dpitt Posted October 1, 2016 Share #1 Posted October 1, 2016 (edited) Advertisement (gone after registration) Let me first assure you that I am a hardcore Leica fan. The M and R systems have given me lots of joy. The Digilux2 is still one of my favorites and the Leica X2 was my daily companion for over a year now, but I am a bit disappointed in the engineering quality. The X2 was sold well over a 1000 Euros, so I would not expect something as basic as the battery lock mechanism to break this easy. I do not remember forcing it in any way.... Looks to me that an 'ínvestment' of a few cents in a metal part would have saved my day. Anybody had a similar issue ? Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Edited October 1, 2016 by dpitt Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/265097-the-x-weak-spot/?do=findComment&comment=3121696'>More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted October 1, 2016 Posted October 1, 2016 Hi dpitt, Take a look here The X weak spot. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
teb1013 Posted October 2, 2016 Share #2 Posted October 2, 2016 I have the same issue with my X-Vario. I have been relying on the battery door to hold the battery in. Of course, I'd rather have have a fix for this issue. I gather that you can get a replacement from Leica. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musotographer Posted October 2, 2016 Share #3 Posted October 2, 2016 The same happened to my X Vario, but it was mended, free of charge, when I took it into Leica Mayfair. It had to stay there a couple of days as the spring had disappeared into the innards of the camera and getting it out proved to be a lengthy operation. Apparently this happens more often on the other X cameras but clearly does occasionally on the Vario too. It's disappointing that there should be such a weakness on a camera at this level, but if Leica mends it quickly and for free one can't complain too much, IMO. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gbealnz Posted October 2, 2016 Share #4 Posted October 2, 2016 Me too, my X1 suffered this fault. It is a fault which I believe Leica knows about, and rectifies if and when needed. Yes, it should not happen, but my experience wasn't damped by it, the service Leica extended was above and beyond. No complaints from me. Gary Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndreasB Posted October 4, 2016 Share #5 Posted October 4, 2016 (edited) I had the same problem twice with my X1. After I recognized, that a spring presses the battery towards the battery lock, I thought to find the reason for the broken lever: Every bump or vibration to the camera means a micro movement of the battery against the spring and as reaction a back movement on to the little plasticlock. After I realized that I put an approx. 1mm thick self adhesive foamrubber dot (diameter like the thickness of battery) to the inside of the battery door. Now this rubber presses the battery a little off the lock (its possible because of the spring). From this time I did it to all of my cameras (X1, X2, X113 and Q) and have had no more problem with a broken battery lock. And you have to know that I treat my cameras very bad on my bicycletrips in the handlebar bag, also on rough mountainbike paths. I think that little solution can help to prevent a broken lock. Hope I could explain that with my basic english... Edited October 4, 2016 by bikedoll 3 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
robert blu Posted October 5, 2016 Share #6 Posted October 5, 2016 I had the same problem twice with my X1. After I recognized, that a spring presses the battery towards the battery lock, I thought to find the reason for the broken lever: Every bump or vibration to the camera means a micro movement of the battery against the spring and as reaction a back movement on to the little plasticlock. After I realized that I put an approx. 1mm thick self adhesive foamrubber dot (diameter like the thickness of battery) to the inside of the battery door. Now this rubber presses the battery a little off the lock (its possible because of the spring). From this time I did it to all of my cameras (X1, X2, X113 and Q) and have had no more problem with a broken battery lock. And you have to know that I treat my cameras very bad on my bicycletrips in the handlebar bag, also on rough mountainbike paths. I think that little solution can help to prevent a broken lock. Hope I could explain that with my basic english... Similar experience here, it happened twice with the X1 (first time my fault I dropped the camera, second time not sure what happened) anyway with a little bit of foam rubber to press the battery and be sure of the contact and a little of gaffer tape on the battery door to avoid excessive pressure it works with no problem. And yes, for the price of the camera (I bough new) it could have been done better! robert 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkCambridgeshire Posted October 9, 2016 Share #7 Posted October 9, 2016 Advertisement (gone after registration) My XV's battery retaining tab's corner broke off yesterday evening much to my disappointment - but with careful use it still functions - just. Thus a trip to Leica Mayfair in the near future. dunk Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gbealnz