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Leica NJ -- is this usual ?


Solsticephoto

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I bought a used M4 a couple of months ago and realized it needed a new shutter and a CLA. I sent it to Leica NJ for service and was told it would take 6-7 weeks to get serviced. At 6.5 weeks I inquited about status and was told that it would be another "2 to 3 weeks, or so" At 8.5 weeks I again inquired about status and was told "sorry it will be another 2 weeks, or so"

 

At this point I have lost patience and will seek an alternate repair facility.

 

Question is whether this is par for the course with this facility ? I can accept that it might take a while to get to my camera but what really bothers me is that they do not seem to have a reliable estimate of how long it takes to do the work. For the price I was quoted (~$500) for the fix and CLA I cannot imagine this is more than a single day of work so it must be a scheduling problem........

 

I am now looking for an alternate facility -- open to any and all recommendations

 

Cheers

Eric

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Hi Eric,

Welcome to the forum.:)

I am sorry to hear about your poor experience with Leica New Jersey. I have received good service from them previously.

Recently I sent my M8.2 in for repair and had a similar experience to yours: after the promised date of return they called to tell me that they were still working on it. In my case they did comp the out-of-warranty because of the inconvenience.

 

It's my understanding that they are swamped right now with the success of the M9, which is causing the long repair times.

It might be worth talking to them to see if they are willing to reduce the bill, since they failed to deliver the repair on time.

 

Here is a list of Leica Repair Specialists recommended by members of the forum.

I have used both Sherry Krauter and Don Goldberg, and been pleased with both of their work.

 

Philip

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Phillip

 

Good to hear they are reasonable to some extent. At this point I have already asked for my Camera back and have two strong leads for alternative repair. I was / am worried that the delay is due to the M9 which bothers me even more. A quoted time for a fix is a reservation based on first come first served in my universe. If I am getting bumped for M9 fixes / upgrades that is more aggravating....... Thing is I am getting close to purchasing an M9 and this is souring my thinking.........

 

Cheers

Eric

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I've sent two lenses to them in the past 2-3 years and experienced pretty much the same thing. Was told it would be 4-6 weeks. At week 6, I wrote/called and was told a part was backordered or something like that and it would be another 1-2 weeks. Somewhere around week 8 or 9 they showed up.

 

They did good work and stuff, but there were definitely delays and not the best communication about those delays.

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I always establish a contact (phone and email) in advance of sending gear in for service to clarify needs and expectations, on both sides. This person helps expedite the service and, at a minimum, keeps me informed along the way about status and delivery.

 

In one instance, I was given the opportunity to speak directly to the technician to discuss the service, as the contact was not clear on the technical requirements. I don't treat my camera gear any differently with respect to service than I do my car.

 

To date, my repairs have always been on time or earlier than anticipated. However, I haven't had any needs recently, so perhaps delays may now be more common. But, if so, I would expect my contact to set expectations realistically.

 

Jeff

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At this point I have already asked for my Camera back and have two strong leads for alternative repair.

 

There are times to cut your loses if you can get what you want instantly via another company, but won't you now just end up on somebody else's waiting list, perhaps even longer?

 

Steve

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I have had excellent service from NJ, usually 3 weeks door to door. Recently had a number of old lenses CLA'd. I currently have a MATE there, which will be 2-3 months because it is being sent to Germany, but the communication has been great on this item.

 

For an independent, I highly recommend Sherry Krauter (also in NJ). She does great work on film cameras (not well known, but also refurbished 2 older Nikons for me). The latest email I have for her is krauter@warwick.net.

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I've dealt with the independent Leica repair people and the wait has been extremely long as well. The difference was that it always came back fixed, whereas with NJ on more than one occasion I had to send it back again because either the original complaint wasn't fixed, or it came back with some new problem.

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I have made contact with DAG, Sherry and Youxin as independent servicers. Its interesting that whithin 2-3 hours of emailing each last night they all resonded with ball park pricing and service times. Now its just a matter of getting the Camera back from L-NJ and sending it out again.

 

thanks for everyone's input

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I have made contact with DAG, Sherry and Youxin as independent servicers. Its interesting that whithin 2-3 hours of emailing each last night they all resonded with ball park pricing and service times. Now its just a matter of getting the Camera back from L-NJ and sending it out again.

 

thanks for everyone's input

 

All three of these folks provide excellent service. You should take seriously the possibility that any one of these talented professionals are busy and that the repair may involve the necessity of parts that may not be readily available, not that I have ever had to suffer that experience. DAG has always done right by me & in a timely manner. When you have Leica gear, be prepared to be patient. It is the only strategy that will suffice. Good Luck.

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