Mikep996 Posted May 21, 2020 Share #21 Posted May 21, 2020 Advertisement (gone after registration) There have been some unfortunate choices of plastics in a variety of applications over the years. Mercedes top models in the early '00s had interior plastic components that fairly rapidly degraded to a very sticky surface that was frankly a mess. Makes one wonder what sort of 'research" is done sometimes when choosing materials. I guess that occasionally a new material that looks to be "perfect" for an application doesn't reveal its faults until time has passed. Sometimes (as in the case of MB) the 'time' involved isn't all that long. I guess Leica wanted to ensure the visoflex was light so as to not add objectional weight to the camera but "genuine metal" would have been a nice touch - though probably doubled the price! I just bought an 020 last week so I'll be watching for the problem and keeping some glue available! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted May 21, 2020 Posted May 21, 2020 Hi Mikep996, Take a look here Visoflex Typ 020 eyepiece rubber cracked. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
harryzet Posted May 21, 2020 Share #22 Posted May 21, 2020 what did you expect for a mere 500 euro? 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wmkfung Posted May 21, 2020 Author Share #23 Posted May 21, 2020 First of all, 500 euro is not small money. If it is confirmed a manufacturing fault, Leica should take some remedial action even if the product is of much smaller value. Secondly, Leica should, at least, provide replacement parts so that for customers who don't mind to pay a reasonable cost to replace the eyepiece can have an alternative. When the rubber/plastic degrades, glue cannot help. 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikep996 Posted May 21, 2020 Share #24 Posted May 21, 2020 I know this is a disgusting "fix" for a problem that should be addressed/covered by the factory but I'm sure there are black eyepiece lens covers (telescopes/binoculars, etc) that would fit when the defective part is removed. Cutting a round center hole and then smoothing it with some fine sandpaper would result in a fix that would be virtually unnoticeable and last longer than any of us will. Something like this in the proper diameter - https://agenaastro.com/agena-rubber-end-cap-1-25-31-7mm-black.html Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wmkfung Posted June 5, 2020 Author Share #25 Posted June 5, 2020 This is an update of my problem. I found a rubber ring with 30mm diameter which is a bit thicker than the original but fits on the Visoflex with double sided tape. 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! 8 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/309761-visoflex-typ-020-eyepiece-rubber-cracked/?do=findComment&comment=3987692'>More sharing options...
dxignx Posted February 11, 2021 Share #26 Posted February 11, 2021 My Visoflex just cracked after I tried to clean it:( Here is what left of it. 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! 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/309761-visoflex-typ-020-eyepiece-rubber-cracked/?do=findComment&comment=4138284'>More sharing options...
wmkfung Posted February 11, 2021 Author Share #27 Posted February 11, 2021 Advertisement (gone after registration) As mentioned in my original post, Leica should at least provide replacement eyepiece, not to mention she has chosen a faulty material. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndreasG Posted February 11, 2021 Share #28 Posted February 11, 2021 This is very unfortunate, especially when you consider that for the cost of a Visoflex others buy a camera plus a set of lenses. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
microview Posted February 11, 2021 Share #29 Posted February 11, 2021 I was thinking of getting one for M10R but maybe. not, after reading this. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matlock Posted February 11, 2021 Share #30 Posted February 11, 2021 This is an interesting thread. We have 3 defective eyepieces and one cracked body on the Visoflex 020. I wonder how many instances of failure have occurred and how many Visoflex 020s have been reported since it's introduction in 2014? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
nuc001 Posted February 12, 2021 Share #31 Posted February 12, 2021 16 hours ago, AndreasG said: This is very unfortunate, especially when you consider that for the cost of a Visoflex others buy a camera plus a set of lenses. I was considering getting this or the Olympus OMD EM10 Mk.III + the kit lens 😆 (for my partner who just can't get use to rangefinder focusing) Although I do love the Leica rendering and was going to buy the Visoflex anyway at the end of this month, might have to put it on hold for now. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulsydaus Posted February 12, 2021 Share #32 Posted February 12, 2021 For the amount that Leica marks up on these, any failure without offering a good faith repair or replacement option is just unacceptable. And for the price they charge, they should be metal. 