Update: after consulting the store manager he suggested that sending it back to Leica again would not be worthwhile. I had the option of ordering another pair from Germany, a refund, or exchange for something else. I will have to give the store credit for handling it very well and being understanding.
I was honestly not keen on ordering another 7x42 "blind" and that is simply because regardless of brand I would like to handle the merch before purchase and since I currently have no sub 10X binocular I wasn't willing to wait two weeks after a month and a half without one already. My long term relationship with optics has had me reach the conclusion that sample variation is a larger factor when it comes to the mechanics, and not so often about the optics, though that has happened too.
So, with much regret, I handed the 7x42 back. Love the size, ergonomics and optics. But I could not have my most expensive binocular have the worst focuser of the lot I have/had.
By chance I did try out the Swarovski Pure NL 8x32 and it did surprise me. Swarovskis are usually great - but I have always found other and better priced alpha binoculars that have served me better, like Meopta, Leica or Zeiss. But this one felt great right off the bat and I ended up going home with the Orange Pure NL 8x32 and with some spare change from the Leica return.
It might sound strange: I would have preferred a Leica 7x42 in perfect working order, in part due to my 35 years of having something Leica at hand and the ease of view with the 7x42 was superb. But, to be fair the Swarovski 8x32 is not a step down, it is a lateral step to something equally great but slightly different. And, yes, the Swarovski focuser is buttersmooth, and the best I have used with gloves on, ever. And that alone is a world of difference in everyday use: the Leica was so stiff that wind resistant gloves would slip on the wheel before engaging if I was finetuning focus.
My love affair with Leica is not over, just currently not dating.
