Help! Weird smeared stripe in the EVF image in my Q

[Alexia]

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Unfortunately, an annoying issue developed with the new to me Q.  It is in great condition otherwise but all of sudden while shooting outdoors today (47-50 degrees F) I developed a chalky stripe inside the EVF.  It did not affect the photos at all.  It looks like a smear on the left 1/3 of the EVF image.  I used a Zeiss lens cleaner on the lens and EVF glass and that made them sparkling clean.  But the chalky stripe is still there.

Any ideas on what could cause this all of a sudden?    (I don't think there were any extreme temperature changes during my walk)

Does it need a factory service to make sure?   (I was already considering a CLA for good measure)

How long does it take for repairs and typical ballpark cost for something like this?

Thanks in advance for any advice.  I will take it to a local Leica specialist in the morning.

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[Alexia]

Here's a photo of the viewfinder with my iPhone.

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[dogman1911]

The exact same thing happened to me. The photo of it in my thread is against a black background so it looks way darker than it is. It doesn’t affect my ability to shoot but it does annoy me immensly considering how much these cameras cost.

I’m about to move so I don’t want to send it in yet and I don’t want to pay for a repair that isn’t my fault.

 

https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/316317-obstruction-in-view-finder/

 

[Alexia]

33 minutes ago, dogman1911 said:

The exact same thing happened to me. The photo of it in my thread is against a black background so it looks way darker than it is. It doesn’t affect my ability to shoot but it does annoy me immensly considering how much these cameras cost.

I’m about to move so I don’t want to send it in yet and I don’t want to pay for a repair that isn’t my fault.

 

https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/316317-obstruction-in-view-finder/

 

I am sorry this happened to you as well.

I did find some other threads on EVF failures.  They should cover this since a manufacturing defect but it appears there is an expensive charge.  Hopefully the New Jersey goodwill program will save me...or at least provide an economical service.  I was planning to send it in for a CLA and sensor cleaning.

I need some guidance on whether it is worth the shipping to have Germany do the repair and service...any thoughts on that?

Is the New Jersey center a quality operation?

Edited February 6, 2021 by Alexia

[kegon]

vor 56 Minuten schrieb Alexia:

shipping to have Germany do the repair and service...any thoughts on that?

I made very good experiences with them. They would also throughly check the whole camera before sending it back to you... In your case I wouldn‘t be surprised, if they don‘t charge you anything...

[Mute-on]

It is a defect that presumably existed prior to your purchase. If possible, return it to the seller for a full refund. You should not accept responsibility to rectify a pre-existing fault. 

As for a CLA, it’s a digital camera. It shouldn’t require a CLA like a film Leica. Construction similarities between a Leica M and a Q are practically nonexistent. 

Good luck!

 

Edited February 6, 2021 by Mute-on

[Leica Guy]

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I’ve had excellent repair experience with the Leica New Jersey facility. Very good communication and reasonable prices. Hopefully they will cover it as a factory manufacturing defect. Regardless, I would send it to New Jersey. If it needs it, they will send to Germany. Good luck. Don’t let this detract (much) from the Q being a great camera. It really is!!! 

[Alexia]

2 hours ago, Leica Guy said:

I’ve had excellent repair experience with the Leica New Jersey facility. Very good communication and reasonable prices. Hopefully they will cover it as a factory manufacturing defect. Regardless, I would send it to New Jersey. If it needs it, they will send to Germany. Good luck. Don’t let this detract (much) from the Q being a great camera. It really is!!! 

Thanks.