Zeiss factory repair

[rpasia]

Can someone please share their experience with factory repairs by Zeiss?

I managed to drop my Zeiss Ikon and now the bottom plate got dinged past the paint all the way to the metal. I emailed Richard Schleuning from Zeiss (quick replies, btw) and he indicated that my camera would need to be repaired at the factory.

Any idea how much these factory repairs cost? How long does it take?

Thanks for sharing.

 

[morback]

It costs the usual, 150 to 175 of whatever currency they work in (in their case Euros).

Besides cosmetic, are there any mechanical damages? you might want to spend that money somewhere else...

I dropped my ZI +Sonnar a while ago. I had them repair the repairs I had done by Nippon Photo Clinic in NYC (turns out they did a horrible job on all my cameras). When it came back to me a while later I discovered it was still in need of repairs. Of course when it left the factory it was perfect, says Mr. Schleuning who inspected it himself. It was a tiny mirror out of adjustment, easy to miss, except for me it seems.

Just got it back today from a local guy in Istanbul and it's finally in tip top shape.

Needless to say I've been very disappointed with all my repair experiences except the last. Every time (including at Zeiss) I sent it out to be fixed it came back with added scratches and such...Except for this time...

My recommendation therefore is to find a local guy you can look in the eye, shake hand with and trust. My experience with Zeiss is not the norm though.

 

[MCTuomey]

I had an excellent experience with Zeiss on adjusting and re-lubing two lenses. Mr Schleuning was very helpful in handling the logistics. Timing was fairly lengthy - 3 months - but I was forewarned of a backlog in work prior to my decision to send the lenses.

 

[sojournerphoto]

I had a very good experience with Zeiss factory when I dropped my ZI in a bag. They realigned the rf and clecked and adjusted a 35 Biogon and 50 C Sonnar for just over 100 euros.

Turnaround was quick and the body was spot on when I got it back.

I also had good service from newton Ellis in the UK on an R2m. Much slower turnaround, but a very fair price and good work done.

Mike

 

[rpasia]

Did any of your Zeiss factory repairs require parts replacement?

What was the additional charge for the parts?

 

[hellomikmik]

you can check the zeiss website - repairs sections. if you send them your camera they will do you cost estimate (for 26 Euro) and then let you decide.
ps: they replaced my pc sync cap for free - but i've lost it already (i'm half joking).

 

[rpasia]

Thank you, all! Sounds like Zeiss provides excellent after-sales service...

 

[Steve Zuber]

Hi - guess i'm about to find out. I sent mine to Richard today to get the film advance lever fixed - seems like an onerous process. He has to send it to Japan for an estimate. Too bad they don't have the tools to fix in-country. I'll let you know how it turns out. Cheers,

 

[photony texas]

Be prepared for a LONG LONG wait...
Richard S in the USA is very service oriented but the logistics for Zeiss repair are just crazy. I guess no one in America or anywhere else in the world can fix this camera except in Japan or Germany.
Sad to say but Zeiss should have better turn around times than 3 months plus...
still waiting and waiting and waiting for mine to come home :-(

 

[Steve Zuber]

OK thanks, i'm going to miss my Ikon in the meantime - its' definitely my favorite go-to camera.

 

[Bob Michaels]

Remember there is nothing special about repairing ZI rangefinders or the lenses. Just about any competent repair person can do it. And there seem to be some parts available from non-factory sources. As much as you want to believe you own something as unique and sophisticated as a NASA rocket that can be serviced by only a handful of people in the world, it just is not so.

The good camera repair people are out there. But they are not advertising to find customers. They only want to deal with the customers who will go through the effort to find them.

 

[thegman]

Mine got splashed with sea water, and stiffened up a bit. They fixed it for free, even though it was entirely my fault. Great service, which has earned my loyalty.

 

[Steve Zuber]

FYI, Zeiss Microimaging USA provided excellent service, and I got my Ikon back on Christmas eve! Richards Schleuning was very helpful!