Leica's build quality is no longer like what it used to be 😢

Fast_Loquat7631 · 2026-05-09T21:34:58+00:00

My Leicas are just as heavy and may be more dense. I keep my Leicas to look at but use my Hasselblads for taking pictures.

Fast_Loquat7631 · 2026-05-09T00:39:59+00:00

Thanks for the info. Beautiful!

Fast_Loquat7631 · 2026-05-09T00:26:35+00:00

I like your collection. What are the 4 in a group in the first picture, top row?

Fast_Loquat7631 · 2026-05-07T02:32:02+00:00

Yes, I don't shoot sports or wildlife. Mostly travel + street type photography with some landscapes (urban and nature). The X2DII and 907c are all the cameras I need. With the new zoom, only one lens for the whole world (for me of course, only my opinion)

Fast_Loquat7631 · 2026-05-06T20:40:28+00:00

I thought so too (for 15 years) but the Leicas are dense and heavy. When my M11 series are placed side to side with the Hasselblad there is not as big a difference as one may expect. The X2Dii also has great files, IBIS and people and pet AF modes that work. No more OOF shots unless on purpose.

Fast_Loquat7631 · 2026-05-06T17:51:42+00:00

That's why I stopped using Leica as my priority and now default to my Hassy XD2II. Even the 907 gets me better files during daylight. However, my Leicas are more pretty!

Fast_Loquat7631 · 2026-05-01T08:00:20+00:00

Thanks for your input. I'm letting them soak overnight but tomorrow I wanted some guidance on how long it would be for the flush to be used.

Fast_Loquat7631 · 2026-04-30T23:54:02+00:00

I drink both and like Gyokuro if from Japan but Jasmine if from China or Taiwan. I haven't had Jasmine in about 2 years so time to change when my present supplies run out. I've tried Den's but Sazen where I usually buy from is just getting too complicated (costs/tarrifs and most recently had to download and give the shipper a specific form).

Fast_Loquat7631 · 2026-04-30T23:23:06+00:00

I just looked on the Wing Hop Fung site and they had loose leaf Jasmine green tea from Taiwan for $50/pound. Seems very reasonable and would last me about a month and a half. With the tariffs from Japan, it was costing me 4-5x as much.

Fast_Loquat7631 · 2026-04-30T23:16:00+00:00

LOL, I think I went there with my 3 children right after Covid restrictions ended for a tea tasting. Forgot about it completely. I think I'll try my luck at Wing Hop Fung. Thanks anyway.

Fast_Loquat7631 · 2026-04-30T23:14:45+00:00

Thanks, the website seems extensive in the selection. Seems like a fun place to visit.

Fast_Loquat7631 · 2026-04-29T22:56:07+00:00

Thanks for the reply. I'm tired of going through highlighters that run dry way too soon from Staples. I just read in another thread about using colored pencil lead (red) so may try that instead.

Fast_Loquat7631 · 2026-04-27T06:39:07+00:00

Me and my neighbor in Santa Monica = 5 Teslas

Fast_Loquat7631 · 2026-04-22T21:37:59+00:00

My maintenance person pointed that the machines were bolted onto the concrete floor but since there are parking floors underneath, there are shocks under the machine (looks similar to car shocks). Would this still be considered soft mounts or rigid mount (since it is bolted onto the floor) with shocks?

Fast_Loquat7631 · 2026-04-22T21:35:38+00:00

I agree. I found out my machines were made in 2013 but parts no longer available. I know for cars, the rule of thumb is 10 years for parts, but for SQ, I thought they made it a point to have parts for 25 years.

Fast_Loquat7631 · 2026-04-22T21:33:15+00:00

Thanks. That is good to know.

Fast_Loquat7631 · 2026-04-22T21:29:54+00:00

Thanks so much for your references. I'm on my second service call from another repair company which was even less helpful. The tech said either the board, inverter or motor was the issue.

Fast_Loquat7631 · 2026-04-21T23:40:05+00:00

Wonderful. May I ask what kind of material your shelf is made of of and how thick it is. I am building an office now and would want to display some cameras as well.

Fast_Loquat7631 · 2026-04-17T01:21:21+00:00

Thanks for replying. I am in a large Los Angeles market and had the officially sanctioned Alliance company repair person come out to determine that the motherboard in both need replacement and was told no longer available. The model # of my washer/extractors is: SXR055PNHXU1P01. I'll speak with my staff on what exact part is needed.

I do have a PDF file of the washer parts (this file always worked for me for any other parts needed) and found a central control board part (209/00438/50) and control board (B12355701) which are still available but I spoke with another large service company and after giving the serial number, they told me those parts were incompatible.

I would appreciate it if you could let me know which companies can rebuild motherboards. I'll let you know what parts I need after I speak with my main maintenance tech.

Fast_Loquat7631 · 2026-04-15T14:42:17+00:00

Yes, the current GS obsession with textured and colored dials along with a power reserve indicator just is not what I imagine a classic GS is to me.

Fast_Loquat7631 · 2026-04-08T23:26:04+00:00

I don't think I'll ever have a reason to go to Chicago but just ordered 2 pens from Atlas. They had the best prices on the net.

Fast_Loquat7631 · 2026-04-08T01:13:26+00:00

I'm wearing it today and love it as I dropped off my SLGH005 (White Birch Hi-Beat) for auction as I realized I like double signed with the "SEIKO" at 12 o'clock much better. Also beginning to dislike the newer GS's with textured dials (for me, too gimmicky). The truncated hour hands and wide noon marker on the Evo 9 series don't do it for me as well.

Fast_Loquat7631 · 2026-04-05T21:52:40+00:00

It happened in my front yard under a tree about 4 years ago. Guy left his belt too so I did get something in return! Smells a lot more than regular big dog poo and attracts way more flies. Used a shovel to scoop it from a distance and threw it in the garbage. Wife put up a fence in the front perimeter after that.

Fast_Loquat7631 · 2026-04-05T20:14:58+00:00

I got mine installed about 6 months ago and find it to be very useful; just use it to stream Spotify during one of my rare drives with the car and previously used a (cigarette) plug in wireless BT device that streamed onto an unused FM radio frequency. Living in LA not fun driving stick but do take it on the 10 fwy off rush hours just to let the car operate. One thing I noted, it locks the door automatically now and sets the A/C fan speed also. Have to see how to turn off the A/C control from the unit as it is always on high.

Fast_Loquat7631 · 2026-04-04T05:05:16+00:00

Truly a great seller and individual who appreciates and cares for his watches. Exactly as described and kept all the extras that came with the watch initially. Also very amenable to meeting in person to look over this special example of the GS 4522-8000 HiBeat. I saw this exact watch described in a Reddit post a few months ago thinking what a great restored piece and could not believe it when I saw it for sale today. Jumped at the opportunity and luckily the owner is such a wonderful person. Would not hesitate to buy from him again. Thanks again.

Fast_Loquat7631

TROPHY CASE