What would you do?

[fingroupb]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Hi --

 

First post here. A couple of weeks ago, I saw that Amazon had a dozen X1s in stock. I decided to sleep on it and, when I checked the next morning, they had five remaining so I pulled the trigger.

 

Earlier this week, I received the X1. It's a beautiful instrument, perfect for what I want to do.

 

However, someone has obviously taken a screwdriver to the dials on top. There is a small bright mark in the slot of the shutter speed dial, which I could probably live with. But on the aperture dial, not only is there a bright mark in the slot, but the screwdriver obviously slipped, and there is a mark on the top of the screw as well. Clearly, this X1 is a return.

 

I have gone through the process of notifying Amazon that the camera has cosmetic damage and I wish an exchange. But they have no more. And neither does anyone else. There seemed to be a raft of X1s available a couple of weeks ago, perhaps a batch of refurbs were released, though I can't believe the repair facility would let this go out in this condition.

 

I am now wondering if I should just keep this and try to convince Leica repair to replace the screws. Anybody experience anything like this?

[BB W]

I would definitely not keep the camera. From my point of view, if I order something new it should be new.

 

I would return it for full money back and shipping included.

 

Here is a very handy site for tracking and notifications re what's in stock: NowInStock.net Product Availability Tracker and In Stock Notification System You can also call other well known camera stores.. I've never used Popflash but they're supposed to be great and have an affiliation here, I believe. B&H Photo is also very good.

 

I know it's tough to send it back but it should be perfect.

[wda]

fingroupb, you are caught over a barrel! As they are in such short supply and you are clearly happy with the camera, why not negotiate with Amazon and offer to seek Leica's agreement to remedy the faults. If that is not possible then only you can decide whether to return it or keep it.

 

I have not read about such damage on arrival, although one British member had to return his new camera because of an obvious defect on the lens front.

[BB W]

David's made good suggestions. If you can get Leica to agree and everything else falls into place, that might be a way to go.

[Rusted Chrome]

fingroupb, you are caught over a barrel! As they are in such short supply and you are clearly happy with the camera, why not negotiate with Amazon and offer to seek Leica's agreement to remedy the faults. If that is not possible then only you can decide whether to return it or keep it.

 

I have not read about such damage on arrival, although one British member had to return his new camera because of an obvious defect on the lens front.

 

Amazon is very good about replacing or refunding any item for any reason, even if you just changed your mind about it. They will not, however, negotiate or haggle. It's refund or replace for the same item only.

[Danielsan]

there is a mark in the slit of the screw? i never checked that but isnt it normal that the screwdriver leaves some marks on screws, i mean every screw must be screwed in with a tool. Or u mean that they used to much force in doing so? the marks are not on the wheels?

 

Amazon sometimes send used stuff to me as well, last week i received a sigma DP1s from them and somebody used that dp1 and the manuals before me. By the way the IQ os the DP1s is not bad, the differences between X1 are not so big in good weather.

[phancj]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

there is a mark in the slit of the screw? i never checked that but isnt it normal that the screwdriver leaves some marks on screws, i mean every screw must be screwed in with a tool. Or u mean that they used to much force in doing so? the marks are not on the wheels?

 

Amazon sometimes send used stuff to me as well, last week i received a sigma DP1s from them and somebody used that dp1 and the manuals before me. By the way the IQ os the DP1s is not bad, the differences between X1 are not so big in good weather.

 

Yes, the IQ on the DP(in my case DP2s) is not bad, good colors and all but the file sizes are way too small for effective extensive PP.

[Danielsan]

thats true, pictures are only good for very small prints but its enough for my father, i bought it for him cause it was down to 250 euro at amazon and i sold his half a year old Fuji F200EXR on ebay. So he had to pay only 90 euro, not bad because the DP1s is way better then F200EXR. He still wants his pictures printed in 4x6 inch, so the dp1s is very good.

[andybarton]

Getting this thread back on topic...

