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What Optic Companies Slowed or Locked Down Due To The Virus Epidemic ? (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter gcole
- Start date
Maven Optics just replied about my recent order this week , their assembly is shutdown in California due to the Virus. Hopefully in a couple of weeks? Maven said they will assume production with expediting all of their custom orders during this period. I sure hope their employees who are involved in their assembly process:-O are being taken care of financially. Well that’s two company’s that’s known. I guess if ones considering any purchases from anyone it’s best to start the process now especially if it’s going to be a Xmas gift for the year 20203
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John A Roberts
Well-known member
Besides the Swarovski shutdown (see: https://www.birdforum.net/showpost.php?p=3987784&postcount=7 ),
the most recent information from some other manufacturers is as follows:
ZEISS
On 2nd April, Zeiss posted: https://www.zeiss.com/corporate/int/newsroom/latest-information-on-the-coronavirus.html
The main point is that Zeiss is simultaneously focusing on protecting the health of it’s employees, including having some working remotely,
while as much as possible attempting to ensure business continuity
It also provides a link to contact numbers for it’s various local offices
LEICA
On 20th March, Leica posted: https://en.leica-camera.com/World-of-Leica/Leica-News/Global/2020/Message-AK
It indicates that Leica is still in production, having implemented a variety of protection measures for staff. Though disruptions to the supply chain are expected
MEOPTA
On 16th March, Meopta posted: https://www.meopta.com/en/news/curr...res-to-reduce-the-risk-of-covid-19-infection/
It indicates that Meopta is still in production, having implemented a variety of protection measures for staff
And on 30th March, Meopta indicated that it is looking at the production of ventilators for use in the Czech Republic: https://www.meopta.com/en/news/statement-lung-ventilators-production-possibilities/
The Meopta group comprises a diverse range of companies and capabilities, including a medical products division
All three note that the situation is under constant review, and since the postings either the particular circumstances of a company, or national restrictions may have changed
John
the most recent information from some other manufacturers is as follows:
ZEISS
On 2nd April, Zeiss posted: https://www.zeiss.com/corporate/int/newsroom/latest-information-on-the-coronavirus.html
The main point is that Zeiss is simultaneously focusing on protecting the health of it’s employees, including having some working remotely,
while as much as possible attempting to ensure business continuity
It also provides a link to contact numbers for it’s various local offices
LEICA
On 20th March, Leica posted: https://en.leica-camera.com/World-of-Leica/Leica-News/Global/2020/Message-AK
It indicates that Leica is still in production, having implemented a variety of protection measures for staff. Though disruptions to the supply chain are expected
MEOPTA
On 16th March, Meopta posted: https://www.meopta.com/en/news/curr...res-to-reduce-the-risk-of-covid-19-infection/
It indicates that Meopta is still in production, having implemented a variety of protection measures for staff
And on 30th March, Meopta indicated that it is looking at the production of ventilators for use in the Czech Republic: https://www.meopta.com/en/news/statement-lung-ventilators-production-possibilities/
The Meopta group comprises a diverse range of companies and capabilities, including a medical products division
All three note that the situation is under constant review, and since the postings either the particular circumstances of a company, or national restrictions may have changed
John
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CharleyBird
Well-known member
Steiner:
At the end of March I wrote asking about a replacement rubber objective cover which had partly snapped in the centre after 10 years of use. They wrote back next working day saying they were in lockdown and would only be able to help the following Monday.
I recieved three replacement objective covers within two weeks. Free under the warranty of course. Darn fine service.
https://www.steinerpartsdirect.com/wp-content/uploads/product_images/K0001604.JPG
At the end of March I wrote asking about a replacement rubber objective cover which had partly snapped in the centre after 10 years of use. They wrote back next working day saying they were in lockdown and would only be able to help the following Monday.
