View Full Version : Leica Camera: Message to the customers of the LEICA M8
Leica-Camera
11-10-2006, 02:50
Dear Friends of Leica,
Customer feedback to us following the start of shipment of the LEICA M8 points to a performance under certain conditions that does not meet the expectations in the Leica brand. Our technical and engineering teams have isolated the source of these concerns und have identified definitive solutions. Over the next two weeks we will communicate a plan to further assure you of your investment in the LEICA M8.
We hope for your understanding and support. Please accept that I will not be able to answer all messages in the forum personally.
Kind regards
Leica Camera AG
Stefan Daniel
Post deleted by posters request
mikebrice@mac.c
11-10-2006, 03:24
Its a pretty generic answer without any details. The devil is in the details and until they are known, I don't think we can judge whether Leica is going to do the right thing or it will be convenient for the user. Say for example, you have to use filters, or send the camera back or whatever that leaves you without the camera, that's a problem. If its just a firmware update, that's great.
Otherwise, until I hear and see the plan, I'll be happy to use my Leica glass with my MP.
saxshooter
11-10-2006, 03:39
Well, it is nice to know that they are broadening their scope of keeping their eyes and ears open to customer feedback. Unfortunately, resources put towards retooling and *gasp* a possible recall won't help the price any. In the meantime, still using my Leica glass on my RD-1 (which has its own bag of issues! ;) )
I'll wait for the M9 full frame with a silent shutter!
I'll wait for the M9 full frame with a silent shutter!
M8 was just as loud as MP to my untrained ears, so you might be in the wait for a while :)
This message says a lot about the important of RFF in the rangefinder camera community.
I'll wait for the M9 full frame with a silent shutter!
Nah, hold out for the M10 with the anti-gravity neckstrap...
Thank you Leica for informing our community of your commitment to us/your customers.
I will copy this into the M8 forum too.
AShearer
11-10-2006, 04:57
Dear Friends of Leica,
Customer feedback to us following the start of shipment of the LEICA M8 points to a performance under certain conditions that does not meet the expectations in the Leica brand. Our technical and engineering teams have isolated the source of these concerns und have identified definitive solutions. Over the next two weeks we will communicate a plan to further assure you of your investment in the LEICA M8.
We hope for your understanding and support. Please accept that I will not be able to answer all messages in the forum personally.
Kind regards
Leica Camera AG
Stefan Daniel
I applaud this response in an open forum. It's unusual for a company to respond in a venue like this. Typically companies want to "control the pr environment".
Thank you for letting us know that 1.) Leica is aware of the problems, 2.) Leica has identified definitive solutions.
Now it remains to be seen what the solutions are and what is expected of the first batch of customers. This is KEY to how Leica's response to this is perceived in the long run
foxwhelp
11-10-2006, 05:31
Just adding another thanks for letting us know.
Peter G1G2
11-10-2006, 05:40
Thanks for informing the people on this forum.
Best wishes for you and the team working on solutions.
I'm on the list for the M8 and actually looking forward to beeing able to work with this camera.
Cheers,
Peter
BillBingham2
11-10-2006, 05:55
Stefan & Leica,
Thanks for the message. I would not worry about some people wanting to know what you are looking at. It is your responsibility keep your eyes and ears open and catch everything we find. Leica has limited resources and gets to prioritize which bugs/features/issues to fix first.
I listen/comment/lurk on several boards/lists. I have to say that you will find a deep broad source of experience and capabilities. Microsoft used several of these lists to gain information about improving the photographic handling of thier OS. As Leica turns the corner into a Digital and Analog company I strongly recomend that you use this wonderful resource. If you ask very pointed question, you will be successful. Open ended questions will yeild dreams and desires.
The members here span from head down pros, former pros, and passionate users. Many of us are business professionals in other industries that as you move into the Professional Digital space you can gain a lot of insight into.
Please pass long to Leica-Camera Mgt a thank you to having you communicate through this forum. It is a great step on the rebuilding the share-holder value of Leica-Camera.
B2 (;->
Gabriel M.A.
11-10-2006, 06:01
Excellent. Most excellent; thank you for the feedback. I like that instead of getting a fast "solution", we're getting feedback that they are looking into it. This means to me that they really are looking into it; details don't come out of the blue.
Danke schoen!
This is wonderful and shows that Leica is addressing the customer concerns. A big Kudos to Leica! We appreciate the effort and wish the company the best of luck.
schmoozit
11-10-2006, 08:24
Please forgive me, but am I the only one who questions the validity of this? How do we know this guy from Adam? Just saying...
photogdave
11-10-2006, 08:36
Well. I hope all those people who jumped ship and cancelled their orders at the first sign of trouble, and trashed Leica for so-called poor customer service and unprofessionalism, read this and feel embarrassed.
