chronolf Posted May 27 Share #1 Posted May 27 Advertisement (gone after registration) Just unboxed my brand new Leica M11-P Safari (super excited!), but I've noticed something odd with the front rangefinder glass and wanted to get your thoughts on whether this is normal. Looking closely, it seems like a portion of the blue coating on the front rangefinder glass is missing or uneven. I've circled the area in the attached image. Any insights or experiences you can share would be greatly appreciated! Should I be contacting the dealer about this? Thanks in advance for your help! 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/421584-new-copy-rangefinder-glass-coating-issue-normal/?do=findComment&comment=5808011'>More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted May 27 Posted May 27 Hi chronolf, Take a look here New Copy - Rangefinder Glass Coating Issue - Normal?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
jakontil Posted May 27 Share #2 Posted May 27 Gave u tried to wipe it off with a micro fibre cloth? Looks like smudges hopefully Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
chronolf Posted May 27 Author Share #3 Posted May 27 1 minute ago, jakontil said: Gave u tried to wipe it off with a micro fibre cloth? Looks like smudges hopefully I’ve tried that, but it didn’t go away, sadly. I still hesitate to try other cleaning solutions. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jakontil Posted May 27 Share #4 Posted May 27 Just now, chronolf said: I’ve tried that, but it didn’t go away, sadly. I still hesitate to try other cleaning solutions. Since owning M i never experienced such or i just never notice it… hope u sort it out Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pedaes Posted May 27 Share #5 Posted May 27 I think this will be unique to your camera, and if you are not happy back to the Store. Colours in your photo must be way off though if it is a Safari. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
justj Posted May 27 Share #6 Posted May 27 Look inside your sensor. Maybe you will have a surprise there too like mine. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted May 27 Share #7 Posted May 27 Advertisement (gone after registration) 6 hours ago, chronolf said: Just unboxed my brand new Leica M11-P Safari (super excited!), but I've noticed something odd with the front rangefinder glass and wanted to get your thoughts on whether this is normal. Looking closely, it seems like a portion of the blue coating on the front rangefinder glass is missing or uneven. I've circled the area in the attached image. Any insights or experiences you can share would be greatly appreciated! Should I be contacting the dealer about this? Thanks in advance for your help! 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! Return to dealer for a flawless copy. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derbyshire Man Posted May 27 Share #8 Posted May 27 On a similar note I’ve managed to abrade a tiny 1-2mm portion of the coating of one of my cameras with I think the ISO dial of another. Am I right in thinking that’s the wholesale replacement of the top plate? I can’t see it through the viewfinder no matter what the light is so if expensive will probably learn to love it! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hdmesa Posted May 27 Share #9 Posted May 27 12 hours ago, chronolf said: I’ve tried that, but it didn’t go away, sadly. I still hesitate to try other cleaning solutions. Do you try getting the microfiber cloth damp with just a little bit of water? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
chronolf Posted May 28 Author Share #10 Posted May 28 Thanks for all your replies! I've reached out to the dealer, and it seems they consider this a limited edition in Japan. Because of this, they won't do an exchange. However, they will forward it to the manufacturer for inspection and repair. I'm pretty sad about this, as I might have to part ways with it so soon after waiting for so long, and for an undefined period too. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ronaldc Posted May 29 Share #11 Posted May 29 You have three years warranty if you register it. Use it and send it in before warranty ends 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hdmesa Posted May 29 Share #12 Posted May 29 On 5/28/2025 at 1:05 AM, chronolf said: Thanks for all your replies! I've reached out to the dealer, and it seems they consider this a limited edition in Japan. Because of this, they won't do an exchange. However, they will forward it to the manufacturer for inspection and repair. I'm pretty sad about this, as I might have to part ways with it so soon after waiting for so long, and for an undefined period too. It’s not considered a limited edition by Leica in any country. Even if it was, that has nothing to do with whether it’s eligible for an exchange. That is just the retailer not wanting to take responsibility for what they sell. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pedaes Posted May 29 Share #13 Posted May 29 On 5/28/2025 at 8:05 AM, chronolf said: for an undefined period too The good news is repair times have improved significantly. And if you wait a while they may improve further. What I would do however is ensure you e-mail the Dealer stating what you asked and their response, together with your image, so you have something to refer back to if you decide to wait. Good luck with whatever you decide. