A week after the launch of the Leica TL2 a problem has arisen and sales have been suspended pending investigation and rectification. The issue surrounds the use of the Visoflex external viewfinder which, in some cases and on some cameras, can cause electronic problems, possibly rendering the camera inoperable. It is unlikely to be down to Visoflex unit itself since it has been working on the T (and more recently on the M10) without known issues.
No doubt Leica will be looking after customers who have already purchased the TL2. I will keep you up to date when I know more.
It appears that beta testers did not notice any irregularities. So far, it seems that only a small number of cameras is involved but Leica is taking full precautions. It is to be hoped that the problem, when it is identified, can be fixed by firmware update.
Since I acquired my original Leica T some months ago I have experienced intermittent difficulties with the Visoflex which has a tendency to push backwards, thus upsetting the connection. On several occasions I brought the viewfinder up to the eye only to see a blank white screen. A forward push on the viewfinder puts that right but it can be annoying. However, that had no effect on the operation of the camera and is unlikely to feature in the current difficulties.
I had been hoping to get a press demonstrator camera this week but I presume all loans will be suspended until the problems are resolved. It’s a pity because I was looking forward to giving the new camera a run.
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Not being a t owner just a question posed to T community, why did leica only offer in two colors ? I thought that Titanium on tl was sharp but now tl2 only has two choices! Any thoughts?
Yes, the titanium was discontinued with the TL but, no doubt, will be resurrected as a special model later along the line.
Possibly "titanium" sounded too much like "titanic"?
The last photos on the Titanic were taken by an Irish Jesuit priest, Fr Frank Browne. It landed at Cobh in County Cork before it set off for America. Fr Browne had befriended an American couple on the voyage from Liverpool and they had offered to pay for his ticket to America. However, when he asked his order for permission to travel by telegraph from Cobh he was immediately told to ‘get off that boat’.
Maybe Leica should consult the Jesuits before they launch their next camera. I will provide more details about Fr Browne in a forthcoming article for this site.
William
Ah! I thought there must be an Irish connection somewhere. Indeed, sometimes I do think Leica needs the advice a divine to avoid ill omens.
I’m using My TL2 with VISO and so far no problems and no battery drain experienced. Those who have experienced battery drain should maybe turn off the WiFi when not required. When I contacted my dealer yesterday to ask about the Viso problem I was advised: 1) OK to continue using your TL2 with VISO is you’re happy with it; & 2) All TL2s sold to date will be replaced. I’ll wait until the dealer contacts me to advise a replacement TL2 is available but meantime I’ll continue using and enjoying the camera.
Regards
dunk
I’ve heard a rumour that it is something that might be fixable by firmware upgrade — in which case you will not have to return your camera. I imagine we will hear something about progress shortly.
There are also reports of fast-draining batteries from Leica Forums; seems that there is something wrong in the electronics department.
My order, to come today, was suspended at Tamarkin after the announcement.
At least I still have a working TL…
Now I will be very malevolent….
This is the revenge of destiny for not developing a TL2 with build in viewfinder!
But seriously. Who is working now for Leica? What are doing the managers?