South Bird Posted July 7, 2014 Share #21 Posted July 7, 2014 Advertisement (gone after registration) I'm with 250swb. Take it and go take your time familiarizing yourself with the camera and lenses. I've bought two M cameras and a bunch of lenses and never had a problem. If there are issues, most likely they are subtle and you will only find them over time with a lot of use. On the internet you read the stories of those who buy and have issues. There are a few, but the people who have a good experience have no reason to post so you are dealing with a skewed sample. If something is wrong Leica will fix it. The downside is it may take a few weeks. Don't worry or pixel peep. Just get the stuff and start having fun shooting! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted July 7, 2014 Posted July 7, 2014 Hi South Bird, Take a look here List of checks prior to buying new Leica Gear. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
tundraline Posted July 7, 2014 Share #22 Posted July 7, 2014 I checked my M240s when new for banding issues (which if they exist, should show up in high ISO photos). I took photos at different progressively higher ISOs in a dark room with very little light. I did send one of my M240s bodies back to Leica for replacement after performing this test. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptZoom Posted July 7, 2014 Share #23 Posted July 7, 2014 It is nearly impossible to check focus properly without a proper setup. And no, a tape measure and tripod is not exact enough. The only reason to go and check focus is when your images turn out out of whack. And even then chances are there is operator error and/or an eyesight problem that went unnoticed before. Which is why I said radical or very obvious misalignments. Do run through this forum some time back and check the number of recent complaints regarding miscalibration of the M240 - virtually zeroNew lenses - virtually zero. And I also said that's is likely there will be no problems with the gear. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
250swb Posted July 7, 2014 Share #24 Posted July 7, 2014 And I also said that's is likely there will be no problems with the gear. Well yes, but in perspective the same old moans are coming from the same old people as if their experience is the rule. They haven't learned anything from having a bad experience, which would be that it is very rare, and want to make a fuss all over again and scare a new owner. What they get from this can only be imagined, hoping for some sort of 'I told you so' satisfaction maybe. But it's mean, it's selfish, and it's out of context with reality. Steve Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlashGordonPhotography Posted July 7, 2014 Share #25 Posted July 7, 2014 Yep. And the same old souls are saying to trust the gear to be perfect blindly. As if there are never problems at all. The OP clearly stated they're not going to be near a dealer for a year and would like to make sure things are at least OK before they leave. Leica gear is precision engineered and assembled by hand. It's suceptable to bumps and knocks. Things happen on the planes, trains and trucks between Wetzlar and the store. Next week I pick up a new camper trailer. The dealer has told me to leave three hours so they can show me everything and double check for any issues before I leave the lot. Why wouldn't I do the same with a camera kit that costs more. I'm always surprised when I hear of people not opening the box and doing a 10 minute check in store. As a premium product I'm surprised that dealers aren't going through a basic check with their customers as a customer service exercise. And if a dealer doesn't have the time to provide this, it says a lot about the dealer, to me. My dealer checks all Leica gear with me. And not just because of me. He's had some issues with new gear and doesn't need the hassles. Like I said before, I've already been able to discover a lens that was out and get another one before I left the store. It's rare. Very rare. But it does happen, occasionally. What people who've had issues have learned, is that they do happen, occasionally. And that a few minutes checking in store can save months of waiting later. But you should feel free to walk out of the store with an unopened box. Not me. It may only be a 1% chance of an issue. But it only takes a few minutes for peace of mind. Gordon Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jai Posted July 7, 2014 Author Share #26 Posted July 7, 2014 I appreciate all the sound advice given. I can really sense that a few people voiced their history of bad experience only after a few members said to walk out of the store with gear in sealed boxes as a happy customer and enjoy the gear at home. But I also feel that all this has come to help me to prepare a check list and some to reassure me of the flawless Solms-inspected equipment. When I ordered my gear a few weeks ago, I was very vocal that I wanted the dealer to check all my gear and we have dedicated the entire morning alone in this shop to go through everything on using the camera, et al. I will do those tests some of you have advised. Appreciate all the help Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff S Posted July 8, 2014 Share #27 Posted July 8, 2014 Advertisement (gone after registration) With such careful preparation, no doubt you will take the advice to buy insurance that covers things the warranty doesn't. Jeff Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Markie500 Posted July 8, 2014 Share #28 Posted July 8, 2014 Don't test it, take it out of the store and get on using it ! Buy insurance, most problems are the result of accidents outside the shop ! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dannybuoy Posted July 9, 2014 Share #29 Posted July 9, 2014 My dealer is literally around the corner from me. I know I'm fortunate. Is that fortunate? A fortune for them more like! :-) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Geschlecht Posted July 9, 2014 Share #30 Posted July 9, 2014 Hello jai, Welcome to the Forum. I would recommend considering including the the following few items with the very practical choice of equipment that you mentioned above: Appropriate rigid lens hoods. 