• Watch Out for Scammers!

    We've now added a color code for all accounts. Orange accounts are new members, Blue are full members, and Green are Supporters. If you get a message about a sale from an orange account, make sure you pay attention before sending any money!

Frustrated with Leica

Re: Frustrated with Leica

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Buster</div><div class="ubbcode-body">On their glass they do, not on electronics.

http://www.swarovskioptik.us/upload/media/media/34/Warranty_SONA[762].pdf

Edited to add, I'm not sure about Vortex and not sure you can even get your hands on one of their rangefinders yet, because they're so new to the market. </div></div>

Seen them at Cabela's today...
 
Re: Frustrated with Leica

Sent Vortex an email. Hopefully I'll be pleasantly surprised and they'll say it's covered by the same VIP warranty as their binos/spotters.
 
Re: Frustrated with Leica

I own the 1600 as well and it's solid. As for breaking down, I'd be frustrated as hell knowing I payed 2x-3x more for RF but being that it's a few years old and not beat to death is also disappointing. I think the $500 deal is fair to move up to a better model as well, I've never seen any other company offer this besides a repair and that is if it still exists or you're SOL. Once again I'm not in your shoes but I feel your pain.
 
Re: Frustrated with Leica

I think this thread has pretty much steered me clear of Leica in the future.

I understand you can't make money by replacing everything for free. I guess that's why people pay a premium for a higher-end LRF. Because they think it will work well for a long time. Sitting in a safe, and it went tits up. The whole line was apparently problematic. So - Leica thumbs their noses at the people who paid for their name. Telling someone to get bent nicely is still telling them to get bent. I guess the answer is don't release LRF's that suck. If you do, and they start to fail - don't expect people to come back for more. I had a Bushnell that lasted longer than that, and was actually used. If I'm going to get a LRF, why would I pay twice as much for a Leica when I can't expect it to work any better?

Nah - I'll stick with my Leupolds.
 
Re: Frustrated with Leica

So question........ If i buy one of the 1600"runouts" new from the shop on here for $650 (not the 1600B's) and it craps its self in say 18 months will it be replaced with another 1600 ( that's being superseded now) or will i be forced to go to a 1600B? IM not interested in the B series at all?
 
Re: Frustrated with Leica

After reading this thread I'll stay away from leica. Vortex gets my vote.
 
BUSHNELL - HA!

I've had two Bushnell rangefinders and they both went bad in two years.

After that I'm not so sure I want to buy their new HDMR scope with the Horus 59 reticle. I'd <span style="font-style: italic">like</span> to but even with the "lifetime" warranty it carries I'm not so sure I wouldn't be sending it back every couple of years. A real PITA.

What thinkest thee?
 
Re: Frustrated with Leica

The 1200 was a Leica consumer electronics item and warranty repairs were handled by unit replacement. At some point Leica stopped producing them and went on to make the 1600. It's obvious that they would eventually run out of new 1200s to replace units under warranty. That time has come and gone.

An alternative to buying a new 1600B to replace a failed 1200 is to look for a used, working 1200 --- LRFs are cheap used. I still have my old 900 Scan because it's worth less than $200 but still works fine.
 
Re: Frustrated with Leica

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Driftwood</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I mean the unit has not even been returned to the Leica dealer. He has no idea why the unit isn't working. Try going anywhere with a product that the warranty has expired and see if they help you. Go see how Apple treats you when your iphone takes a dump and is out of warranty.

The fact is the Leica rep is still backing the out of warranty unit. He needs to see it to determine what can he can do. The worst that will happen, ie if it was damaged by the OP in a way that wouldn't be covered he will get a great deal on a newer rangefinder. If its something that is just wrong with the unit itself, something else may be offered.

The OP made a phone call, he didn't send it in. He was told over the phone what the worst that would happen would be. He was told that it is not cost effective to fix the rangefinder and that they have been replacing ones that have been damaged during the warranty.

