Service time Wetzlar

[IkarusJohn]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

This is all too binary, in my view.  The exceptions don’t make the rule - the fact that some parts are difficult or expensive to make ot that it would cost millions to fabricate one out of date part for one camera owner isn’t the point.

Leica has simply dropped the ball on too many occasions.  Fine bodies, lovely to hold.  Expensive doorstops when the electronics fail, and it appears they have no supplier suport..

[Helge]

vor 37 Minuten schrieb IkarusJohn:

This is all too binary, in my view.  The exceptions don’t make the rule - the fact that some parts are difficult or expensive to make ot that it would cost millions to fabricate one out of date part for one camera owner isn’t the point.

Leica has simply dropped the ball on too many occasions.  Fine bodies, lovely to hold.  Expensive doorstops when the electronics fail, and it appears they have no supplier suport..

Maybe you didn’t get the point. This problem is not only not really Leica‘s fault (however they might have been able to prolong service for some years), this problem is pretty common to other products as well and basically not avoidable in most cases. It is not related to bad or good support by suppliers, there is not much they can do about it.

It is / it will affect a lot higher integrated electronic solutions from the late 90s up to ~2010 using application specific components. Even standard components could be affected, however those are easier to be „recycled“ out of a lot other products.

Edited August 4 by Helge

[Advertisement]

The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[IkarusJohn]

12 hours ago, Helge said:

Maybe you didn’t get the point. This problem is not only not really Leica‘s fault (however they might have been able to prolong service for some years), this problem is pretty common to other products as well and basically not avoidable in most cases. It is not related to bad or good support by suppliers, there is not much they can do about it.

It is / it will affect a lot higher integrated electronic solutions from the late 90s up to ~2010 using application specific components. Even standard components could be affected, however those are easier to be „recycled“ out of a lot other products.

Leica designs and develops its products.  What it has done since offering digital cameras is to pass more of its responsibility for digital failures to its customers.  That is exactly the point.  What we are discussing is the extent to which Leica should retain that responsibility.

It is not a simple case of customers accepting that digital systems fail and go obsolete, so we must just accept that.  That may be the case with computers (though that is changing - phones and computers are lasting and being supported longer as performance plateaus).  Cameras are less complex, and their technology requirements less.The M cameras just take still pictures with M mount lenses.

Perhaps, let me put the issue into a different perspective - the M8 was novel; Leica said a full frame digital M wasn’t possible; the M9 was ground breaking, but quirky (I’m being generous); the M(240) was a development, but what Leica provided was what technology had to offer rather than what photographers required; the M10 was better than the M(240) - a further development, but it returned to what photographers needed and wanted.  It was a better camera that offered less.  The M11 is again offering what’s possible, rather than improving what is needed (just my view, I accept) - I don’t need 60MP in an M body without IBIS..

We don’t need to keep running on the technology treadmill.

Now, my answer to the supply question is a company like Leica could do better in its supply chain to get what it needs and to ensure support and supply.  That is my professional opinion.  That doesn’t mean 100% replacement of defective parts for 100% of the life of the owner at no cost.  But I don’t agree that 10 years is acceptable, or that longer support is unavailable.

Please note that I am not virtue signalling, suggesting that I am more experienced  or knowledgeable than you, or that you are not reading or understanding my posts.  This is the internet.  I’m interested in what you have to say.

 

[69xchange]

Leica’s website has been updated. Up to 8 months turn around time now.

[CSG123]

6 hours ago, 69xchange said:

Leica’s website has been updated. Up to 8 months turn around time now.

And Leica keeps on giving!