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derbyshire Man Posted May 29 Share #14 Posted May 29 Countries obviously have totally different laws on this and to a degree I feel a bit sorry for retailers when caught in the middle but these QC issues are important. My M11D arrived with an almost non operative shutter button, you almost needed two fingers to make it work. I was offered a repair. I said I wanted a new camera, they said it wasn't possible it would need to be repaired. I said it's up to you, either exchange it for a new one or I'm rejecting it. New camera arrived a couple of days later. I did miss out a bit with my first one, an M11P unused demonstrator out of the box. It had a randomly sticky rangefinder and a couple of other issues. I'd had it for some months and kindly the retailer (a different retailer) agreed to have it repaired or swap it for their current in shop perfect demonstrator. I drove for ages to do the swap. In the shop it was obvious the top plate of the demonstrator was not perfect but had two abrasions from careless scrapes across zips. I wanted a reliable camera rather than perfect camera and at the time it was my only M body so I took it in the hope it would fade. Of course it hasn't and it still annoys me as I don't mind my own damage or buying used but this is somehow different! I regularly toy with sending it back and getting a new top plate. For that camera I should have allowed it to be repaired! Hope yours is sorted soon! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
chronolf Posted June 6 Author Share #15 Posted June 6 The dealer sent my camera back to Leica for inspection, but they've stated that the issue is "within their standards" and have refused to perform a repair. I'm at a loss for how to proceed. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
justj Posted June 6 Share #16 Posted June 6 I am waiting for my fate in a week time, hopefully I will have a replacement unit or at least a sensor repair. 🤞 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter49 Posted June 6 Share #17 Posted June 6 Am 29.5.2025 um 22:23 schrieb Derbyshire Man: Countries obviously have totally different laws on this and to a degree I feel a bit sorry for retailers when caught in the middle but these QC issues are important. My M11D arrived with an almost non operative shutter button, you almost needed two fingers to make it work. I was offered a repair. I said I wanted a new camera, they said it wasn't possible it would need to be repaired. I said it's up to you, either exchange it for a new one or I'm rejecting it. New camera arrived a couple of days later. I did miss out a bit with my first one, an M11P unused demonstrator out of the box. It had a randomly sticky rangefinder and a couple of other issues. I'd had it for some months and kindly the retailer (a different retailer) agreed to have it repaired or swap it for their current in shop perfect demonstrator. I drove for ages to do the swap. In the shop it was obvious the top plate of the demonstrator was not perfect but had two abrasions from careless scrapes across zips. I wanted a reliable camera rather than perfect camera and at the time it was my only M body so I took it in the hope it would fade. Of course it hasn't and it still annoys me as I don't mind my own damage or buying used but this is somehow different! I regularly toy with sending it back and getting a new top plate. For that camera I should have allowed it to be repaired! Hope yours is sorted soon! That really raises questions. If I search this forum for quality issues, I could easily fill a book by now. My grandfather bought and used a Leica M4. The camera worked perfectly from day one, for years. Today, QC in Wetzlar and even the repair turnaround times seem far from what one would expect given the brand’s claimed “uncompromising quality.” It feels like that reputation is resting more on legacy than current reality. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
chronolf Posted June 10 Author Share #18 Posted June 10 I wanted to give a final update on the viewfinder coating issue. After some back and forth, I convinced them to replace the front glass. However, they attached an unfair condition. They said because the original issue was already "under their standard," any repair attempt could actually make it worse, and they would not be responsible for any new scratches they might make in the process. Faced with this unacceptable risk, I hinted at my rights under consumer protection laws. That finally led them to offer a full refund, which I have accepted. I have to say, I’m disappointed with Leica's quality control on this one. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted June 10 Share #19 Posted June 10 Whilst it looks like a minor cosmetic issue with the coating it’s amazing how random Leica’s customer care can be. One would expect them to simply replace what must be a cheap part, instead they have lost a sale and possibly a customer. I guess they will repackage the camera as it is and hope that the next buyer doesn’t notice the flaw!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
chronolf Posted June 10 Author Share #20 Posted June 10 Their marketing works though because this won’t stop me from ordering another one from a different dealer. For the record, my copy arrived in an opened box with a flimsy tape holding it closed. When I asked, the dealer informed me that Leica Japan had opened the box for inspection. I only bought a used one so far, so I’m not sure if this is normal in Japan. 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/421584-new-copy-rangefinder-glass-coating-issue-normal/?do=findComment&comment=5815456'>More sharing options...
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