35mm FLE backfocusing

[mirekti]

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All my images taken with 35 FLE started to be back focused. I am not quite sure what happened as the lens was never dropped. Well, it might have been hit while it was carried around in Billingham Hadley Small, but I would say nothing dramatic.
In the meantime I tested my rangefinder with 75mm and 135mm APO and both are fine so it is obvious the problem is in the lens itself, not the rangefinder mechanism. 

Any idea what might have happened? 
What do you think this will cost me to fix it at Leica New Jersey for example?
BTW in another topic I mentioned the issue with the sensor I have (few block pixels burned I guess). Is Leica team in NJ able to check/fix sensor as well (map those pixels)? 

[LeicaR10]

Mirekti,   My long distance hiking experience with the 35 FLE and other M lenses proved to me, hard jarring can sometimes cause the lens elements to move slightly or the mechanism can get knocked out of calibration.  I found using soft pouch wraps really help cushion the shock of the lenses while in the bag or backpack.  As for Leica NJ, I have not had a good experience with their repair center in over two years.  Long horror stories and I won't bore you...but the repairs took almost a year in one case to resolve.  Other people like their service.  I do know there is a backlog and if you are in hurry, don't hold your breath.  

 

What I do now for Leica repair, I use the Leica website, download their instructions and send my cameras and lenses directly to Solms. You must following their shipping instructions exactly to avoid German Customs entering the EU.   I only let Leica Germany do all my warranty repair work.  Sometimes, if I am in a hurry I will use DAG in Wisconsin to repair my lenses and he does a fantastic job and quite reasonable.  Especially if the lens or camera body is out of warranty.  I suggest you call him first for an estimate.  Try:  http://www.dagcamera.com  In the past, I used DAG to fix what Leica NJ "fixed".  As for your sensor, Leica will remap your sensor.  Again, you might call DAG and see if he can do that, I am certain he can as he fixes almost everything made by Leica.  Hope this helps.  r/ Mark

[semi-ambivalent]

All my images taken with 35 FLE started to be back focused. I am not quite sure what happened as the lens was never dropped. Well, it might have been hit while it was carried around in Billingham Hadley Small, but I would say nothing dramatic.

In the meantime I tested my rangefinder with 75mm and 135mm APO and both are fine so it is obvious the problem is in the lens itself, not the rangefinder mechanism. 

 

Any idea what might have happened? 

What do you think this will cost me to fix it at Leica New Jersey for example?

BTW in another topic I mentioned the issue with the sensor I have (few block pixels burned I guess). Is Leica team in NJ able to check/fix sensor as well (map those pixels)? 

Call Tamarkin, they're right there in Chicago. I don't know what their capacity is but the phone will be free so, why not?

 

s-a

[mirekti]

Thanks for the recommendations. I will first wait what Leica NJ has to say about it. Tamarkin is close to me, and DAG in not so far (2hr drive).
I must admit I am a bit disappointed at this time. My equipment was bought mid of 2013, I didn't abuse it at all and used the camera for family, vacations and every now and then. I would call myself a regular photography amateur. I thought these lenses were made to last forever . Well, it is what it is. 

[mirekti]

As for Leica NJ, I have not had a good experience with their repair center in over two years.  Long horror stories and I won't bore you...but the repairs took almost a year in one case to resolve.  Other people like their service.  I do know there is a backlog and if you are in hurry, don't hold your breath.  

 

It has been a week since I sent a mail to Leica NJ, and a reminder few days later.

...still no reply

 

What is going on there?

[LeicaR10]

Mirekti,   My experience with Leica NJ Repair Center has been terrible for the last two years.  The center has management and personnel issues and is essentially being rebuilt.  That is going to take some time from my Leica sources.  I highly recommend you either call Don Goldberg at DAG camera as I mentioned in Post # 2 above.   If you want a Leica answer, then I highly recommend you call Leica in Germany.  You can find the numbers on their website.  Most likely either place will want your 35mm FLE to check it out.  Call Don Goldberg and he is very helpful.  Last don't count on Leica NJ to email you back.  They don't even return dealer calls for repairs....fact.  Hope this helps.  r/ Mark

[mirekti]

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Mirekti,   My experience with Leica NJ Repair Center has been terrible for the last two years.  The center has management and personnel issues and is essentially being rebuilt.  

 

Just a quick update. I feel obliged so as things changed and it should be fair towards Leica to update this topic.

I sent an email to support in Germany and got the response from US branch today. It seems you were right about things being rebuild in the US.

I was about to send the lens to DAG, but Leica's mail keeps giving me hope this was some temporary issue in communication. I scheduled a repair and hopefully all will end up well. 

