View Full Version : Neck Strap WARNING!
Sailor Ted
03-25-2007, 08:34
This is a public service announcement:
I was street shooting yesterday M8 on shoulder when I heard a horrible "thud." I look over my shoulder and on the concrete and there lys my pampered chrome M8. I inspect the Leica provided neck strap and the plastic collar was missing so the strap came off the steel clasp. I had never noticed problematic clasp before this time. At first inspection the strap on my M8 seemed to be the same as the one that came with my M6 ten years ago (my M6 strap served me for ten years on three contents and Oceania and still serves to this day). Further examination shows the plastic sleeve on the M8's strap to be of a brittle and different plastic. This is a ticking time bomb for anyone who relies on their provided neck strap to hold their M8's around their necks.
On a different note, I posted a comment to the R-D1 board some months back asking, "would your camera's range finder stay adjusted if you dropped your camera" I also ran a poll and the majority did not believe that their R-D1's RF's would stay aligned. Others wanted more detail like "would this be dropped on solid concrete? If "YES" then obviously "NO"! Well I am here to report that my M8's range finder seems perfectly aligned despite the drop dented my camera body.
Conclusion? GET A NEW NECK STRAP ASAP!
usccharles
03-25-2007, 08:50
i'm so sorry mr. ted. is your camera working properly still? well atleast your camera has character now :) i hope the scratches aren't so bad. FYI, i haven't used the M8 strap/clasp yet. i got lazy and pulled the one off my R6.2 instead. did the clasp break or did it slide up causing the strap to fall off?
Ouch! I just went and check my camera straps. The one that I don't like and its on an M3 has a plastic buckle. Does anyone know of thinnish strap that uses metal hooks that swivel similar to what is used on dog leashes? I'd like to get rid of this strap, which is comfortable, but hmmm............
pesphoto
03-25-2007, 09:09
oh, that sucks TEd. Hope all is ok with the camera. I dropped my Bessa R one time and it suffered no internal damage. Just lost the glass covering the frame counter.
I'm so sorry to hear about your camera Ted. I hate the newer Leica straps. Never use'em. As far as I am concerned, Luigi makes the best straps bar none. I was always a fan of the older Leica leather straps. Long out of production, long wearing, and mine still serve me well 27 years later. Luigi's leather straps are a definite upgrade to the older Leica leather straps and look absolutely beautiful.
Ted,
Sorry to hear of your misfortune, but glad the camera survived. Isn't accidental damage covered under the warranty?
black_box
03-25-2007, 09:31
Ouch... that first sentence hurts to read
Ouch! I just went and check my camera straps. The one that I don't like and its on an M3 has a plastic buckle. Does anyone know of thinnish strap that uses metal hooks that swivel similar to what is used on dog leashes? I'd like to get rid of this strap, which is comfortable, but hmmm............Domke Gripper has a model with swivel clasps as you describe.
Sorry to hear of your missfortune Ted.
...Does anyone know of thinnish strap that uses metal hooks that swivel similar to what is used on dog leashes? I'd like to get rid of this strap, which is comfortable, but hmmm............
I've been using a Domke strap for years.
Michael
I like the Leica straps very much because they are very strong and made of a non-organic material so less likely to break down over time like leather. I also prefer a thin strap so the Leica strap is ideal for me. HOWEVER - I will now plan to tape the plastic retainers over the metal clasps with gaffer's tape so they can't slip (though they never have in 10 years) on both my M6s) Thanks for letting us know this can happen, you must have felt awful when your camera hit the ground.
The Domke straps are too complicated IMO. I prefer the Leica straps but I will certainly tape them now. Another option is the very expensive UPStrap (google it)
Uggghhhh.. sorry to hear that!
John Friar
03-25-2007, 10:16
This is too bad...I would be very unhappy if that happened to me.