 

X1s are free stock in dealers in the UK, all of whom will ship world-wide. It would be worthwhile getting a quote from one of them and returning the damaged one to Amazon for a refund. You could have a new one in your hands by the end of the week.

[fingroupb]

there is a mark in the slit of the screw? i never checked that but isnt it normal that the screwdriver leaves some marks on screws, i mean every screw must be screwed in with a tool. Or u mean that they used to much force in doing so? the marks are not on the wheels?

 

Amazon sometimes send used stuff to me as well, last week i received a sigma DP1s from them and somebody used that dp1 and the manuals before me. By the way the IQ os the DP1s is not bad, the differences between X1 are not so big in good weather.

 

I didn't check it per se as much as the light caught it. I noticed it straight away upon unpacking. Took all the enjoyment out of the unboxing!

 

You can turn a screw without marring it if you use the correct tool and are careful. The bright marks are about half the size of the slot so they used a too-small screwdriver, perhaps something for eyeglasses.

 

No matter, I've returned it, citing cosmetic damage, and requested a full refund. Hopefully Amazon will not think I did it and process the refund with no problems. And I hope they don't put it back in stock to be sold new again! Now I just have to wait until I find one in stock, this time locally I think.

 

Did you return the DP1 or keep it?

[davidhunternyc]

What really ires me about Leica is; why did they powder coat the metal screws? This is asinine! They should know that people are going to go in and try to tighten the screws, especially because they are so loose. I wish that Leica did not powder coat any of the metal parts at all. Poor design decision.

[phancj]

Every time I read certain threads like this I am curious if Leica retailers are different depending on which parts of the globe. Here in SE Asia, the large camera retailer reserved a piece for me and i think I was one of the first to get it in Feb. Packaging is immaculate, the X1 was boxed and packed like it was a fine watch or jewelry and the experience was great.

 

Then I read disturbing threads like this where cameras are already damaged upon reaching buyers....hmmmm.....maybe luckily here the camera stores do NOT have return clauses?

[jankap]

Is that an advantage for the buyer or for the dealer?

Of course - also in Europe - a buyer should get a product, that is new or new equivalent.

The dealer has the responsibility to manage this.

At Leica during the Quality Assurance damaged screws will be found too, these cameras go back into the production. The same procedure should be followed by the dealer.

A buyer does not have the right to repair a camera without informing the dealer.

 

In other areas things are more difficult, for instance with dogs. A dog, that is handled wrong, cannot be repaired (in severe cases).

Jan

[jsrockit]

Sounds like someone didn't like the "loose" dials and tried to tighten them... lol. Fools. Yeah, return it and wait for a new one.

[phancj]

Is that an advantage for the buyer or for the dealer?

Of course - also in Europe - a buyer should get a product, that is new or new equivalent.

The dealer has the responsibility to manage this.

At Leica during the Quality Assurance damaged screws will be found too, these cameras go back into the production. The same procedure should be followed by the dealer.

A buyer does not have the right to repair a camera without informing the dealer.

 

In other areas things are more difficult, for instance with dogs. A dog, that is handled wrong, cannot be repaired (in severe cases).

Jan

 

I like my gadgets brand new, so since in ALL cases I always do enough homework I have never have been disappointed. I wouldnt like a set that has been used and returned, to me thats hardly new and I should be paying used price for it.

 

So yes, I see a non-return policy as beneficial to me. if I dont like it thereafter I sell it as used.

[rigbydigby]

I had almost the same issue but it was with Adorama Camera. I ordered an X1 and I inspected the box and it looked like it was already opened. Also the plastic bag the camera was wrapped in was totally wrinkled and looked as though someone just put it in the bag and laid it back in the box. When inspecting the camera there was a ding on the edge just about the shutter button. And lastly I put the battery in and noticed the buffer was full, and when I check the pictures there were four pictures of some sales staff and of the camera store. I was a demo. I sent it back immediately.