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M3 back from repair


ploafmaster

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Oh man, I loved my used M3 already - smaller, lighter, quieter, and smoother than my Nikon F.

 

But I just got it back from a CLA and repair by Sherry Krauter (Golden Touch in New York), and now it works so perfectly I can hardly fathom it. It's actually even quieter, and even smoother in all mechanical operation. All three windows are cleaned up perfectly, so the viewfinder looks even better, and the rangefinder is even easier to use.

 

If you're patient with communication and follow up with her (I gather she's quite busy), I'd highly recommend her (though I think that's common understanding, since I believe I was recommended to her by somebody in this forum).

 

Now I just have to go out and do more shooting :-)

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I curious about how long it took from the time you first made contact to actually receiving the camera. I would love to send my M6 TTL for the finder flare patch and a CLA to either her or DAG. Any information would be appreciated.

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Well I sent my M4 to DAG and his work was above excellent. Unfortunately his communication and customer service was not. He said he would have my camera for about 2 months, he had it almost 2 years with me calling about every 4 months and getting platitudes.

 

After all that you would have thought he would throw me a 10% discount or something...wishful thinking.

 

But again he did a wonderful job.

 

GHEN

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I don't understand why people don't vote with their feet in circumstances like these.

 

"How long will it take?"

"X months"

"Go ahead"

[X months pass]

"Is it ready?"

"No but..."

"Send it back immediately, please"

 

You always have a choice.

 

Regards,

 

Bill

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From the time I sent my M3 to Sherry Krauter until the time I got it back was about 6 weeks. She said it would take 4 weeks. I emailed her to check at that 6 week mark and she told me it was done - so I sent in my check and had it back within a week of sending the check out. I think she shipped it before the check even cleared.

 

But I can't say for sure that she didn't contact me (or try) when it was finished - my email address has frequently caused issues - it's "danielcwarshaw" and a lot of folks often miss that "c" in the middle. There is a "danielwarshaw" at the same domain, so if she emailed that it wouldn't bounce back. She claims she emailed me, and I'll give her the benefit of the doubt.

 

So I would say as long as you check in around the expected amount of time, I think you'll be alright with Sherry. It's not like it was still in process when I contacted her.

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Thank you for the quick reply. I had a similar e-mail issue when I sent my 111c to Cameraleather for recovering. Four or five months is a reasonable turn around time for a specialty shop plus I do have other cameras to use while I'm waiting.

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Well I was in Afghanistan so it was a little more complex for me, but I hear you.

 

GHEN

 

I don't understand why people don't vote with their feet in circumstances like these.

 

"How long will it take?"

"X months"

"Go ahead"

[X months pass]

"Is it ready?"

"No but..."

"Send it back immediately, please"

 

You always have a choice.

 

Regards,

 

Bill

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He said he would have my camera for about 2 months, he had it almost 2 years with me calling about every 4 months and getting platitudes.... But again he did a wonderful job.
Yes he does do really excellent work but the black hole your equipment goes into is seriously annoying. I learned my lesson and now my lenses go to Steve Choi and my cameras to Youxin Ye, who happily lives near me. I recently bought an M2 and had Youxin check it out and went down to Canton to pick it up. He's a really nice guy, has an amazing Leica collection, and does terrific work. He also knows how to use email... ;)

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I've had a number of things done by DAG. All came back perfect & within the time frame he suggested. My understanding is that often the real issue is the availability of scarce parts which can dramatically effect the turn around time. Since I haven't experienced this issue with DAG, but have heard many comments from other Leica owners about these problems, I take that seriously. In the end, Don was extremely conscientious, straightforward & honest. The fact that his work is superb makes the experience even more satisfactory.

 

Having had to listen to many friends of mine that own Leica gear and that have had to effect some form of repair, on average, I'm not sure that they represent the most sanguine and easy going population of consumers. I'm not pointing fingers, just observing.

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  • 4 weeks later...

It really is brilliant there are still some very talented craftspeople dedicated to keeping these beautiful cameras in top condition. We all owe them a vote of thanks. They are not an overnight service, they are artisans.

 

A fellow with decades of experience did repairs for me here in Christchurch (sadly, his premises, like so many, was destroyed in the earthquake but he managed to get out of the building). He was surrounded by old film cameras, many only needing minor repairs -- but their owners had abandoned them, believing digital was so much better. In fact, older cameras were a lot better built, said the technician.

 

How long did it take? A while. The technician had a long Methusalah beard. Another customer said when he brought his camera in he had been smooth shaven.

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It really is brilliant there are still some very talented craftspeople dedicated to keeping these beautiful cameras in top condition. We all owe them a vote of thanks. They are not an overnight service, they are artisans.

 

A fellow with decades of experience did repairs for me here in Christchurch (sadly, his premises, like so many, was destroyed in the earthquake but he managed to get out of the building). He was surrounded by old film cameras, many only needing minor repairs -- but their owners had abandoned them, believing digital was so much better. In fact, older cameras were a lot better built, said the technician.

 

How long did it take? A while. The technician had a long Methusalah beard. Another customer said when he brought his camera in he had been smooth shaven.

 

That's fine but don't feed your customers bullshit.

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I just picked up an M3 SS this week and the shutter curtains are very worn and the speeds are a bit off. I'm thinkIng youxin ye for a CLA? Anyone have experiences with him on your m3? How much could I expect to pay for that?
Not an M3 but I recently bought my first M2 and had Youxin check it out for me as the slow shutter speeds were off. His CLA cost $120 and the first roll shows that everything is dead on, plus the body is just a pleasure to use. Highly recommended! :)

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