Autofocus motor replacement

[Pieter12]

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3 hours ago, darylgo said:

I can’t remember a camera or lens that behaves as the S lenses malfunction.  I understand it’s a plastic gear that is the issue, surprising given the original price of the lens.  I have Leica lenses going back to the 1930’s and Nikkors dating from the 1970’s that continue to be perfect. 

That Leica charges a minimal fee is a nice concession. If it was an M system product the outcry would be great and the PR would get a full warranty, M9 sensor.  The S system forum doesn’t appear to carry the same clout, my S006 has a sensor with ongoing corrosion, it’s not economically feasible to spend the $6k estimate to salvage the camera.  
 

Nonetheless, to finish on a positive note, the S system continues to deliver beautiful images and Leica deserves credit.  

Not sure it is just the gear that fails, unless Leica uses the term AF motor for the entire AF system in the lens. When my 120 AF failed, it certainly seemed like only the gear--it made whirring noises but would not turn the focus mechanism. Everyone mentions the AF motor as having been redesigned and when the AF goes south, the repair ticket just lists the AF motor as being replaced. It could be though that even if it is only the gear that fails, it is integrated with the motor in such a way that the gear and motor are replaced as a unit.

As a comparison, when the AF broke on my Schneider 80mm AF lens for the Hy6, only the gear needed to be replaced. They even sent back the broken one! Although to be fair it cost as much as Leica replacing the motor, cleaning and calibrating and updating the lens firmware.

[Einst_Stein]

If you have or get a S lens with old AF, it is very likely it should be back to Leica for service, even if it is not broken yet.  So factor in the costs and troubles.

Get one with new AF if possible. The price? try MPB, KEH, B&H, Adorama, Camera West, or Usedphoto (at least), You are going to like it.  

[Pieter12]

At some point, Leica will possibly run out of replacements for the S lenses, especially if there is no S4 or if it turns out to be mirrorless and won't need the current lens designs. I would probably act sooner rather than wait, even if the repair turnaround time seems unreasonable.

[kristyansen]

Dear All, what is the latest info regarding the service fee for a Leica S AF-Motor change for one lens? What about the CS motor change? What is the experience on the turnaround time? 

[Pieter12]

1 hour ago, kristyansen said:

Dear All, what is the latest info regarding the service fee for a Leica S AF-Motor change for one lens? What about the CS motor change? What is the experience on the turnaround time? 

My CS 120 had the AF motor, etc. replaced in July of 2023. It cost just over $300 including shipping. There may be VAT in the EU.

I don't know anything about how the CS operates and whether there is a motor involved, but I have not read or heard about CS failures.

The lens arrived in Wetzlar late July and the work was completed by mid September. This is what was included in the service: 

Service M/R/screw mount lens 1 Disassembly

1 PCS 0.00 0.00 0.00

Exchange AF motor Software update Overall adjustment Cleaning

Final inspection Drive, complete AF Modification

[darylgo]

@kristyansen

From post #18:

The repair time was quoted as nine months from the estimate date of Sept 17, 2024 @ $383.77.  The lens was returned October, 14, 2024, originally sent through Leica Store LA on July 27, 2024.  Two and a half months total time.   

 

 

[davidmknoble]

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I had 2 lenses, both CS (35 and 45) and one already had a new motor, about 2-3 months, the second needed a new autofocus motor, an extra month.  I also had them clean the lenses, inside and out.  Don’t remember the full cost, I think the one with the new motor was ‘under warranty’ and the new motor was about $500 ish.. USD.