No direct experience with range-finding binos. I've got the Leica 1200 and it works great to the stated range if you are ranging a barn, but how many times are you going to take a shot over 500 yards. Again, I'm not a sheep hunter and they work fine for me.

Point blank... If your rangefinder isn't performing to our specs than its a Leica problem and we will fix it. End of story... I have never been involved in a customer care issue when they say its the customers problem. It just doest happen. If your rangefinder was dropped or had a hard impact it can come out of columation which prohibits a return and good readings past 300-400. We are constantly trying to improve the durability of the bins so that doesn't happen. I know for a fact the new Pro models are tougher. But I also know that if you call our customer care center in NJ and ask for Stacy she is going to help. Here is my email agin. ryan.trenka@leicasportoptics.com
we do NOT take lightly a hunter paying 3k for a bino that doesn't work! Its a lifetime investment and we understand that!

Private Message sent by Email to Ryan.
I appreciate him reaching out to protect Leica "image"... we will see what transpires on my 10x40HDB Binos in getting them to work in the field??!! So far it has been turn-downs from Customer Service... and EXPENSIVE for Binos rangefinder that has NEVER worked!!
Right, there are NO BARNS to range out prairie dog shooting on the prairies of Montana!! Even BIG boulders don't range!!

We’re it me, I’d take Ryan at his word. Just my observation, you don’t want to be made satisfied?

The guy seems sincere and having a brand like Leica behind him, he may have just got me as a customer

Ryan has been super helpful and responsive!! I have just sent off the Serial Numbers on my 10x40 HDB Binos to him!!
I hope he can initiate some action!! I would be HAPPY!!

I have had 2 pairs of HD B's that i used exclusively for ranging small varmint's other than a couple trips to Africa. They have worked flawless for me luckily. Hopefully your issue can be resolved.

The consensus is Leica is NOT crap. LOL

Sent 2 msgs on 12th and 18th August no reply!!

quote:

Originally posted by Ryan Trenka:
Hey guys,
I am the marketing director for Leica in North America. We don't take this kind of stuff lightly at all!! We take great pride helping people out. We even introduced the new 10year passport warranty and another 30years on the optical system on top of the 10 yr unconditional warranty. We are the only country in the world to offer this because we believe in taking care of the North American market that much. Please sheet me a DM or I can give you my personal cell phone. There is more to the story I guarantee it. I deal with the repair crew on a daily basis. I will help you out and try to make this right for you.
Ryan

I have received no messages at all from you?? Not sure where you are emailing. Text me your email and I will email you! 406-539-0890. I have spoken to 470Eddy already numerous times. I sent him a prepaid UPS label to send me the bins to test. Im on it!

sad when you have to go to a public forum to get results

Sounds like Leica has been responsive and REDDY hasn't. I've always found Leica to be first rate.

quote:

Originally posted by butchloc:
sad when you have to go to a public forum to get results

I think what is sad, is a mob of folks whom just want some blood in the water, simply won't take yes for an answer.

I see Ryan jumping through his ass to try to satisfy chronic complainers.

Making some effort to destroy a legacy type brand name on this forum is just wrong.

Just from what I've seen of the back and forth, Leica has likely earned my business.

I have a set of Ultravids, some Geovid R's and a set of Swaro EL's. Nine times out of ten when I grab a set of binos to hunt with or take on a trip, they are the Leicas. I have never had any issue with them. The Swaros are fine too but the Leicas have given me good service.

An aside. I often wonder these days if issues with range finding binos are equipment related or operator related. While the Geovid R's are pretty basic and simple to operate, some of the higher end range finding binos get pretty darn complex. I was frankly glad to see Leica introduce a redesigned and modernized version of the R.

quote:

Originally posted by Steve Ahrenberg:

quote:

Originally posted by butchloc:
sad when you have to go to a public forum to get results

I think what is sad, is a mob of folks whom just want some blood in the water, simply won't take yes for an answer.

I see Ryan jumping through his ass to try to satisfy chronic complainers.

Making some effort to destroy a legacy type brand name on this forum is just wrong.

Just from what I've seen of the back and forth, Leica has likely earned my business.

