Leica Customer Service

[Bean Counter]

Its seems that Leupold has one of the best reputations for customer service in the business. This is not only from what I have experienced but what I have heard others say.

Has anyone had to deal with Leica before? I'm close to pulling the trigger on the CRF 900 Rangefinder, but just thought I'd check that before checking out. My hope is that they aspire like Leupold to have the hunting world swooning at their outstanding customer service.  I think I saw that its only a 2 year warranty on the Leica rangefinder. It doesn't seem as though that's something Leupy or even Nikon would do. Anyone ever had to mail something in? Good turnaround? Good customer service? Anyone have anything worked on beyond the 2 year mark?

Thanks

[fishcrazy]

 I need to send in my 1200 and have it worked on. It hasn't worked right in several years. If  I can remember to get it sent in I would know how their customer service is. I like it when it worked.


Kris

[Bean Counter]

  That's not the answer I was hoping to hear!

Is there a Leupy Rangefinder that is comprable in quality (mainly: brightness) to the Leica?

[BlackTail]

I believe the warranty on the Leica is only one year.  Leupold only has a one or two year warranty, depending on which model, on their rangefinders as well.  I would venture to guess you would still get great service from Leupold even after the warranty period is up.

I have heard horror stories about Leica's customer service especially in regards to their rangefinders.  I have even heard that they do NO repairs on their rangefinders.  If it's under the warranty period they replace it, if not they will give you $200 dollars off a new one (or something like that, I can't remember the exact story).

All that being said, I bought a Leica CRF 1200 and haven't regretted it for a second.  After buying mine, my buddy, who had a Leupold rangefinder, immediately sold his and went and bought a Leica.  I haven't had any dealings with Leica myself, but as far as rangefinders go, I would buy another in a heartbeat!

[Bean Counter]

I have no doubts about Leupold's ability to back up their products 100%, regardless of what they write down on paper.

I guess I wish we could hear from anyone who has had their products for a long time. Do they last? If there's any one optics product I'm paranoid about the longevity of, its  a rangefinder (How much electronics are in your binos or riflescope?)

Blacktail, it sounds like what you're saying is that if it broke tomorrow and Leica told you you're SOL, you'd still go buy another one without regrets--rather than buying one lesser rangefinder but never have to worry about durability or warranty(?).

[royalbull]

I don't know about their customer service dept. but I have had my leica 1200 for three years now without any problems. I could care less about how long their warranty is, I believe in their products

[mazama]

I have a Leica and would buy another,LEICA is more user friendly compared to Leopold from what i have read on other sights,but Leopold has better service.

[MtnMuley]

I had Leica 1200 for a few years and it worked fantastic.  Then they came out with the scan model, so I sold the old 1200 and purchased the scan model.  I'm 100% convinced that the older model picked up more objects at greater distances with worse weather conditions.  Maybe it's just the one that I have, but I definately notice a difference.  Also, I would make Leupold prove that their rangefinders wern't junk for a few more years before I would buy one.  They build such a quality product, yet continue to struggle on the rangefinder side of things.

[Big10gauge]

Can't vouch for Leica's service but I've had a Leica 900 rangefinder for at least 6 yrs and My buddies have the same or the 1200 model. Never a bit of trouble. I'll probably buy another.

[BlackTail]

Blacktail, it sounds like what you're saying is that if it broke tomorrow and Leica told you you're SOL, you'd still go buy another one without regrets--rather than buying one lesser rangefinder but never have to worry about durability or warranty(?).

At this point, that is exactly what I'm saying.  Now if it turned out that I had to buy a new Leica every 13 months, right after the warranty was up, then I might change my mind.  But I don't see that happening and I bought it from Cabelas and the guy behind the counter told me if ever had problems, I could bring it to them as well. 

The very first time I used my Leica it ranged 1312 yards and I've seen my buddy's go to 1348!! These weren't off mirrors or some highly reflective target but real in the field use.  I've seen far too many lesser "1000 yard" rangefinders that couldn't even range 400 yards in less than perfect conditions.  I figure what good is a warranty or customer service if the product never does what it's supposed to in the first place?

[Intruder]

Leuopold's range finders are not nearly as good as a Leica.  No first hand experience dealing w/ Leica customer service. 

[shanevg]

Although I don't like Leupold range finders, I am pretty sure that their warranty is lifetime on all their products.  At the store I work at we get broken Leupold products in from time to time and send them in for customers.  The only time a customer has ever had to pay anything is when there was a horseshoe print on the outside of the binoculars and both lenses were cracked.  He had to pay $120 to get a brand new pair of binoculars!

[fishcrazy]

As for the items themselves. I would take the Lieca over the Leupold anyday hands down. They make a much better rangefinder!! period.  If was going to buy something other than my Lieca it would be the Swaro. it's a far better unit but outta my budget.


When my lieaca worked it wa amazing. Then it just got slower and slower and now can't range much over 300 yrds on a normall target.


I know several others who have the same finder. NOBODY has had problems exept for me. Go figure!!


Kris

[elkaholic123]

About 9 years ago I purchased a leica lrf 800 rangefinder for 449.00.I used it for several years on and off but it just didn't seem to work well at distances past about 300 yrds.The warrenty card said it was good for 1 year.2 weeks ago I sent it back
to Leica in New Jersey,their camera repair center,well this morning UPS delivered
a brand spanking new crf 900 free of charge,no shipping or nothing!Cabelas has them
on sale for 549.00.I just wanted people to know my experience with Leica's customer
service!

[bear]

I went down to buy the leopolds from cabela's and the saleman basically told me that they were crap.  He told me the leicas were better hands down.  I don't regret getting the leicas, their great.