Csacwp Posted August 8, 2018 Share #1 Posted August 8, 2018 Advertisement (gone after registration) I had previously made a post about how my brand new 35mm Summicron Asph, purchased from an AD, had an aperture ring issue out of the box and had to go to Leica NJ for repair. Five months and much hounding later, I got the lens back today. The aperture ring was fixed and feels great, but now there is a new issue. I've attached photos. It appears there is either a deep scratch or a large hair stuck to one of the internal elements. It doesn't move around if I (gently) shake the lens. The bottom two corners and top right corner are also smeared and not sharp in my photos, even when stopped down. I've had a couple 35mm Summicron Asph's in the past and neither performed like this (they were all tack sharp in the corners even at f/2). Thoughts? 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! 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/287363-stuck-in-new-jersey-part-2/?do=findComment&comment=3569191'>More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted August 8, 2018 Posted August 8, 2018 Hi Csacwp, Take a look here Stuck in New Jersey, Part 2. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
jaapv Posted August 8, 2018 Share #2 Posted August 8, 2018 Take legal advice, return the lens for a refund and complain to the top management in Germany. It should have been replaced, not repaired - if it can be called that- in the first place. 3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest tofu_man Posted August 9, 2018 Share #3 Posted August 9, 2018 I'm speechless....truly shocking service & QA. Leica should be ashamed. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeicaR10 Posted August 9, 2018 Share #4 Posted August 9, 2018 (edited) Csacwp, First, sorry to see what Leica NJ did to your lens. Second, I agree with Jaapv in post #2. Third, I had a similar problem to yours with one of my M lenses. I have written several posts here over the years about the terrible repair "service" by Leica NJ. In one of my last repair debacles, I sent an email to the Leica Germany CEO, who in turn got Mr. Jeff Horn, CEO of Leica USA in NJ to personally intervene. Last, I strongly recommend never send anything to Leica NJ for "repair". Just call or email Leica Customer Care in Wetzlar. They will make it right. I get free pick up, shipping going to and from Germany when I am back in the US. Longest wait is sitting 10 business days to clear German Customs at Wetzlar...no joke. If you decide to send it back for a second "repair" in NJ, it should go to the top of the list...maybe. Looks like after 3 years, 8+ trips by Leica Germany technician teams going to NJ to train and significantly reduce backlog, Leica NJ remains a mess. Perhaps its time for Leica Germany to force closing of the NJ "repair center" and simply make it a forwarding agent and move all repair work to the fatherland. r/ Mark Edited August 9, 2018 by LeicaR10 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Csacwp Posted August 9, 2018 Author Share #5 Posted August 9, 2018 I had requested a refund about a week ago but was told the lens was soon to be ready. I'm now asking to return it and receive a full refund. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Csacwp Posted August 9, 2018 Author Share #6 Posted August 9, 2018 Leica now wants to replace the lens with the only copy they could find, a demo from Leica Boston that is supposedly in excellent condition. Do you think it is fair that I ask for a partial refund as well? A demo lens isn't exactly new. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkmoore Posted August 9, 2018 Share #7 Posted August 9, 2018 Advertisement (gone after registration) Yes. They should give you some money back. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdlaing Posted August 9, 2018 Share #8 Posted August 9, 2018 To be clear..... Is that a Leica dealer offering you that demo or is it Leica USA (NJ) or Leica Germany? Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Csacwp Posted August 9, 2018 Author Share #9 Posted August 9, 2018 The Leica dealer contacted Leica USA about the new issue and it is Leica USA offering the exchange. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdlaing Posted August 9, 2018 Share #10 Posted August 9, 2018 The Leica dealer contacted Leica USA about the new issue and it is Leica USA offering the exchange. It is definitely your choice but I would ask for a full refund or brand new lens. They should be available as the lens is not uncommon. Leica Miami and BH Photo have them in stock as well as other dealers. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Csacwp Posted August 9, 2018 Author Share #11 Posted August 9, 2018 The issue is that I purchased the previous version of the lens new old stock. I prefer it to the revised version. Otherwise an exchange would have been easy. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted August 9, 2018 Share #12 Posted August 9, 2018 I'd take the demo - with compensation... 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdlaing Posted August 9, 2018 Share #13 Posted August 9, 2018 The issue is that I purchased the previous version of the lens new old stock. I prefer it to the revised version. Otherwise an exchange would have been easy. If that’s the case take the demo with some cash back and make sure the demo has som warranty. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Csacwp Posted August 9, 2018 Author Share #14 Posted August 9, 2018 That's what I suggested they do. I want a full warranty with it and cash back. I paid $3000 for my new lens. How much would a used one in excellent condition be worth? $2200? Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkmoore Posted August 9, 2018 Share #15 Posted August 9, 2018 I'd take the demo - with compensation... You must demand, professionally, compensation for the hassle. If they don't work with you kindly tell them you won't be coming back anytime soon. You then contact Leica Wetzler and you will receive the desired result. Give the local store a chance first. Which Leica store? All of the ones I've dealt with wouldn't bat an eye in this situation (Boston, DC, or Miami). They are all fantastic Leica stores. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkmoore Posted August 9, 2018 Share #16 Posted August 9, 2018 That's what I suggested they do. I want a full warranty with it and cash back. I paid $3000 for my new lens. How much would a used one in excellent condition be worth? $2200? Yes. $2,200 is going rate for black 35 cron ASPH in mint condition. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Csacwp Posted August 10, 2018 Author Share #17 Posted August 10, 2018 The dealer is Classic Connection. Sam has been responsive throughout this process but my own patience is starting to wear thin. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkmoore Posted August 11, 2018 Share #18 Posted August 11, 2018 Sorry to hear about this situation. I've never purchased anything from them but hope they make it right. At this point I'd write to Wetzler and get that ball rolling. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Csacwp Posted August 13, 2018 Author Share #19 Posted August 13, 2018 Leica Wetzlar is now offering to repair my original lens and suggests that I have this done instead of taking the demo lens in exchange. I'm not sure I want to have my original lens repaired since it exhibits poor corner performance that may not be fixable. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkmoore Posted August 14, 2018 Share #20 Posted August 14, 2018 Wetzlar will ensure that the lens is adjusted and within tolerances. The poor corner performance is probably just a de-centered element. Was the shipping box beat to crap when you received it back from Leica NJ? Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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