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Liebe Mitglieder, ich war mal wieder zu Gast bei Michel Birnbacher. Diesmal ging es um meine Servicearbeiten für Leica Kameras und Gehäuse. Hört rein: https://leica-enthusiast.de/2023/07/klaus-gamber-2/ Und wer Fragen hat, darf mich gerne anschreiben!

Hello everyone! First post – I should warn you that this might be a dumb question, but it's one that I can't seem to find an answer for. Recently, I had an M3 serviced by Youxin Ye (YYe Camera) via the rush option, and it was returned to me quite quickly. At first inspection, everything seemed good. The camera had been experiencing shutter capping, which was no longer an issue, and the rangefinder was clean and adjusted appropriately. The camera itself, a double-stroke with buddha ears, is in pretty nice condition, with almost all of its original vulcanite. More recently, I got my hands on a TTL shutter tester (PulseHPT 3-in-1 Shutter Speed Tester, configured with the light sensor). Based on the shutter tester's readings, the 1/1000, 1/500, and 1/250 speeds are at approximately 1/300, 1/200, and 1/140. All other speeds are accurate, within 1/4EV or less. I've also tested the shutter speed tester with a 500CM and electronically controlled cameras like the Pentax LX, and those cameras do not exhibit the same issue of slow top speeds when used with the shutter tester. I emailed Mr. Ye, and he stated "The speed for a Leica mechanical camera is an approximation, not exact," and that "Even a new Leica MP, due to Leica adjusted speeds in too tight tolerance, we have to readjust the speeds after a few months the camera left the factory, to prevent capping problems." Is it true that the tolerances for the top speeds of Leica cameras, even a brand new one, are this flexible? I thought that adjustment of the shutter speeds, as part of the CLA, is supposed to bring them into spec, not just get it to some degree of 'functional.' Otherwise, what would be the point? (Photos of said camera attached for eye candy)

Does Leica service match their brand and their great products? I invite you to an open discussion about this based on my own experience (a little long text maybe). As many others, I contacted Leica due to some suspicious looking rows of dots on my pictures taken at low apertures. Leica Customer care looked at the samples I sent them and told me that I had to send my camera (M9P) to them to have it checked. Here is my first experience with Leica Customer Care described step wise. It is the service experience that I would like to discuss and not the specific technical problem: > I spent 150 Euro on shipping and insurance to have the camera sent to Leica. I had to make them confirm that they had received the camera. They didn’t do that automatically. > After a short while I got a message from Leica that the sensor was not defective but they would clean the sensor and adjust the rangefinder etc. I was happy with that, and said thank you. > After some weeks of waiting I contacted Leica to hear when they would send the camera back to me. I was told by a technician that I hadn’t communicated with before that there was a lead time of an additional 2 ½ months to have the camera cleaned. At that time they had already had the camera for more than a month. > I contacted Leica and told them to send the camera back to me un-cleaned since I had to use it for a field trip. I was the contacted by the first person that I had communicated with and he told me that they could have it cleaned and send back within a week. I was happy with that, and said thank you. > I got my camera back within the week as promised. However, as I went to check it I was really disappointed. The sensor was very dirty and hair-like strands that were not there before showed very clearly on the pictures even at F4. In fact the sensor was much worse than before and the dots that were the reason for sending the camera to Leica were indeed still visible. Along with the camera Leica had sent a certificate stating that the sensor had been cleaned and the camera cap was “sealed off” with the orange sticker. I personally do not believe that the sensor had been cleaned. > I contacted Leica again and told them in a friendly way that I did not see the problem solved. They returned to me and apologized and suggested that they had my camera back again. I told Leica that I was a bit reluctant to just send the camera back without knowing what would be done to it, and how long time it would take. They told me to send some DNGs that showed the problem, and they would find a swift solution – which I did. > After a couple of days I got a mail by accident from Leica. It was internal communication between my contact and a technician. In the mail I was characterized as being very “unzufrieden” which I actually don’t think was quite right. I had only pointed out the problems as described in an objective way. Internal mails ending up at the customer should really not happen. This is a big mistake in my eyes. > After some additional waiting time I contacted Leica to hear their conclusions, and after some more time I got the message that they needed to have the camera back to overhaul the sensor and evaluate if it needed to be changed. That was actually what they should have done when they got the camera in the first place, and they had already stated that the sensor was OK and cleaned anyway. > I contacted Leica and told them that I could not send in the camera right now because I needed it for a field trip, so I would dry clean the sensor myself to remove the dust, and then send in the camera at a later stage for the other problems. I asked if they could provide me with a device and a method for blowing the dust off. > After some more time I got a mail from a Danish agent that had not been in contact before. They told me that they heard I had problems with dust on the sensor and suggested that I contacted a certain Dealer in Denmark who they know is a Nikon/Canon expert??! > I will now search this forum and find a method to dry clean my sensor myself, and subsequently decide further actions…I need to go shooting rather than writing. I have 15 years of experience with technical service, and to me this is a very inconsistent performance by Leica – both in terms of communication and actions. So, my question: is there any learning for Leica here – and could we give them some constructive feedback and ideas for improvement? What is your experience?

