Final update on R8 and tripod thread problem

[andybarton]

Some of you may recall an issue I had in the Spring with damage to my R8 caused by an over-long tripod head-plate thread.

I am pleased to say that the tripod manufacturer, their UK distributor and I have today arrived at a mutually satisfactory settlement.

It's very pleasing when someone takes customer service seriously, as both manufacturers have done in this case. Restores one's faith in the companies that we deal with.

[rob_x2004]

That is good to hear Andy. It doesnt spare me the disappointment that the problem you had could have such far reaching consequences on the operation of the camera. I really think Leica should do some soul searching with stuff like this. It isn't like you were treating the camera with a hammer.

[andybarton]

Rob

It wasn't Leica's fault...

[masjah]

Andy

I'm very pleased indeed to hear this.

What I'm equally interested in is how this problem can be avoided in the future by other users - including your good self - with the particular plate system you have. (You may recall that I have the same manufacturer's tripod, but with an alternative plate system that tightens in a two stage process with a locking collar, so I guess I'm lucky here.)

[andybarton]

The problem can be avoided by making sure you have a plate made after Jan 2006.

If you have an older one, ask your local distributor for a replacement. This is obviously a "known issue" here in the UK, and in Italy too, since this problem has been refered back to Head Office.

The fact that they reduced the thread length on post-Jan 2006 plates is testament to the fact that they must have been aware that the threads did not previously comply with ISO standards.