Robin Harrison
aka Harrison Cronbi
Over three months ago I sent three lenses and one body for repair/service/adjustment to a UK-based camera shop that has been recommend for M equipment.
The CL was returned untouched as they couldn't fix the meter (c'est la vie), and both the 90mm and the 28mm seem much improved (the 90mm focus had been way off, the 28mm had become a little 'soft focus' in use).
But the 35mm pre-Asph Summilux I was most eager to have serviced has been returned in a far from satisfactory state for four reasons:
1) The main problem I had with the lens was the focussing. This doesn't seem to have been addressed, or if it has, the repair has fallen way short. My original complaint was that the plane of focus was way in front of where the rangefinder says it should be. This is still the case. The technician spoke to me on the phone about testing focus my measuring distance to targets and setting the distance on lens - this does not take into account the position of the rangefinder cam, and critical focus is done with the RF, not by scale focus!
2) The focus is now a lot stiffer, as a result of trying to reduce play, I understand. This isn't ideal, but of more concern is the obvious presence of excess grease on the helicoid, which I fear could contaminate lens elements over time.
3) There is a large spec of some substance somewhere in the middle of the lens elements. This wasn't present when I sent the lens.
4) Most worryingly, the aperture blades appear to have become misaligned. Beyond f5.6, the aperture becomes horribly asymmetrical. Some blades are not moving in the same linear fashion as others. I've seen this beyond f11 on some old, 6 blade SLR lenses, but none of my RF lenses exhibit this problem, and this lens certainly didn't when it was sent.
Any advice as to what to do? I don't want to send the lens straight back, because I don't want to be without it for another three months, and I have no confidence they can fix it properly. I don't want to simply ask for my money back as the lens is in a far worse state than when I sent it to them. Ideally I would have them pay for the lense to be repaired elsewhere, but are they under any obligation to do so?
Frustration.
The CL was returned untouched as they couldn't fix the meter (c'est la vie), and both the 90mm and the 28mm seem much improved (the 90mm focus had been way off, the 28mm had become a little 'soft focus' in use).
But the 35mm pre-Asph Summilux I was most eager to have serviced has been returned in a far from satisfactory state for four reasons:
1) The main problem I had with the lens was the focussing. This doesn't seem to have been addressed, or if it has, the repair has fallen way short. My original complaint was that the plane of focus was way in front of where the rangefinder says it should be. This is still the case. The technician spoke to me on the phone about testing focus my measuring distance to targets and setting the distance on lens - this does not take into account the position of the rangefinder cam, and critical focus is done with the RF, not by scale focus!
2) The focus is now a lot stiffer, as a result of trying to reduce play, I understand. This isn't ideal, but of more concern is the obvious presence of excess grease on the helicoid, which I fear could contaminate lens elements over time.
3) There is a large spec of some substance somewhere in the middle of the lens elements. This wasn't present when I sent the lens.
4) Most worryingly, the aperture blades appear to have become misaligned. Beyond f5.6, the aperture becomes horribly asymmetrical. Some blades are not moving in the same linear fashion as others. I've seen this beyond f11 on some old, 6 blade SLR lenses, but none of my RF lenses exhibit this problem, and this lens certainly didn't when it was sent.
Any advice as to what to do? I don't want to send the lens straight back, because I don't want to be without it for another three months, and I have no confidence they can fix it properly. I don't want to simply ask for my money back as the lens is in a far worse state than when I sent it to them. Ideally I would have them pay for the lense to be repaired elsewhere, but are they under any obligation to do so?
Frustration.
tbarker13
shooter of stuff
Hmmm. I doubt seriously they are going to pay for someone else to repair it. Undoubtedly they'll want another shot at fixing it. Or, at least, they should want another shot at it - assuming they are any good.
Perhaps they'll be faster the second time, given that they didn't do it right the first time.
It reminds me of the horrid repair experience I had with my own 35 pre-asph lux. Only mine came at the hands of Leica. Took one trip to New Jersey and two trips to Germany before they finally got it repaired. Took about six months to resolve it.
Perhaps they'll be faster the second time, given that they didn't do it right the first time.
It reminds me of the horrid repair experience I had with my own 35 pre-asph lux. Only mine came at the hands of Leica. Took one trip to New Jersey and two trips to Germany before they finally got it repaired. Took about six months to resolve it.
ampguy
Veteran
I'm not sure, but have read from several sources that many of the summiluxes are adjusted with a special machine at Solms, to retain accurate wide open focus, and to minimize shift issues.
You might want to have a dealer or very experienced repair place look at the lux and determine if they can adjust it in shop, or know where to send it for proper focusing.
You might want to have a dealer or very experienced repair place look at the lux and determine if they can adjust it in shop, or know where to send it for proper focusing.
rickp
Well-known
summilux 35 pre-asph
summilux 35 pre-asph
hi
i've had two of these lenses out for repair. nr. 1 for CLA to hannover, germany, and the current one for coding and "stiff" focus to the netherlands. both came back in what i would consider "close to new" operating condition.
the lens is worth all the effort, and will remain my latest and last 35mm - no more changing.
let me know if you need contact details?
cheers
rick
summilux 35 pre-asph
hi
i've had two of these lenses out for repair. nr. 1 for CLA to hannover, germany, and the current one for coding and "stiff" focus to the netherlands. both came back in what i would consider "close to new" operating condition.
the lens is worth all the effort, and will remain my latest and last 35mm - no more changing.
let me know if you need contact details?
cheers
rick
tbarker13
shooter of stuff
That was, indeed, the case with my 35 lux. I wasn't sure if it was an M8 issue - or a 35 lux issue.