I used a Domke strap on my Contax G2 for a while. The thing I didn't like about it is that the metal buckle can cause scratching when the camera is put away in a bag. I don't use it any more. Now, on both my G2 and M8, I use an Optech wrist strap. Obviously, I can't hang this around my neck but they are very secure (can be tightened up around your wrist), strong, and won't scratch the camera.
The plastic couple on my Leica strap came undone on my M6 a couple weeks ago. I noticed it before anything bad happened, but I was surprised it had popped up loose.
Well, the Leica strap is off the M6 and a Luigi is in its place.
Sailor Ted
03-25-2007, 10:30
Thanks all and an update- the range finder is out of alignment. I focused on a flag on the horizon and it is way off. I agree the ballistic nylon that Leica uses on the strap is great and I too like it's ergos but... the plastic caps are not the same as what came with my M6. Perhaps Leica's vendor changed the formula for the plastic or perhaps Solms was pinching pennies (euros?) I don't know but this is a significant set back for me.
I will contact Leica on Monday and see if the warranty on my M8 is as robust as what came with my M6. Lifetime Passport Protection I believe it was called?
I have been thinking about how best to remedy this problem for other M8 owners and have the following suggestion. While tape would be of benefit it is not an elegant solution and can come undone. I believe heat shrink is our best option and I offer this as a suggestion.
Cheers,
ST
PS. The plastic cap is totally MIA- gone as in not on the strap. This means it failed and as a result of this failure my camera strap came off the clasp and my camera hit the ground hard.
Ted
I'm really sorry to hear that the camera sensor is out of alignment. Hopefully Leica will be able to turn it around quickly for you. i just had a Leaf Aptus 75 back fall of the camera and hit a wood floor. It to seemed to be fine, but I sent it to be checked out and sure enough head to have the sensor re-aligned. I'm in New York and Leaf is in New Jersey, so they were able to fix it in a day and get it back to me the next day.
Looking forward to seeing some of your new work on Flickr.
charles
Sailor Ted
03-25-2007, 10:55
Whoa! I did not say my sensor is out of alignment only the RF but you may be correct *gasp*
I don't know if the straps supplied with the M8's are the same that I am using, but I have fabric straps, that use a metal split ring, with a plastic fitting that slips over the metal ring, and further up the strap, on each side, a second plastic fitting with the strap attached (to adjust the length). I am not certain which part on yours broke, but since I use an R8 with a DMR attached, mine is much heaver.
Was it the plastic part that slips over the metal split ring?
Sailor Ted
03-25-2007, 11:07
Was it the plastic part that slips over the metal split ring?
Yes thats the part.
Thanks for posting the warning. I'm sorry about the incident; that surely hurts... I dropped the baseplate of my M4-P the day it reached me, which resulted in a dent, and it still hurts deep within me :(
this thread needs photos!
and upstraps are the best. the BEST.
ducttape
03-25-2007, 11:35
I hate the newer Leica straps. Never use'em. As far as I am concerned, Luigi makes the best straps bar none. I was always a fan of the older Leica leather straps. Long out of production, long wearing, and mine still serve me well 27 years later. Luigi's leather straps are a definite upgrade to the older Leica leather straps and look absolutely beautiful.
Ted, I'd be in tears... So sorry to hear of this.
I would 2nd on Luigi's strap. Like his cases, they seem to get better with age.
Ted I didn't wish to appear callous above, but I did forget to offer my condolences. Sorry. I hope Leica does the right thing by you, I have one of my M7s with them under Passport at the moment and they are taking care of me.
Returning to straps for a moment, I've used Domke, and only Domke straps for as long as I can remember. The metal clasps have the potential to scratch your camera I suppose, but it has never actually happened to me and if it did I probably wouldn't care. I like to use the Grippers with the swivel straps for my long strap only, my short strap doesn't seem to twist as easily as the long one so I don't seem to need metal clasps on the short strap.
saxshooter
03-25-2007, 11:48
The Passport Protection was three years when I bought my M6's. If/when I get my M8 I am going to put it on my Amex, which I think still does purchase protection.
