Curtis Croulet
Well-known member
It's been a long time since I posted here.
I purchased one of the very first Zeiss FL 8x42 bins in the U.S. in early Aug 2004. They have been my constant companions for birding and astronomy. Last week, coming into a darkened house late at night and trying to evade a zig-zagging cat, I tripped over an errantly placed stool and fell with my full weight on the bins, severing the housing adjacent to the hinge. I sent an inquiry to Zeiss's VA office, and I was told that "accidents" are usually not covered by the warranty, but that I should send them in anyway. And I've done that. I already knew that this accident is probably not covered, but I've hoped for a generous application of the warranty rules. It's a premium product, and I hope for premium service.
What has been the experience here with Zeiss service? I assume loose focus or misbehaving diopter adjustments are taken care of -- eventually (there seem to have been some problems getting them to actually do the work), but what about items that are not strictly covered by the warranty? It's my understanding that Swarovski often does cover issues beyond a strict application of warranty rules, and their repairs are done in the U.S.
I purchased one of the very first Zeiss FL 8x42 bins in the U.S. in early Aug 2004. They have been my constant companions for birding and astronomy. Last week, coming into a darkened house late at night and trying to evade a zig-zagging cat, I tripped over an errantly placed stool and fell with my full weight on the bins, severing the housing adjacent to the hinge. I sent an inquiry to Zeiss's VA office, and I was told that "accidents" are usually not covered by the warranty, but that I should send them in anyway. And I've done that. I already knew that this accident is probably not covered, but I've hoped for a generous application of the warranty rules. It's a premium product, and I hope for premium service.
What has been the experience here with Zeiss service? I assume loose focus or misbehaving diopter adjustments are taken care of -- eventually (there seem to have been some problems getting them to actually do the work), but what about items that are not strictly covered by the warranty? It's my understanding that Swarovski often does cover issues beyond a strict application of warranty rules, and their repairs are done in the U.S.