Make a random phone call to a manufactuer of a range finder of your choice, tell them its a year out of warranty, but you hardly used it and see what they tell you. I don't think you will find any other manufactuer giving you any differnt answer. They are going to want to see the rangefinder first. I doubt they will repair them either even at your cost. I could be wrong so why not give it a shot and prove me wrong.

I would be interested to know which company making a rangefinder priced under $1,000 actually repairs rather than replaces their rangefinders when they come in. I would also like to know which companies continue to replace said rangefinder a year after the warranty has expired.

Vortex has already been mentioned, I haven't checked into their warranty so that would be a good start, but the fact is, its not "already done" the rangefinder hasn't been sent to the Leica representative, so why not wait and see what the rep says after he gets the rangefinder. That is what I mean by "take a chill pill"

What range finder are you thinking is going to give better customer service? I will call them from Iraq just to find out, I bet I have to wait until Monday to even get a response. </div></div>


Nobody here is complaining about the Customer Service or even the Customer Service Rep. Sounds like the Rep was a great guy to deal with. What people are complaining about here is the company itself and their failure to stand behind thier product.

I have a Droid X from motorola. It's past it's warranty. As a matter of fact, they stopped making them. But, if/when this phone breaks, Motorola will still fix it for a reasonable price. That's standing behind your product.
 
Re: Frustrated with Leica

Update: I sent my 1200 in to Leica a few weeks ago to have it replaced. AHB immediately contacted me and told me they got it and they are looking at it. While waiting, I had a few more questions about the whole process and he was really fast to respond. I recently got a call from Sarah (very nice lady) at Leica and was told that they are replacing my 1200 with the 1600-B per AHB within 3 weeks (they are currently out of stock).

Overall, AHB did everything he could to help me out and he definitely exceeded my expectations. He went above and beyond and therefore, want to thank him publicly for it. I'm glad he is part of this forum and that I was able to actually talk to a Leica rep about my situation. I'm sure he's busy but he really went out of his way to help me. Thanks AHB!
 
Re: Frustrated with Leica

So once you pay to trade in for a new one you could potentially have to go through this all again? To me it doesn't seem like a deal at all to have to replace the product every couple years(potentially). The $200 off is from and inflated MSRP too.

I DO think a 2yr service warranty is acceptable. My problem is that they won't repair it on your dime after that. You're screwed. Instead of paying $50-$100 for repair they're gonna get you for more of your money.

All this being said I own a LRF 1200 scan(bought on here). I'm worried about it now. Urghhhh thought i had the LRF based covered. That Terrapin has been catching my eye anyway...

ETA: AHB seems decent and Leica is lucky to have him over here rep'ing for them. I'll try and remember his name in case mine craps out on me lol.
 
Re: Frustrated with Leica

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shotdown</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Overall, AHB did everything he could to help me out and he definitely exceeded my expectations. He went above and beyond and therefore, want to thank him publicly for it. I'm glad he is part of this forum and that I was able to actually talk to a Leica rep about my situation. I'm sure he's busy but he really went out of his way to help me. Thanks AHB!
</div></div>

I have been watching this thread with interest. I had some serious concerns about Leica because of it, but after doing some digging on different forums, it would seem that LRF's are touch and go, no matter who you get them from. I did speak with AHB on the phone, good guy who willingly spent a lot of time with me going over LRF operation and what is involved in supporting these things in terms of warranty. After dealing with Bushnell's supposed "Bulletproof Warranty" I'm willing to give Leica a shot. I ordered a 1600B from Jay at Sport Optics on Tues.

