norm_snyder Posted July 31, 2007 Share #1 Posted July 31, 2007 Advertisement (gone after registration) Having had my M8 fail completely, I talked with Robert Fisk, listed as heading up repair at Leica USA in NJ. He was very helpful, and the camera was shipped to his attention at his suggestion. Several days later, I contacted him, and he indicated that they would look at it in a couple of days, and decide whether to repair or replace it, depending on whether the problem was mechanical or electronic, respectively. After a few more days with no word, I called again, and was told a repair had been authorized, but no other information was forthcoming. I then talked with Mr. Fisk again, and he was again pleasant, indicating that he would authorize replacement, and that a new camera would be received by 7/27 or today [7/30]. A day after this conversation, I received a letter indicating that the camera was to be repaired ["defective T2"] and "updated" [it's already been to Solms for update once--is there another?]. Calling today, I was informed by the assistant in repair at Leica NJ that the camera was to go to Solms for the "update"--since it's aready been back once for the update. I am simply baffled, and wondering who one might contact, since I no longer can get a call back, and no one seems to be answering e-mail. We all understand there have been teething problems, but I don't think this is reasonable. Does anyone know who to contact next to even find out whether I'll be without a camera for days or weeks? A person or an e-mail address? Any help will be much appreciated. While I don't mind shooting film, I have to decide whether I'll buy a backup or whether, should they replace the camera, to sell it unsused, and return exclusively to film and my M6's. Thanks, in advance, for any help. --Norm Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted July 31, 2007 Posted July 31, 2007 Hi norm_snyder, Take a look here Who do I contact to find out what happened to my M8?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
johnfriar Posted July 31, 2007 Share #2 Posted July 31, 2007 Hi Norm, Sorry to hear about your troubles. They sound quite similar to the problems I've been having, too. I sent my camera to NJ 3 weeks ago after a discussion with Robert Fisk. My experience with Robert has been like yours...very friendly and helpful. However, when I'm not talking with him it's all silence and darkness. Having described the issue (electronic) he told me that I would be receiving a replacement within about a week. After a week, then 2 weeks, I heard nothing so started calling. I left messages and no return calls. Finally, after chatting with the receptionist, I got some help. She was very helpful -- sorry, I don't know her name - and got an answer for me from Robert. Apparently, my camera made a trip back to Germany and the plan is to ship it to me today. I'm living in hope that I will actually get it back this week. So, in short, the only advise I can give you right now is talk nicely to the receptionist. Oh, I nearly forgot...don't call between 12 and 1pm EST. That must be their lunch hour! John Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
norm_snyder Posted July 31, 2007 Author Share #3 Posted July 31, 2007 Thanks, John-- It's good to just know their might be pixels at the end of the tunnel. I'll hang in there and try the receptionist again, if nothing else works. Hope you get your camera back, soon, Norm Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted July 31, 2007 Share #4 Posted July 31, 2007 Try Mr. Eberhard Jakob or one of his colleagues at tel no. +49- 6442208189 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill W Posted July 31, 2007 Share #5 Posted July 31, 2007 My concern in reading this is that both of you have been told that you were going to receive replacement cameras and when to expect them when in fact they were sent to Solms for repair. I think I would demand the replacement camera or get an explanation why you did not as promised. I realize they are overwhelmed with issues but they should at least give us correct information about what is going on with our $4,800 camera and not just say a replacement is being shipped. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
marknorton Posted July 31, 2007 Share #6 Posted July 31, 2007 First in line, IMHO, would be Christian Erhardt who supposedly runs Leica USA. You might like to suggest to him that if he were to spend less time swanning around Germany on jollies and more time at base sorting out his chaotic operation, he'd have a greater number of satisfied customers. Even by the dismal standards of Leica UK, Leica US seems a mess. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill W Posted July 31, 2007 Share #7 Posted July 31, 2007 Advertisement (gone after registration) I guess I should have mentioned that I recently emailed Leica USA to inquire about coding a lens and what I needed to do since it was one I was paying for myself. I wanted to know if they had the part there or should I wait. Well I waited for three weeks with no response so I finally called them. Like I said before, I know they are overwhelmed with issues but perhaps they should communicate this a little better either at their website or through forums such as this one. I shipped them the lens and they received it almost a week ago but I had no indication whether they had the part. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
norm_snyder Posted August 1, 2007 Author Share #8 Posted August 1, 2007 Thanks to all for their feedback and suggestions. Today I received an e-mail from Robert Fisk, stating that he got my two voice-mails, indicating that the camera was to be replaced, and that his technician had the replacement on the bench to make certain it was working allright before shipping. His assistant left a phone message with my secretary indicating that the camera would be replace "ASAP." I hope this is right, and that the course does not replicate John's, above. [Also, John, that you get your camera back soon] Tehy have indicated they will e-maiol with a tracking number.... There appears to be a real communication problem that the US [and perhaps the manufacturer] has with the end-user [is that the correct computer term?]. If today an old friend were to be considering an M8, and requesting advice, I would counsel in a fashion similar to the suggestions I had for friends years ago, who were contemplating purchasing Alfa Romeo cars: "They are wonderful, when they are running, and they are as good as your mechanic." NS Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill W Posted August 1, 2007 Share #9 Posted August 1, 2007 Norm, Great news, please keep us informed. I hope all turns out well based on your recent communication. Its one thing if you do not communicate at all but when you do communicate and say all is taken care of but its not then there is a real problem with your organization. Again, I hope all is taken care of now. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
norm_snyder Posted August 2, 2007 Author Share #10 Posted August 2, 2007 Hello all, It looks like Robert Fisk of Leica USA has come through, and today I received an e-mail witha tracking number for a replacement M8!!! I hope this solves the problems--mabe even solving the problem of what may have been mild back focus with my 75mm Summilux. Still...a part of me says "sell it"...just like the Plaubel years ago, that took great pictures, when it wasn't being fixed. Great lenses, fragile camera. I sold it when it was working, and bought a Nikon SP [which later got traded on.....you know...]. How may times over the years have I regretted selling a piece of gear, only to buy it back [bTW, the SP was black enamel, and not too brassy, with the titanium shutter. That one, I couldn't afford to buy back later!] Thanks to all for the support and advice. Norm Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMF Posted August 2, 2007 Share #11 Posted August 2, 2007 Glad to hear that your M8 is on its way back to you Norm. Here is my story: I had the "thin vertical line" problem with my M8 # 3116XX so I finally decided to send it to Leica NJ for repair/exchange. I sent in my camera via next day air last Monday. Today (which is the following Wednesday) I received a brand new camera via 2nd day air. If you subtract the shipping transit time, Leica USA had a new M8 back in my hands in under a week. This one is new, number # 31069XX, works perfectly, and the rangefinder is spot on. It had 1.102 on it. Thanks Leica USA and Robert! Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
norm_snyder Posted August 3, 2007 Author Share #12 Posted August 3, 2007 And the answer, for me, was: Robert Fisk came through, and I now have a new camera, 31004xx. Yes, there was some frustration, and communication could be a bit better, but two weeks door to door is really pretty good. I have no idea whether its really "new" or a refurb, but it's working, and I'm back in business. Thanks from me, as well, Robert. Norm Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnfriar Posted August 4, 2007 Share #13 Posted August 4, 2007 I just arrived home, after a few days away, to find a parcel left with my neighbour. It's what appears to be a brand new M8 #3102XXX. So, Robert Fisk came through for me too, despite the complications in communication. Another huge thanks, from me, Robert! John Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guy_mancuso Posted August 4, 2007 Share #14 Posted August 4, 2007 i'm sure he would appreciate a nice note from you happy campers. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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