1 for each lens. A small solid table tripod with soft non-marking slippers (Leica makes a nice 1) w/ a large ball head (Leica also) & a 25cm well made cable release (Leica again). An appropriate rigid lens hood is used more to protect a lens from inadvertant impact or damage than it is to protect a lens from inadvertant flare. It is easier & cheaper to replace a damaged lens hood than it is to replace an optical element or repair a focussing mount. A rigid lens hood also helps to protect against inadvertant flare in a number of types of situations. A small solid table tripod w/ soft, non-marking slippers, w/ a large ball head & a cable release adds a lot of flexability to an outfit while taking up little space. It does this without being a significant bother while travelling. At a fixed location it is not a bother at all. A camera with any lens fitted to a small solid table tripod w/ soft, nonmarking slippers, w/ a large ball head & a cable release held against my chest will give me +2 stops of stability as compared to hand holding the camera/lens alone. F1.4 @ 1/4 second with the tripod will give me the same degree of stability as using the same camera & lens @ F1.4 @ 1/15 second without the tripod. Against the side or top of a doorway, or against a wall, or a rock, or a tree or on a car w/ the engine turned off, or even on a table: It gives me as many stops of added stability as I need. There can be a significant difference between 2 pictures: 1 taken @ F1.4 @ 1 second hand held & the other taken @ F8 @ 30 seconds with a VERY rigid tripod/large ballhead combination using a cable release. That is the same exposure for both. You will be surprised at how many places you will find to use this combination. The more you use it & the more ways & places you look for to use it: The more places & uses you will find for it. Enjoy your new equipment. Best Regards, Michael Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
eprom Posted July 11, 2014 Share #31 Posted July 11, 2014 My advice is the same as Jaapv gave you. Call the shop a few hours before you get there and ask them to charge your battery. The battery comes always empty. You would have no chance to check the camera! I own the same setup as you bought - brilliant choice - you might get a 90mm in addition to complete the set. Enjoy, best, Peter__ Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rramesh Posted July 12, 2014 Share #32 Posted July 12, 2014 About the only things I would check before buying new gear is. A) is this what I need can I afford it C) am I buying it from an authorized store with full warranty and papers D) does it pass a physical inspection and box inventory (good to view one of the box opening videos in Youtube) E) do I have the permission from my spouse Of course, you can check the serial number if it adds up to your lucky number. If second hand however more checks would be needed. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted July 12, 2014 Share #33 Posted July 12, 2014 E. ??? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TVT Posted July 16, 2014 Share #34 Posted July 16, 2014 Get the Noctilux f0.95 instead of the Summilux because soon or later you will end up buying this lens. Without the Noctilux, Leica will not be that unique any more. Pictures from this lens made me so addictive to Leica M. Cheers Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted July 16, 2014 Share #35 Posted July 16, 2014 Personal choice. In 45 years of Leica ownership I have never felt any urge to buy a Noctilux. I really appreciate the Summilux 50 asph I own and still don't feel the need....I find it too specialized for my photography and too heavy and bulky to use as a daily lens. Only spend money when you determine you need to... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hamad Posted July 16, 2014 Share #36 Posted July 16, 2014 Hello I have ordered the M240, 35 Summulix, 50 Summilux and 21 Super Elmar. And I would like your help in doing final check list to inspect all the equipment before leaving the official Leica store - for I do not expect to be in the same city as my leica dealer for a year as I'll be living away. I look forward to your advice. depending on how long you gonna be outside shooting and how far are you from power source a good idea to have extra battery. Defiantly UV filters for all your lenses, if shooting landscapes Circular Polarizer will be good too. I find thumbs up grip very helpful I don't know if you need flash ... sometimes help of flash can give you pix a good filler. I am sure you have a good caring bag for all your equipments. happy shooting. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulsydaus Posted July 16, 2014 Share #37 Posted July 16, 2014 I hear you but honestly you get use to the weight, it's not an issue... Personal choice. In 45 years of Leica ownership I have never felt any urge to buy a Noctilux. I really appreciate the Summilux 50 asph I own and still don't feel the need....I find it too specialized for my photography and too heavy and bulky to use as a daily lens. Only spend money when you determine you need to... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted July 16, 2014 Share #38 Posted July 16, 2014 I sold both the Summilux 75 and Summicron 90 AA because I found them too bulky and heavy. A lens sitting at home is no use.... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TVT Posted July 16, 2014 Share #39 Posted July 16, 2014 I sold both the Summilux 75 and Summicron 90 AA because I found them too bulky and heavy. A lens sitting at home is no use.... Since i got the Noctilux, my 50 Summilux asph sitting at home then. You will find it is a good trade off between weight and the unique look. But once again, it's a matter of personal choice and reference Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jai Posted July 16, 2014 Author Share #40 Posted July 16, 2014 Yes I have always liked the Nocti, but there is going to be quite a while before I go down that line. Infact I did not mention that I wish to pick only two lenses on my first purchase. I am getting the 50 Lux after a while that I get used to shooting 35mm; the 21 is for scenic panaromas as my wife and I travel quite a lot in a year. I want to get used to 35mm and see how it works for me. Also I would love to print fine art quality photos (which is why I shoot - to print photos) and see where that takes me. Off topic - Would anyone wish to suggest an online site where I could sell prints to a discerning audience? I usual cater to a local clientele with prints on silk in north Italy; but would like to go online. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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