The cameras has only been shipping a few days, some issues were reported, Leica has acknowledged this and is working on it. Patience is a virtue!
I just feel sorry for all the dealers who are going to have to deal with the mess. How many people cancelled their order and now want to get back into the position they had before? Perhaps that should be another poll?!
Please forgive me, but am I the only one who questions the validity of this? How do we know this guy from Adam? Just saying...
This same post has also been made at dpreview.com and on Leica's own customer forum. I can see the reason for your caution, but this appears to be very legit.
I have an email from Stefan. The message posted is legit. I don't want to start another is he real or not thread like the one with Seal. Take my word for it. It is a message from Leica.
looks like I was beaten to the punch on "is this for real??"!
Glad to see they're sorting things out though.
schmoozit
11-10-2006, 09:12
I have an email from Stefan. The message posted is legit. I don't want to start another is he real or not thread like the one with Seal. Take my word for it. It is a message from Leica.
Gotcha! I skimmed through this thread and didn't see anyone verifying, only praising, which is the right thing really if it's in fact legit. Thanks for clarification, and sorry if it was missed somewhere on my part.
Well. I hope all those people who jumped ship and cancelled their orders at the first sign of trouble, and trashed Leica for so-called poor customer service and unprofessionalism, read this and feel embarrassed.
The cameras has only been shipping a few days, some issues were reported, Leica has acknowledged this and is working on it. Patience is a virtue!
I just feel sorry for all the dealers who are going to have to deal with the mess. How many people cancelled their order and now want to get back into the position they had before? Perhaps that should be another poll?!
I do not want to get back in line for the M8. I will however applaud Leica for addressing this problem to the forum. I wish them luck in resolving the cameras problems. As for the great dealers we have who distribute the cameras. As soon as my deposit arrives in my bank account he will be getting a call for the MP3 kit. Hopefully Leica will be able to pull this whole thing out of the fire and get a great product to the people.
ok I'm not too clued up on Leica... but does this remind anyone of their jump from screwmount to M mount? or maybe the M5???? They've pulled it back together before eh?
I have an email from Stefan. The message posted is legit. I don't want to start another is he real or not thread like the one with Seal. Take my word for it. It is a message from Leica.
Ha, I won't believe it until I see a picture of him and the M8! :D :D :D
BrianPhotog
11-10-2006, 19:50
Well. I hope all those people who jumped ship and cancelled their orders at the first sign of trouble, and trashed Leica for so-called poor customer service and unprofessionalism, read this and feel embarrassed.
The cameras has only been shipping a few days, some issues were reported, Leica has acknowledged this and is working on it. Patience is a virtue!
I just feel sorry for all the dealers who are going to have to deal with the mess. How many people cancelled their order and now want to get back into the position they had before? Perhaps that should be another poll?!
Why should they feel embarassed? Leica should...I mean the increased cost of their cameras in part is attributed to a higher QA standard, right? Just because they say "oops" doesn't forgive the fact that this is something that should have been caught pre-production...or maybe it's a sign that Leica is trying to save money by expediating the QA process?
Dave, if this were anything but a Leica would your reaction be as faithful? Yes, patience is a virtue but guess what? All they said was "oops" and "we know about it". How patient are you? Are you patient enough to wait "over the next two weeks" for progress communications (no solution, mind you. just progress). What about if you have to send your M8 back for a sensor or hardware replacement? Are you willing to wait the months involved in getting it back?
BTW, I just read the statement again and couldn't find the apology. Maybe I missed it? :rolleyes:
Simon Larbalestier
11-10-2006, 21:11
It is good that Lecia have decided to post a response here and on some of the other forums - to me - it shows they do listen to customers' views and are addressing the now known issues and i look forward to getting my M8 on my return to the UK in December.
photogdave
11-11-2006, 00:08
Hi Brian,
The people who I said should be embarassed are the ones who claimed Leica was not responding to complaints and giving M8 users the cold shoulder. This has proven not to be the case.
I didn't mean to imply that that anyone should be embarassed for voicing their dissatisfaction with the product, as there is clearly a problem that needs to be fixed.
I don't consider myself "faithful" to Leica. I only own two bodies and one lens, all purchased second hand. I'm a more faithful Voigtlander and Nikon customer - theirs' are the only products I've purchased new.
If I had purchased the M8 this week then I would be patient enough to wait a couple of weeks for a fix, and to send it back for a hardware replacement. I'm a patient guy. However, I never buy ANYTHING new until I know it's proven.
I guess I am just upset by the general impatience and unreal expectations generated by people on the internet.
Laurence
11-12-2006, 17:51
I'm not looking to buy a Leica M8 or any other Leica soon.
However, this is pretty darn "fresh air" that a company -- ANY company -- will notify a user group that they want to correct a problem.
My hat is off to this Leica Company. They DO have the integrity that I've heard about.
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