New Jersey repair

[Martin B]

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Inquired for a CLA and repair of my M3 mid of last year via email - never even received any kind of response from this site in NJ! Contacted an independent Leica repair guy, instant response and excellent service plus turnaround time. Leaves me with a bitter taste of service of this NJ site. 

[lajedder]

My experience with Leica NJ has  been quite good.  Probably because I took a M246 for a sensor repair to a local Leica dealer for sending to NJ.  Got it back in three weeks.  Could have been a simple repair, but it did come back in three weeks.  Could it be that NJ prioritizes repair requests from dealers?  The repair was under warranty and the dealer charged me $25 for handling.

[jaapv]

How can you be charged anything for a warranty repair ??

[Ronazle]

My experience with Leica NJ has  been quite good.  Probably because I took a M246 for a sensor repair to a local Leica dealer for sending to NJ.  Got it back in three weeks.  Could have been a simple repair, but it did come back in three weeks.  Could it be that NJ prioritizes repair requests from dealers?  The repair was under warranty and the dealer charged me $25 for handling.

I'd find a new dealer, especially if this was the dealer where you originally bought it. Regards, Ron

[GG Media Works]

For what its worth, my experience with Leica NJ just this year has been good. I sent my Leica MD in for a repair in January. I got it back fully repaired after about 2 1/2 weeks. There was no notes or information on what work had been done but it was fully functioning again. It was repaired under warranty so there was no cost. 

[pico]

I had outstanding service from Leica, New Jersey for badly a damaged M9 but I made it clear that I was willing to pay for full service and prompt action, asking nothing more. It cost plenty, certainly, but to me the time required and quality was 'Leica like'. Really, I think I got a better-than-new M9 back. Happy me.

Edited April 5, 2018 by pico

[LeicaPassion]

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Leica NJ said that the repair time for a lens is 5 months. I've now been waiting for 6 months.

[Exodies]

Perhaps the difference between repair time and queuing time.

[Timkr]

I had a sensor issue with my SL and sent it directly to Wetzlar to avoid NJ. Got it back in 3 months with a new sensor repaired under warranty. I figured NJ would end up sending it to Wetzlar anyway so, probably saved myself a couple of months

[RoySmith]

I had a sensor issue with my SL and sent it directly to Wetzlar to avoid NJ. Got it back in 3 months with a new sensor repaired under warranty. I figured NJ would end up sending it to Wetzlar anyway so, probably saved myself a couple of months

When you sent the SL to Wetzlar did you use the Leica Shipping - or just sent it on your own?

 

 

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[dkmoore]

I had a sensor issue with my SL and sent it directly to Wetzlar to avoid NJ. Got it back in 3 months with a new sensor repaired under warranty. I figured NJ would end up sending it to Wetzlar anyway so, probably saved myself a couple of months

 

 

This is still a very long time for repair. I have had more good experiences than bad with NJ. They are just way to slow. 

[david.kize]

I am getting ready to buy an M10 with one or two lenses, camera bag, filters, extra battery etc.  But reading this thread has me wondering if I should just forget buying a Leica and just stay with my Nikon and Sony equipment.  My repair experience at Nikon USA's Los Angeles repair facility has been good, with turnaround time of one to two weeks (both warranty and non-warranty work).

[Jeff S]

I’ve owned Leica gear since the 80s and can recall only a handful of service repairs, with out of warranty ‘tune ups’and such done by Don Goldberg (DAG). No issues with 2 M8.2s, an M240 or an M10. But s**t can happen.

 

I buy Leica (notably the M) because of what it offers compared to other choices, not because of great service. The M has quirks with the RF and lens calibration, but that’s a big part of its charm. One either bonds with it or not.

 

Jeff

[Exodies]

Leica isn’t the answer to the desire to take photographs. Leica is the answer to the desire to take photographs in a particular way.

[james.liam]

I am getting ready to buy an M10 with one or two lenses, camera bag, filters, extra battery etc.  But reading this thread has me wondering if I should just forget buying a Leica and just stay with my Nikon and Sony equipment.  My repair experience at Nikon USA's Los Angeles repair facility has been good, with turnaround time of one to two weeks (both warranty and non-warranty work)

 

Those who complain generally make the greatest noise. Those of us who've had nothing but good experiences will generally say...nothing.

I wouldn't by default think this is representative of the situation. It isn't. The issues, namely sensor replacement and their intermittent availability, are unique to the M9 variants. If you're truly looking to dive into RF, this isn't what should give you pause.

[ECohen]

I am getting ready to buy an M10 with one or two lenses, camera bag, filters, extra battery etc.  But reading this thread has me wondering if I should just forget buying a Leica and just stay with my Nikon and Sony equipment.  My repair experience at Nikon USA's Los Angeles repair facility has been good, with turnaround time of one to two weeks (both warranty and non-warranty work).

 

If your not working professionally and you want the rangefinder experience  buy the Leica.

Nikon has more professional and much quicker repair service. But the Leica is such a joy to shoot.