I recieved three replacement objective covers within two weeks. Free under the warranty of course. Darn fine service.
https://www.steinerpartsdirect.com/wp-content/uploads/product_images/K0001604.JPG
tenex
reality-based
Let's hope those won't be needed. We're nearly a month past our peak here.
dries1
Member
I don't think there is a shortage of glass out there, many have to the opportunity to get out now, the weather is getting warm. Customers want their new glass now so what ever is on the shelf will be sold, additionally there are many for sale used. Some will wait for that special glass (SF etc.) however the there is sufficient glass out there for the consumer.
Repairs, that is a different story.
Andy W.
Repairs, that is a different story.
Andy W.
At a slight tangent to this. Even when lock down restrictions are eased could be a difficult time ever for retailers; the general advice regarding optics is that you should go to a specialist retailer try several out to see what works for you. Given we are advised not to touch our face or eyes to prevent the spread of the virus I'm not certain how this will work for optics
Sent from my SM-T800 using Tapatalk
Sent from my SM-T800 using Tapatalk
I see no reason why visiting a specialist need be a problem (when we are permitted to do so). Optics on test can be cleaned using propriety anti-bacterial agents where to do so won't damage the armouring or such like and isopropyl on the eyepiece areas. In truth, I would have thought reasonable hygiene between demos would be a good thing even if the virus wasn't present. Social distancing is likely to be essential for some time. And specialist retaillers will need our support more than ever once we are permitted out again.
Foss
Well-known member
Just heard back via email. Kowa open Tuesdays and Thursdays and is busy playing catch up.
slingworks
Well-known member
That's interesting. I messaged Kowa looking for some rubber scope parts and never heard back. Been 2 weeks...
Foss
Well-known member
I used their online form first time and didn't hear back so I cut and pasted the contact address into my email and heard back a few days later. Maybe...
Maven Optics just replied about my recent order this week , their assembly is shutdown in California due to the Virus. Hopefully in a couple of weeks? Maven said they will assume production with expediting all of their custom orders during this period. I sure hope their employees who are involved in their assembly process:-O are being taken care of financially. Well that’s two company’s that’s known. I guess if ones considering any purchases from anyone it’s best to start the process now especially if it’s going to be a Xmas gift for the year 20203
Maven’s assembly must be starting up in some part now for custom orders. My custom order B3 6x30 placed on April 19th , Maven just confirmed my order for 6/1 delivery :t: Maven said all orders that were placed during their assembly shutdown would be given the optional fast priority build/delivery free.
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matt green
Norfolkman gone walkabout
Anyone know if swarovski are up and running as regards to repair/servicing?
I can't seem to access their uk website, latest news letter etc.
Matt
I can't seem to access their uk website, latest news letter etc.
Matt
John A Roberts
Well-known member
2 Month Update
Having this morning looked at the sites of the companies that I referred to in post #3:
Swarovski
Has not posted any updates. But it has added a banner on the top of its page:
’We deliver as usual! Due to possible longer delivery times, we have extended the right of return to 30 days’
Zeiss
Has posted an update in June, essentially confirming the information previously provided
Leica
Has not posted any updates
Meopta
Has not posted any updates
One would imagine that all are taking action to progressively restore normal operations and to increase production to previous levels,
while taking into account the ‘new normal’ i.e. a graduated approach
And all would be dependent to some degree on both raw materials and components from other sources. So that would be a likely complication
John
Having this morning looked at the sites of the companies that I referred to in post #3:
Swarovski
Has not posted any updates. But it has added a banner on the top of its page:
’We deliver as usual! Due to possible longer delivery times, we have extended the right of return to 30 days’
Zeiss
Has posted an update in June, essentially confirming the information previously provided
Leica
Has not posted any updates
Meopta
Has not posted any updates
One would imagine that all are taking action to progressively restore normal operations and to increase production to previous levels,
while taking into account the ‘new normal’ i.e. a graduated approach
And all would be dependent to some degree on both raw materials and components from other sources. So that would be a likely complication
John
