plasticman Posted December 9, 2013 Author Share #81 Posted December 9, 2013 Advertisement (gone after registration) Well as six weeks had passed with no sign of the lens, I rang again today, and apparently the lens is intended to be sent via UPS this week... I'll keep updating here in case anyone finds this information useful. I certainly would have been interested in reading other people's experiences - good or bad - before I'd chosen who should do the work all those years ago. 5 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted December 9, 2013 Posted December 9, 2013 Hi plasticman, 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!
Les Paul Posted December 12, 2013 Share #82 Posted December 12, 2013 Sorry to read about your plight, this really is incredible. Assuming you get it back soon and by my calculations your lens will have been away for 'FIVE' years. This Mr Taylor has no grounds to complain at all. Perhaps his reaction was from utter embarrasment. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
plasticman Posted December 13, 2013 Author Share #83 Posted December 13, 2013 I rang early on Monday, and Malcolm said that he'd be in touch with tracking details during the week so that I'd have the lens by today, to avoid the Christmas rush. Well naturally I've heard nothing since, and I have to say that although up till now I've been sympathetic to his side of the story - especially as he's not online to give his own account - my patience is beginning to run out. It's soon going to be two additional months since he told me he was forthwith sending the lens back unfixed - and bear in mind that he's doing this because he felt it was unfair of me to discuss the length of time he was taking over the repair in the first place. otoh... As someone said in another thread - first-world 'problems'. I'm also very glad that no-one I've worked for/with airs their opinion of my shortcomings on a public forum like this - so probably my (minority) experience should be taken with a pinch of salt. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaques Posted December 17, 2013 Share #84 Posted December 17, 2013 (edited) you should be given the most patient customer of 2010-2013 award P. I suspect he lost your lens years ago- and is hoping he will die of old age before he has to come clean about what happened. I know a camera repair tech who can take years to do a job- and I can understand that- it is common for these guys to have a tonne of things on their benches with people coming and going and stuff everywhere... they take on work thinking they can manage it all- and then get stuck looking for a part, finding time, etc. But perhaps one of his customers pinched the lens years ago and consequently he has been trying to put you off- while he fruitlessly tries to find it. I think it is time for you to say I have been fair- I have been patient: NO MORE! time to go NUCLEAR! and as to his outrage that you posted online: did he read this thread?? If he had he may have noticed that you have actually been beyond understanding, forgiving, patient and polite. For him to take umbrage that you had the temerity to mention your struggle online is beyond absurd. Edited December 17, 2013 by jaques Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkCambridgeshire Posted December 17, 2013 Share #85 Posted December 17, 2013 This saga is getting ridiculous. Next time you phone him ask him if he needs a doctor. dunk Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted December 17, 2013 Share #86 Posted December 17, 2013 I rang early on Monday, and Malcolm said that he'd be in touch with tracking details during the week so that I'd have the lens by today, to avoid the Christmas rush. Well naturally I've heard nothing since, and I have to say that although up till now I've been sympathetic to his side of the story - especially as he's not online to give his own account - my patience is beginning to run out. This is crazy. I wonder what Mr Taylor thinks this is doing for his reputation? Seriously, at this stage I would consider legal action for the cost of a replacement lens via the small claims court (although I'm not sure if that option is open to you as you're not in the UK but you should be able to find out with a little googling). Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pgk Posted December 17, 2013 Share #87 Posted December 17, 2013 Advertisement (gone after registration) I'm gearing-up for the annual round of nagging calls to Malcolm Taylor, as he's now had my Canon 0,95 for M-conversion for just about three years now. Out of curiosity, how many people offer a custom conversion (I assume TV lens to M?) and how long does this 'normally' take? Malcolm has had an M4 of mine for well over a year - when I visited him he showed me it disassembled and awaiting the search for replacement parts - some already found, others not - for those damaged or worn out. I fully accepted a year or two for 'repair' (actually restoration/rebuild might be a better description) because it wasn't a 'standard' piece of work. In the meantime he has turned around small repairs quickly for me. Difficult and awkward to do work can take a long time and in my experience things do tend to drift from many repairers if not 'standard' simply because they are awkward and time consuming. