Patience and well wishes for Leica in New Jersey

[enboe]

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I was watching the news today about the gasoline shortage in New Jersey and thought it would be worthwhile to post a message of well wishes for the Leica U.S. staff in Allendale. I have not heard how their area was impacted by the storm, and would like to hear from anyone local, in the know, how things are there. I'm sure their staff also has some commute, and my well wishes extend to them, their families, and their communities as well as they recover from the wealther-driven events of the past week.

 

For us awaiting new product releases, shipments, or repairs, I can only speak for myself, but I want to say I understand. Your loyal customer(s) are patiently waiting so you can tend to any matters that need attention.

 

Eric Boe

Long Beach, CA

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[Erik Gunst Lund]

Our friends living in Hoboken New Jersey report that they have temporarily moved to a hotel on Manhattan, their home is without power, heat and hot water... estimated one week before returning...

[CalArts 99]

Allendale is in northern NJ (Bergen County; the Saddle River area) and away from the shoreline (unlike Hoboken.) A family friend from that area said that the main issue was fallen trees and power outages. The major roads leading in and out of Allendale were blocked by trees the day after the storm. But now the problem is getting fuel for daily commutes. The lines at gas stations are huge. Getting power back up at the refineries and terminals is part of the issue plus there are still gas stations and other businesses without power. About 75% of the gas stations in northern NJ either don't have power and/or gasoline to sell.

 

Leica NJ says that they will back in operation on Monday for product shipment, etc.. But I'm sure getting to work for any long distance commuting employees will be not so pleasant for a while.

[stuny]

There is no mass transit near the Leica NJ facility -- Staff members must drive, and as you see from the above comments, gasoline is in very short supply, and the governor has enacted rationing much like after the "shortage" of 1973, during which cars carrying even numbered license plates can buy fuel on even numbered days.

 

Everyplace I've driven in northern NJ (a limited sample size) has experienced a huge number of downed trees, power lines and communication lines. Additionally, flooding in power substations increased the outages. News media suggests that full power restoration won't be achieved for another week to ten days.

[michael friedberg]

I have an M9 and lens in for repair in New Jersey since early September. The repair was scheduled to be completed at the end of October, with shipment a few days later. Due to Sandy I have no idea as to status.

 

Leica in Facebook has been helpful, but there's still no word. I was told that this Monday, the 12th, customers will be contacted.

 

Is anyone similarly situated? Does anyone have any news?

 

Thanks in advance.

[michael friedberg]

They must be back in business. On the 12th I received a call and today I received the camera body and lens back.