Jump to content

Leica M-D262 durability


neekon

Recommended Posts

Advertisement (gone after registration)

So, I got stranded in a rain storm today and my bag zipper failed, my Brand new M-D262 feel on the concrete and has a nasty scuff near the function button.  No water got in as far as I can tell and it functions and takes photos.  What I am curious about is, the rangefinder by all accounts looks fine, but I think its off.  Does anyone know how much a top plate for the M-D is and how much Rangefinder calibration is?  I live near the Allendale NJ center so I can bring it in and wait.  Surprised the camera still seems to work, made very well, and not sure I will ever question the weather sealing of it again.

 

 

Link to post
Share on other sites

I have been doing some focus tests and when using it, the rangefinder seems to line up perfectly, but when importing the photos into my computer, they seem to be a bit soft at 100%.  I definitely need to get it looks at just for piece of mind. 

Link to post
Share on other sites

Did the camera have lens on at the time?

Anyway, focus and shoot at the minimum distance, at infinity (the moon will do) and at distances inbetween 5, 10, 15, 25m and inspect the images in LR. That's what I would do. But being the way I am, I'd still send it in for investigation / repair. Everything I've read indicates to me that the RF is optimised for a 50mm lens, so use the 50 at maximum aperture, f1.4 or whatever it is for your set up.

Link to post
Share on other sites

There was a lens on it at the time, dented teh filter ring on my UV filter, took some elbow grease to get it off.  I will do some tests and see what how it looks.  I am going to call Leica tomorrow and see what the time frame and estimated cost is.  I just got the camera friday so I would hate to be without it for too long.

Link to post
Share on other sites

so did a test, looks like at close focus its fine, but as I get closer to infinite, it starts to get out of focus.

 

idk if its the lens for the body, and I dont have another lens to test it with.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Advertisement (gone after registration)

So let's try to split the problem in two -- camera vs. lens.

 

Ignoring the rangefinder for a moment, with the lens at the infinity stop are things still soft for far-away objects? Since the lenses are calibrated to have infinity coincide with the hard stop if the images are soft then something's out of whack with the lens. If they are sharp, but the rangefinder is off, then it's the RF adjustment. (Which, if you're brave, you can likely fix yourself with a 2mm allen wrench)

 

The bit about optimized for 50mm is a touch misleading. It's calibrated for the focusing throw of a 50mm lens; the other lenses are geared such that the RF is coupled as though it were a 50mm lens. (e.g. a 28mm lens barely needs to move, but the RF interface moves way more than the lens -- the opposite for longer lenses)

 

What lens are you using anyway?

  • Like 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

So I tried focusing to infinite and its soft, it appears to be soft many different focus distances.  I can test it when i get home from work on my A7sII to rule out the rangefinder being off. I can leaning toward it being the lens due to the fact that the filter was bent and and stuck on the lens and its very possible the initial impact was the lens.  I am still going to see about sending it to leica for a once over and replacing the top plate.  

Link to post
Share on other sites

Your method of testing may be to blame for any softness, so aperture used, hand held or on a tripod, skill in post processing an image, etc. all come into question. If it is your first digital Leica for example you may still not know what a normal image looks like straight out of the camera, the lenses can fool people into thinking they aren't sharp simply because they have less contrast than some other makes. So if you can verify it is OK carry on using it, Leica's are tough although you should try not to drop them, but if it works it works so don't be panicked by suppositions.

 

 

 

Steve

Edited by 250swb
Link to post
Share on other sites

Steve-

 Not my first Digital Leica had M8.2,M9, M240 and the MM v1,  I do think my testing was flawed, handheld in not the best light.  I will do some during the day with the sun out on a tripod, also going to test the lens separately on a Sony A7sII.  I am aware they are tough this experience has shown me how tough them can be, falling a few feet onto concrete in the rain and as far as I can tell still working, but I will still get it looked at, the function button is sticking a bit and would like the piece of mind.  

 

Yale

Link to post
Share on other sites

So it wasnt a camera bag that failed.  I was on my way into work using this small messenger bag I have that perfectly fits my laptop and a few other things, its about 10 years old but had served me quite well until yesterday.  

Link to post
Share on other sites

So, I got stranded in a rain storm today and my bag zipper failed, my Brand new M-D262 feel on the concrete and has a nasty scuff near the function button.  No water got in as far as I can tell and it functions and takes photos.  What I am curious about is, the rangefinder by all accounts looks fine, but I think its off.  Does anyone know how much a top plate for the M-D is and how much Rangefinder calibration is?  I live near the Allendale NJ center so I can bring it in and wait.  Surprised the camera still seems to work, made very well, and not sure I will ever question the weather sealing of it again.

zipper on bottom of bag or were you holding up side down ?

 

I carry a small garbage bag for rain, but most of my LowePro bags a built in "raincoat".  You get what you pay for in bags.

 

I would not count on a top plate being in stock.

Link to post
Share on other sites

The zipper is on the top to the sides.  I am also doubting the top plate will be in stock, however if its only the top plate and the rangefinder, and the top plate will take 3-4weeks to get in stock, i will probably opt to not get it replaced, the brassing provides character.  

Usually I would use a better camera bag, but this was a last minute solution due to unexpected rain.  Oh well, as they say, stuff happens and luckily it likely can be repaired

Link to post
Share on other sites

I dropped my M after owning it for a week. The lens hood was bent and there were scratches on the top plate. Leica repaired lens and camera for 600€, I asked them to keep the scratched top plate to serve as a constant reminder to me. The mount on the camera needed straightening and the lens adjusting. Nothing happened to the rangefinder.

  • Like 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

Dont cameras sild in the USA come with a warranty to repair even if damage is a result of user error?

 

The camera US Passport warranty that covered accidental damage was discontinued around 2008, replaced by the standard 2 year warranty.  Leica may make exceptions, but I don't believe the standard policy covers accidental damage.

 

It's exactly for reasons like this that I always advise users to buy personal insurance that covers all circumstances that the warranty does not, including loss or damage, worldwide.  These policies are available by various US carriers as special itemized riders to homeowner policies, for relatively low costs and often no deductible.  Gives me peace of mind.

 

Jeff

Edited by Jeff S
Link to post
Share on other sites

So, I got stranded in a rain storm today and my bag zipper failed, my Brand new M-D262 feel on the concrete and has a nasty scuff near the function button.  No water got in as far as I can tell and it functions and takes photos.  What I am curious about is, the rangefinder by all accounts looks fine, but I think its off.  Does anyone know how much a top plate for the M-D is and how much Rangefinder calibration is?  I live near the Allendale NJ center so I can bring it in and wait.  Surprised the camera still seems to work, made very well, and not sure I will ever question the weather sealing of it again.

 

Best thing to do is to hand it over to Leica for inspection, testing, and repair. It's a new camera, don't let a little mishap ruin your enjoyment of it. Whether the warranty covers it is questionable, but Leica USA has always been very accommodating with their service in my experience. 

Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...