But I found the original straps on my M6 (classics) were extremely dependable. It took a bit of oomph to slide the plastic off the metal rings. Maybe if you bowed the metal rings out a bit more to provide more resistance?
Upstrap makes a very good non-slip shoulder strap. They have a rangefinder model. I use them on my dSLRs.
Gilles L.
03-25-2007, 12:00
I hope the camera is well Ted. A few days ago I noticed the same problem you describe. I thought it was strange because I had not attempted to remove the strap since i first put it on when I got the camera. I decided to switch and got a small loop instead. It is a little inconvenient to remove but i thought it would be sager.
Sailor Ted
03-25-2007, 12:16
Saxshooter- my "strap" did not slide up, it broke and fell off the neck cord as it is totally MIA. I'll provide a picture or two but it is important for people to understand that these plastic straps are made out of a different plastic then was the case with the straps that came with our M6's. My M6 straps are still working as they did when they were new- they slide on to their clasps with tenacity and are quite strong. By contrast the new straps provided with the M8 both slide off their clasps quite easily and are prone to total failure which can result in your M8 coming disconnected from the neck strap with gravity taking over.
Also thank you for the Amex tip- I charged my M8 to my Amex card and will pursue this as an option but feel Leica should replace my body. It was their supplied neck strap that failed causing my M8 to hit a concrete sidewalk resulting in substantial damage.
Shootist
03-25-2007, 12:18
I use the standard Leica strap on both my M8 and one of my M3's. I have had the plastic piece break only after I wacked it against something, actually the strap got caught on something and the camera slipped out of my hands and hit the side of my coffe table right on the plastic strap retainer before hitting the carpeted floor, but I could still use that strap and the plastic piece to lock the strap down, although I have replaced it with another standard strap.
Even with the plastic retainer breaking and coming completely off the metal ring the strap itself would need to do a bunch of twists and turns to come out of the metal ring or the mental ring to come out of the eyelet on the camera body.
Sorry to hear of your misfortune but don't blame the strap totally as in the end it is the user that is responsible for camera retention.
Sailor Ted
03-25-2007, 12:29
Shootist,
Glad to see this as your fist post but I hope Leica does not attempt to shill this away.**I am not aware of any such impact with my camera strap nor did I notice any such twisting or turning with my camera strap but I was shooting the entire day and expected the strap to work as one should expect. I see this much like a supplied safty belt that comes with ones automobile. It is expected to hold under reasonable use. If it fails during reasonable use and results in injury then that is a defect of manufacture. I will call Leica on Monday and expect they will rise to the occasion but if I am wrong I will be vocal.
saxshooter
03-25-2007, 12:32
Ted, let's try an experiment. Call Leica and Amex one right after the other and see who resolves your problem quickest... My money is on Amex. ;)
The UPStrap costs $32 at their website, but I paid $50 for one of those Leica straps.
However, I notice that the UPStrap, the Leica Strap, and other DSLR straps all use plastic fittings. Are there any straps that use metal fittings? The early M3's used to have circular split rings (like key rings) to use with the leather straps.
Twice I've had the spit rings on my old M staps work their way around and the camera come off or nearly off once. the first time I caught my M2 before it went into a swimming pool. Domke are the way to go.
To continue the public service aspect, I wonder if it would be possible for someone to post a picture of the type of strap/clasp that is shipping with the M8s? I have several different straps that sound similar that came with various R and M bodies. It'd be very useful to be able to make sure that, for example, a late M7 strap isn't (or is) of the same type that failed here.
Many thanks
olivepress
03-25-2007, 13:14
Upstrap-
http://upstrap-pro.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=RF
or something from Artisan and Artist works well. The leather NeckPad Strap is a nice one. see:
http://www.artisanandartist.com/straps/acam250.htm
Trust you will have no problems with that Passport Protection in getting a new M8 or repairs.
saxshooter
03-25-2007, 14:47
I can't seem to find anything regarding an M8 or Passport Protection... does Leica USA still do Passport Protection?