Agree with Steve here.

I've had 2 sets of Leica binos. One with and one without the rangefinder. Both are top notch and never given me any trouble.

Actually, if I have to pick any of the German and Austrian manufacturers,

Leica is the one I would pick.

I have used several binoculars, some with range finders and others without.

Never had a problem.

.

Had a Leica range finder that my wife gave me as a present some 15 years back. Great piece of trouble free kit. Never an issue. Sold it for almost original purchase price on eGun when we got the new Swaro O-Range binos with integrated range finder.

Otherwise have a lot of Swaro, Zeiss, S&B optics and have only positive experience inc customer service. Sent an older pair of Swaro binos off to Austria for an overhaul a few years back - got them back after 3 weeks with new lens caps and a neck strap - no charge!


.

I have owned at least one of every top name scopes except S&B. Wasn’t overly impressed w the Leica, but it was nice. I wish Leupold would make binos comparable to Swarovski or Leica. I have switched 100% to their upper end riflescopes but won’t switch from my Swarovski binoculars. I do like their Gold Ring spotters, but I know Swarovski makes better spotting scopes.

Personally, I find vortex to be a bit lacking in quality. I’m sure that will ruffle feathers. At least their CS is good.

When it comes to rifle scopes, Leupold wins hands down!

I have in my stocks open from all the major manufacturers.

For my own rifles, it is only Leupold.

I wish the Germans and Austrians would stop making their scopes so bloody complicated!

When it comes to rifle scopes, Leupold wins hands down!"

Same here.

Also the small Leupold 10 power stalking binos that I bought many years ago. Never any problems; even my African PH liked them.
The larger 8x40 with range finders are just fine for a box blind, but too heavy for me if doing much walking. Also, when walking and stalking, who has time to fiddle with a range finder? I can tell if in easy shooting range.

FYI, I have left several calls at Leica Customer Service since this thread became active. No response except one return voice mail confirming Ryan Trenka is, in fact, the Leoca Marketing Director and works from Bozeman, MT!! I have left calls with Stacy, number provided by Ryan, no response. I simply wanted to track the service history on my 10X40HDB before I send them to Ryan for evaluation.

I do appreciate and admire Ryan reaching out to us on AR to support and protect his brand!! We played telephone tag all day yesterday!!

I would be pleased to resolve the issues with the range finders!! We can't continue to stretch the yardage on Prairie Dogs... my record, so far is 347 yards with a 222Rem. My guides older Leica range finder binos would NOT range on our last two shoots either??!! I didn't try my Leica 1200 RF... frustration!!

As Saeed said about complicated, I have not attempted to use the Ballistics Calculator function, complicated!! Frankly, these 10X40HDBs are just too big and heavy to use hunting and hanging around your neck!! Like I said, my wife likes them to look at boats passing thru our bay... or used in the pilot house of the boat... then you don't need ranging... except maybe to set anchor near shore!!

I use, abuse and thrash my 17 year old Leica Trinovids like a rented mule, and they have worked perfectly since day one. They don't live in a bino case, just ocular lens covers. The case looks like a take an angle grinder to it just for fun (yes, exaggeration, but the case is well worn).

1200 Leica range finder: same. From -10F winter coyotes to 95+F prairie dogs in the summer. No clue how old it is, but it's from the first year 1200s were available - whenever that was.

Crap?

The Leica cameras are GREAT... except for not being waterproof!! They are certainly neck twisters and comment gatherers in touring/cruising circles!!

quote:

Originally posted by Ryan Trenka:
Hey guys,
I am the marketing director for Leica in North America. We don't take this kind of stuff lightly at all!! We take great pride helping people out. We even introduced the new 10year passport warranty and another 30years on the optical system on top of the 10 yr unconditional warranty. We are the only country in the world to offer this because we believe in taking care of the North American market that much. Please sheet me a DM or I can give you my personal cell phone. There is more to the story I guarantee it. I deal with the repair crew on a daily basis. I will help you out and try to make this right for you.
Ryan

Bummer for me. I have some 10X50 Leica binos, where one eye doesn't focus in the far distance. Sent them into to Leica and they said it wasn't covered, must have been before your 10 yr unconditional warranty, said it would cost me 800 to fix.