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Macberg Posted February 12, 2021 Share #33 Posted February 12, 2021 (edited) What I see here really amazes me. @wmkfung @dxignxYours might be affected by a faulty production batch of the plastic parts supplier. I would try to convince them to at least have a look at it. I bought mine in June 2018 which means that it is 3 years old this June. Since then I have been using it a lot (especially with my 90mm Summicron, but also with my 50mm Summilux when using open apertures which I do 80% of the time). Not only do I have the Visoflex with me all the time and everywhere, I have also use it very, very often, e.g. during several hiking trips, often under hot and wet (including sweat) conditions (Switzerland, Scotland, Iceland) summer weddings etc. I can really say that I mainly use my M10 with that Visoflex (Yes, I know, the M10 has a sophisticated mechanical viewfinder, which is why I bought it in the first place, but I just want to make sure, that with a max. open aperture, the focus is where I really want it, and my eyesight is not the best). I also excessively use the tilt-mechanism which one would expect to cause an earlier material fatigue. However, I never use any cleaning liquid (maybe that might have caused the plastic of your sample to decay?), just a soft microfibre-cloth, but only about every 4 months, a bit more often for the glass surface where you look through. And I mostly put it into the little leather pouch that came with it after using it, although every now and then I leave it attached to my M10 when putting the camera into the camera bag when I know I will need the combination soon. I have just examined my Visoflex very closely, but I can't (not even a bit) see any kind of a decay which some of you described with my sample, I would even say that it is still near mint condition. Have a look: 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 February 12, 2021 by Macberg 5 1 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/309761-visoflex-typ-020-eyepiece-rubber-cracked/?do=findComment&comment=4139124'>More sharing options...
Ivar B Posted February 12, 2021 Share #34 Posted February 12, 2021 On 5/21/2020 at 3:30 PM, wmkfung said: First of all, 500 euro is not small money. If it is confirmed a manufacturing fault, Leica should take some remedial action even if the product is of much smaller value. Secondly, Leica should, at least, provide replacement parts so that for customers who don't mind to pay a reasonable cost to replace the eyepiece can have an alternative. When the rubber/plastic degrades, glue cannot help. Probably this is intented as an ironic statement by harryzet.... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
newtoleica Posted February 12, 2021 Share #35 Posted February 12, 2021 Mine looks perfect too. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raid Amin Posted March 25, 2021 Share #36 Posted March 25, 2021 On 5/21/2020 at 5:45 AM, wmkfung said: For the price of the Visoflex, Leica owe us an explanation on the poor quality. It was first produced in 2014 and the durability was so poor. I suggest Leica should replace all Visoflex Typ 020 for free just like what they did for the M9 CCD before, though Leica impose a charge now. I was today considering to order a Visoflex, but after seeing all the negative feedback on damaged parts of it, I have changed my mind. My money can be better spent on something else. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raid Amin Posted March 25, 2021 Share #37 Posted March 25, 2021 On 2/10/2021 at 11:24 PM, dxignx said: My Visoflex just cracked after I tried to clean it:( Here is what left of it. 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! Mail it to the Leica CEO with a note and reference to this website. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tobey bilek Posted March 28, 2021 Share #38 Posted March 28, 2021 This forum has saved me many dollars. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkP Posted March 28, 2021 Share #39 Posted March 28, 2021 (edited) 2 minutes ago, tobey bilek said: This forum has saved me many dollars. That’s so funny as I was just thinking how many dollars this forum has cost me 😁 Edited March 28, 2021 by MarkP 1 1 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkP Posted March 28, 2021 Share #40 Posted March 28, 2021 (edited) I should add that my Visoflex has had moderate use (including the tilt mechanism) over a similar period of time as Macberg and it’s just fine. Only been cleaned with microfibre cloth (occasionally with a whiff of lens cleaning fluid). There was a period of time where the image wouldn’t turn from the camera’s LCD to the Visiflex but all was good once I cleaned the contacts at the back of the cameras’ hotshoe with an alcohol wipe. If yours has disintegrated with no good reason ( is it possible that it’s been cleaned with something that has degraded the plastic) then Leica should be asked to examine it and consider replacement. I also agree with Ivan that the 500 Euro comment by Harryzet was clearly sarcastic. Edited March 28, 2021 by MarkP 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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