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Leica lens service in the UK?


Xexets

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Hello! Following a previous thread of mine, does anybody know of a good UK based lens servicing for leica lenses? I would need to refurbish a 1959 50mm Summicron collapsible. It has dust in the inner elements and the front element is badly scratched with cleaning marks.

Thanks!

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There are a few, but why limit yourself to the UK? Personally I wouldn't bother if the front element is really badly scratched. It cannot be restored anyway. Come to think of it you could try removing the coating using vinegar and see if the lens itself is damaged.

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Do you reckon I would be better off sending it to the US? I am based in the UK and I think it would cost me a premium to send it there.

Thanks for the tip, though I'd rather not mess with vinegar & co myself, I would not feel very confident about it!

Do you have a couple of suggestions for these UK services?

Thanks

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I would contact Malcolm Taylor (UK), he is one of the best people in the world and there isn't much he can't do. Unlike other spanner operators he does go to the trouble of having new lens elements re-manufactured when there is a short supply, and has his own stock of Leica spares.

 

Steve

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You could also try Will van Manen in the Netherlands http://www.kamera-service.info if you don't mind sending it out of the country. I have has a couple of lenses serviced by Will and have been impressed by both the service and the quick turnaround.

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Thank you all, all very interesting suggestions. I'll try this Taylor guy in the next couple of days, good excuse for a trip to Hertfordshire!

 

You'll be going the wrong way! He lives near Leominster in Herefordshire around 100 miles NW of Hertfordshire.

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Do you reckon I would be better off sending it to the US? I am based in the UK and I think it would cost me a premium to send it there.

Thanks for the tip, though I'd rather not mess with vinegar & co myself, I would not feel very confident about it!

Do you have a couple of suggestions for these UK services?

Thanks

 

I would not send outside the EU because of the customs hassle. I can fully endorse Wil van Manen as well.

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If you deliver in person to Malcolm Taylor its an interesting trip down a very narrow lane to the farmhouse.

And some interesting stuff lying around in his 'office', such as a half built stereo barnack (based on a III I think)

 

Gerry

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You'll be going the wrong way! He lives near Leominster in Herefordshire around 100 miles NW of Hertfordshire.

 

Thanks! it was the auto-correction that put Hertfordshire instead of Herefordshire! Let's hope it does not auto-correct the sat-nav...

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I bet you can't get off the phone to Malcolm inside ten minutes:D

 

This is absolutely true. But it will be a very enjoyable and informative indeed quarter of an hour or more! I'm amazed he actually gets any work done, much as he likes chatting to callers. But he does, usually pretty promptly, and it's of extremely high standard.

 

You kind of find yourself hoping to have to send something to Malcolm, just so you can have the pleasure of dealing with him. He's tops.

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