My Leica 10x40 HD-B Geovids are on the way to Ryan by UPS prepaid!!

I have great expectations!!

CheerZ,

Just an update:

Ryan is a consummate Professional to work with. He has evaluated my Leica 10x40 HDB range finding and ballistic calculator Binos. Sure enough, they are out of colimnation, not working correctly!! He has forwarded them to Leica New Jersey US Technical Service shop for repair. No charge to me!!

In addition, he has also offered me a fantastic VIP price on the newest 10x32 PRO binoculars (much smaller with the latest technology ballistics calculator with Blue Tooth). At my age, I am not sure I need a third set of binos, and $5000 invested!!?? My first Leica 10x40 Rubber Armour Coated binoculars are working just fine and are very small and light for packing too!!They have been on many safaris and cruises over 30 years!!

I will report on the outcome on my HDBs when they are evaluated, repaired and returned.

This is SUPER SERVICE from Ryan, and I sincerely appreciate his intervention and pending resolution of a long outstanding problem!!

KUDOS, RYAN!!

CHEERZ,

quote:

Originally posted by 470EDDY:
Just an update:

Ryan is a consummate Professional to work with. He has evaluated my Leica 10x40 HDB range finding and ballistic calculator Binos. Sure enough, they are out of colimnation, not working correctly!! He has forwarded them to Leica New Jersey US Technical Service shop for repair. No charge to me!!

In addition, he has also offered me a fantastic VIP price on the newest 10x32 PRO binoculars (much smaller with the latest technology ballistics calculator with Blue Tooth). At my age, I am not sure I need a third set of binos, and $5000 invested!!?? My first Leica 10x40 Rubber Armour Coated binoculars are working just fine and are very small and light for packing too!!They have been on many safaris and cruises over 30 years!!

I will report on the outcome on my HDBs when they are evaluated, repaired and returned.

This is SUPER SERVICE from Ryan, and I sincerely appreciate his intervention and pending resolution of a long outstanding problem!!

KUDOS, RYAN!!

CHEERZ,

Buy the 10x32, best size with range finding.

quote:

Originally posted by 470EDDY:
Just an update:

Ryan is a consummate Professional to work with. He has evaluated my Leica 10x40 HDB range finding and ballistic calculator Binos. Sure enough, they are out of colimnation, not working correctly!! He has forwarded them to Leica New Jersey US Technical Service shop for repair. No charge to me!!

In addition, he has also offered me a fantastic VIP price on the newest 10x32 PRO binoculars (much smaller with the latest technology ballistics calculator with Blue Tooth). At my age, I am not sure I need a third set of binos, and $5000 invested!!?? My first Leica 10x40 Rubber Armour Coated binoculars are working just fine and are very small and light for packing too!!They have been on many safaris and cruises over 30 years!!

I will report on the outcome on my HDBs when they are evaluated, repaired and returned.

This is SUPER SERVICE from Ryan, and I sincerely appreciate his intervention and pending resolution of a long outstanding problem!!

KUDOS, RYAN!!

CHEERZ,

The GPS capabilities with the new leica range finder binoculars are simply amazing. I have upgraded most of my optics in the last year (Leica) but would love to try these new ones.

GOOD GUY REPORT - RYAN TRENKA and STACEY MCHENRY!!

As I reported earlier, my Leica Geovid 10x40 HDBs were sent to Ryan Trenka in Bozeman, MT to check their operations as a result of this thread!! His report... they are not working, you were correct!! He sent them to Stacey in Customer Service in New Jersey.

In the meantime, Ryan extended me an incredible VIP price on a set of the new 8x32 Pro binos... basically 50% off retail pricing!! GREAT OFFER!!