Hi, my rather new MP is suffering from the "underexposed frame syndrome" (and also a lot of software failures). My reasearch here indicates that at least the shutter has to be replaced. My research also indicated that Leica service is rather slow. What can I do to speed things up? Any advise? I have to time this carefully, as I have no replacement camera. There exisits or existed an express service, but asking google I can not find any current information. Has this service be discontinued? Any other hints that worked for you for speeding up things? Thank you, Bernd

Have been loving the Leica Q since purchase 2 months ago in mid June 2015. BUT: Noticed a speck this week, which was confirmed today in the Leica store in NYC (SoHo) that is possibly dust or other particle on the sensor. It shows up on all pictures making the camera unusable. Since it is single-body camera and you cannot remove the lens to clean it yourself, this is a BIG problem. However, the BIGGER problem is the camera is apparently so new that even Leica official service (in NJ, who have otherwise been super nice and accomodating) have said don't even bother sending it yet as THEY don't even have the tools to clean it. I would think its just professionally removing the lens and using an air blower or brush but am shocked that I am stuck with a very expensive and new Leica Q that is a brick i cannot use until seemingly HQ sends the tools to service centers to fix! Huge bummer, especially before a big family kids vacation ;( Has anyone else had this issue? Does anyone have a workaround or suggestion? -Josh

Kudos to Leica NJ on APO 50mm Lens Service The quality control at the factory in Germany on my last three Leica items purchased new was lacking. First a 50mm 1.4 ASPH lens was exchanged in NJ, then an M(240) body had the sensor changed in NJ, and finally an APO 50mm lens with a loose optical cell was properly repaired in NJ in June. I write here to compliment the NJ service department especially with respect to this latest problem in case others might be concerned about their doing similar minor work on this particular lens. Leica emailed me (in Canada) a prepaid overnight shipping label, promptly saw to the repairs, and returned the lens in perfect condition, again with speedy shipping. They included a new signed inspection card and noted that their work comprised the following: =============================== Secure / Align Optic Cell Repair and adjust focus Test shots with Digital M to confirm focus accuracy Clean, lubricate, adjust all functions Optic cell: Focus, MTF ================================ This is the first time I have noticed a reference to their MTF testing of a lens to confirm meeting factory standards. (Had I known this in advance, I would have requested that printout!) My thanks to RL who handled the logistics and BW who oversaw the whole operation. Harry

I read somewhere that Leica will offer users of M9s with bad sensors the opportunity to upgrade to the M240. Has anyone received one of these offers and if so, how much would the upgrade through Leica have been?

Folks, after some research online, I have seen some reputable places where people tend to send in their Leica stuff for inspection and repair: Leica NJ Don at DAG Youxin Steve's Camera etc (any other?) I understand that Leica NJ is the only official and authorized repair shop. But when considering the cost and reliability, and for some small issues of an M8, where would you rather to send your camera in for service (out of warranty)? Currently my M8 has some shutter speed LED problem (refer to http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-m8-forum/184233-why-m8-shutter-speed-display-sooo.html). And I have been hesitating where to send it for service. Unless it's safe, I won't go to any place other than Leica NJ. But if possible, going to other reputable camera service place can possibly save a bit. Any suggestion is appreciated.