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted December 17, 2013 Share #88 Posted December 17, 2013 Can't one of our UK members that know Mr. Taylor personally try and resolve this problem? 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaques Posted December 17, 2013 Share #89 Posted December 17, 2013 (edited) Out of curiosity, how many people offer a custom conversion (I assume TV lens to M?) and how long does this 'normally' take? Malcolm has had an M4 of mine for well over a year - when I visited him he showed me it disassembled and awaiting the search for replacement parts - some already found, others not - for those damaged or worn out. I fully accepted a year or two for 'repair' (actually restoration/rebuild might be a better description) because it wasn't a 'standard' piece of work. In the meantime he has turned around small repairs quickly for me. Difficult and awkward to do work can take a long time and in my experience things do tend to drift from many repairers if not 'standard' simply because they are awkward and time consuming. I think the problem for technicians like this is knowing when to say "No" to a job. If they don't have access to the parts they are going to need- things can and do drag on. My repairman has many times taken over a year for complicated odd-job- but can turn around a lens with full CLA in just a few hours. I now know to simply not give him the odd ones, like m3 cameras. He just doesn't have the parts onhand. These techs may know they can do the job- but not know that they never will get around to it... Vintage Leica cameras are that specialised that odd parts are not always easy to come by. This is why I would use someone like Sherry Krauter for an m4 or similar. A specialist has access to the parts required- and when they say they can do the job they probably know they have/can get the parts and can give an accurate timeframe for the repair.... The problem for vintage cameras is that time goes by there aare less and less of those that can do the job- and even less of those that can/will find the parts- or make them if need be. I don't know Malcolm but he is probably a specialist in some area- seemingly not M mount conversions? Either than or he really has lost your lens altogether. Edited December 17, 2013 by jaques Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted December 17, 2013 Share #90 Posted December 17, 2013 Malcolm Taylor is one of those specialists... Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
plasticman Posted December 17, 2013 Author Share #91 Posted December 17, 2013 While I'm very grateful for supportive messages both here and in PMs, I think it's important we bear in mind that Mr Taylor isn't online to defend himself, or give his side of the story. Just for the record (and entirely from my point of view) I'm posting here because I wish I'd had access to other people's experiences before commissioning a complicated job from him. We should balance my experience with plenty of people who are happy with the work he's done. I think several commenters in this thread and elsewhere have pinpointed the essential problem - which is that difficult jobs get pushed to the back of the queue, while 'bread-and-butter' work gets done on a daily basis. My major disappointment now is that he's promised to send back the lens several times and still nothing is happening - this is far more unprofessional than delaying onerous or time-consuming work, and I feel it's completely unacceptable. Incidentally, he fetched the lens and described some accessory parts that were with it during one of the recent calls, so the lens is still definitely in his possession. As far as the conversion is concerned, the lens is a Canon 7 mount (not the TV version), and when I bought it, and it was sent to him, we both agreed that it was in perfect condition. I bought it on a camera with a range of well-cared for accessories, and everything indicated that it had never been off that camera since new. Jaap then (totally at his own expense) supplied the extra parts that were needed for what should have been a very nice conversion using Visoflex fittings. While I'm obviously disappointed both by his inability to fix the lens and also his reaction to this thread (which wasn't originally intended as a criticism of his tardiness) I'm completely astounded by his apparent inability to send the lens back. Each time we speak he says it's "definitely" going to be sent that week. At this stage I feel it's almost best to let the matter wait until after christmas - not only to miss the mountain of packages in transit, but also because dealing with my small kids takes priority over hassles with lenses at this time of year. I'll consider ringing again, but will keep the thread updated with developments whatever happens. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
