People who suffered sensor/lens failure... did you give Leica a 2nd chance?

[R3D-D0T]

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[dritz]

Sure did.  I had two lenses fail (a 120mm after 3 years; a 45mm after 15 minutes). I waited 2 months for the 120 to be turned around repaired. I waited 4 months for the 45 to be replaced by another new unit (rather than get it repaired).  All hardware eventually fails.  Leica S lens failures are a frustrating First World problem.

 

If I wanted total reliability I would get a camera without a computer inside it, nor plastic parts.  That means, an MP and M lenses... which I still do shoot for B&W slides (processed by DR5 in Iowa) and sometimes E-6 slides.  I always choose digital over negatives. Slide shows remain unmatched by even the best computer monitor.

 

Dean

Seattle, 'Merica

[relms]

Second and 3rd chances.  They can't get rid of me that easily.  

[dpitt]

My M8 had the coffee stain issue, and I had an M9 with the sensor corrosion. In both cases Leica service was great!

The upgrade offer compensated by far the inconvenience and made me feel 'lucky' that my Leica was broken

Like all things Leica's can break, but at least you feel that Leica makes an effort to let you enjoy your camera for more than a few years. They actually commit to digital Leica's for 10 years, regardless of warranty periods.

 

Other manufacturers seem to loose interest as soon as you have left the shop, and probably expect you to throw away your camera for the latest model if it breaks outside the warranty period. (production fault or not)

[tom0511]

I have had to send in lenses for repair/adjustment from Nikon, Pentax, Leica M, Canon. My 8 Leica S lenses still work fine.

Even if one or 2 would have a defect, I wouldn't get rid of the system because I really like it. If I had to wait several months for a repair I would be a PITA for Leica, but due to short distance to Leica, and a very good store I haven't had issues with repair /service response from Leica so far.

[eprom]

I had an M9 with the sensor corrosion and last week my 70mm S-lens had the AF-fail. I live in Germany and was lucky to get my M9 back in about a week and for the S-lens I got rental lenses for free - besides the 70mm I sent them my 45mm which was working but to fix the AF in advance.

For me there is no alternative to Leica. I sold all my Nikon gear because I was very unsatisfied of the lenses and when you want good lenses there is no way around Leica. Not to forget the look and feel of the gear - less plastic and great design and menu-layout.

Other companies have problems with their product as well and the way Leica deals with the problems in the (early) past is very good. See how small the company is compared to Canikon and what they have achieved in the last couple of years.

[erlingmm]

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Yes. The S system is worth it.

[albertknappmd]

I have given them multiple chances over the years for a variety of issues.

They have always delivered and I have always been very pleased with the results....

After all, their glass is the best...

Albert     

[EoinC]

...Other manufacturers seem to loose interest as soon as you have left the shop, and probably expect you to throw away your camera for the latest model if it breaks outside the warranty period. (production fault or not)

Perhaps that should be "Some other manufacturers". I've had excellent service from Canon on 1DX and EF 85 f/1.2L issues (both were my fault, and out of warranty). Fast turnaround / SMS updates on status and ETA / Loaners offered in both cases, but not required.

[dpitt]

Perhaps that should be "Some other manufacturers". I've had excellent service from Canon on 1DX and EF 85 f/1.2L issues (both were my fault, and out of warranty). Fast turnaround / SMS updates on status and ETA / Loaners offered in both cases, but not required.

Maybe i should have said 'some', or 'to some extend'...

Of course other major brands service their products for a certain period, but a lot shorter than Leica. And in most cases they stick to the warranty period of one or 2 years for any production faults, while Leica commits to 10 years for digital camera's.

Your 1DX is probably from 2012.

When did you get your 1DX serviced?

 

If the 1DX developed a problem like the sensor issue of my M9 (from 2009) today... or in 2019 (7 years after production of the 1DX)

Would Canon repair your 1DX free of charge like Leica did with my M9? 

[djmay]

Yes. After my disaster I had some strange behavior with the S 006 and 3 lenses. Leica sent me loaners for my camera and three lenses in advance and picked up my equipment for evaluation and servicing. Then I exchanged all the equipment during a visit to Wetzlar.

 

At the moment, the good people at Leica are preparing to send me a 24mm Super Elmar-S for test and evaluation.

 

They are trying very hard to keep me as a customer.

 

Jesse

[PBart]

I had to exchange 2 - 006 bodies and had 3 lenses with autofocus motor failure. The first 2 lenses took 6-8 weeks to return but Leica gave me a loaner. The 3rd lens failure they gave me a new lens. It seems that they are making extra effort to retain customers recently. 2-3 years ago it was difficult dealing with them though. I'm fully invested with some regrets but staying with Leica. The images are really incredible. 

[traveler11]

I bought my S2P for the fact that Leica has always produced the best optics.  I am disappointed that the sensor had to be replaced and the 120 needed adjustment, but the optics are still the best in the world.

[traveler11]

I spent a few days, when the morning light was sufficient, focus stacking those of my orchids that had produced blooms.  This is the time of my annual orchid bloom.  Right now I have 4 that will need photographing.  Yesterday I began processing them through Zerene Stacker, and "Oh  My  God" the last 2 stacks were dotted with multiple series of straight lines of white dots.  The infamous 'hot pixels.'

 

In April of 2015 my S2P was in Wetzlar for the same problem, and the sensor ended up being replaced.  I emailed John Kreidler, because the last person I dealt with has retired, Lothar Luehring.

 

I won't give up on Leica, because of the optics, but I will hang on to the body until the blooming season is over.  I will spend a few extra hours of post work on each that make the cut.

[ynp]

Yes. It still the best camera for my needs. Addicted to the viewfinder and the feel of the body in my hands. It feel so right and solid. I am not interested in megapixels and now, after the permanent fix for the AF problems, I am ready to upgrade my S2-P

[FlashGordonPhotography]

120mm failed as soon as I opened the box. Leica replaced it. No hassles since and I've bought a 007 to compliment my S2.

 

Gordon