Guys I've just ordered an M9-P and a 35 Lux ASPH. I have been using my 5D MKII with a 17-40, 24-70 and 70-200 f/2.8 for a long time. I have taken great photos.. and I have taken some amazing videos. What is the warranty on lenses and body? Is the Leica warranty different in each country? I'm buying it in Asia. Its international warranty right? What are the yearly services to be done to keep my Leica in optimum condition? How much would it cost? Is it really difficult for people (SLR users) to get used to knowing the focus distance, or focusing through the RF viewfinder? I've always been good at guessing distance, I even did a 3 hr shoot in a Club (in the dark) and constantly manually adjusting the distance I was shooting. Would this be an advantage on my Leica journey? Would I be able to be enjoy my Leica completely? Or would I be missing my 5D soon and wishing I hadn't spent all my money on Leica and go back to my Canon (I don't do auto focus much and worked mostly in manual) I know the pros of Leica's size & weight against a DSLR. Please tell me other objective things to make me happy on the move. Without an extra handgrip or other accessories, is it possible to hold the M9 for long hours while walking through a city just by wrapping the strap around your right hand and thus loosely gripping the M9-P body? Can 'dropping' the camera on the table (like when you misjudge the height of the surface) by 2 inches damage the camera. Is the 35 Lux and M9P strong to take a soft beating? Or are they all fragile? Does mis-calibration on the M9 happen due to extreme use and how do you notice it? A lot of questions, but I feel like if I ask them in one rapid-fire round, I'd save you the hassle of writing in a million times. Cheers J : )

Hallo, Der Titel sagt es fast schon. Mein gebraucht gekauftes CV Nokton 50mm 1.5 hat das bekannte Problem entwickelt: zuerst leichtes Spiel des Blendenringes, und nun Klappergeräusch im Inneren (lose Schraube), und der Fokusring bleibt auf halbem wege stecken. Kann mir jemand einen guten Reperaturservice in Deutschland empfehlen? Danke vielmals

After reading several threads about problems with the new M9, I thought to ask. Do you have flawless copy of M9, which didn't go through Solms service with a long wait?

Dear experienced Leica users, having purchased a very well shaped Leica R4 with Summicron 90mm f2 I shot 3 rolls of negative films (color, b/w) and had to learn that the camera has a clear tendency to underexpose by approx 1 - 1,5 exposure values no matter what program setting has been chosen. Does anybody share this and could comment on this experience? Would you consider to have it serviced by a licensed Leica dealer? Thanks for some advice, Peter

The glued on magnet from my M240 baseplate fell off and has been lost. The camera is nonworking due to this. I've emailed the local Leica repair center (Singapore), yet I am currently in Thailand and traveling in SE Asia. Their answer (no parts here, will need to be sent back to Solms), which I want to try an avoid. Ive also considered another RSS baseplate (will have to ship international, etc). I propose this question with hope there could be a simpler DIY solution. Does anyone know of an alternative solution, or have details about the small magnet (glued-bad design?) Leica/RSS uses. I'm currently hunting a similar sized magent to use.. Would another (presumely) neodymium magnet work if I were to find one? A random issue, but seeing it is an inconvenience to take to service center now. Does anyone have a suggestion of an immediate fix? Thanks in advance.

