Digilux 3 - hair in Vario Elmarit

[jhluxton]

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At the end of 2007 I took advantage of the D2 to D3 upgrade.

 

Todate i have not used the Digilux 3 that much as I also have a VLux1. However, today I was out and about with the D3. I routinely check that my camera lenses are clean and to my surprise I see a white hair around 8cm long stuck on the inside of the front element!

 

I am a bit puzzled how it got there to say the least. I have not taken the lens off the camera since I fitted it after it arrived so I can't imagine it entered via the mount.

 

After taking a few shots I wound the zoom in to 14mm and put it back in the camera back.

 

When I took the camera out later and had another look the hair now appears stuck to the moveable elements though it has moved and abound only 3 mm is over the element!

 

Checking the photos does not reveal any image problems.

 

Questions are - has anyone else had this problem?

 

Should I really worry about it - as it doesn't appear to show on images? (but it might put off a future buyer should I decide to sell at a later date)

 

Would Leica consider this to be a warranty repair?

 

Thanks for any feedback

 

John

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[ASpes]

At the end of 2007 I took advantage of the D2 to D3 upgrade.

 

... I routinely check that my camera lenses are clean and to my surprise I see a white hair around 8cm long stuck on the inside of the front element!

...

Questions are - has anyone else had this problem?

Should I really worry about it - as it doesn't appear to show on images? (but it might put off a future buyer should I decide to sell at a later date)

Would Leica consider this to be a warranty repair?

 

Thanks for any feedback

John

 

In over a year work I had no dust problem with this lens, but in use some dust might get inside all zooms that are not weather sealed as it's the case of the D/3 kit lens.

Usually this does not affect images as it will be out of focus, and the only chance you could bring it visible is by using the closest f/stop available on the lens, f/22 in this case.

 

Anyway an 8cm hair, as you describe it, is definitely peculiar and not a negligible one. If it were mine I'd contact the Leica assistance and ask it to be checked and cleaned, after all it could also be something else, some lubricant trace or dried glue or whatever.

 

IMO chance is that they will do it under warranty, only drawback is that you'll likely miss your lens for a couple months.

 

Just my 2 (euro)cent.

[goodbokeh]

In over a year work I had no dust problem with this lens, but in use some dust might get inside all zooms that are not weather sealed as it's the case of the D/3 kit lens.

Usually this does not affect images as it will be out of focus, and the only chance you could bring it visible is by using the closest f/stop available on the lens, f/22 in this case.

 

Anyway an 8cm hair, as you describe it, is definitely peculiar and not a negligible one. If it were mine I'd contact the Leica assistance and ask it to be checked and cleaned, after all it could also be something else, some lubricant trace or dried glue or whatever.

 

IMO chance is that they will do it under warranty, only drawback is that you'll likely miss your lens for a couple months.

 

Just my 2 (euro)cent.

 

Yes, by all means contact Leica in the UK. Heck, I dropped and scuffed my 14-50 mm VE lens cap within the 6 month passport period and Leica NJ replaced it for me!