That said, although it was very tempting, at my advanced age, I was not sure that it was wise to buy another set of fantastic binos, I already have my 10x40 Rubber Armour Coated Geovids ($900), and my defunct HDBs that were purchased as "Demonstrators" ($1800) that were to be repaired, but would have to be sent to Portugal for repair... so another $1900 for the new Pros???...that's a lotta bucks in Binos!!... so I respectfully declined pending the outcome on my HDBs...
A couple weeks went by and last week I received an email from Stacey, head of Customer Service, and a Blank invoice attached!!... Confused!!
Come to find out Stacey and Ryan made a "corporate decision" that it was unreasonable for me to wait for my HDBs to be repaired in Portugal, and they simply shipped me a Brand-New Set of their latest Geovid 3200.COM 10x42 Range finding/Ballistic Calculator Binoculars to replace my HDBs!! NO CHARGE!!
I was SHOCKED AND OVERWHELMED, needless to say, very Surprised!! WOW!!
Now, CLEARLY, this is CUSTOMER SERVICE ON STEROIDS, hands down!!
I have tried these out as it was getting dark on our bay... the light gathering capability of these new Binos is incredible!! My wife immediately noticed the difference in the low light first impression!! Yesterday, I installed the battery and tried out the range finder... outstanding, in bright sunny conditions, as well as low light, near to 1300 yards so far... fast and very accurate!! FANTASTIC!!
These new Binos have the new and improved Ballistics calculator that uses Blue Tooth to communicate with the Leica APP on your cellphone, and links to the Kestrel windspeed device. Complicated, but this will be fantastic on the Prairie Dog fields where winds are a big factor... and trying to compensate by guess is very challenging!!.... this will be invaluable in practicing for judging wind corrections that I can use around the world...without the Kestrel!!
This is simply Customer Response, as Ryan promised, at the highest level, and Customer Service response and resolution that is beyond compare, or frankly my expectations!!...this is "OVER THE MOON" customer care!!... remember, my HDBs were purchased from a well known Leica Dealer as DEMONSTRATORS, NOT NEW!!... but the range finder never worked correctly....

A BIG THANK YOU TO RYAN TRENKA AND STACEY MCHENRY!! I AM PLEASED AND OVERWHELMED, THANK YOU!!

THANK YOU, ARJUN, FOR BRINGING THIS MATTER TO THE ATTENTION OF LEICA USA "EYES ON THIER CUSTOMERS!!"... this wouldn't have happened had you not surfaced your issues!!

I strongly encourage any of you with issues to contact Ryan and or Stacey to allow them to take care of you as Ryan has promised in his thread above!! He moves mountains to stand by Leica products and their customers, NO QUESTION!!

I look forward to meeting Ryan at Dallas Safari Club in January at the Leica exhibit. He will be there!! I owe him a Drink... or even dinner if he can break away for an evening!!

I had been a confirmed Leica customer since the early 90s when I bought my first 10x40 Geovids, great binos, they have always performed. Since then, I have purchased a Leica V-LUX 3 24-600mm zoom digital camera and have been extremely pleased until it was destroyed in a Zodiac microburst incident while we were returning from a Salty Croc trip into the Hunter River of Australian Northern Territory!! I replaced it (at the cost of the cruise line) with a Sony of similar lens 16-600mm range... used it for the remainder of the cruise ending in Capetown, then 3 safaris in South Africa before returning home... subsequently I have purchased a Leica V-LUX 4, much smaller and lighter as well as less complicated...and I am extremely pleased with this camera!! I would highly recommend this camera for safari use; other than the fact it still is NOT WATERPROOF... I am hoping the next model will be as we cruise a lot, salt water is INSIDIOUS, let alone our Liquid Sunshine here in the Northwest, BC and Alaska!!
I am 1000% on Leica!! Thank you AGAIN, Ryan and Stacey!!
I am anxious to take these new binos out on the Prairie Dog fields in May/June... then off to the Selous in August...I think these new ones might be a wee bit lighter and smaller than my old HDBs too??... but clearly not the new 10x32 Pros!! I will look at them and tempt myself at DSC!!

CHEERZ,

470Eddy,
Thanks for sharing. I have had a similar experience with Swaro and Leica.

I love Swaro scopes. My eyes like them and I use them on all of my rifles.

However, I love the Leica binos, especially the Geovids. I am on my third set as I keep upgrading.

It is expensive to upgrade, but what I have found is that as I get older, the optics become more important.

