Help!!!Advice

[imiges]

What is the average price for a CLA of a Leitz Summicron Collapsible?

I brought the lens to Central Camera in Chicago on 2/16.
They sent it out and gave me a price of $385 for the CLA, INCLUDING the replacement of the front element, which was foggy and scratched. They said they had one to replace it with.
I called about two weeks ago and apparently the guy was still trying to figure out how to start it!!!

They called me today finally and said that they were able to do everything except the replacement of the front element.
That the one he had didn't fit and they in fact don't have replacements for them anymore...
I'm not paying $385.

Thanks for the info!
Amado

[earleygallery]

Gulps! They're joking aren't they? I have enquired about CLA to my Summicron R and have been quoted anything from £50/80 (independent repairers).

If they haven't replaced the element then what have they done? Was it worth doing a CLA if the front element is damaged anyway - or have they repolished/recoated it etc.?

[imiges]

James,

Thank you for the fast response.
The lens had very stiff focusing and bits of something inside that had gotten loose and floated around.
The front element was something of a surprise when they said they HAD the lens to replace it. For $385. So I said go ahead!

They called me today and said they didn't have the front element after all!
So I assume they did the regular clean lube and adjust...

Wish they could have told me that and gave me a quote for just the CLA too!

They said it was done, and ready to be picked up. It would cost me $185, half of the original price.
I think they should still give me a lower price.

Amado

[earleygallery]

Well, they should have contacted you when they realised they couldn't replace the front element to ask you if they should proceed with the CLA anyway.

I'd definately complain about that and ask for a lower price on the basis that they didn't carry out the work requested/promised. Not sure how this stands legally but would sound like a breach of contract to me - I guess you just want the lens back so try for an amicable solution first.

[gyoung]

Originally Posted by earleygallery

Well, they should have contacted you when they realised they couldn't replace the front element to ask you if they should proceed with the CLA anyway.

I'd definately complain about that and ask for a lower price on the basis that they didn't carry out the work requested/promised. Not sure how this stands legally but would sound like a breach of contract to me - I guess you just want the lens back so try for an amicable solution first.

Actually $185 doesn't sound too bad for a bare CLA, judging by what I have paid in the UK. Hope the front element is OK after all!

Gerry

[rtphotos]

imiges,

$185 seems steep for a lens CLA. I'm having a Summitar "overhauled "for only about half that, and the person is one of the top Leica technicians in the U.S.

Too bad Central Camera didn't itemize the work before hand. Sounds rather unprofessional to me.

Sorry, no advice, but my sympathies....

rt