Gibbo Posted February 19, 2014 Share #141 Posted February 19, 2014 Advertisement (gone after registration) Usually, on internet forums, when someone has a beef with a supplier or independent expert, their concerns are backed up by others who have experienced similar problems. The mob descends. In this case, that has not happened. Granted, people who have nothing but this example to go on have felt free to suggest nothing short of public hanging. However, this incident seems to be both isolated and an aberration. I have never used Malcolm Taylor's services but find nothing besides some people's over-reactions to put me off doing so in the future, should I need to. There are two sides to this incident and it reads to me as odd behaviour on both sides for it to have run this long. There are others posting on this thread who seem to be quite gleeful of the opportunity to destroy someone's reputation. Their attitude has, in my view, been quite shameful. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted February 19, 2014 Posted February 19, 2014 Hi Gibbo, Take a look here After 3 years at Malcolm Taylor's, will my lens have fungus?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
plasticman Posted February 19, 2014 Author Share #142 Posted February 19, 2014 There are two sides to this incident and it reads to me asodd behaviour on both sides for it to have run this long. I started this thread seeking advice. Subsequently, because of the way events unfolded, I'm directly out of pocket maybe £200-250 for a lens which is being returned to me unconverted and (hopefully) in the same condition it was sent to Malcolm Taylor almost five years ago, and which obviously I haven't been able to use for those five years (effectively the time span of zero to five years of my daughter's life, put in terms that are important to me, photographed with other lenses and cameras instead). I've tried to give a balanced picture of my own experience, and I think I've been honest in saying that I was lacking in following-up or pressuring Mr Taylor to get the job done any faster than he appeared to be willing to do. There were many times we set a deadline, but then I wouldn't ring to check if it had been met until a month or maybe even two afterwards. My relaxed approach obviously gave signals that my lens wasn't urgent, and I suffered the consequences. When Mr Taylor refused to work on the lens because of this thread, I decided to document the resolution of the matter here because this sort of information is exactly what I myself wish I'd seen before sending the lens to him in the first place. I think it's regrettable that he isn't here to defend himself, but on the other hand there are many people recommending his services here and elsewhere. My personal experience is a single data-point and should be treated that way. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul J Posted February 20, 2014 Share #143 Posted February 20, 2014 I've been surprised at how balanced and well composed you've been through it. Very commendable. If it were me, at FIVE years, I'd be fuming. Even after a resolution to send it back - it's still been months again, right? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkP Posted February 21, 2014 Share #144 Posted February 21, 2014 I would have sent a formal legal letter of demand well before now. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gibbo Posted February 21, 2014 Share #145 Posted February 21, 2014 Both sides could have dealt differently with this issue. As it stands, one person is without a lens and another person's reputation is badly dented. I hope there are young people getting trained to step in when the current bunch of specialists retire, die or have their reputation destroyed. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted February 21, 2014 Share #146 Posted February 21, 2014 Both sides could have dealt differently with this issue. As it stands, one person is without a lens and another person's reputation is badly dented. I hope there are young people getting trained to step in when the current bunch of specialists retire, die or have their reputation destroyed. One person is without his lens - not his fault. One person's reputation is badly dented - his fault. Mr Taylor won't use the internet/email. He did however rely on gossip from someone else to decide to that he wasn't - ever - going to work on the OP's lens. He could presumably use the same person to relay a message back, or he could visit an internet cafe if he doesn't have a PC at home, but he chooses not to. If Malcom Taylor had returned the lens immediately he heard about this thread the matter would have been long buried down the lists by now, but after many more weeks he still hasn't returned it. I'm sure his work is excellent, he has a great reputation among the Leica community, it's such a shame that he's allowed all this to happen. Google 'Malcolm Taylor Leica' and this thread is the first hit. But there is only one person to blame here, and it's not the OP or anyone who has contributed to this thread. What's the saying, you're only as good as your last job? People make mistakes, people get things wrong, but the art is in putting in right one way or another. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gibbo Posted February 21, 2014 Share #147 Posted February 21, 2014 Advertisement (gone after registration) The blame aspect just titilates readers of threads on a forum. My posts are not there to aportion blame, I'm not defending or attacking anyone. Some do seem to love it though As I said, it could all have been done differently. More importantly, what are we going to do once the current specialists are gone? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted February 21, 2014 Share #148 Posted February 21, 2014 More importantly, what are we going to do once the current specialists are gone? Maybe a zoo needs to take in a pair of mating specialists? We will just have to hope for their sakes that they're genetically the right sort Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gibbo Posted February 21, 2014 Share #149 Posted February 21, 2014 Are you aware of anybody young getting into the game of fixing old Leicas? I'm not and the specialists I am aware of, if nature follows its usual course, will be gone long before my need for them does. We can certainly do without anyone being on a mission of self destruction! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted February 21, 2014 Share #150 Posted February 21, 2014 Are you aware of anybody young getting into the game of fixing old Leicas?I'm not and the specialists I am aware of, if nature follows its usual course, will be gone long before my need for them does. We can certainly do without anyone being on a mission of self destruction! In all seriousness, no I'm not. Leica must employ/train new staff to make and service the MP and M7, and the lenses of course. Most of the specialists seem to be ex employees of camera manufacturers so if Leica are pretty much the last man standing as far as fully mechanical cameras go then I can see your concern. Thinking about it, I wouldn't mind learning myself, but who how where? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
