Brand new MP/M-A/M6 film scratches [Merged]

[Fotoklaus]

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vor einer Stunde schrieb Huss:

I ran another roll of film through my just returned M6.  Pulled it out, examined it.

FIXED.

They also fixed the ISO dial.  It now points to actual marked film speeds.

I am just grateful that this was an easy, quick and hassle free process. 

We are all thankful. Believe me.

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[Jewl]

vor 1 Stunde schrieb Huss:

I ran another roll of film through my just returned M6.  Pulled it out, examined it.

FIXED.

They also fixed the ISO dial.  It now points to actual marked film speeds.

I am just grateful that this was an easy, quick and hassle free process. 

Yeeeah finally! And now you can return it for a refund

[Mike Rawcs]

3 hours ago, Huss said:

I ran another roll of film through my just returned M6.  Pulled it out, examined it.

FIXED.

They also fixed the ISO dial.  It now points to actual marked film speeds.

I am just grateful that this was an easy, quick and hassle free process. 

Yay! I hope you have many happy and productive years with your M6, Huss, and that we get to see more of your excellent photography. I'm presuming that your M6 will be named Scratchy?

[earleygallery]

Phew!

But it does make me wonder how many 'scratcher' editions are out there!

[Mikep996]

I suspect...or perhaps "hope" is a better word...that now that Leica acknowledged the issue in their message to Huss, AND have repaired his camera with whatever parts/procedures were necessary, they have revised their procedures/parts suppliers as necessary to eliminate the issue with all production M6's.  

If I was interested in a new M6 I'd wait another several months with the idea that by then all the earlier production cameras - possible scratchers - will be gone from dealer shelves and any available will be the "M6.1" 

Huss, glad it's fixed!!  What an annoying "adventure."  😱

 

Edited March 10, 2023 by Mikep996

[hdmesa]

9 hours ago, Huss said:

I ran another roll of film through my just returned M6.  Pulled it out, examined it.

FIXED.

They also fixed the ISO dial.  It now points to actual marked film speeds.

I am just grateful that this was an easy, quick and hassle free process. 

That must have been quite the drum roll moment.

[Huss]

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I received a nice email from Christoph Mueller, senior product manager at Leica, acknowledging the issues that effected a batch of the new M6s.

I will respond suggesting changes to the process in how to handle faulty brand new gear - no matter what it is (camera, lens etc).  Basically it should either be replaced or flagged as a priority for repair.  Not just dumped into the back of the repair queue.  And the repair work needs to be verified before sending back to the customer.

I checked the pressure plates in my other Ms, and they are very different than that in the new M6.  The M7 has that perforated style, with 'hundreds' of little indentations.  The MP (shark skin leather era) has a much more matte finish than the new M6, and thinner edges. Same with the MA.  My new M6 has a highly polished finish.

FYI the viewfinder/rf patch IS slightly different in the new M6 compared to the MP - as Jono pointed out.  It has subtly rounded edges vs squared off.  I only noticed after his mention and then I compared my two.

Edited March 10, 2023 by Huss

[Huss]

5 minutes ago, hdmesa said:

That must have been quite the drum roll moment.

No kidding!  I slowly pulled the film out of the canister, examining it intensely!  So glad I saw it was finally fixed.

[hdmesa]

1 minute ago, Huss said:

No kidding!  I slowly pulled the film out of the canister, examining it intensely!  So glad I saw it was finally fixed.

I'm guessing this would be a bad time to bring back up the idea for us all to pitch in some cash to have DAG tear down your M6 to see if it's indeed an MP in an M6 shell 😂

5 minutes ago, Huss said:

...I checked the pressure plates in my other Ms, and they are very different than that in the new M6...

FYI the viewfinder/rf patch IS slightly different in the new M6 compared to the MP - as Jono pointed out.  It has subtly rounded edges vs squared off.  I only noticed after his mention and then I compare my two.

Interesting... Same but different.

[Anbaric]

4 hours ago, Mikep996 said:

If I was interested in a new M6 I'd wait another several months with the idea that by then all the earlier production cameras - possible scratchers - will be gone from dealer shelves and any available will be the "M6.1"

ChatGPT, please write an ebay-style advert for a 2022 Leica M6 with the original RARE abrasive film-scratching pressure plate.

Sure, here's an eBay-style advert for a 2022 Leica M6 with the original RARE abrasive film-scratching pressure plate:

For sale is a 2022 Leica M6 camera, complete with the highly sought-after original abrasive film-scratching pressure plate. This is a rare opportunity to own a piece of photographic history and a unique addition to any Leica collection.

The Leica M6 is a legendary camera known for its precision engineering, timeless design, and exceptional image quality. With its classic rangefinder system and manual controls, it offers photographers a unique shooting experience and a connection to the rich tradition of film photography.

But what sets this particular Leica M6 apart is the original abrasive film-scratching pressure plate. This rare feature was only available for a limited time and is highly prized by collectors and photographers alike. With its abrasive surface, it creates unique marks and scratches on the film, giving your images a one-of-a-kind look that can't be replicated in post-processing.

This camera is in excellent condition, with only minor signs of use. It has been well cared for and comes with all the original accessories, including the leather case, strap, and user manual. The shutter fires smoothly, the viewfinder is bright and clear, and the rangefinder is accurate.

Don't miss your chance to own this rare and unique Leica M6 with the original abrasive film-scratching pressure plate. Whether you're a collector or a photographer looking to create unique images, this camera is sure to impress. Bid now and add it to your collection!

[ktmrider2]

Glad everything worked out for you.  Honestly, Leica's quality control seems to be in the tank as NO $5500 camera should scratch film, especially after Leica making film cameras for almost 100 years.