Ted, I can't even begin to imagine what it must've felt like having a $5000 camera hit the pavement. Hopefully a rangefinder adustment it all it'll need. IIRC Leica USA is not offering the Passport on the M8, however I also believe as you do that they should make an exception where the damage is a result of the failure of their supplied neckstrap, and I hope they step up honorably and fix your rangefinder and the replace the dented part under warranty. Considering how vocally you have stood up for them in the face of all the criticism, it would be a real slap in the face if they didn't reward your loyalty. Hopefully if you plead your case in a calm and logical manner they will be responsive. If not I would contact Mr. Hagenauer or Mr. Daniel in Solms.
As to the strap coming off, I too am a little puzzled because I know that after sliding up the plastic retainer, it always takes me quite a bit of turning and twisting to get the clip out of the eyelet, or the strap off the clip. Maybe there is another cost-cutting redesign to the strap, other than just the plastic part?
back alley
03-25-2007, 14:57
i still remember the sound when my canon p and 50/1.9 collapsible hit the pavement!!
what you pay for a camera is less important than how you feel about that camera when you hear that thud.
sorry for the pain.
joe
Bob Parsons
03-25-2007, 16:19
Ted, that's bad news.
I've looked at my M8 strap and even with the plastic locking collar that goes over the split "D ring" removed I'd think it unlikely that the strap would come out of the split ring.
I'm wondering if the end of the strap which is anchored onto the adjustment buckle by being looped and sewn onto itself had become unsewn. That would account for the loss of the locking collar which would drop off the end of the strap as soon as it broke free. Can you compare both ends of your strap and confirm that the sewn loop is intact?
Bob.
Dooooode...I feel really bad for you as I know how much enjoyment you have been getting out of this camera. Leica owes you on this one, don't back down.
I have always used a few wraps of black gaffer's tape near the adjustable components of my camera's straps once I get them into position, but I have to say I like the shrink wrap idea too. I think I am going to stick to tape though ( no pun intended ) as I can quickly use it use it for an emergency if I need to and have had to do this on an occasion.
The M6 straps seem bomber, but this is going to make me tape them as well. A little 1/4 inch piece wrapped like 4 times around, no one will even notice it.
I hope Leica treats you as well as you have treated them.
Hang in there.....
Thanks all and an update- the range finder is out of alignment. I focused on a flag on the horizon and it is way off. I agree the ballistic nylon that Leica uses on the strap is great and I too like it's ergos but... the plastic caps are not the same as what came with my M6. Perhaps Leica's vendor changed the formula for the plastic or perhaps Solms was pinching pennies (euros?) I don't know but this is a significant set back for me.
I will contact Leica on Monday and see if the warranty on my M8 is as robust as what came with my M6. Lifetime Passport Protection I believe it was called?
I have been thinking about how best to remedy this problem for other M8 owners and have the following suggestion. While tape would be of benefit it is not an elegant solution and can come undone. I believe heat shrink is our best option and I offer this as a suggestion.
Cheers,
ST
PS. The plastic cap is totally MIA- gone as in not on the strap. This means it failed and as a result of this failure my camera strap came off the clasp and my camera hit the ground hard.
AndyPiper
03-25-2007, 21:09
Ted: ow-wow-WOW! Really sorry to hear this!
Also sorry to add more bad news - but the M8 is covered only by a 2-year manufacturing defect warranty, NOT the 3-year all-risk Passport warranty. At least in the US. However, if you make a compelling case to Leica that their strap failed...
(the reduced warranty - per Leica reps I've talked to - was to avoid having to cover shutter/sensor damage from folks who insisted on trying collapsible lenses on the M8 and crunched things internally)
I've used old 1980s Leica M6/R5 straps for years - long before I had Leica cameras to hang on them. But they do have heavier wire for the attachment loops AND heavier plastic sliders . Only one that ever broke in 20 years was slammed in a car door, shattering the plastic slider.