John
 
Re: Frustrated with Leica

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jrob300</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shotdown</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Overall, AHB did everything he could to help me out and he definitely exceeded my expectations. He went above and beyond and therefore, want to thank him publicly for it. I'm glad he is part of this forum and that I was able to actually talk to a Leica rep about my situation. I'm sure he's busy but he really went out of his way to help me. Thanks AHB!
</div></div>

I have been watching this thread with interest. I had some serious concerns about Leica because of it, but after doing some digging on different forums, it would seem that LRF's are touch and go, no matter who you get them from. I did speak with AHB on the phone, good guy who willingly spent a lot of time with me going over LRF operation and what is involved in supporting these things in terms of warranty. After dealing with Bushnell's supposed "Bulletproof Warranty" I'm willing to give Leica a shot. <span style="font-weight: bold">I ordered a 1600B from Jay at Sport Optics on Tues.</span>
John </div></div>

If you have the time, can you please post a review? I've read a few online and they all have been positive.
 
Re: Frustrated with Leica

Dear Creature,

Please feel free to contact me at any time, and I will be happy to help you! Please note, ShotDown's CRF was replaced, no charge, as it was defective/was not damaged. There was never a $200 trade in off a an "inflated" retail price. From the beginning, before even seeing his unit, I told ShotDown the worst case scenario would be that he could buy a brand new 1600-B at appx $450 which is $349/43.5% off of the street price, on a brand new product that hasn't even been out a month. -A smoking deal on a unit that is 2 generations newer than what was returned to us. I can't buy one anywhere near that cheap, and I work here. $649 is what the older, discontinued 1600s are going for. Our margins aren't big, and neither are our dealers' margins. Please don't take anything I'm saying as being argumentative. It is just important that the facts are clear. Folks can form any opinion they want after that. : )
 
Re: Frustrated with Leica

Also Creature,

You are 100% correct, and I completely agree with you that it would be better for all involved if we could just repair them for $50-100. I wish this were the case as it would make everyone happy. However, this is impossible as the units would have to go back to Europe for repairs. Even something simple would be well north of $100. By the way, we are not "getting" anyone for more of their money, as the price we sell a discounted replacement on an out of warranty product is our landed cost. We make ZERO dollars on the transaction. We just cover our costs on replacing the product, which we had to buy from Leica in Germany. Thanks again for letting us know what you like, AND for letting us know what you don't like. Even if/when we can't change what you don't like, I'll always try to explain WHY it is the way it is. Knowing does sometimes help, hopefully!
 
Re: Frustrated with Leica

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: AHB</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Also Creature,

You are 100% correct, and I completely agree with you that it would be better for all involved if we could just repair them for $50-100. I wish this were the case as it would make everyone happy. However, this is impossible as the units would have to go back to Europe for repairs. Even something simple would be well north of $100. By the way, we are not "getting" anyone for more of their money, as the price we sell a discounted replacement on an out of warranty product is our landed cost. We make ZERO dollars on the transaction. We just cover our costs on replacing the product, which we had to buy from Leica in Germany. Thanks again for letting us know what you like, AND for letting us know what you don't like. Even if/when we can't change what you don't like, I'll always try to explain WHY it is the way it is. Knowing does sometimes help, hopefully! </div></div>

Thanks for the response AHB. The problem doesn't seem to be with you guys but with "Leica in Germany."

I understand it's an awesome deal on a new generation LRF. But it's not a good deal if someones LRF craps out and they don't have the money to upgrade to the improved model. Hopefully I never need CS
wink.gif
. Leica-Germany kind of has you in a tough spot it seems.
 
Re: Frustrated with Leica

I am in the market for a LRF, after reading what AHB has to say about the industry and the company he works for, Leica will get my money when it's time.
 
Re: Frustrated with Leica

Just wish to chime in on one part of this issue that keeps being brought up over and over.
"It's three years old and they can't fix it"
Try taking in that $3000 Sony after three or five years and see if parts are available.
Or a $2500 DSLR (digital single lens relfex) that is 3 years out of production...betcha they make the same offer as Leica has in this case.
(I'm in the photo-biz and know what I speak of here).
The constant demand by consumers (meaning you and I) to have the latest technology in the cheapest package means that manufacturers have to come out with new models on a yearly basis.
These aren't $40000.00 automobiles wherein it is cost effective to build repair parts for 20 years.
Unfortunately we've made ourselves a system where $500 items are indeed disposable.
But the blame doesn't lie just with the manufacturers...everyone of us that demand the newest, greatest...at a Wallymart price are just as much to blame.
 
