Leica LTM Collectable Cameras

Leica M39 screw mount bodies/lenses
I purchased a mint IIIf w/Summitar from them and was happy with their service and would buy from them again. I haggled with them a bit and asked them to lower the asking price so you might want to try that 😀 (The camera and lens was a bit overpriced). I talked to them on the phone before purchasing and they were cordial and helpful.

Some of their prices seem a bit high but I was willing to pay extra for a mint specimen (took it to Youxin Ye who said it was in great shape - but he lightly admonished me for paying too much 😱) All he had to do was lube the gummy aperture ring on the Summitar and rewind knob on the IIIf.

What are ya' looking to get?

- Ray
 
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I bought my IIIc and IIIf BD from Ritz on 2 different occasions and was very happy to pay a bit more to guarantee a mint and mechanically excellent example. I worked with Sandy directly and he was happy to correct a slight stickiness (in my opinion I am a perfectionist) on the Elmar that was part of the IIIc set by sending to DAG and turned it around quickly. In this case you get what you pay for in my experience.

Before shipping the cameras he had them carefully checked by his techs to make sure the speeds were right and all functions worked well.

Ray
 
I purchased a IIIc and Elmar collapsible from them about 18 months ago. They were fine to deal with, but I feel their prices are high considering the quality of the camera I purchased. They said the camera had just been CLA'ed by their techs but wouldn't offer a guarantee. The covering on the camera body fell apart within a week, and it began skipping frames on the advance (I'll shoot a frame and the advance mechanism doesn't engage until I advance the film a full frame). The lens was in fantastic shape, however.
 
I purchased some items from them a few years ago and found the service to be excellent. No problems with the international transaction and the goods were as described.
 
Hi Nate,

Did you return the camera to Ritz etc.? I would be surprised if Sandy (the owner) wouldn't make good on such an obvious issue. My lens problem was very marginal and they didn't hesitate to take it back and correct it to my satisfaction.

Ray

Nate Butler said:
I purchased a IIIc and Elmar collapsible from them about 18 months ago. They were fine to deal with, but I feel their prices are high considering the quality of the camera I purchased. They said the camera had just been CLA'ed by their techs but wouldn't offer a guarantee. The covering on the camera body fell apart within a week, and it began skipping frames on the advance (I'll shoot a frame and the advance mechanism doesn't engage until I advance the film a full frame). The lens was in fantastic shape, however.
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Hi Ray,
I received the camera 2 days before I left the country for a week and didn't bring my laptop with me, so I couldn't contact them during the 7 day timeframe given for returns. As I was clearly outside the rules, I didn't check back with them and chalked it up to my own foolishness.
Judging by the responses on this thread, though, it seems like they're well-trusted and regarded. I believe there was some oversight on their part, but ultimately the fault lies with me for not making a case of it when I returned.

Nate
 
Yes - I went to Phoenix

Yes - I went to Phoenix

Yes, i used to look at their site a lot (drooling), through a strange series of circumstances, I ended up in Phoenix last year. I went into their shop, probably spent an hour talking talking to Sandy, came out with a nice lens that I can't buy at home. Didn't try to up-sell me, recommend dealing with them.
 
I bought my IIIf from them in person. That is a great store! Service has been perfect and Sandy is an incredible source of information. I was given a 30day try it policy.

I later went back and got the Bessa
 
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Sandy and Bill are really great guys, but I'll agree that their prices are a bit high. I too was admonished by a camera collector friend of mine for paying too much for a Nikon S with a 50mm f/1.4, but as a few people here have said the quality of their stuff is generally excellent and well described.
 
I have purchased a couple lenses from them, and both were just as described and fairly priced. I have called them 4 or 5 times including those purchases, inquiring about items. Each time I have called Sandy has answered the phone and has been more than helpful. The owner answered the phone, that is the way it should be.
 
I don't think their prices are too high; one is paying for quality of customer service as well as the item itself. And when I last dealt with them, I needed some filters and had gone through the site to find what I wanted. Called them up (can't recall who I spoke to) and talked about wnat I wanted to buy. The gentleman on the phone suggested an alternative to me that cost significantly less than what I had planned on spending. So, in my case any way, even if what I bought was "over priced" it ended up being cheaper than what I thought I wanted.
After the first of the year--when I'm back to work--I have a couple of things I'll be asking them about. If they have 'em, I'll happily do business with them again.
Rob
 
I've had a few experiences with Ritz over the past several years. I bought some scarce/rare Canon RF items, like a rear cap for the 0.95. It was high priced, but it's also very difficult to find. It was beautiful, and I was satisfied, as I have been with the other items purchased. I consider them a reliable and knowledgable source, not a bargain outlet.

You do get valuable customer service, and peace of mind useing a dealer like this, who values his reputation.

Harry
 
I'm really impressed-- and far too cynical.

I'm really impressed-- and far too cynical.

Hi Ray,

I took your advice (thank you) and contacted Ed at CC yesterday. I explained my issue with the IIIc and noted that I was the sole commenter who wasn't pleased with the service and would they consider repairing the camera at this late date. I expected to receive either a flat-out refusal--or more likely, no response at all. I was completely wrong. Within a couple of hours Ed responded:

"I will side with the other folks on the forum (naturally!!) and say you should have let me know at the time that there was an issue with
the Leica. We can't make up for an issue if we are not aware of it.
The 7 day return policy is accompanied by a 30 day warranty. As long
as you alert us to an issue within the 30 even a little after ..
days and don't take another month to get it back to us, we will honor the warranty.

Yes ... I will take the opportunity to spread some good cheer and break with our policy. Send it back to me and I'll let our guy have another go at it."



My camera is on its way to Arizona for some TLC and I'm thrilled to be absolutely wrong. Please count me among the satisfied.

Nate
 
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Ed is great to deal with. I have a Nikkor 5cm f2 hood ($179, ouch) and some rare caps on the way. Previously, he sourced another very rare Nikkor 48mm smap on cap for me. I can recommed Ritzcam without reservation.
 
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