Marc,
I think it is worth mentioning that an S2P carries a Platinum Service Package and that as such, anything that goes wrong with the camera in the first 90 days is taken care of with a new unit hot-swap.
There is most certainly something very wrong with the camera that you received, no doubt, but it is an anomaly, not the norm. As a dealer that specializes in the S2 and as a user that has used the S2 for a full year, I can say with confidence that your problem is a unique one in my experience. Never have I seen a body just stop working after 3 shots, and repeatedly at that. I have seen cracked sensors, as I explained previously, as this was a known supplier issue that was resolved months ago. Either your first camera was a demo model that no one noticed the sensor crack on (pretty tough to miss it) or it was sitting on a shelf for a few months unopened.
Just curious, but what is the harm in getting a replacement under warranty and testing a 100% functioning body? Even if the camera is to be returned to a dealer, they will swap it out for a new one anyway.
I'm not questioning your decision to pass on the camera. That's your personal choice. I just think you might as well test a properly functioning S2 indicative of what owners are actually using in the field before drawing a final conclusion.
David
I agree David ... I also suspect it is an anomaly and not necessarily the norm, (although I have no empirical data to prove this one way or the other). Thus the repeated reference to bad luck.
However, I did enough research off-forum, as well as on various other forums, to give it the benefit of doubt ... as in, I seriously doubt it is wide-spread.
As to "final conclusions," I've already indicated it's a fine camera ... handling is all I thought it would be, and the files are now right up there with my Leica expectations. That, and the changing nature of my work, made revisiting the S2 a worth-while, albeit expensive, venture.
I was able to shoot enough test images to confirm my expectations ... all, save one ... reliability on the job. The anomaly spoiled that last acid test, and it was the most important one.
You are a fine ambassador for Leica and seem to have their ear. Perhaps they should tone down references to perfection? They need to truly understand what it is like to be on the line and standing there with a dead camera. It is an experience that stuns you, and can abruptly interrupt your flow and emotional connection to the creative task at hand ... if only momentarily.
My little "on the job test" was not all that critical ... I'd never risk something really important to new kit. I didn't switch over from Nikon to Sony until the A900 proved itself repeatedly under fire for almost a year. Always the Nikon was slung over my shoulder as I shot with the Sony.
This is a professional camera. Whether it is in the hands of a professional or not ... that should be the standards realized. Not just mechanically or logically ... nor nostalgically based on history. It is far more emotional than Leica may realize. This is our work, what we do ... some for enjoyment, some for a deeply creative personal expression, and some for making a living ... or all of the above.
As testimony of this, look at all the people who make financial sacrifices on the altar of photography ... because it is paramount in their lives. I drive a 6 year old car, and forego many other luxuries, and even am willing to risk some retirement funds because THIS IS WHAT I DO. As you readily know, I am not alone in this.
All makers of high-end photographic equipment should heed this and take it to heart ... perhaps most of all the brand Leica, and all its people.
-Marc
That is no different from any AF camera when set to AFs ... won't shoot until focus is acquired. When I say one smooth push of the shutter button, it means the previous shot was already in focus and the AF has little to do to re-achieve focus again ... trust me, that isn't it. The camera locked up so no AF could be performed at all ... as in no play in the shutter button what-so-ever. It persisted even after the camera was shut off, and the battery removed and reinstalled. Didn't have time to go through a laundry list of other attempts to unlock the camera ... I was shooting. 
