Should I be concerned?

[Nitesail]

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Hello! Been shooting for years but new to Leica bodies. I recently purchased an M4-P from a Japanese seller. Great condition and it had a CLA two weeks ago, in Japan. The camera came with the tech sheet from the CLA that has a six month warranty on all work done. According to the sheet a lot was done. One of the things done was both shutter curtains were replaced. The one you can see when the shutter is at rest looks like it has a slight wave to it but it works fine and seems fully attached. I attached a picture for you experts here. I mentioned this to the seller and he said that usually they have a one month return policy but for me he'll make it six months, just in case there's a problem. Much appreciated but I'd like to hear from you guys with experience if this may be an issue in the future or if I'm just being overconcerned. 

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[Danner]

Yes, I can see the issue, and like you, it would bother me a bit.  But, as long as the shutter speeds are accurate (test them all), I would give it some time the 'settle-in'.  It might just be fine after a few rolls of film through it.  I think the seller did the right thing.  Good luck.

[Nitesail]

Ok, thanks Danner.

[Mute-on]

Hmm, there shouldn’t be a pucker like that. Almost seems like the curtain was cut too wide. In any case, as @Danner suggested, see if it settles in (flattens out). If it doesn’t, send back for a fix.

For reference, I’ve had shutter curtains replaced on a BP M4 at Kanto in Japan and they were perfectly flat from the start. 

[Nitesail]

Thank you for your reply. I sent an email to the shop in Japan that did the CLA. This was the response I just received…

“I saw the picture attached and would say it is OK in case there are no right leak. But, if you feel it uncomfortable, you can replace the curtain. Please send me your M4-P. I will replace both primary and secondary curtains. Price is US$ 200. I regret to inform you that the slight curtain wave is not covered by warranty. But I am willing to bear shipping cost to you. For your information, I recommend you wind up after taking picture. The waved curtain is secondary, and it located father from film surface than primary curtain. Secondary curtain shut ray out when you wind it up.”

Hmm, a little irritated the “slight wave” is not covered by “warranty”. I have to assume then that they don’t think it’s a big deal. The seller did say he’d take it back if I wanted but I don’t think we’re at that level. Also, in reference to the cocked comment, I typically leave shutters uncocked but I’ll leave this one cocked and see if it corrects it. Overall though I’m thinking it’s not a big deal especially when the camera works fine. I guess it’s just one of those things when you spend a lot of money on something you want everything to be perfect. But, I paid a reasonable (in today’s world) price for one in great condition that was just serviced. The just serviced was important to me as I can’t imagine how many of these things listed as “Mint, in box” people are buying assuming that means it doesn’t need a service. Anyway, thanks guys. 

[Nitesail]

This is what came with it…

 

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Edited April 29, 2024 by Nitesail

[Mute-on]

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Why don’t you send an email directly to Saita San (the repairman), and ask him if a replaced shutter curtain should fold like that. It seems odd that he considers it OK when his invoice says he replaced both shutter curtains.

Personally I wouldn’t accept the response as given. You already paid for the CLA in the purchase price. Why should you pay another $200 to have the shutter curtains replaced a second time. Seems ridiculous. 

Edited April 29, 2024 by Mute-on

[Nitesail]

That’s who I got the response from. I followed up by sending him the repair sheet and pointing out it was already replaced. So we’ll see..

[Antonio C]

I would not feel comfortable with it, also if the quality of the shutter curtains replacement is what’s shown in the picture, what about everything else mentioned? How can you not see it after inspecting the camera at the end of the CLA?

Would you rely on a shutter like this on a trip or an occasion you care about? I wouldn’t, and I would constantly remember the camera is less than ok every time I pick it.

I would send it back for a full refund.

Edited April 29, 2024 by Antonio C

[Nitesail]

Yep, I feel the same way. After much thought and a good phone conversation with Youxin Ye, I’ve decided just to return it. Thank you everyone for your assistance.