gioathan Posted January 5, 2013 Share #1 Â Posted January 5, 2013 Advertisement (gone after registration) I have recently bought an M4 secondhand (of course! :-) ) and as usual the low shutterspeeds 1/4, 1/2 and 1 sec are iregular. The camera otherwise is in mynt condition and with the upper L service-seal. Â My first thought was to send it to Leica's service in Germany for cleaning and lubrication, so i emailed them with a question of a price estimation but they did not bother even to reply. Does anybody have any price idea, please? Â My second question is about your advice as to wether to repair the low shutterspeeds at the cost of the L seal. As it concerns the low shutterspeeds only thus the low light photography, i can live with the particular camera-condition. I own lots of digital Nikon equipment that are great for low light photography. On the other half, it feels %#% to have such a great camera but not working perfectly at all shutterspeeds. Any thoughts please??? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted January 5, 2013 Posted January 5, 2013 Hi gioathan, Take a look here to service or not to service? At whice cost?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Michael Geschlecht Posted January 5, 2013 Share #2 Â Posted January 5, 2013 Hello gioathan, Â Welcome to the Forum. Â You might try this: Â Try excercising the shutter 6 times @ every speed including "B" without film in the camera. Â Skip speeds alternatively & go in both directions until you have used every setting. Â You should also activate the self timer @ various speeds including "B" on a regular basis. Â Do this a number of times over a number of days. Â Best Regards, Â Michael Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
otto.f Posted January 5, 2013 Share #3  Posted January 5, 2013 I'm surprised they did not reply because in my opinion the service is excellent since a year or so. Just call them and you'll be treated generously I assure you. I think it will be something near 300€ for a complete CLA, maybe 180 for your specific problem. Maybe it helps if you register at the Leica site at Owners Login, top right. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ulrik Posted January 5, 2013 Share #4 Â Posted January 5, 2013 Have it serviced!!! When I bought my M4 the first thing what happened was that during a walk through Oslo in January the range finder quit function as the lubricants had dried. I really HATE it when a camera lets me down, therefore I spend fortunes to have them all serviced. Â There are independent competent repair people out there. Try one of those in case the people in Solms are overstrained. Â Ulrik Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomB_tx Posted January 5, 2013 Share #5 Â Posted January 5, 2013 Agree - have it serviced properly. I bought my M4 new in 1968, and while it led a quiet life, the shutter eventually dried out and became inconsistent - which will happen on all old cameras. An intact "L" seal simply means "Don't trust the shutter." I'd use a good independent technician. Full service is usually around $350 US. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted January 5, 2013 Share #6 Â Posted January 5, 2013 Don't send it to Leica, send it to one of the specialist independents. There's a list on the forum. You could also ask your local dealer - many will use a local repairer for their SH gear. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lct Posted January 5, 2013 Share #7 Â Posted January 5, 2013 Advertisement (gone after registration) Don't send it to Leica, send it to one of the specialist independents... +1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted January 5, 2013 Share #8 Â Posted January 5, 2013 See here http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/customer-forum/176369-repair-specialists.html Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave_d Posted January 5, 2013 Share #9 Â Posted January 5, 2013 If the camera works and you don't make a living with it I would use it for several months before sending it in for repair. By using it you might notice other issues that need addressing when you eventually do send it in. This being said I would not rely on it 100% and would carry a back-up camera. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hoppyman Posted January 5, 2013 Share #10 Â Posted January 5, 2013 To have an estimate or service done by Solms Customer Service you normally send the item first with a description of what you would like and you can set a maximum cost if you wish. They examine the camera and send you a list of recommended work and price estimate for your approval before proceeding. Â If you tried to contact them over the last couple of weeks it may have been during their reduced activity (holidays) period. They may still be catching up. You could try again to telephone or email them? Â There are independent service agents available to of course, depending on where you are. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Messsucherkamera Posted January 6, 2013 Share #11  Posted January 6, 2013 I have recently bought an M4 secondhand (of course! :-) ) and as usual the low shutterspeeds 1/4, 1/2 and 1 sec are iregular. The camera otherwise is in mynt condition and with the upper L service-seal. My first thought was to send it to Leica's service in Germany for cleaning and lubrication, so i emailed them with a question of a price estimation but they did not bother even to reply. Does anybody have any price idea, please?  My second question is about your advice as to wether to repair the low shutterspeeds at the cost of the L seal. As it concerns the low shutterspeeds only thus the low light photography, i can live with the particular camera-condition. I own lots of digital Nikon equipment that are great for low light photography. On the other half, it feels %#% to have such a great camera but not working perfectly at all shutterspeeds. Any thoughts please???  Try the advice offered in post #2 above. If that does not help, give Sherry Krauter a call Sherry Krauter.com -- Home of the Golden Touch. - her work is second to none and her prices are well within reason. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gioathan Posted January 6, 2013 Author Share #12 Â Posted January 6, 2013 Many thanks to everyone for getting the time to read my question and offer your advice! Â I think that i shall be spending some time "playing" with the camera first and then probably send it for service. On a second thought the L seal is not so important any more. I have gotten the proof that the interior of the camera is untouched by unothorised persons and now it is up to me who will get the permition to open it. The L seal is not giving any special value for collectors as the modell is not a rare one. So it's better that i get som joy from using the camera myself. I have tones of film and digital cameras to make a living from so the M4 is just for my pure joy. Â Thanks again for your help to put my thoughts and priorities in an order! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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