My "M8" straps have stayed safely in the bottom of the original box while I used the old-timers.
GrahamWelland
03-25-2007, 22:20
The UPStrap costs $32 at their website, but I paid $50 for one of those Leica straps.
However, I notice that the UPStrap, the Leica Strap, and other DSLR straps all use plastic fittings.
Condolences to Ted on the 'drop' - you wouldn't wish that on anyone.
As regards alternative straps I'll also vouch for the UpStrap rangefinder version. I use this on my M8 and it's excellent. As regards the comment above about fittings being plastic, this is not the case at all. The fittings are metal with the exception of the little riser that keeps the strap ends together.
Since the M8 costs what a car used to cost just a few years ago, that must've been a sickening feeling. Honestly, though I can't see why anyone would ever use anything other than the leciagoodies.com system of hook, slide, and strap after you've tried it. Safe, secure, fast, and out of the way when you shoot. Classic it's not, but it works.
I feel for you. It is surprising that it happened. I have had the sleeve ride up on this type of strap a few times in the past. (my fault, did not push it home) but even then the metal thing still has to turn about 360 degrees to work loose. I dropped an M6 on the concrete once from about 1 m high but that DID throw the RF out of whack. I have to add that after dropping it a city bus ran over it with three wheels as well. Still, the dent and the RF was the only damage and the camera could be used, fortunately, as I was on a trip.
bayerische
03-26-2007, 02:27
Domke user here aswell. Mine is now about 4 years old. I did fix the svivel thingies on the strap a bit thighter a month ago.
I feel for you. It is surprising that it happened. I have had the sleeve ride up on this type of strap a few times in the past. (my fault, did not push it home) but even then the metal thing still has to turn about 360 degrees to work loose. I dropped an M6 on the concrete once from about 1 m high but that DID throw the RF out of whack. I have to add that after dropping it a city bus ran over it with three wheels as well. Still, the dent and the RF was the only damage and the camera could be used, fortunately, as I was on a trip.
Wow!!! I won't try that with my digital!
Ted - very sorry to hear of the fall. It sounds like a faulty strap - I hope Leica comes to the party and makes good the damage.
I really like the Leica strap as it is soft and flexible, comfortable, and no bigger than it needs to be to do its job properly. It's also easy to adjust the length, which I do frequently. I have these straps on two cameras.
The older versions of this strap did not have the stitching at the adjusting buckle. The stitching makes that part of the system more secure, but if the strap at the buckle is threaded properly, and with at least 20mm or 3/4 inch tag end protruding, it will remain secure even though not stitched. The older straps also did not have this new-design clip; just a large split-ring, which (along with the plastic sleeve) is the part which failed here and separated from the camera.
It's not too hard to replace the clip with a simple split-ring. If your camera shop doesn't have some try your local fishing-tackle shop.
If you have trouble fitting the split-ring to the strap, you can carefully cut the stitching, and undo the strap from the buckle. Take careful note of how the strap is threaded (do one at a time), because the strap won't easily adjust unless threaded properly. And remember the point about leaving a long tag-end protruding.
Ted, I know I get on your case sometimes when you go over the top, but please accept my condolences. I hope you get your M8 back in perfect condition. I'm not going to hope you get a new one because I know the one you already have is the absolute reverse of a lemon -- evidently the only heavily used M8 out there that hasn't had problems. You need that one back. Good luck.
Ted, rather than getting a new body, why not have them replace the top plate or bottom plate, whichever has the dent? Since you have so little problem with your unit, it would seem a plate replacement will be a better idea.
SolaresLarrave
03-26-2007, 08:25
Ted, I am really sorry about the problem you had with the M8. And I'm sure that the Leica people will find a way to help you out. As long as you remember to stay calm while you talk to them, that'll help you a lot.