Re: Frustrated with Leica

Thanks guys! I hope all of you will feel free to contact me any time you have need.
 
Re: Frustrated with Leica

AHB, keep up the good work 110% behind you. I started with the first lrf1000 after 2 1/2yrs someting went wrong and I called Leica and after about 2 weeks they called and said they couldn't repair it but they had a new model out, 1200 scan this rangefinder has been at my side from the high plains of Montana to the sub-zero artic of Alaska and has never had an issue one. my son has bought leupold, bushnell and both have been tossed into Dads dresser catch all drawer and he is always grabbing my Leica. My experience with mine is unbelievable it will distance up to 1500yds atleast half the time and it has distanced things over1800yds more times than i can remember. As of tomarrow euroo has a brand new 1600-b at my door and my son is getting a very good heirloom that is functioning for his Birthday tomarrow and there is nothing else he would rather have. You at Leica have your shit together so to speak. You guys are always on the cutting edge and looking for more!! keep up the good work guys!! ([email protected])
TheBroke1
 
Re: Frustrated with Leica

I had one of the first 1600's to come in to the states.
I started seeing some moister on the inside of the rear
Ocular leans, about 4 months. And my warranty had been up
For one month. ABH convicted me to send it in anyway.
I did, and 3 weeks later...... A "NEW" 1600 showed up on my
Doorstep.
Thank you .. ABH and Leica !!!!

M
 
Re: Frustrated with Leica

Thanks for the feedback guys! Sorry I've been dark for a while. If anyone needs anything, PM me!
 
Re: Frustrated with Leica

Dear AHB, sorry about not getting back to you on this its been awhile since I've been around a computer. Yes Eurooptics got things straightened right out for me. They jumped right on the band wagon, Alex and Jason are great guys to work with and have always gone the extra mile for me. We had the right Rangefinder on order but the last person to check the order made a mistake and threw one of the old units (1600) instead of the current model (1600B) in and they sent out a new one that was here in days, They also sent out return shipping and they also never even bothered to make an additional charge on my card as I had two units at one time for just the cost of the one. They are definetly a very trusting bunch and a person just don't see that much anymore. It may have helped that I ordered my Sako TRG-42 and a NightForce Scope in a 5.5-22x56 and paid cash for it and the base and furniture to dress it out. Man does that new 1600B have the SHIT Together on that Leica rangefinder. I have hit over 1900yards and knocking on the 2k door very hard with it. I really cannot say enough good about my Leica products that I have purchased over the years and every time I purchase a new product from them there are vast improvments over there last Models. If you ever get to a point where you all are looking for people to FIELD TEST NEW PRODUCTS PLEASE PUT ME AT THE TOP OF THE LIST AS I WILL DEFINETLY GIVE THEM A RUN DOWN OVER EVERYTHING I OWN AND COME BACK WITH AN HONEST WORKING COMPILATION OF FIELD TESTING!!! SIGN ME UP PLEASE!!! I do want to thank you again for all your help on this and it is great to see a Field Rep. Slumming here with the rest of us. Keep up the good work and please pass this on up the chain if it will help. I know that Companies are always looking for good honest feedback.
Thanks Again and God Bless!!!
Les Brothers
 
Re: Frustrated with Leica

I just got a Bushnell Elite 1600 Arc 3 days ago. I was back and forth between it and a Leica. I can honestly say the glass in the Bushnell is surprisingly crisp. it ranges great, and feels robust. Im very happy with my decision. And I saved some coin in the process.
 
Re: Frustrated with Leica

If one wants to reliably range to 2km and have an inclinometer/compass, is there an option less expensive than a Vectronix 10C?