Just wanted to thank the great folks at Leica Service in Allendale, NJ! I sent my M 90mmAA lens in for 6 bit update, focus adjust, focus helical fix, and to fix an unusual flare problem. I also sent my broken 50mm lux to be repaired under Passport warranty. In talking with Carmen Vargas I knew this would take at least 4 weeks, which, under the circumstances, I was happy with. Later though when calling Carmen for an update, she told me they were having a problem recreating the flare in my 90mmAA (which is not known to have flare problems). She connected me with Head of Service Bill Weier and I later sent him my photo files with flare examples which he shared with Leica Germany. Bill also rush fixed my 50lux over a weekend because I was about to leave for the LOOK3 photo festival and wanted to have my 50 for the event. At LOOK3 I discovered Leica Product Specialist Justin Stailey was there and discussed my 90 flare problem with him. Justin emailed Bill on the spot. In the meantime, Bill was going thru my 90 while in communication with Leica factory specialist trying to find anything that might cause flare. Between Bill, Justin, and Leica Germany, they came up with a fix that Bill performed himself. Carmen called me and gave me 2nd day tracking info showing I would get the lens on Monday August 14. Because I live in SE USA, my package happened to be on the tragic UPS plane crash in Birmingham, AL in which both pilots were killed. Almost in disbelief, I called Carmen with the news. I had no idea what would happen next but Carmen took the info to her management. With UPS' priority rightfully on their pilots and the possible cause of the accident, I figured my package was way down at the bottom of the list and expected several months to go by before I heard anything about an insurance claim. I was also sorry for Bill who worked so hard on my lens. A week later Carmen informed me that my new replacement lens had shipped! I know the insurance claim hadn't had time to be resolved but the Leica folks in Allendale had stepped up to make sure I wasn't without my 90mmAA any longer. To say I was happily surprised is an extreme understatement! So my THANKS! goes out to Carmen Vargas, Bill Weier, Justin Stailey, and all the other great folks at Leica Service in New Jersey !!!!

Hello everyone. I just purchased my first Leica yesterday. The body is a IIIg from 1957 and the lens is a 50mm Summicron f/2 from 1956. I paid $300 for the lens. However, upon looking at the lens (front and rear glass elements) with a flashlight in the dark, I noticed there was a little haze coming from inside the glass. I'd like to get this lens cleaned. Anyone have a ballpark figure on how much a cleaning like this will cost?

I have recently bought an M4 secondhand (of course! :-) ) and as usual the low shutterspeeds 1/4, 1/2 and 1 sec are iregular. The camera otherwise is in mynt condition and with the upper L service-seal. My first thought was to send it to Leica's service in Germany for cleaning and lubrication, so i emailed them with a question of a price estimation but they did not bother even to reply. Does anybody have any price idea, please? My second question is about your advice as to wether to repair the low shutterspeeds at the cost of the L seal. As it concerns the low shutterspeeds only thus the low light photography, i can live with the particular camera-condition. I own lots of digital Nikon equipment that are great for low light photography. On the other half, it feels %#% to have such a great camera but not working perfectly at all shutterspeeds. Any thoughts please???

hallo leute, hab ne m6 classic erworben und das gute stück sofort zum cs nach solms abgegeben. warum? der sucher war verstellt und die verschlusszeiten liefen nicht korrekt. das heisst, bei zeiten ab 1/30 sekunde nach unten rasselte der verschluss nen stück weit nach. heute kam das gute stück aus solms zurück. neue beledert, sucher eingestellt, belichtungsmesser (hoffentlich) eingestellt. nur am verschlussgeräusch hat sich nix geändert. hab diesbezüglich die forumsuche bemüht, allerdings nichts gefunden was meine momentane verzweiflung lindern würde. ist es normal das bei längeren belichtungszeiten ab 1/30 der verschluss ein stück weit nachläuft? im kostenvoranschlag wurde eine reparatur der verschlussbremse veranschlagt? da ich leica-neuling bin fehlt mir das vergleichsgeräusch einer intakten m. habt ihr nen tip für mich? danke vielmals. grüsse

Wow, am I impressed! I recently purchased a new M8 from a dealer who just never sold it. It also came with a warranty so I filled out the registration card and mailed it in. Well when you purchase the M8, Leica gives to 2 IR/Cut filters for free. Who would not want free Leica filters. I found the info online and filled out the registration necessary to get the filters, only to receive an email from Leica in Germany saying wait a minute you need to send us the registration for the camera first. I explained that I had already mailed in the registration and hoped they would send the filters. Nothing happened for 2 weeks. Here is where it gets interesting and I understand Leica needs to check it out first, I would too. I emailed Birgitta Mielke with Leica Camera AG Customer Care -Software Support in Solms, German on Wednesday just asking him if they had located my registration information and the filters arrived overnight via FedEx from Germany on Friday. Now that is great customer service. Leica does customer service they way it should be done and their staff needs to be commended for it. I remain grateful to be treated so well! Thank you Leica! Jim Headley Managing Editor of the Dakota County Star South Sioux City, Nebraska USA

