Experience with Leica NJ service

davidzapr · 10-17-2007

Hi to everyone! I just wanted to relate a positive story with the recent service of my 2 1/2 year old black paint MP. Last June it started having a sticky shutter release - it was like it was partially seizing. Since it was still under the passport warranty, I sent it to Leica NJ for service. Now it did take a while - 2 months before they even called me, but last month they did call to ask permission to take off the dark red leather that I had put on by camerleather.com(I knew that I would have to pay to have that re-done, so I told them to return it and not worry about the covering). Well, the camera came back today, and it is as smooth as silk, perfectly clean inside and out, and they put on the original covering! That really is going beyond the expected, as I was the one who had the leather put on, and I knew that was a risk if it ever needed service. The covering is perfect - looks new. I know they took awhile, but the quality is terrific! Just want you all to know of a positive story for factory service.

David

shenkerian · 10-17-2007

Hi David, thanks for the report. I'm dreading the time I'll be without my MP when I send it in for service. Three months is a long time - an entire season. Did you have a spare MP, or did you shoot with something else?

rodneyAB · 10-17-2007

glad to hear a positive report. i just sent my MP3 to Leica NJ this morning. i have chosen not to think about the when of it's return. i'll just have to be happy with SLR.

davidzapr · 10-17-2007

I was using a new M7 and an older titanium M6 while it was gone. I have a M5 and a CL over with dag, and it is 4 1/2 months and they still need at least another month before they are back - in that case he is having trouble with getting the parts he needs for them.

David

Pablito · 10-17-2007

Not quite sure I undestand why you are so pleased with this service. The fact that the camera was repaired and returned to you working smoothly is the least you could expect. The fact that it took so long seems to me really unacceptable. And they did not listen to your instructions - since you intended to re-install the red covering, didn't they just create more work for you by putting back the original covering rather than leaving it bare like you instructed? Now you'll have to take off the original covering to put back the red leather.... I'm a little puzzled as to why you are so pleased.

peter_n · 10-17-2007

I had a similar sort of experience with an M7 for which they upgraded the finder free of charge. They quoted a particular delay and it was much longer so I did have to remind them to send the camera back to me. They also did a very good job on mine and I've been very pleased with it since. It has been on a rough international trip and survived very well. When they get round to it they seem to do good work.

Tuolumne · 10-17-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pablito

Not quite sure I undestand why you are so pleased with this service. The fact that the camera was repaired and returned to you working smoothly is the least you could expect. The fact that it took so long seems to me really unacceptable. And they did not listen to your instructions - since you intended to re-install the red covering, didn't they just create more work for you by putting back the original covering rather than leaving it bare like you instructed? Now you'll have to take off the original covering to put back the red leather.... I'm a little puzzled as to why you are so pleased.

I think it has to do with expectations. These days a service group is just as likely to break something else and not fix the original problem as do a good job. When they do fix something without breaking something else, it seems like major kudos are in order.

/T

tamerlin · 10-17-2007

My experience with them was quite good; their turnaround was quick, so most of the time I was without my camera was a result of shipping delays.

davidzapr · 10-18-2007

Pablito, I had cameraleather.com install the leather, it is WAY over my skill level to do it myself. So, they re-covered it to protect the metal. Again, it was at their expense and above the expected. Also, as to the time frame, every Leica reastorer that I know in North America(I have personal experience with DAg, have hear about the others) is absolutly slammed with work. My M5 and CL will be approaching the 6month mark before their return....so yeah I am pleased.

David

andersju · 10-18-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidzapr

Also, as to the time frame, every Leica reastorer that I know in North America(I have personal experience with DAg, have hear about the others) is absolutly slammed with work. My M5 and CL will be approaching the 6month mark before their return....so yeah I am pleased.

I sent an M3 and a lens to Youxin in September. He did excellent work and kept me updated the whole time. Turnaround? Five (!) days.

peter_n · 10-18-2007

Unfortunately Youxin does not work on the later Leicas.