Leica Aperture Ring Repair Cost

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I just received a Leica 280 f/4 in that I bought on eBay. Cosmetically it looks in excellent condition. But when I turn the aperture ring nothing happens. So it appears to be broken. I know some of you have had this sort of thing repaired by Leica. I called Leica and spoke to Sarah to see about how much the repair would cost. She said she couldn't say. So before I decide to send it in for an estimate or return it I thought I'd ask here if anyone had an idea of what the best and worst case repair cost could be on something like this. Otherwise it really looks like it is in excellent condition with the original case. I doubt it has been used more than a couple of times and has ROM contacts. So I'm inclined to keep it and repair it if the cost isn't too high. These lenses are hard to find used. Thanks in advance.

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[leonpro]

I don't know how much it costs, but just be warry of the final cost before sending your equipment in. I spoke to Sarah a few weeks ago regarding a repair of my Leica and she quoted me USD135.00. I told her I would send it in then. A few days later she called again and said it would actually cost USD250.00. Hmm.

 

Just make sure you get an estimate from the repair people and not Sarah, who always answers the phone. She is a friendly person, but sadly she isn't on top of the repair costs.

[glenerrolrd]

I just received a Leica 280 f/4 in that I bought on eBay. Cosmetically it looks in excellent condition. But when I turn the aperture ring nothing happens. So it appears to be broken. I know some of you have had this sort of thing repaired by Leica. I called Leica and spoke to Sarah to see about how much the repair would cost. She said she couldn't say. So before I decide to send it in for an estimate or return it I thought I'd ask here if anyone had an idea of what the best and worst case repair cost could be on something like this. Otherwise it really looks like it is in excellent condition with the original case. I doubt it has been used more than a couple of times and has ROM contacts. So I'm inclined to keep it and repair it if the cost isn't too high. These lenses are hard to find used. Thanks in advance.

Yikes!!! I think you outbid me by less than $100 on that lens. This could be expensive and you will not know until Solms gives you an estimate....Seems like anything difficult is being sent from the repair organizations back to the factory in Solms. This makes sense as they can not dupilcate all the equipment necessary to complete the repair and equally important to test it. Also keep in mind that spare parts are very limited and are often provided by outside contract manufacturers. Point being you could be in for a significant delay. I would send this back to the seller.

[carstenw]

Hello Roland,

 

Since Leica makes an estimate before repairing, I would send it in. You are right that these lenses aren't easy to find. It would make sense to contact the seller first, explain the problem, and say that if it isn't too expensive you will keep it, but if it is too expensive, you want to return it. If he doesn't accept, send it back now.

[netexpress]

Thanks for all the advice! The seller has offered a refund. He’s going to see if he can have it repaired and then offer to resell it to me after repairs.

 

What do you guys think of non-Leica repairs. I’ve heard of a person or company called DAG that is supposed to be good at Leica repairs. But I don’t know who or what DAG is. I’ve also heard of Gerry Smith at Kindermann in Canada but that involves customs, etc. I’m in the San Francisco Bay Area.

[glenerrolrd]

If you read through the threads you will find the following (1)Leica service has quite a backlog....it will take several weeks to even get an estimate if you send it directly to Solms ..if you send it to NJ and they can not fix it then its another step to go to Solms(2) quality control on repairs has been questionable ...look for posts where repairs have resulted in poor image quality, focus errors or work requested not completed. (3) Parts for all lens are in short supply ..if you need one and its out of stock ..you will have a long wait. If the original owner wants to get it fixed ....he will hold the down time and the risk . You might try some of the Leica dealers about Leica R Demo lenses. I got a like new demo 180 2.8 apo from David at Dale cameras ...Just go down the list and call them all .

[telyt]

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Here's what I did when I had a similar problem:

 

 

Husky brand screwdriver set from Home Depot or Lowe's, I forget which: US$8 or so, lifetime guarantee.

 

 

the four scerws I removed. Easiest if you set lens to minimum aperture first.

 

 

flange removed from lens. The brass part is loose, be sure it's aligned correctly upon re-assembly. notch at upper part of inside barrel is directly connected to the aperture blades.

 

 

flange/diaphragm assembly. Arrow points to lever which must engage notch.

 

Re-assemble with lever in notch, align screws in holes and with brass ring, tighten screws. If aperture doesn't open/close freely the lever isn't aligned correctly in notch. I suggest installing one screw, checking for aperture free movement, then other three screws. If all else fails I'm in Sacramento. Take a road trip.