matted Posted November 4, 2022 Share #21 Posted November 4, 2022 (edited) Advertisement (gone after registration) 16 minutes ago, logan2z said: Where do you see that? I looked around on their web site and couldn't find a statement to that effect. That would be odd, because the very first sentence on their web site says:Cameraworks-uk is a very well respected Leica repair specialist with a worldwide customer base Apologies, looks like you're right. Just to make sure I wasn't losing my mind, I went back in time and as recently as July they had a disclaimer on their main page, as well as on their price list page (despite still referring to their "Worldwide customer base"). Looks like they've changed their site since then... https://web.archive.org/web/20220707005722/https://www.cameraworks-uk.com/ I have edited my post so as to minimize the misinformation. Edited November 4, 2022 by matted Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted November 4, 2022 Posted November 4, 2022 Hi matted, Take a look here Repainted Ms?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
logan2z Posted November 4, 2022 Share #22 Posted November 4, 2022 2 minutes ago, matted said: Apologies, looks like you're right. Just to make sure I wasn't losing my mind, I went back in time and as recently as July they had a disclaimer on their main page. looks like they've changed their site since then... https://web.archive.org/web/20220707005722/https://www.cameraworks-uk.com/ I have edited my post so as to minimize the misinformation. It may have been COVID related and they've changed their position in the last few months. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
colint544 Posted November 4, 2022 Share #23 Posted November 4, 2022 Back in 2013, I bought a plain silver-chrome M2 from Red Dot Cameras. It was a bit tired, vulcanite lifting off the back door, stiff controls, and a rather dim viewfinder. I think it cost £400. Weren't those the days! I sent it off to Kanto to be painted black. Kanto won't just paint a camera, they also insist on doing a full service. They might as well since they're taking the camera apart anyway. They replaced a shutter roller (not entirely sure what that is), cleaned the rangefinder, full service, stripped it to brass, and painted it black. They also fitted a new leatherette. The picture below is of the M2 when I got it back. It was like a new camera. Shutter was whisper quiet, controls smooth, and the viewfinder lovely and bright. And the paint finish was superb, almost mirror like. I've used that camera a lot over the past nine years. It's still my smoothest M camera. It never lets me down. Kanto are not cheap, but they're excellent value. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! 12 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/344438-repainted-ms/?do=findComment&comment=4555020'>More sharing options...
logan2z Posted November 4, 2022 Share #24 Posted November 4, 2022 19 minutes ago, colint544 said: Back in 2013, I bought a plain silver-chrome M2 from Red Dot Cameras. It was a bit tired, vulcanite lifting off the back door, stiff controls, and a rather dim viewfinder. I think it cost £400. Weren't those the days! I sent it off to Kanto to be painted black. Kanto won't just paint a camera, they also insist on doing a full service. They might as well since they're taking the camera apart anyway. They replaced a shutter roller (not entirely sure what that is), cleaned the rangefinder, full service, stripped it to brass, and painted it black. They also fitted a new leatherette. The picture below is of the M2 when I got it back. It was like a new camera. Shutter was whisper quiet, controls smooth, and the viewfinder lovely and bright. And the paint finish was superb, almost mirror like. I've used that camera a lot over the past nine years. It's still my smoothest M camera. It never lets me down. Kanto are not cheap, but they're excellent value. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! That's beautiful. Makes me want to buy a beater and send it to them for a full makeover. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
colint544 Posted November 4, 2022 Share #25 Posted November 4, 2022 Just now, logan2z said: That's beautiful. Makes me want to buy a beater and send it to them for a full makeover. Cheers and yes, clearly if you're getting one for a repaint, there's little point in buying a mint example. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