Good morning all, This is not to complain, nor to suggest Leica is creating inferior products. Just a log of my experience and to welcome any suggestions. I purchased my M9 about 1 year ago and when working, it's great. About 6 months into owning the camera it goes in for service the first time. The reason being the large dial on back was producing erratic results. They replaced it and cleaned the camera. They made no mention of a scratched sensor on the report or to me. The camera came back with a dirty sensor and one of the viewfinder's LED lights no longer working. I decided to live with the faults until I needed to send the camera in again. The second time I sent it in was about 1 month ago. The reason, while in India one of the camera strap mounts came off. No warning, just came off. The piece holding it in with two screws simply came off and the camera drops to the ground, lightly damaging an older 35mm summicron. So I sent in the camera and lens for service. After 2-3 weeks I had to call Leica to find what was going on. They inform me the scratch in the sensor had been there since the first service and is not covered under warranty. 900+ euros to fix. Though the lens was damaged due to the fault from the camera body, Leica will not check it out (for free) as it has been serviced before and apparently by someone else (before I owned the lens). If I want them to check it out it'll cost around 400 euros minimum. They will fix the strap mount though. The camera should be ready in another 3 weeks. This makes for roughly 2 1/2 months of 12 months I've not had camera due to servicing. So while I do love using the camera, I admit I'm regretting the purchase a bit now. European (Swedish) Law says I cannot get a replacement unless the camera is sent in for service 3x with the same problem. Thoughts are welcome!

So at a new year party, a drop of apple juice dripped onto the turning knob. It is now sticky and hard to turn. Can you suggest a place where I can send my M8 for cleaning or repair? I am lucky that this camera is still 100% functional. I bought this camera used, is there a 3rd party place where I can send it in for calibration/cleaning? Thanks.

Last week I bought a Leica M3 Nª 1036104 with a Summilux 1:1,4/50 Nª 1758536, both in near mint condition. The camera seems to be unused for a long time, so the shutter in low speeds doesn`t work well and needs a service. The rangefinder image (the yellow rectangle) isn`t clear and needs a service too. I fell in love with the camera because its excellent condition with no scratches and the painted interior parts almost like new. The question is: the reparation work would be expensive? Many thanks for the advise. Hector.

I have a couple of pieces of Leica gear that need repair, an M body and an S lens. Based on others experiences and reports, both will have to go back to Germany for factory service. To say that my service from Leica New Jersey in the past has been anything other than glacially slow would be an insult to the athletic prowess of glaciers. Can I just skip New Jersey and send the gear straight back to Germany for service myself? It seems like Leica USA kind of tries to discourage that, but I just see Leica New Jersey as adding an unnecessary layer of nice, but bungling people piling on to the work queue. Thanks in advance, and sorry for being kind of snarky. It does boggle my mind that I have routinely had 4-5 day service turnarounds for my Canon or Nkon equipment, while it takes Leica New Jersey a month to answer an email.

So I recently got (for lack of a better word) scammed into buying a Summaron 35 2.8 with a cracked goggle (let's not get into it). The lens functions okay, but I'm wondering what my chances are of replacing the glass on the front of the goggle and what this might cost. The lens is over 60 years old, so I'm not very hopeful but wanted to check anyway. Thanks in advance for any responses.

I am restoring a Focomat 1c (complete with Ilford Multigrade HLZ system) and all seems fine except it is missing one small but important part. I attach a photo of the part on another 1c as well as the bare spindle/screw on mine. I don’t know what it is called but I’m guessing it is a roller bearing and is roughly 10mm in diameter. It supports the curved autofocus cam and without it I need to manually focus all the time. Now I am aware that Leica stopped support for enlargers some time ago but I wonder if anyone could help: is this a standard component I could source from a roller bearing supplier or would I need to have it fabricated? Second query is does anyone know of a good lens repair place that could clean the haze from a couple of Focotars I have. Leica no longer provide this service. I'm in the UK. Thanks

Hallo, bin gerade durch Zufall auf folgender Seite der Leica Homepage gelandet: https://de.leica-camera.com/Service-Support/Serviceleistungen/Service-Certificate Hat hier jemand schon Erfahrung mit diesem Service? 200,-€ für ein weiteres Jahr Garantie bei Bestehen aller Tests hört sich gut an.