Oddly enough... this morning I just placed an order for two Domke straps for my M6TTL bodies. I hadn't read your thread, but I did see the Domke straps in Ken Ford's M6 and I liked it, so after thinking about it for a while, I just ordered them today. No swivel with them, so I'll see how they get attached on the cameras.
Again, I'm really sorry about your trouble, but I'm sure you'll find a way to fix it.
BTW, one of my Visa credit cards also has buyer's insurance... I used it once, and it was such a relief... :)
mich8261
03-26-2007, 10:00
Ted,
Like everyone else above, I am mortified reading this. I was out shooting with my Bessa a couple of weeks ago and felt a weight on my stomach. One end of my strap had come undone, the metal ring had actually threaded itself out of the lug. This is unbelievable as it usually is impossible for me to do this without a dime or penny to pry the ring open. What's more unbelievable is that the Artist and Artisan cotton strap clung to my fleece vest and kept the camera from falling to the group. It just stayed there. I wouldn't have had as much luck if I'd been wearing a slicker.
It's a good idea to get in the habit of checking your strap for wear and tear. It may not prevent all accidents, but some.
Good luck to Ted
BillBingham2
03-26-2007, 10:46
Ted,
Back in High School, I built wider leather straps from good leather I got from Tandy Leather (then in most Radio Shack stores, or was it the other way around?). I still have them today on my Nikkormat. I used stainless steel split rings from a fishing store, they come in lots of sizes and strenghts. I put a little cover between the split ring and the camera which saves the finish. I just pulled an old pair of shoes apart and used the leather from there.
Of late I am using the Bessa type of strap, yes there is a metal clip (read thank God) and I just cover it with good black electrical tape. It wears well and protects the camera. I was thinking of coating them with some dip-able hand grip stuff, but I only have red at this time.
I have never had split rings come apart, but then I get the stonger ones at fishing shops (I think they are built better).
I do hope Leica does a quick recall (ships out better plastic covers) for the current owners with an easy way to tell (no red dots please) if your strap is upgraded.
A $0.02 plastic part takes down a $5,000 camera, I am so sorry. I dropped a Nikon Coolpix while doing a closeup once of a spider. Two and a half feet to a pine floor. She would zoom past the long end of the lens and have to be brought back. Became an expensive door stop. Good to hear your M8 was in releatively good shape. Did the lens make out OK too?
Good luck.
B2 (;->
Ted,
you should report the problem to Leica !!!!!!
I suggest using a needle and thread to secure the straps together incase the plastic breaks. Black thread would be un noticeable an a couple of loops should be enough and easy to remove.
Ouch, it always hurts if something like that happens. I feel for you and thank you for the warning.
Ted,
Really sorry about your misfortune. I can feel your pain.I was in Beijing last spring and while changing lenses, I dropped my 10.5 mm Nikor. I know the sinking, sick feeling that comes with the sound of camera gear hitting concrete. To my surprise, there was no damage to the lens, just a busted lens cap fixed with tape.
Thanks for the tip I'm going to "pressure test" the M8 strap right now.
Good luck with Leica.
Joe Bode
I was thinking of coating them with some dip-able hand grip stuff, but I only have red at this time.
B2 (;->
Joe needs a strap like that for when he gets his Nikon new clothing. :D
this thread needs photos!
and upstraps are the best. the BEST.
Aizan
I just acquired an UPSTRAP. Haven't really tried it yet. Looks to be very well made.
Russ
back alley
03-26-2007, 20:46
Joe needs a strap like that for when he gets his Nikon new clothing. :D
i'm using the extra long luigi strap on the nikon.
What happened to the days when people ran metal wire or guitar string through their straps? A while back that was all the rage, although it was used more as a theft deterrent than for the camera's sake.
Albeit a perfectly good solution, this might present a health hazard if the camera or strap gets caught on something...
yeah, Joe, but you do need the red dip stuff, eh?
