luigi bertolotti Posted July 1, 2010 Share #21 Posted July 1, 2010 Advertisement (gone after registration) A side thought from me... ... 2 years ago I sent 2 mails (15 days one from the other, the second with return receipt, which confirmed it was read) to a respectable compatriot of mine, which has something in common with me (we have all decided not to declare SQUARELY people involved... ) ; never had any answer... so bought another similar accessory elsewhere... I thoght that certain things could happen in Italy only... FIVE years is really astonishing... I find a bit surprising you asked to have the lens back only this year... no strange that he thinks you can wait a little for delivery. Problem is... if he, for any reason has no more the lens with him, would have been not HONEST not to tell you, and this is a basic issue on the people, no matter how he conducts his very special business... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted July 1, 2010 Posted July 1, 2010 Hi luigi bertolotti, Take a look here Painfully slow service.... I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
bill Posted July 1, 2010 Share #22 Posted July 1, 2010 What bothers me is his failure to return the lens since I first requested it back in January, a request repeated on a regular basis since. If something bothers me I do something about it. You have been given some very clear advice here. Let us know the outcome. Regards, Bill Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wlaidlaw Posted July 3, 2010 Share #23 Posted July 3, 2010 Assuming we are talking about the same person, the work is wonderful but the endless hassle makes wonderful work much less of a joy. It is difficult, as he is always so pleasant and apologetic over the delays. I am afraid I would now only use him if it was a job only he could do. In some instances, that might be the case and you just have to put up with it. At least it is not as unpleasant an experience as just about the last remaining Contax RF servicer in the US is - horrible!! If you can get someone else to do the job, just go west and collect, if not you will have to put up with the wait. Wilson Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted July 3, 2010 Share #24 Posted July 3, 2010 I thought I held the record with a 3 1/2 year repaint of my M3 by Shintaro - but then he really mislaid the camera and found it ages later... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MPerson Posted July 4, 2010 Share #25 Posted July 4, 2010 I hope that some of those facing redundancy from MK are reading this - there is a clear market for their skills, wrapped by a modicum of business nous. If those servicing this market now behave like this they deserve competition. Regards, Bill Second that. We also need some "young blood" in this small market and to run the service as a business rather than a money making hobby. I'd like to know my sons can get my gear repaired/serviced in the future when they are using it. Here's hoping....................... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cidereye Posted July 4, 2010 Share #26 Posted July 4, 2010 We all know who were talking about it seems, I know it's business at the end of the day but he is such a nice chap that's bound to get in the way when there are problems I suppose. I've phoned him several times some 7-8 months ago asking for his lists and he's forgotten to post them out to me every time even though I've given him my details every single occasion. Some really nice chats with him on the telephone but I just gave up asking in the end. Hope you get it sorted without too much more pain. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
andybarton Posted July 4, 2010 Share #27 Posted July 4, 2010 Advertisement (gone after registration) We don't know, but we think we do... Are all the independent UK technicians approaching retirement age? I have no idea. Part of the problem for younger people wanting to take up this craft is lack of training and lack of access to suitable parts. The one independent technician that I know of used to work for Leica, was Solms trained and has no problem getting parts. Could a start-up technician set themselves up in a similar fashion? Then, there's the question of reputation... it takes years to build up, but 26 posts on a specialist forum to fall down. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wlaidlaw Posted July 4, 2010 Share #28 Posted July 4, 2010 Andy, There is Kelvin at Protech, who is much younger. He is technically very good but does not have equipment like you know who, to recoat lenses or re-silver prisms. Kelvin was trained by and worked for Olympus in their glory days but was brought up with Leicas, as his father was a Leica Technician. I wonder if it might be an idea for the forum to set up a separate section listing service locations for older Leicas in various parts of the world and also those who sell S/H Leica cameras, lenses and accessories. Wilson Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
andybarton Posted July 4, 2010 Share #29 Posted July 4, 2010 It might be a good idea to set up an FAQ where service technicians and second hand Leica dealers advertise... Andreas has a business to run too. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MPerson Posted July 4, 2010 Share #30 Posted July 4, 2010 Andy, There is Kelvin at Protech, who is much younger. He is technically very good but does not have equipment like you know who, to recoat lenses or re-silver prisms. Kelvin was trained by and worked for Olympus in their glory days but was brought up with Leicas, as his father was a Leica Technician. I wonder if it might be an idea for the forum to set up a separate section listing service locations for older Leicas in various parts of the world and also those who sell S/H Leica cameras, lenses and accessories. Wilson Wilson - is that Protech in Uckfield? I keep hearing good things about them on various forums. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wlaidlaw Posted July 4, 2010 Share #31 Posted July 4, 2010 Wilson - is that Protech in Uckfield? I keep hearing good things about them on various forums. Yes that is Protech in Uckfield. They have moved following the demise of MXV pro-photo sales, from whose premises they used to operate. Kelvin is one of those really honest guys who if he thinks he cannot do a job, will tell you before he starts wasting your time and money. I have used them for years for jobs as complicated as re-collimating the AF on a Contax G2 to others like re-building the Deckel shutter on my 1900 vintage Wirgin field camera. He did a CLA recently on my un-touched since new M4. He refused to charge me as he had been unable to tidy up the RF prisms, as their silvering had deteriorated. Cannot recommend them highly enough. PM me if you need new contact details. Wilson Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MPerson Posted July 4, 2010 Share #32 Posted July 4, 2010 Thanks Wilson. I have the web address. As I am moving house down to Dungeness this year it would be nice to have a reputable repairer in the region. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
andrew748 Posted July 15, 2010 Share #33 Posted July 15, 2010 this thread is a nightmare. I understand that you can't name names etc but this is why it's a nightmare....... I inherited 3 leicaflexes (Leicaflexi?). All have problems, They all need a thorough CLA and battery connection repairs at the very least. I have bumbled along using them and a 40 year old light meter that isn't very accurate and the frustration is putting me off film. I'm also a welfare Leica user, so cost is a factor:o I'm sure you can see my dilemma, do i google and hope that i don't loose my camera to the chap above for a few years or are there any tips, pointers or pm's you can give me? cheers andrew Canon digital pixie Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
andybarton Posted July 15, 2010 Share #34 Posted July 15, 2010 There are plenty of other Leica repair specialists who don't lose things or keep them for years. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
andrew748 Posted July 15, 2010 Share #35 Posted July 15, 2010 There are plenty of other Leica repair specialists who don't lose things or keep them for years. Thanks Andy how do i tell that the specialist i select isn't the one mentioned in this thread? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
octo Posted July 16, 2010 Share #36 Posted July 16, 2010 I am not concerned about the length of time he has had the lens. I understood that he was commissioning some special glass and it was going to take some time. Unfortunately the project fell through because the glass manufacturer was unable to meet the specifications required. What bothers me is his failure to return the lens since I first requested it back in January, a request repeated on a regular basis since. Getting angry would not be productive as I still have a lot of respect for his work and would happily use his services again (though not if he doesn;t send my lens back). I can second that as he kept a collapsible 50 'Cron for a couple of years, at least, while experimenting with glass manufacturers. I, too, was getting slightly fed up with the waiting but by dint of e-mails, phone calls and the fact that I had visited him for a few days 5 years ago, I finally got it back. Now: I had the front element polished here in France and sent the lens back to our friend to be coated and asked him to return it within 3 weeks as I was planning to use it on a trip; got it back on the very last day of the deadline in perfect condition, of course. So there is hope! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest suilvenman Posted July 17, 2010 Share #37 Posted July 17, 2010 this thread is a nightmare.I understand that you can't name names etc but this is why it's a nightmare....... I inherited 3 leicaflexes (Leicaflexi?). All have problems, They all need a thorough CLA and battery connection repairs at the very least. I have bumbled along using them and a 40 year old light meter that isn't very accurate and the frustration is putting me off film. I'm also a welfare Leica user, so cost is a factor:o I'm sure you can see my dilemma, do i google and hope that i don't loose my camera to the chap above for a few years or are there any tips, pointers or pm's you can give me? cheers andrew Canon digital pixie This is a very fair observation. The irony being that only the cognoscenti know (or think they know) the identity of the repairer in question, but are too sensitive to reveal the name to the non-cognoscenti who would genuinely benefit from the knowledge. Ken. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
andybarton Posted July 17, 2010 Share #38 Posted July 17, 2010 I would recommend sending cameras and lenses that need service to CRR In Luton. That narrows it down a bit Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest suilvenman Posted July 17, 2010 Share #39 Posted July 17, 2010 I would recommend sending cameras and lenses that need service to CRR In Luton. That narrows it down a bit Andy, from personal experience, I'd endorse that 100%. Ken. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
erl Posted July 17, 2010 Share #40 Posted July 17, 2010 This new info will have relevance for Melbourne, and possibly all Australian Leica Officianados. Camera Clinic in Collingwood (Melbourne suburb) has just been appointed official Leica repairer for Australia. For some years they have been, and will continue to be, the official Australian Nikon repairer. The business has been established for about 30years (my guess) and is a family run business employing maybe 20+ people. They have always done my (mechanical) Hasselblad gear, the electronic cams being sent back to Goteborg. Service has always been professional and speedy and priority given if a genuine need is expressed (politely). I have not yet determined the level of Leica service that will be done here. I am anxious to know if M9 work will be performed as mine has just started the 6-8 week holiday in Solms. I also have an M7 and two lenses holidaying in the USA for service and adjustment. To date that has been 8 weeks and counting. This country is in dire need of good and speedy local service. Hopefully, we have just got it! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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