris]

I am sure leica will sort this out. maybe i was the designated unlucky
recipient!

Sherry Krauter says the Leica company today is not the same as E. Leitz from years past. Literally we all know that's true, but in practice, the same also seems to apply with some of the complaints I've read on their QC. ONTH, I've not had bad luck with most of their recent products, new or used and with passport warranty, I'd expect replacement with no questions asked. Other manufactures would simply repair it if over a few weeks old assuming it wasn't gray market.

 

[LeicaTom]

The "true" Leica Camera died with the M6 (first version)

1980`s and 90`s Leica`s are the LAST TRUE QUALITY BUILT ITEMS from Wetzlar.....
I`d NEVER buy a M7 or M8 it`s a waste of money

Leica`s compact digital`s are all built by Panasonic now and they have been getting good rabbat.....I`m considering a D-LUX 3 for a high end P&S but I`d never buy anything new from the M series
- just my opinion

Tom

 

[faris]

Erling,

Please do not presume on my behalf and ascribe to me what i did or did not
do, because you would have no way of knowing.

I have indeed posted a memo in the leica forum. why not? this is
what happened to me today and i am just writing about it. i do not
need to change my narrative of my experience with my brand new
'lux m 50/1.4 asph today.

I did read the ' instructions booklet' rather than the manual and had
the foldout diagram in front of me.

Just because a piece of leica equipment i had purchased had a problem
and i mentioned it...no need to go leica defending.

i have other leica lenses and the m8 ( my first leica and rff adventure ) and
most of the equipment is a joy to possess and us.

except of course my other 'lux 50 m asph because it has focussing
problems.

nothing to do with the manual or hood this time!

This whole thread and all the negative follow-ups started because a user did not read the manual. "Fursan" (=Faris) started with almost the exact same wording in the Leica forum - check out: http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-m8-forum/33337-leica-quality-disappointing-very-disappointing.html

Why are people so trigger-happy without checking how the equipment should be used?

- Erling MM

 

[Harry Lime]

Ok, here is a quick question. Did you unlock the hood before trying to remove it?

Anyhow, sorry to hear about your troubles. This whole QC issue is starting to remind me of buying Canon lenses...

 

[faris]

Unless you want to bring down the wrath of leica manual editors!

You need to read an instruction manual to take out the hood?

 

[faris]

Tom, aren't you being a little harsh here. sure equipment fails ( maybe more now
than previously ), but for a newcomer to rff and leica, baring the heartaches,
it has been a joy to use my equipment.

with my limited experience of leica, i cannot judge other leica equipment
except the one i own.

The "true" Leica Camera died with the M6 (first version)

1980`s and 90`s Leica`s are the LAST TRUE QUALITY BUILT ITEMS from Wetzlar.....
I`d NEVER buy a M7 or M8 it`s a waste of money

Leica`s compact digital`s are all built by Panasonic now and they have been getting good rabbat.....I`m considering a D-LUX 3 for a high end P&S but I`d never buy anything new from the M series
- just my opinion

Tom

 

[erlingmm]

You need to read an instruction manual to take out the hood?

Me, usually no, I treat expensive stuff like Leica lenses with some caution. But if you pull (hard) where there should be a twist, it is obvoiusly necessary to read the manual first. Check the thread I pointed to.

- ErlingMM

 

[faris]

i had the instruction booklet foldout open and went down 1. cap, 2. hood.
3. lens. followed it to the 'L'.

take care.

Ok, here is a quick question. Did you unlock the hood before trying to remove it?

Anyhow, sorry to hear about your troubles. This whole QC issue is starting to remind me of buying Canon lenses...

 

[chuckcars]

Now, please do not get mad, you gotta cope with it. Who is your dealer? I would get an RMA to get both lenses back. Leica factory will make it right. Somewhere along the way it got mishandled, you need to find the exact cause. Best to you.

 

[faris]

Chuck, thanks. it happened yesterday. now just have to get it back on my m8.

best.

Now, please do not get mad, you gotta cope with it. Who is your dealer? I would get an RMA to get both lenses back. Leica factory will make it right. Somewhere along the way it got mishandled, you need to find the exact cause. Best to you.

 

[faris]

Thank you Leica CS, Solms

Thank you Leica CS, Solms

Following on re: my 'lux 35, I contacted Solms Customer Service. Explained
my issue. The CS gentleman who handled my query was courteous, friendly,
and helpful.

I was told to fedex my lens to Solms and that they would sort out the problem.

While we complain when things go wrong, we should also be thank those
that are prepared to sort out your problem in a very courteous and friendly and
professional manner.

Thank you Leica CS, Solms for your help.

 

[chuckcars]

faris, very glad to hear this. One step at a time. I truly believe Leica stands behind their products. You are working with them and that is good.

 

[shadowfox]

Too bad, Faris. This is tough luck.
Who needs new lenses?
I prefer using vintage lenses that others have tried out.

Raid, that's a good advice, as far as Leica lenses are concerned, I think they are built to last, so it's quite prudent to get a gently used ones to minimize the possibilities of DOA.

 

[shadowfox]

Following on re: my 'lux 35, I contacted Solms Customer Service. Explained
my issue. The CS gentleman who handled my query was courteous, friendly,
and helpful.

I was told to fedex my lens to Solms and that they would sort out the problem.

While we complain when things go wrong, we should also be thank those
that are prepared to sort out your problem in a very courteous and friendly and
professional manner.

Thank you Leica CS, Solms for your help.

Thank you?? I think you deserve at least a coupon for 20% off the next lens purchase 😀