Posted October 9, 2016 Share #8 Posted October 9, 2016 I found with my repair (done "locally" an hour or two from home), the best option was to ensure the part(s) were there. From then it's a 5-10 min fix. Should it even happen? Nope, not really, but it does, and Leica are quick to rectify it, so I am/was happy. Gary 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dpitt Posted October 10, 2016 Author Share #9 Posted October 10, 2016 Thanks for your reply. The problem is solved most elegantly by Leica. I sent an email to their customer service in Germany and a few days later I received a letter with replacement parts, at no cost at all! Kudos to Leica! They even included 2 springs with the part. Why they included two was immediately evident when my first attempt to catch the spring with my pincers made it fly all over the place The second attempt was succesful and my X2 is now as good as it was the day it left the factory. I whish all brands were this dedicated to their product. 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kalifornier Posted August 3, 2018 Share #10 Posted August 3, 2018 My X2 has suffered from this twice. Most recently, last month. Was told by Leica NJ they do not have the slide lock/spring anymore. They wanted me to buy D-lux 109 at a 'discounted' price. Very disappointing. I'm now going to get the part off ebay. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyN Posted November 6, 2018 Share #11 Posted November 6, 2018 I have the same problem on the battery retaining lock on my X1. Can anyone tell me where to find a part - either original or replacement. I've been told Leica can't supply. Many thanks. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DenisM Posted November 6, 2018 Share #12 Posted November 6, 2018 Yep, same thing happened to my just purchased X1 - And it had happened when I had the X Vario a few years back. For now, I'm just holding the battery in place with the door. Love to know how to replace the darn thing. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 7, 2018 Share #13 Posted November 7, 2018 A replacement part made out of metal would be the obvious customer-friendly solution, made available to all X owners who email LEICA and to all repair technicians. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trivette Posted November 7, 2018 Share #14 Posted November 7, 2018 I have had no trouble with the battery lock mechanism on my X2 or X Vario, but maybe I am too gentle with my equipment. Cameras tend to be delicate in one way or another. For example, the classic M film cameras were built like tanks, but the rangefinder could be knocked out of alignment rather easily. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jhluxton Posted December 26, 2018 Share #15 Posted December 26, 2018 (edited) My catch has just broken on my 7 year old X1 Since I bought an M a couple of years ago my X1 and XV have not seen much use. Last night I thought I would give the X1 a bit of a run as I am getting concerned that the M262 is getting a bit of a hammering in terms of use. I charged the X1 battery up and I have just now gone to put it in the camera pushed back the catch and dropped the battery in - then I noticed the catch had flipped up and was loose. - Then came off. I have the plastic catch but presume the snapped off clips and spring have dropped inside. Camera still seems to work as the door holds the battery in place are the loose bits likely to cause any mischief to the interior workings? Can it still be fixed in the UK or does it need to go back to HQ and if so anyone know how much it is likely to cost? John Edited December 26, 2018 by jhluxton Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkCambridgeshire Posted December 26, 2018 Share #16 Posted December 26, 2018 (edited) Can be repaired by Leica Mayfair T: 020 7629 1351 E: CustomerCare.UK@leica-camera.com Or visit them at Café Optik, 27 Bruton Place Mayfair London W1J 6NQ and ask for Customer Service Dept Repair is likely free of charge … maybe 'while you wait' … but they are relocating to Duke Street off Oxford Street in 2019 dunk Edited December 26, 2018 by dkCambridgeshire Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyN Posted December 27, 2018 Share #17 Posted December 27, 2018 Thanks so much. Andrew Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TMorita Posted January 2, 2019 Share #18 Posted January 2, 2019 Leica NJ has the battery latch back in stock. Verified by email. I bought an X2 on eBay (probably from a forum member) with a broken latch and sent it to be fixed. Toshi Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DenisM Posted January 4, 2019 Share #19 Posted January 4, 2019 That's great news! Could you tell me how much they are charging to repair it? (I happen to love Leica NJ, esp. Barbara and Cathy who answer the phones!) Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TMorita Posted January 12, 2019 Share #20 Posted January 12, 2019 On 1/4/2019 at 10:24 AM, DenisM said: That's great news! Could you tell me how much they are charging to repair it? (I happen to love Leica NJ, esp. Barbara and Cathy who answer the phones!) They didn't charge me anything last time it happened to my X Vario. Toshi Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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