[Leica] Replacement R35mm f2 flawed as well!

[MyersPete@aol.com]

Fellow LUGnuts:

I am sitting here in shock. After a month+, my replacement lens arrived today.
You may recall that I ordered an R35mm f2 ROM in November for my R8. When it
arrived in mid-December, the front element had coating problems. It was
returned for replacement.

After the first lens was found to have a defective coating on the front
element, Leica USA contacted me and promised to resolve the problem promptly
and to "hand inspect" the replacment lens in order to assure that the problem
was fully resolved.

On good faith, W.B. Hunt and I waited for the lens. Finally, after a month+ of
waiting, the replacement lens arrived at Hunt's on Friday, and at my facility
today.

As you can imagine, I was very excited and quite relieved that the wait and
ordeal was over. I need to be shooting my project right now and have no time
to wait at this point to get out in the field.

Sadly, when inspecting the replacement lens while installing it, I discovered
that the rear element had a pin sized, but clearly seen spot on it. Careful
cleaning with a microfiber cloth was in order and was conducted. It was still
there.

I called my wife upstairs to have a look. Saying nothing, I handed her the
lens and had her look at it. She spotted it right away. She is not a
photographer, so it had to have been obvious.

Looking at it with a 6x loop showed a metalic like spot that seems to have
come up off the surface. It is not a coating defect - at least it is not a
'hole'. It looks like it is a little metal mountain. Perhaps it was a coated
dot of dust - I don't know, but its there.

I've bought a lot of lenses over the years from Nikon and Canon and some
Contax lenses. I have yet to have the two problems that I have had with the
Leica lenses.

I must say that I am crushed. Tonight, it makes me consider the possiblity of
selling my R8 and leaving Leica. Granted the lenses are the best I have ever
seen, but.....................

This is my profession and I can not wait months to resolve problems. Further,
it seems that the problems are repeating and it makes me wonder why.

I would appreciate comments on the subject. Perhaps I am just extremely
unlucky! What do you think?

Thanks for your good cheer!

Pete Myers