[LeicaR10]

Mirekti,  This sounds "promising".  But do not be surprised if you don't hear anything for MONTHS from Leica NJ much less getting your repair back in a "timely" fashion.   I know Leica Germany would turn the lens a lot faster and it will be done right.  You only have to follow the shipping instructions from Leica's website to Germany EXACTLY as written.  People run afoul with shipping items to Germany via German Customs because they didn't follow the Leica instructions exactly.  Good luck with Leica NJ...don't hold your breath.  r/ Mark

 

PS  You might send along photos to show and demonstrate your back focus issue....or it maybe returned as "In Spec" because they couldn't duplicate the back focus issue.  You also might send along your M camera just to be sure the rangefinder wasn't part of the issue even though you stated your other two lenses work fine.

[vhfreund]

All my images taken with 35 FLE started to be back focused. I am not quite sure what happened as the lens was never dropped. Well, it might have been hit while it was carried around in Billingham Hadley Small, but I would say nothing dramatic.

In the meantime I tested my rangefinder with 75mm and 135mm APO and both are fine so it is obvious the problem is in the lens itself, not the rangefinder mechanism. 

 

Any idea what might have happened? 

What do you think this will cost me to fix it at Leica New Jersey for example?

BTW in another topic I mentioned the issue with the sensor I have (few block pixels burned I guess). Is Leica team in NJ able to check/fix sensor as well (map those pixels)?

This happened to me as well. However. I dropped the lens on a soft carpet, not directly, I kind of bounced it. Leica fixed it. I think the 35 FLE is very suceptible to impacts.

 

Best Theodor

[mirekti]

Well, as promised here's my feedback.

I sent both, camera and lens to NJ. The technician declared lens to be ok. ???
The level of frustration at my side is at its maximum. I mean, I put the lens on the camera, focus electronically and the image is focused almost an inch behind. I do the same with 75mm APO and 135 APO and no issues at all. In the past it was fine for all three lenses and only 35mm is out of spec, but not according to Leica NJ.

What frustrates me even more is they had a camera and lens, was it such a big deal to take a sample shot and see what I am talking about?

I guess the less will need to be shipped to DAG as suggested above. 

[LeicaR10]

Mirekti,   Obviously you found out the hard way with Leica NJ repair "service" as I wrote in Post #6.   The NJ center has MAJOR issues with the competence level of its technicians.  It has been this way for almost two years.  As I recommended before, call Don Goldberg at DAG in Wisconsin about your lens and camera before shipping it to him.  You will find him honest and will do a great job, plus ask him for an estimate.  Last he only accepts PayPal for payment.  You won't regret it.   r/ Mark

[jaapv]

Call Don first. I'm not sure whether he is able to adjust floating element lenses. Some parts have a tolerance span of 1/1000th mm. Personally I would send the lens to Wetzlar, despite the customs hassle.

[mirekti]

I mentioned it was FLE at least three times in my mail and he didn't mention any concerns.

Few weeks ago, just before I sent the lens to NJ, we spoke and Don seemed as a rather nice guy so I'll try with him first.

[LeicaR10]

Mirekti,   As I mentioned in post #2 and #6 above, calling Don is your best first bet for service in the US that will be done correctly.  Don will also tell you if he can do it or not.  He is honest.  If he can't make the adjustment, then as JAAPV in post #12 said and I have recommended, ship your lens and camera to Leica Camera in Wetzlar Germany.  The Leica website has very specific instructions how to do this and get the items through German Customs.  Also include the Leica Repair form and give clear instructions about the back focus issue.  If you can include your test photos to prove the lens issue, include those as well.  I just shipped my Monochrom to Leica to have the sensor replaced for corrosion and had no problems with Customs.  I suggest you do not undervalue your camera or lens and clearly state no battery is in the camera and both camera and lens are shipped for repair on the Customs Declaration.  Last, I would NEVER even think of sending anything to Leica NJ for repair or service.  Leica Germany Customer Care is excellent.  If you go this route, I highly recommend you insure the lens and camera for shipment.  I would also use either FEDEX or UPS.  Be sure to fill out the Proforma Invoice correctly and include it with the package....this is key to getting your package through Customs.  Good Luck. r/ Mark

[vhfreund]

I mentioned it was FLE at least three times in my mail and he didn't mention any concerns.

Few weeks ago, just before I sent the lens to NJ, we spoke and Don seemed as a rather nice guy so I'll try with him first.

So would I !! I meant to agree with Jaap. I would ship the lens to Wetzlar!

[mirekti]

Don fixed the lens, I'll trust Don from now on.
Leica NJ is a joke.
Now, maybe I am too hard towards Leica and one really needs loads of time and experience to become a master in this job so my expectations were set too high. However, Leica should make sure such master exists in their team. 

 

Thank you all for help and suggestions. 

[jdlaing]

If NJ is a joke nobody thinks it's funny.

[LeicaR10]

Mirekti,   Glad to hear you took my advice and Don at DAG fixed your lens.