I originally sent it to Sherry Krauter, who said it would need to go to Leica. The New Jersey facility couldn't do it, so they sent it to Solms.
Steve M.
Veteran
I had a similar thing happen. Finally decided that I didn't trust the people to re fix the lens and sent it off to someone else. Lost quite a bit of money, but sometimes it's just better to move on rather than go back to the problem people.
Robin Harrison
aka Harrison Cronbi
Were these independent places, Rick? Or Leica dealers? Why did you send the two lenses to different places? I'd be interested in the details.
Thanks,
Robin.
Robin Harrison
aka Harrison Cronbi
That's probably a good idea. Currently I'm thinking of trying to just get my money back for the mess made so far, then taking the lens to Red Dot Cameras in London to see what they say. I hate to think what it's going to cost to go back to Leica and put it through the 'special machine'. I thought this was going to be a straight CLA....
ampguy
Veteran
same here
same here
That's how mine was fixed. It was Gabriel MA's old lux. Focuses perfectly, with no shift, smooth focus, and my most used lens for now.
same here
That's how mine was fixed. It was Gabriel MA's old lux. Focuses perfectly, with no shift, smooth focus, and my most used lens for now.
topoxforddoc
Established
Robin,
Under the 'Supply of Services Act', you have right of redress.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/8253915.stm
Good luck!
Under the 'Supply of Services Act', you have right of redress.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/8253915.stm
Good luck!
lawrence
Veteran
I have had Leica lenses cleaned and bodies repaired to my complete satisfaction by Peter at CRR Luton. 01582 570395
David Charlwood
Established
Perhaps for the benefit of all, you might let us fellow Leica enthusiasts know exactly which business incurred your disatisfaction?
David.
David.
rickp
Well-known
"Were these independent places, Rick? Or Leica dealers? Why did you send the two lenses to different places? I'd be interested in the details.
Thanks,
Robin."
hello robin
i sent my first summilux to fototechnik reinhardt (http://fotomechanik-reinhardt.de/). perfect work, the lens was returned in great shape. my second, and current summilux went to will van manen in the netherlands (http://www.kamera-service.info/). also great work but, in addition, he did the milling for 6-bit coding.
both are easy to recommend. mention my name if you like.
cheers
rick
Thanks,
Robin."
hello robin
i sent my first summilux to fototechnik reinhardt (http://fotomechanik-reinhardt.de/). perfect work, the lens was returned in great shape. my second, and current summilux went to will van manen in the netherlands (http://www.kamera-service.info/). also great work but, in addition, he did the milling for 6-bit coding.
both are easy to recommend. mention my name if you like.
cheers
rick
Robin Harrison
aka Harrison Cronbi
Well, I spoke to the technician today. I've agreed to send it back to them, for no longer than one week. They deserve at least the chance to put it right. He kept on mentioning the play in the lens, and said if it couldn't be eliminated then a new helicoid would be required. I referenced some of the advice given above, namely that other users have had problems with the lens requiring Solms attention, but he didn't seem too familiar with that process with this lens.
I will hopefully fire off some tests tonight to better describe to him what I'm seeing. I'll do some standard focus chart demonstrations, and some description of what I see via on-sensor focussing when mounted on the G1.
He mentioned knowing an ex-Leica guy who might be able to help next. If it turns out to be any of the names mentioned here, I'll go for it. Otherwise, I'll probably seek an opinion from a Leica dealer in person, or maybe give CRR Luton a call to discuss.
Thanks for the help, all.
I will hopefully fire off some tests tonight to better describe to him what I'm seeing. I'll do some standard focus chart demonstrations, and some description of what I see via on-sensor focussing when mounted on the G1.
He mentioned knowing an ex-Leica guy who might be able to help next. If it turns out to be any of the names mentioned here, I'll go for it. Otherwise, I'll probably seek an opinion from a Leica dealer in person, or maybe give CRR Luton a call to discuss.
Thanks for the help, all.
rulnacco
Well-known
If you're in the UK, why not give Malcolm Taylor a ring on 01568*770542? He's about the best there is anywhere (search around and you'll see what I mean). He's very honest, too. If he can fix it he will, and the work will be superb. If he can't, he'll be able to tell you exactly where to send it.
There's nothing like Peter, anywhere. A most responsible man if ever there's been one.
The OP reveals not the misdemeanor man's identity, which is a pity. We should all know who can and who cannot.
And there is a certain man dunking fs and Ms in oil too; that has been forgottn by many, but not by those whose fs happen to be heirlooms - ruined forever.
fullframe35
Member
I have a Summaron 35 with "bug eyes" that needed adjusting, as did the lens itself. On the advice on Youxin Ye, I sent it to Don Goldberg at DAG camera repair. He's in Wisconsin. He did great work. I know it's a long way to send something, but the lens now sings!
here's the strange address:
Don
DAG camera repair
2128 Vintage Dr
Oregon, Wi 53575
Best,
Joe
here's the strange address:
Don
DAG camera repair
2128 Vintage Dr
Oregon, Wi 53575
Best,
Joe
S
Simon D.
Guest
I second Malcolm Taylor... Excellent work and very honest, his experience is second to none!
Simon
Simon
John Lawrence
Well-known
Both Malcolm and Peter have excellent reputations. I've never used Peter because of the "backlog" warning he has on his website, but I've used Malcolm a number of times and found him to be outstanding.
No comment. Do a search, and include the word 'oil'...