why do you care...

[Roger Hicks]

You expect at least the same level of service from Leica on a return or exchange that you get at Wal-mart if you buy a defective mp3 player.

I'd not disagree for an instant, but in the UK and Germany, that's what you'd get. When I had the problem with the 35/1.4 Summilux, 25 years ago (the ONLY problem I've had with new Leica gear, incidentally) a rather bored young man said, "Yes, it'll take three weeks to fix.

" I replied, no it f***ing won't, it'll take return of post to replace." And it did.

(After he had said, "There'd no need to be like that, sir," and I had replied, "Clearly, there is.")

Leica hoist that firmly on board and their returns policy is a LOT better nowadays. Or at least, so I am told, though as I have not had prblems, I don't know.

Cheers,

R.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

My Argus/Cosina STL1000 still works just fine. It is built good-enough. The Pentax 85/4.5 Ultra-Achromat goes well with it. It's the best that optical technology of the day could offer. Both are pushing 40.

 

[photogdave]

If you buy a Canon 1D whatever or an M8 and it is immediately defective your dealer will replace it right away if they have the stock to do so. If they don't it has to go back to the supplier and you have to wait for a new one.
If you've had the camera for a few weeks and a problem comes up, then the dealer shouldn't be obliged to give you a new one. It has to go to the supplier for evaluation.
The only way you will get a replacement 1D camera inside 24 hours is if you belong to Canon Professional service. If you're a regular Joe like most of us you'll be waiting a few weeks, just like with Leica.

 

[photogdave]

I bought, personally, a Canon G5 several years ago that died after several days. Took it back to the dealer who handed me a new one. I would expect a dealer in $5,000 camera bodies to be able to do the same.

Which is right in line with what I posted.