[LocalHero1953]

1 hour ago, Huss said:

I received a nice email from Christoph Mueller, senior product manager at Leica, acknowledging the issues that effected a batch of the new M6s.

I will respond suggesting changes to the process in how to handle faulty brand new gear - no matter what it is (camera, lens etc).  Basically it should either be replaced or flagged as a priority for repair.  Not just dumped into the back of the repair queue.  And the repair work needs to be verified before sending back to the customer.

I checked the pressure plates in my other Ms, and they are very different than that in the new M6.  The M7 has that perforated style, with 'hundreds' of little indentations.  The MP (shark skin leather era) has a much more matte finish than the new M6, and thinner edges. Same with the MA.  My new M6 has a highly polished finish.

FYI the viewfinder/rf patch IS slightly different in the new M6 compared to the MP - as Jono pointed out.  It has subtly rounded edges vs squared off.  I only noticed after his mention and then I compared my two.

While they appear to be paying attention to you, you could suggest that the signed QA card should be given some meaning (e.g.) by, as a minimum, publishing a list of the checks they carry out - different for film, digital, lens etc. Otherwise it is valueless and should be omitted. 

[fotomas]

No camera scratches film as beautifully as my old Seagull with the 4,5 x 6 cm mask inserted.

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!

But it was damned cheap also.🤑

[Mikep996]

Nice pic (except for the scratches)!

[andrew01]

I had to google what Chat GPT is, I thought you guys were actually writing that stuff yourself. Anyway, I gave it a go and its a good laugh:

 

Title: The Leica Debacle

Fade in:

INT. MONK'S CAFE - DAY

Jerry and George are sitting at their usual booth, sipping coffee.

Jerry: "Have you seen the new Leica camera?"

George: "No, what's up with it?"

Jerry: "It's a disaster. Apparently, their quality assurance is terrible. People are buying these expensive cameras and they're falling apart within a few weeks."

George: "That's outrageous. They should be held accountable for that."

Jerry: "Well, they're offering repairs and replacements, but it's a hassle. And the worst part is, they're not even apologizing for it."

George: "Typical Leica. Always thinking they're above the law."

Suddenly, Kramer bursts into the cafe.

Kramer: "Hey, have you guys heard about the Leica debacle?"

Jerry: "Yeah, we were just talking about it."

Kramer: "Well, I got my hands on one of those faulty cameras. And let me tell you, it's a piece of junk."

George: "What are you gonna do with it?"

Kramer: "I'm gonna take it down to their headquarters and demand a refund."

Jerry: "You're not gonna get a refund, Kramer. You're gonna get the runaround."

Kramer: "Not if I have anything to say about it. I'm not gonna let those Leica guys get away with this."

Jerry: "Good luck with that."

Later that day, Kramer storms into the Leica headquarters with his broken camera.

Kramer: "Excuse me, I have a bone to pick with you guys."

Leica employee: "Yes, sir, how can we help you?"

Kramer: "This camera you sold me is a lemon. It fell apart in my hands. I demand a refund."

Leica employee: "I'm sorry to hear that, sir. We'll be happy to replace it for you."

Kramer: "No, I don't want a replacement. I want my money back."

Leica employee: "I'm afraid we can't do that, sir. Our policy is to replace defective products."

Kramer: "Your policy stinks. I demand a refund."

Leica employee: "I'm sorry, sir. That's not possible."

Kramer: "You leave me no choice. I'm gonna take this to the media. I'm gonna tell everyone what a bunch of crooks you are."

Leica employee: "Please, sir, there's no need for that. Let me speak to my manager."

Kramer waits for a few minutes, pacing back and forth.

Leica employee: "I'm sorry, sir. My manager has authorized a refund for you. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused."

Kramer: "That's more like it. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go tell the world about this."

Kramer storms out of the headquarters, triumphantly holding his refunded cash in his hand.

Jerry and George are waiting for him outside.

Jerry: "Well, did you get your refund?"

Kramer: "You bet I did. Those Leica guys don't know who they're messing with."

George: "I still can't believe they're getting away with this."

Jerry: "Yeah, but that's the beauty of capitalism. If people don't like a product, they won't buy it. And eventually, the company will either have to change or go out of business."

Kramer: "You know what they say, Jerry. The customer is always right."

Jerry: "Except when they're wrong."

They all laugh and head off into the city.

Fade out.

[Huss]

1 hour ago, fotomas said:

No camera scratches film as beautifully as my old Seagull with the 4,5 x 6 cm mask inserted.

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!

But it was damned cheap also.🤑

Love that lens flare!

[Huss]

9 hours ago, earleygallery said:

Phew!

But it does make me wonder how many 'scratcher' editions are out there!

Well, Leica acknowledged there is a batch of them.  So not just mine.  At least if someone finds that their camera is one of them, and googles for answers, hopefully this acknowledgement will come up so they will at least know what they are dealing with.

[BjarniM]

On 3/10/2023 at 6:12 PM, Huss said:

Quote

I received a nice email from Christoph Mueller, senior product manager at Leica, acknowledging the issues that effected a batch of the new M6s.

 

Can you share which batches/serial numbers are affected?

Edited March 12, 2023 by BjarniM

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[Dan Jackson]

Just had this email updating the situation regarding my scratching Leica MP (manufactured November 2022) which was sent to Leica Germany.

”Our technicians in Germany have identified a fault with the pressure plate, which they intend to replace.”

[Mikep996]

Interesting - I wonder if "a fault with the pressure plate" might be able to scratch either side of the film depending on what the specific fault entails.  If the plate is not smooth it could scratch the back of the film and if it is smooth but applying too much pressure maybe it could cause the emulsion side to be scratched as it moves over other parts.  ???