So with that said, I would urge anyone that can do it, to upgrade as often as reasonable. There are no super deals out there other than what 470eddy was offered, however, I have found several dealers that will "help out" on pricing. Doug at Camaraland is one, the folks at SportOptics are another.

Doug at Camaraland is very close to the Leica management and he has helped me in the past on issues with Leica.

You will have trouble with optics if you hunt much or shoot much. The worst failures I have seen were not with top shelf optics, but top shelf do fail at times. So, buy the best you can afford. At the end of it all, the scope is more important to your success than the rifle.

Good luck - you can't hit what you can't see.

I sent Ryan a text message at 7:22 AM his time today describing a minor issue with my Leica binoculars. He responded back within 5 minutes saying it’s just a cracked eyecup and he would notify customer service to send me a new one. NOW THATS CUSTOMER SERVICE!

A while back (7 years or so?) I had a pair of Geovids that began to fog up internally. I contacted Leica in New Jersey and spoke back and forth with a person named "Roxanne."
She was less than helpful and gave me the impression that the issue was a bother to her.

I eventually spoke to her manager (can't recall the name) and was finally told that the best that they could do for me was to send them to their factory for a charge of $1,750 and a 3-month wait! I had a trip to Zim booked in a month and asked if they were able to send me a used loner for my trip and was told NO. I was so disgusted by the whole incident that I gave the Geovids to a birdwatcher friend, ordered a pair of Swarovski 10x42 Range Bino's and I never looked back....I will NEVER buy a Leica product ever again.

That was my experience with Leica Customer Service.

That said, Ryan seems to be a very serious character and on top of things. Hopefully, things have changed at Leica since my encounter, and Leica Customer Service now treats their customers the way that they should be treated.

Two weeks ago I contacted Ryan Trenka about a minor issue with my Trinovids(cracked plastic barrel on the left eyepiece). I got an immediate response and yesterday I received a replacement free of charge even though the binos are 8-10 years old. SUPER CUSTOMER SERVICE!

I recently sent in a spotting scope for repairs. Admittedly the repair did not amount to much, but I had the scope back in two and half weeks. Communication was excellent. Very satisfied.

Having the right people in customer service for ANY business can make or break a company and its reputation. Glad to hear! I have two pairs of Leica 10X42 range finding binos and no problems to date.

I wanted to mention a recent terrific experience with Leica customer service.

This month I got my 10x42 HD-B 3000 Geovids back from repair. They are only about 4 years old, but I took a tumble coming out of a steep canyon early this fall and landed my full weight on the laser rangefinder.... It worked a bit for the that day and then died. The binoculars continued to work perfectly, but not the laser.

Last month a boxed them up and sent them to Leica, with my credit card number, and a full explaination of the damage being completely my fault.

The binos came back a couple weeks ago literally working better than new, looking brand new, and repaired at no charge! I'm very impressed and grateful.

I had / have Leica, Swar and Zeiss.
I will take the Leicas every time.
I just feel the Zeiss are not as well built.
I know from experience the Swaro's are not robust. I am hard on my equipment and had them knocked out of alignment twice. Swar. fixes them quickly but I would just not assume they will stay in alignment on a knock about rugged hunt.
I have never had an issue with a Leica binocular. Bought my first set of 8x32 Trinovids decades ago. Have ultravids and Ultravid +. Compact and built like a tank!
Never owned a range finding binocular but those I know that have; own Leica.
My take from experience. If you bird watch, hunt out of a truck / deer blind, sporting events-All are great.
Go on a bust your ass mountain hunt where you fall down or just end up abusing the equipment buy leicas.
They are also heads in tails above the other binocs (especially Swar) in reduction of Flare.
I hate to spend a lot of money on electronics that are obsolete in 2 years.
I keep my range finder separate from my Binos.

EZ

quote:

Originally posted by butchloc:
sad when you have to go to a public forum to get results

What the hell thread are you reading? Malcontents are exactly that and can never be satisfied.

Sometimes the difference between bad and good service is simply firing one person and hiring another.

Not saying that's what happened here, but it should and can and does happen.