Leica will eventually fix any repair issues that may come up but not in the timely fashion that a pro needs.

I cant speak to Sony ....too many menu layers for me.

 

Buy the Leica....You will notice from this forum, workmanship and repairs aren't a big issue with this brand.

 

PS: If I were using Leica as working Pro I'd have back equipment while my well used Leica's were getting adjustments.

Isn't that how a pro works with a repair department?

Edited April 10, 2018 by ECohen

[david strachan]

I am getting ready to buy an M10 with one or two lenses, camera bag, filters, extra battery etc.  But reading this thread has me wondering if I should just forget buying a Leica and just stay with my Nikon and Sony equipment.  My repair experience at Nikon USA's Los Angeles repair facility has been good, with turnaround time of one to two weeks (both warranty and non-warranty work).

I started using Leica with a IIIc, then an M6, and loved the cameras.  For me it's about the camera, it says "use me".

 

Then went to M8...i have two i love them so much.  Now an M-P, so i can use other lenses, and take macro (live view).  At the moment I'm using my original M8, M240 and M6. And some B&W in my IIIc.

 

Point is, it's a wonderful journey, aided by the great fun Leica user forum, and have had no problems with any of my cameras.

 

Try it...you'll never know if you never go.

 

...

[david.kize]

 

If your not working professionally and you want the rangefinder experience  buy the Leica.

Nikon has more professional and much quicker repair service. But the Leica is such a joy to shoot.

Leica will eventually fix any repair issues that may come up but not in the timely fashion that a pro needs.

I cant speak to Sony ....too many menu layers for me.

 

Buy the Leica....You will notice from this forum, workmanship and repairs aren't a big issue with this brand.

 

I am planning to buy a Leica at long last.  I've really wanted one for over 50 years, but never could swallow the cost.  Ironically, now that I am way past retirement age (but not retired) and making far less money than before, and when Leica prices have never been higher, I am (I think) ready to take the dive against at least some logic.  I am glad that you mentioned the fun of the Leica Forum.  I have been reading it frequently for the past few months.  The existence of this forum and all the bright and experienced people on it are significant factors in my wanting to join with other Leica owners.  As for RF, My camera from 1954 to about 1978 was a Kodak Signet rangefinder with a fixed, 46mm lens.  (So I still prefer focal lengths close to 46mm, although I now have many lenses ranging from 21mm to 600mm.  On my D800, I frequently use a 40mm Voightlander.)  I still have the Kodak and I may someday see if it still takes pictures.   When I bought an Olympus in 1978 (followed by a Nikon F3 the next year and a string of other equipment in following years), I thought that having through-the-lens (SLR and later DSLR) views and autofocus was so much better than in my old RF days.  Now, RF returns by nostalgia for the "good old days" when I took some photos as good as anything I ever took with more modern cameras.

Edited April 10, 2018 by david.kize

[ECohen]

I am planning to buy a Leica at long last.  I've really wanted one for over 50 years, but never could swallow the cost.  Ironically, now that I am way past retirement age (but not retired) and making far less money than before, and when Leica prices have never been higher, I am (I think) ready to take the dive against at least some logic.  I am glad that you mentioned the fun of the Leica Forum.  I have been reading it frequently for the past few months.  The existence of this forum and all the bright and experienced people on it are significant factors in my wanting to join with other Leica owners.  As for RF, My camera from 1954 to about 1978 was a Kodak Signet rangefinder with a fixed, 46mm lens.  (So I still prefer focal lengths close to 46mm, although I now have many lenses ranging from 21mm to 600mm.  On my D800, I frequently use a 40mm Voightlander.)  I still have the Kodak and I may someday see if it still takes pictures.   When I bought an Olympus in 1978 (followed by a Nikon F3 the next year and a string of other equipment in following years), I thought that having through-the-lens (SLR and later DSLR) views and autofocus was so much better than in my old RF days.  Now, RF returns by nostalgia for the "good old days" when I took some photos as good as anything I ever took with more modern cameras.

"Now, RF returns by nostalgia for the "good old days"

 

If you have the money and you have loved taking photos for 50 years, get the Leica. Keep the Nikon or whatever camera for when you choose /need  auto focus.

For the sheer joy of  how well this camera is laid out, like a camera should be, its amazing build, the IQ and tiny little sharp lenses with unique contrast.

 

Is it worth the price?.... as a  camera.....not really.  But your past retirement what are you saving it for ?

 

Find a Leica store hold one in your hand a see if it sings to you.....that's well worth the trip.

Search this forum, all of your questions will get answered with the same enthusiasm that you have. It's a great forum.

 

.....I think the price increase sucks but Leica knows their market and our 'ouch' factor.

There is a huge used market for lenses etc. to round out your lens collection, on any budget....Prepare to be bitten and needing to round out your collection;-)

 

Have fun, this camera is a real joy to use....and yes it slows you down and makes you think about what you are choosing to shoot.

Just like the good ol days .....only with some killer modern Tech!

Edited April 10, 2018 by ECohen

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