matted Posted November 4, 2022 Share #26 Posted November 4, 2022 1 hour ago, logan2z said: It may have been COVID related and they've changed their position in the last few months. It sounds like it was due to import headaches which has only worsened post-Brexit. I'm not sure what could have changed in this regard, but I'm going to reach out with them and confirm; I would feel a lot better about sending my M4 there than the shops in Japan after hearing stories like jaapv's and having to send someone to reclaim his camera from Kanto! Getting a full overhaul and new set of clothes for my M4 just might stop me from seeking out a black paint MP to add to my overcrowded stable... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkP Posted November 4, 2022 Share #27 Posted November 4, 2022 Advertisement (gone after registration) 4 hours ago, logan2z said: Where do you see that? I looked around on their web site and couldn't find a statement to that effect. That would be odd, because the very first sentence on their web site says:Cameraworks-uk is a very well respected Leica repair specialist with a worldwide customer base For some time they stated in their website they were not accepting work from outside the UK due to post Brexit itaxation issues. The notice is now gone. I’ve emailed Cameraworks yesterday to check this as I live in Australia. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
logan2z Posted November 4, 2022 Share #28 Posted November 4, 2022 BTW, I live in the US and have never dealt with Cameraworks before, but I recently emailed Alan Starkie a question about my M4 as I was experiencing a problem that might have been shutter related, and he took the time to write a detailed response - several in fact. Based on our communication, I would have zero hesitation to send him a camera for service or a repaint. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mute-on Posted November 4, 2022 Share #29 Posted November 4, 2022 3 hours ago, matted said: It sounds like it was due to import headaches which has only worsened post-Brexit. I'm not sure what could have changed in this regard, but I'm going to reach out with them and confirm; I would feel a lot better about sending my M4 there than the shops in Japan after hearing stories like jaapv's and having to send someone to reclaim his camera from Kanto! Getting a full overhaul and new set of clothes for my M4 just might stop me from seeking out a black paint MP to add to my overcrowded stable... Before you start spreading misinformation, @jaapv did NOT say he had to send someone to retrieve his camera from Kanto. That was Shintaro. The word is he is not accepting repaints at all and is a singular case. Do your own research. I’ve had Kanto restore an original black paint M4 and two 35/2.8 Summarons, and their work is immaculate and timely. Good luck. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BradS Posted November 4, 2022 Share #30 Posted November 4, 2022 1 hour ago, logan2z said: BTW, I live in the US and have never dealt with Cameraworks before, but I recently emailed Alan Starkie a question about my M4 as I was experiencing a problem that might have been shutter related, and he took the time to write a detailed response - several in fact. Based on our communication, I would have zero hesitation to send him a camera for service or a repaint. Good to know...I have an M2 that desperately needs an overhaul and have been putting it off because I cannot stand to send it out for months and get absolutely zero communication from the tech until the bill arrives. Thanks. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
archive_all Posted November 5, 2022 Share #31 Posted November 5, 2022 4 hours ago, BradS said: Good to know...I have an M2 that desperately needs an overhaul and have been putting it off because I cannot stand to send it out for months and get absolutely zero communication from the tech until the bill arrives. Thanks. 10 hours ago, matted said: Apologies, looks like you're right. Just to make sure I wasn't losing my mind, I went back in time and as recently as July they had a disclaimer on their main page, as well as on their price list page (despite still referring to their "Worldwide customer base"). Looks like they've changed their site since then... https://web.archive.org/web/20220707005722/https://www.cameraworks-uk.com/ I have edited my post so as to minimize the misinformation. I've recently been in touch with Cameraworks and you do have to be prepared to pay roughly about 25% of declared value (from the US anyway) that Alan will get charged. Depending on the camera and service it may still be worth it but may make it a little more expensive. I was/am looking at a repaint plus mods so it would be worth it to me still. For a less costly simple fix it may not be worth the duty charge. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkP Posted November 5, 2022 Share #32 Posted November 5, 2022 (edited) 4 hours ago, archive_all said: I've recently been in touch with Cameraworks and you do have to be prepared to pay roughly about 25% of declared value (from the US anyway) that Alan will get charged. Depending on the camera and service it may still be worth it but may make it a little more expensive. I was/am looking at a repaint plus mods so it would be worth it to me still. For a less costly simple fix it may not be worth the duty charge. I've just had a reply from Alan last night, within 12 hours of emailing him. Note, 25% of the value of the equipment, not the repair/restoration! Hard to justify for my M3, 50 Summicron and 90 Elmarit (all 1962). I'd have to see if I can send them to my cousin in the UK who could then get the work done and return the equipment back to me as a 'gift'. Edited November 5, 2022 by MarkP Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndreasG Posted November 5, 2022 Share #33 Posted November 5, 2022 vor 59 Minuten schrieb MarkP: and return the equipment back to me as a 'gift'. I don't think that this is a feasible approach, also for "gifts" duties and taxes have to be paid. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkP Posted November 5, 2022 Share #34 Posted November 5, 2022 Never been a problem for me here before. Or, as I have proof of previous purchase it could be return of a camera borrowed by my cousin. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wattsy Posted November 5, 2022 Share #35 Posted November 5, 2022 1 hour ago, MarkP said: I'Note, 25% of the value of the equipment, not the repair/restoration! There is an HMRC scheme for businesses to import goods for repair and re-export without paying import duty and VAT (Inward Processing Relief) but it looks like a total ball-ache to administer, especially if you are small business. I imagine Camerworks have looked at it and come to the conclusion that they are better off losing most of their overseas business than going through the administrative hoops involved in claiming IPR. It's a ludicrous situation and an example of how government policies and tax agreements can act as a disincentive to doing business. 4 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Topsy Posted November 5, 2022 Share #36 Posted November 5, 2022 I had Cameraworks service an M2 for me back in 2019, I spoke to Alan before sending it and he told me up front that it would be at least 4 months possibly 6. I was happy that he was upfront and sent it. He did an excellent job and sent a full report back with it. I emailed him after 4 months and he said I was still in a queue and he would email me when I got to the bench which he did then a while after he emailed me it was ready just over 6 months. I was very happy with his service and would reccomend him wholeheartedly but be prepared to wait. At the time there was a note on his website that they weren't taking repaint jobs at that time (not an issue for me I didn't need one) but I think he has enough UK work to fill his books so probably can live without the hassle of overseas work (just my guess I haven't spoken to him). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkP Posted November 5, 2022 Share #37 Posted November 5, 2022 I didn't get that impression from his reply. I'm sure he has more than enough work but it was really just the financial consequences of the UK's bizarre export tax system. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Topsy Posted November 5, 2022 Share #38 Posted November 5, 2022 (edited) 18 minutes ago, MarkP said: I didn't get that impression from his reply. I'm sure he has more than enough work but it was really just the financial consequences of the UK's bizarre export tax system. I think he has enough UK work to fill his books so probably can live without the hassle of overseas work Sorry, I didn't mean to imply that Alan was indifferent to oversees work just that maybe his business doesn't need it. I'm sure he will acept it as he is a genuine Leica repair guy who loves his work and wouldn't want to let anyone down. Edited November 5, 2022 by Topsy 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shirubadanieru Posted November 5, 2022 Share #39 Posted November 5, 2022 kanto camera is great & I used them in the past but they got too popular (or don't have enough employees) because their wait times now are ridiculous. CLA for a lens or camera is 6 months plus wait. Repaint is over a year. Also if you want to paint it black paint used that looks natural Kanto are not great, Shueido are way better for a realistic used black (or olive) paint. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jorgemtrevino Posted March 2, 2023 Share #40 Posted March 2, 2023 I have an early MP (2003) and would love to get it repainted in hammered grey, probably throwing into the job a v.4 Summicron 35 and another 'cron 50 v.5 (last non-asph) to match the MP. In the process I'd add some matching alcántara. My MP is already quite brassy in the edges --apparently Solms purposely used a very soft lacquer with precisely that in mind. Not precisely anxious to pimp it but it's an idea that has been nagging me since the a la carte program hit the streets. How much do you think that kind of job would command in the UK? I'd like to take advantage of the favorable £/$/Mx$ exchange rate going on now. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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