plasticman Posted February 21, 2014 Author Share #151 Posted February 21, 2014 I just rang Mr Taylor to find out what's happened this week: the lens hasn't been sent because other work has kept him busy. Before the speculation starts, I don't think there's anything 'fishy' about the situation as I'm sure some observers will suggest, but I'm naturally disappointed that it's still dragging on like this. (Although it should be remembered that a share of the blame should be apportioned to UPS - who made no effort whatsoever to contact me when they had the lens in Sweden over Christmas). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted February 21, 2014 Share #152 Posted February 21, 2014 Are you aware of anybody young getting into the game of fixing old Leicas?I'm not and the specialists I am aware of, if nature follows its usual course, will be gone long before my need for them does. We can certainly do without anyone being on a mission of self destruction! Will van Manen is not THAT old.... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Berth Posted February 21, 2014 Share #153 Posted February 21, 2014 I just rang Mr Taylor to find out what's happened this week: the lens hasn't been sent because other work has kept him busy. Before the speculation starts, I don't think there's anything 'fishy' about the situation as I'm sure some observers will suggest, but I'm naturally disappointed that it's still dragging on like this. (Although it should be remembered that a share of the blame should be apportioned to UPS - who made no effort whatsoever to contact me when they had the lens in Sweden over Christmas). Really? After 5 years of delays and excuses? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
farnz Posted February 21, 2014 Share #154 Posted February 21, 2014 … Thinking about it, I wouldn't mind learning myself, but who how where? Parts: One Leica camera One screwdriver sized to suit Plenty of time Recipe: Grasp the Leica camera in the left hand, the screwdriver in the right hand, take a deep, deep breath, swallow hard and start your apprenticeship. Pete. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
steveclem Posted February 21, 2014 Share #155 Posted February 21, 2014 I just rang Mr Taylor to find out what's happened this week: the lens hasn't been sent because other work has kept him busy. Before the speculation starts, I don't think there's anything 'fishy' about the situation as I'm sure some observers will suggest, but I'm naturally disappointed that it's still dragging on like this. (Although it should be remembered that a share of the blame should be apportioned to UPS - who made no effort whatsoever to contact me when they had the lens in Sweden over Christmas). Clearly a matter of priorities then. 5 years delay and obfuscations does not equate to priority. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gibbo Posted February 21, 2014 Share #156 Posted February 21, 2014 Really quite bizarre Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gibbo Posted February 21, 2014 Share #157 Posted February 21, 2014 Will van Manen is not THAT old.... I do hope he is not the end of the line! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkP Posted February 21, 2014 Share #158 Posted February 21, 2014 I just rang Mr Taylor to find out what's happened this week: the lens hasn't been sent because other work has kept him busy. Before the speculation starts, I don't think there's anything 'fishy' about the situation as I'm sure some observers will suggest, but I'm naturally disappointed that it's still dragging on like this. (Although it should be remembered that a share of the blame should be apportioned to UPS - who made no effort whatsoever to contact me when they had the lens in Sweden over Christmas). No, not fishy. Dead fish don't smell anywhere near as bad as this. Your tolerance and patience know no bounds. Send him a letter of demand for the current value of the lens or to courier the lens back to you, oh and with an apology, within a week or you will take action. Here he could be reported to the state office of consumer affairs. Do you have an equivalent institution? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
IWC Doppel Posted February 22, 2014 Share #159 Posted February 22, 2014 I am quite shocked by this thread and feel the pain here. I have used Malcolm numerous times and have had no issues (sometimes quick sometimes slow). But no resolution following an agreement to send the lens back a long time ago is really not acceptable, this is a big shame. Can a moderator speak to Malcolm and resolve as he is recommended on this site ? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkP Posted February 22, 2014 Share #160 Posted February 22, 2014 I am quite shocked by this thread and feel the pain here. I have used Malcolm numerous times and have had no issues (sometimes quick sometimes slow). But no resolution following an agreement to send the lens back a long time ago is really not acceptable, this is a big shame. Can a moderator speak to Malcolm and resolve as he is recommended on this site ? It seems clear that although Malcolm Taylor is a highly respected and accomplished technician, and there are no other complaints to suggest a pattern of poor workmanship or service, he has clearly dropped the ball (well, the lens) here. I accept that he may not want to come onto this Forum to put his side of the story (if there is one) but I am surprised that he has not done everything possible to maintain his otherwise excellent professional reputation and return the lens. I guess that the only other reason for the latest delay is that he is trying to repair it before return - well one can always hope! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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