New Copy - Rangefinder Glass Coating Issue - Normal?

[jaapv]

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I would refuse it . That has not been opened by any professional inspection and why should they? It is probably a camera returned by a customer. 

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[mujk]

3 hours ago, chronolf said:

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.

It was of course correct not to accept the condition, which I find absolutely preposterous. The viewfinder front glass is just a piece of coated glass glued to the top cover, so replacing it should be very easy for a skilled Leica service technician, with minimal risk for scratches or other damage. And even in the very rare situation of an accident happening in the process, Leica would of course fix the damage free of charge. 

[JNK100]

3 hours ago, earleygallery said:

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!! 

Are you saying Leica will sell 'used: as 'new'?

That's a serious accusation without any evidence.

[pedaes]

56 minutes ago, JNK100 said:

Are you saying Leica will sell 'used: as 'new'?

Don't they have a 'White box' category for these resales that acknowledges there maybe a minor inconsequential flaw?

[earleygallery]

1 hour ago, JNK100 said:

Are you saying Leica will sell 'used: as 'new'?

That's a serious accusation without any evidence.

Well it’s not used as such just opened/returned. Leica says it’s not faulty so I think they could repackage it. 

White box is I think for returns that are repaired and ex demo. units. 

[earleygallery]

47 minutes ago, pedaes said:

Don't they have a 'White box' category for these resales that acknowledges there maybe a minor inconsequential flaw?

I think they are ex demo and or new returned items that were faulty and repaired. 

[jakontil]

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On 6/10/2025 at 6:15 PM, chronolf said:

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.

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Definitely not a brand new.. 

[chronolf]

On 6/10/2025 at 8:36 PM, jaapv said:

I would refuse it . That has not been opened by any professional inspection and why should they? It is probably a camera returned by a customer. 

 

1 hour ago, jakontil said:

Definitely not a brand new.. 

I had the same suspicion, but since this was from one of the most reputable camera retailers in Japan, I didn’t refuse it. In hindsight, I likely dodged a bullet.

I’ll be certain when I get my hands on another copy. I’ve already placed an order, but I’m not sure how long it will take to arrive.

[chronolf]

Out of curiosity, I contacted Leica Japan. They confirmed that they open the packaging to include Japanese documentation. While it's a strange reason, it is what it is.

Translated blog post by Leica Japan

[justj]

54 minutes ago, chronolf said:

Out of curiosity, I contacted Leica Japan. They confirmed that they open the packaging to include Japanese documentation. While it's a strange reason, it is what it is.

Translated blog post by Leica Japan

What documentations are they talking about? wouldn't it be more sensible to including any extra local documents in a separate envelop?   

[wattsy]

2 hours ago, chronolf said:

Out of curiosity, I contacted Leica Japan. They confirmed that they open the packaging to include Japanese documentation. While it's a strange reason, it is what it is.

Translated blog post by Leica Japan

 

Blimey, talk about late-stage capitalism and a decadent society on the brink of terminal decline. Leica Japan issuing a statement apologising for having to open a box.

First world psychosis aside, you'd be able to tell if the camera wasn't brand new (irrespective of whether the outer box has been opened) by the state of the plastic bag immediately containing the camera and various protective films, etc attached to it. No matter how careful you are when removing these things, it is virtually impossible to put it all back on as it came from the factory.

 

Edited June 12 by wattsy