andydg
Established
Hello all. I suspect that something is loose in my M6 rangefinder area. While holding the camera upside down and moving it back and forth I can definitely hear something rattling.
Anyway, to ensure focusing accuracy I want to send the camera for a cla. I live in central California and would like to know who is recommended in my area or close to this state.
Thank you in advance. It will be difficult to be without the M6, being that I just bought it a week ago.
Anyway, to ensure focusing accuracy I want to send the camera for a cla. I live in central California and would like to know who is recommended in my area or close to this state.
Thank you in advance. It will be difficult to be without the M6, being that I just bought it a week ago.
Zonan
Well-known
Ken Rockwell uses OC Camera in Mission Viejo for his Leica repairs- see several mentions on his website (this ought to fan the flames 
I'm sure you'll get a few more, but that's the only one I am aware of in CA.
I'm sure you'll get a few more, but that's the only one I am aware of in CA.
andydg
Established
Thanks Zonan. I looked up their website, not much to see.
I did email DAG and he responded almost immediately, I like that. I'll send it off to him as soon as I finish the current roll of film.
It is not in Calif. but I've read good things about DAG.
I looked up their website, not much to see.I did email DAG and he responded almost immediately, I like that. I'll send it off to him as soon as I finish the current roll of film.
It is not in Calif. but I've read good things about DAG.
kxl
Social Documentary
drewbarb
picnic like it's 1999
DAG is indeed regarded as one of the best Leica repair people out there; however, he can take a very long time to do the job and return the camera. It's not unheard of for Don to have cameras for a couple of months- just a warning.
I know he does good work, though, and that can be worth it. A couple of years ago, I dropped a lens five feet onto concrete. Needless to say it was badly damaged. Two other repair places said it couldn't be fixed, but DAG took it on, and re-machined the focusing helix. It did take six or seven weeks- longer than the two he quoted me- but he did an excellent job, and the lens now works perfectly even though others told me it was a paperweight after it's fall.
DAG does impeccable work, but be prepared to wait for it if you choose to send your camera to him. I send my Leicas to Youxin Ye in Boston for excellent and fast repair work. Others here will recommend him too. He's certainly not in the central valley, but if you're going to send the camera out anyway, does it matter how far? Good luck, and whatever you do, I hope you get your M6 fixed reasonably!
I know he does good work, though, and that can be worth it. A couple of years ago, I dropped a lens five feet onto concrete. Needless to say it was badly damaged. Two other repair places said it couldn't be fixed, but DAG took it on, and re-machined the focusing helix. It did take six or seven weeks- longer than the two he quoted me- but he did an excellent job, and the lens now works perfectly even though others told me it was a paperweight after it's fall.
DAG does impeccable work, but be prepared to wait for it if you choose to send your camera to him. I send my Leicas to Youxin Ye in Boston for excellent and fast repair work. Others here will recommend him too. He's certainly not in the central valley, but if you're going to send the camera out anyway, does it matter how far? Good luck, and whatever you do, I hope you get your M6 fixed reasonably!
Rob-F
Likes Leicas
With USPS Priority Mail available, perhaps there is little need to be restricted to local or in-state service. I can second the recommendation for DAG. I can also second the comment about the length of time he keeps your camera! I have found Sherry Krauter, who is New York State, to be top-notch as well, and I have found that she is faster with the repair work.
kzphoto
Well-known
Just used DAG for an upgrade and repair. Let him know when you need your camera returned and he'll get it back to you in ample time. I wouldn't send my gear to anyone else.
muser53
MUSER53
I've used Steve's in Culver city for camera (M6) and lens (28/2.8 Elmarit) CLA's. Excellent work and turn around time. I've also used DAG and Sherry and am impressed at Steve's work.
ali_baba
Well-known
my pops...
my pops...
my father does wonderful work in CT.
with shipping these days does it really matter where he's located?
contact me and i'll pass you along to him.
he is subcontracted by many reputible shops in the north east.
thanks
jesse
my pops...
my father does wonderful work in CT.
with shipping these days does it really matter where he's located?
contact me and i'll pass you along to him.
he is subcontracted by many reputible shops in the north east.
thanks
jesse
peter_n
Veteran
A third for Steve Choi in Culver City. DAG has done work for me but Steve sticks to his estimates and has a fast turn-round. Very professional. He just repaired a Summilux 35 in less than a week.
jim_jm
Well-known
I did use OC Camera a few months back for a CLA on an M2 and the camera came back better than I expected. Had a dragging shutter curtain, stiff film advance and cloudy viewfinder. It still had the "L" cap over the lens mount screw, so I don't think it had ever been serviced over it's 50-year life. Everything's working like new now - they even cleaned the outer body and fixed a small tear in the vulcanite. Film advance is like butter and the shutter's so quiet I sometimes wonder if it actually fired. Only complaint I have is that the shop estimated about 3 weeks to complete, and it actually took around 6.
abenner
undecided
Cameraquest does CLAs. Send Mr. Gandy an email. Reasonable prices. 4 month warranty. Steve Choi is also highly regarded.
andydg
Established
Thank you all for the excellent advice
Thank you all for the excellent advice
I drove over to Camera West in Monterey today for a second opinion. Turns out that the film canister was the culprit, although I could have sworn that I had heard the noise without film installed.
I'll shoot a few more rolls to see the results.
Thank you all again for the feedback. One of the reasons I am so happy to have gone with a rangefinder because of the friendly community.
Thank you all for the excellent advice
I drove over to Camera West in Monterey today for a second opinion. Turns out that the film canister was the culprit, although I could have sworn that I had heard the noise without film installed.
I'll shoot a few more rolls to see the results.
Thank you all again for the feedback. One of the reasons I am so happy to have gone with a rangefinder because of the friendly community.