Sailor Ted
03-28-2007, 09:08
Ok guys who do I call in the US? (Sitting in lotus position, controlled breathing, calm, peaceful- ohmmm, ohmmm : )
ST
saxshooter
03-28-2007, 09:59
Ted, you may have researched this already (and I don't know how long ago you purchased your camera) but AMEX's purchase protection is good for 90 days for $1,000 per purchase per occurence ($10,000 for Platinum and Centurion Card members).
Sailor Ted
03-28-2007, 10:32
Saxshooter,
I've got a call into Leica and should know more later today or tomorrow.
HOLY CRAP I'm at 90 DAYS!
If you are at 90 days maybe you could use this post as evidence that the damage occurred within the 90 day period.
Good luck with the call Ted.
SolaresLarrave
03-28-2007, 10:40
Try contacting Dave Elwell, at Leica. He's a very nice person and will be honest with you.
Good luck and keep us posted! :)
Gabriel M.A.
03-28-2007, 10:41
Further examination shows the plastic sleeve on the M8's strap to be of a brittle and different plastic. This is a ticking time bomb for anyone who relies on their provided neck strap to hold their M8's around their necks.
<snip>
Conclusion? GET A NEW NECK STRAP ASAP!
I noticed that right away; I had a Tamrac strap on it until I got my Luigi case and Luigi strap.
Cost savings are a misnomer. Long-established companies should stop buying plastics from that Red 800-lbs. gorilla and resume supporting their own local economies, using products that are reliable, and stop trusting gimmicky spreadsheets that make the department bean-counters tingle for a few days.
Sailor Ted
03-28-2007, 11:20
Heads up- I purchased my camera on Dec 24th and the neck strap failed on March 24th- EXACTLY 90 DAYS. Saved by the bell!!
Lesson's One and Two- Not only should you purchase from a reputable dealer, but you should also charge your camera to an Amex Platinum Card.
Lesson Three- The M8 is not covered under Leica's Lifetime Passport Protection Plan. Jap states this is due to "collapsible lenses" but this is non-sense. Leica could have amended their Passport Protection to exclude this occurrence and not killed the program entirely.
Lesson Four- get a new neck strap for your M8 on DAY ONE.
Lesson Five- waiting for Leica's call regarding Lesson Five (I have every hope that Leica will play ball and support their customer).
galavanter
03-28-2007, 11:22
What a drag Ted. Reminds me of the time I knocked a brewing mug of coffee (grounds and all) onto my laptop keyboard. Like the Apple guy said to me, "It's like running over your pet".
There's a thread here about your misfortune if you haven't already seen it:
http://www.leica-camera-user.com/digital-forum/20011-sailor-goes-strapless.html
Sailor Ted
03-28-2007, 13:41
Heads up- I just got off the phone with Roger Horn at Leica Camera Inc in NJ. It seems they will take care of this issue to my satisfaction- I will know more by Friday. This may be premature but I feel my faith in this fine company is well founded.
ST
Even though they aren't legally bound (in terms of the warranty) to cover your loss, I'd be very surprised if they didn't goodwill you on this. I'm not sure how Solms will look at it, but Leica USA has to operate in the PR/customer-service climate in the US and I've found them to be accomodating in an exemplary way, even before they had the whole M8 debacle to consider.
Last winter my Leica strap popped. I caught the camera. I replaced it with a Luigi strap. Very scary when it happened.
Lesson Three- The M8 is not covered under Leica's Lifetime Passport Protection Plan. Jap states this is due to "collapsible lenses" but this is non-sense. Leica could have amended their Passport Protection to exclude this occurrence and not killed the program entirely.
The more likely reason the M8 is not covered under passport is the fact that it's digital. Over the long term - there is a greater likelihood of failure than say, an MP. That being said, I have had both an MP and R8 repaired under passport. Product cycle will also be shorter.
I hope things work out for you. Cameras hitting the ground are not a fun sound.
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