Camera Labs

Hi folks,

This one came via an Amateur Photographer rumour. They report that Leica Camera UK will close its UK office at Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire on 31 August. If true I doubt this is any particular cause for concern, except very sadly possibly for the staff, as they opened a store at 34 Bruton Place, Mayfair last year. If the rumoured closure is true it sounds as if they are consolidating their UK operation rather than anything worse.

Update: It's official but, as hoped, it's a consolidation. Courtesy of Leica Rumors

Leica Camera Ltd statement regarding expansion of Leica Mayfair facilities and changes to Milton Keynes office


Expansion of Leica Mayfair facilities
The company has taken the first floor of 25 Bruton Place, directly opposite the Leica Store. This is to enable on-site Leica camera sensor cleaning and other product support. This new facility is due to be operative by mid summer 2010.


Milton Keynes Service Department and product technical support
The company is proposing to restructure how it provides these services and is currently concluding an internal restructure consultation programme. Subject to completion of the consultation programme, the company is proposing to cease offering these services from Milton Keynes. The company is proposing to create three new Client Care positions to be located at Bruton Place, supporting all UK Leica owners.


Milton Keynes Warehouse
In line with many other international brands, Leica Camera Ltd is to move to European direct distribution. Ordering, billing and stock enquiries will continue via the UK Sales Desk. There will be a phased transition between closing the Milton Keynes warehouse and transferring the distribution. The Milton Keynes warehouse is due to close in mid summer.


Milton Keynes Finance, Sales Desk and Administration
These departments are due to vacate our Davy Avenue, Milton Keynes offices by mid summer, moving to a new Milton Keynes location. The registered office address of Leica Camera Ltd will switch to our Bruton Place Leica facility.

Bob.

_________________
OM-D E-M5 + ED 12-50mm, H-PS14042E, H-F007014E, L-RS014150E, M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 45mm 1:1.8.
Gitzo GT1541T, Arca-Swiss Z1 DP ball-head.
Astrophotography: TEC 140 'scope, FLI ML16803 camera, ASA DDM60 Pro mount.

Hi folks,

Following on from the above, so far as service options in the UK and Ireland are concerned, from this news item:

UK Client Care
service options update

02/12/2010
Leica owners in the UK and Ireland requiring a repair or servicing now have three options available to them

Option 1 - Via Authorised Leica Camera Dealers
Authorised Leica Camera Dealers are able to receive items for repair or servicing. They will organise shipment to Germany and where items are out of Warranty or Passport periods, recontact you to advise of costs prior to work being carried out in Germany. Once completed, your product will be returned to the dealer for collection.
A full list of Authorised Leica dealers can be found by using the dealer locator section of this site ( a link to which you can find top right of this update ) There you can find contact telephone numbers and email addresses and directions to your nearest authorised dealer.

Option 2 - Direct with Solms (Germany) Service Dept.
From 02 December 2010, owners can deal direct with Solms Service Dept who will arrange for a UPS pick up of their item, dispatch to Solms, repair and delivery back to the owner.
Where items are out of Warranty or Passport periods any estimate approval and fee payment will be managed directly by Solms contacting the owner prior to any work being carried out (i.e. owner pays Solms directly via euro credit card transaction).
The Solms Leica team have increased there English speaking resources and can be contacted by calling 0049 644 220 8189 - Monday to Friday between UK hours of 07.00 and 16.00 or email clientcareGer@leica-camera.com

Option 3 - Via Leica Store Mayfair
Owners visiting the Leica Store Mayfair in person can leave their item for repair or servicing with a Client Care Technician.
In addition a brand new lab, on site at 25, Bruton Place,will enable the Technicians to provide limited diagnostics, adjustments, sensor cleaning and some light repairs.
In the event that your items require repair or servicing in Germany, the Client Care Technician will organise shipment to Germany.
Where products are out of Warranty or Passport periods, you will be recontacted and advised of costs prior to work being carried out in Germany. Once completed, your product will be returned to our Mayfair Store for collection in person.
The Client Care Technician will provide personal contact details enabling the you to stay ‘connected' to the progress of your item(s) throughout the duration of the repair or service.

Bob.

_________________
OM-D E-M5 + ED 12-50mm, H-PS14042E, H-F007014E, L-RS014150E, M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 45mm 1:1.8.
Gitzo GT1541T, Arca-Swiss Z1 DP ball-head.
Astrophotography: TEC 140 'scope, FLI ML16803 camera, ASA DDM60 Pro mount.