HarryW Posted December 17, 2013 Share #92 Posted December 17, 2013 There is the possibility that Mr Taylor is aware of the effect that this negative comment is having on his reputation and is stalling for time to allow him to do the conversion on your lens before he sends it back. That way he can try to limit the damage. Just a thought - far fetched maybe. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcraf Posted December 17, 2013 Share #93 Posted December 17, 2013 I fully accepted a year or two for 'repair' (actually restoration/rebuild might be a better description) because it wasn't a 'standard' piece of work. I I applaud your patience. Having lost some dear friends and family members this year, which has readjusted my view of life, I couldn't be bothered with this level of wait. Unless it has extraordinary sentimental value, personally I'd just source a more serviceable M4 and get out and enjoy it. And I agree that, unfortunately, none of this is enhancing Malcolm's reputation. But presumably he doesn't give a toss. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted December 17, 2013 Share #94 Posted December 17, 2013 And I agree that, unfortunately, none of this is enhancing Malcolm's reputation. But presumably he doesn't give a toss. Well maybe he's decided to retire. I hope so for his sake - I wouldn't trust him with my gear. Sorry, I am not prepared to wait 2 or more years for a camera repair, nor would I like the hassle of trying to get my property back. Life is just too short. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
suey11 Posted December 18, 2013 Share #95 Posted December 18, 2013 Well maybe he's decided to retire. I hope so for his sake - I wouldn't trust him with my gear. Sorry, I am not prepared to wait 2 or more years for a camera repair, nor would I like the hassle of trying to get my property back. Life is just too short. I'm sure I've seen his ad in a recent photography mag so retirement seems out of the question if he's actively seeking new business. I really do hope the lens turns up soon or the situation gets resolved. If it has been lost or misplaced then he should have owned up earlier it's all downhill once you start "stretching the truth" no matter what the situation be honest and I believe a solution can be found. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brenton C Posted December 19, 2013 Share #96 Posted December 19, 2013 I'm just reading this thread today with frustrated enjoyment in sympathy for the overly gracious Plasticman. Whilst Mr. Taylor is welcome to have preferred no public discussion of his service, I don't think him entitled to it. And where else but a customer forum is a more appropriate venue for discussing it?! Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
farnz Posted December 20, 2013 Share #97 Posted December 20, 2013 … Whilst Mr. Taylor is welcome to have preferred no public discussion of his service, I don't think him entitled to it. And where else but a customer forum is a more appropriate venue for discussing it?! Malcolm does not have or use the internet or email at all so he cannot defend himself here. You might feel very comfortable to use forums for conversing and discussing issues, that is your choice, but that doesn't mean everyone is and we should continue to respect those who are not. Pete. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brenton C Posted December 20, 2013 Share #98 Posted December 20, 2013 Hi Pete, I certainly respect your right to a different opinion, though I can't agree with it. As I look at it, if someone is selling a service to the public, it's fair game for people to talk about it. One of the few things I recall from Economics is that access to information is a foundational tenet of a free market. Of course, until the internet, actual acess fell far short of what it is now. If a merchant is unable or unwilling to get with the net, it hardly imposes a burden on others not to talk because he won't or "cant" respond. Still, I won't go along with those calling for his head (I exaggerate). Though I note, those stronger comments, it seemed to me, were offered with a healthy dose of humour. I don't think any of the serious minded criticism has been unfair or disrespectful. Just statements of fact accoanied by understandable expressions of disappointment. In a way, to the extent that this thread impacts Mr. Taylor's business, it may help him by reducing demand to manageable levels, and deterring customers who need their gear back sooner rather than later. 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkP Posted December 20, 2013 Share #99 Posted December 20, 2013 (edited) Malcolm Taylor clearly has an excellent reputation for his work on repairing and restoring lenses, and I don't think anyone here has criticised his skills. I've not seen complaints about his service or the quality of his work anywhere else on the Forum. No one here has slandered him. Nevertheless that doesn't mean that this can't be discussed. He is not excluded from the discussion. Whether he has email or not, he could access the Forum and put forward his case - if there is one - but he may just want to keep out of the discussion altogether. Edited December 20, 2013 by MarkP 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted December 20, 2013 Share #100 Posted December 20, 2013 Isn't part of the issue that Malcolm Taylor DID hear about this thread and decided not to complete (or should I say start) the job in question because of it. It seems he has access to hear but not to respond. Why doesn't he just send the lens back? 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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