Best Person to CLA Leica M2-R?

[brasshands]

Hello!

I just purchased a Leica M2-R and was informed that the previous owner had it stored in a box for a number of years. Although that means it's in almost mint condition cosmetically, it's in dire need of a CLA. The gentleman that sold it to me mentioned that the slower shutter speeds as well as the self-timer are lagging (which is to be expected). All of that to say: I'm just looking for your general CLA. If during the service the specialist finds something else wrong I'll probably make a different post or consult all of you again.

I'm relatively new to RFF and I've seen a ton of discussion about who performs the best quality of work at the most reasonable price when it comes to CLA's on Leica M bodies. My question is: between Don at DAG, Sherry at Golden Touch, and Youxin Ye at YYeCAMERA, which provides the most bang for the buck?

I've heard some less than encouraging personal anecdotes about Don and his lengthy turn-around time and inconsistent communication. People also tend to note that Sherry is the most expensive option but her price comes with a decent turn around time (quoted me at three weeks and "$285 for labor, $45 for small parts, plus shipping"). I haven't heard many people discourage using Youxin though so I feel that I'm leaning towards choosing him? I've heard that he gets gear back to its owner in two-three weeks and according to his website he charges over $100 less than Sherry ($185 plus shipping).

Does anyone have any insight/personal experience/advice they could share to help me decide on who to send my camera to? I've been pining after this model Leica for a long time and now that I have it I just want it to be in good hands.
Thank you so much for your help- I'd really it!

Best,
Parker

 

[Iestrada]

I have experience with all three. Youxin is the person I have gone over and over again. Best bang for your buck and always a pleasure to deal with.

All three are more than capable.

 

[Mike Fish]

I have no experience with Don or Sherry, but I've been exceedingly happy with Youxin's work. He's CLAd two M2s and a IIIc for me, and I purchased a IIIf from him. He replies promptly to emails and has a reasonable turn around for a fair price.

That said, I'm sure any of the three would do a good job if the budget and time-frame fit.

-Mike

 

[madNbad]

If you're in Portland take it to Advance Camera in Raleigh Hills. They corrected problems with my M2 another technician missed. They have recently taken on a new tech and their turn around time and prices are very competitive. If you have any questions send a PM.

 

[Gerry M]

Just got my M3 back from Youxin. Couldn't be happier. Super fast service and great communication. One week from shipping to return!

 

[Huss]

It has taken me longer to get film developed and scanned and sent back than it has to get a Leica CLA'd (perfectly) by Youxin.

Sherry has done nice work for me. No experience with DAG.

 

[agoglanian]

I too have had wonderful experiences with Youxin's repair work. I had him repair my old M2 and he worked on a couple lenses for me too. His prices were absolutely more than fair and his turn around time was insanely quick.

Communication with him is always prompt and courteous.

I have only heard good things about the quality of work coming from DAG and Sherry K, but I have also heard their communication and turn around time is pretty slow (I don't mean that to be a negative towards their respective characters, they just have a ton of work to do because we keep breaking our cameras!)

 

[David Hughes]

Hi,

I am baffled; each camera repaired will be an individual as no two will be exactly the same after several decades. And they only get repaired once. And estimates involve a bit of guess work.

You could test them by finding three cameras that had had the same number of films through them in the same way and with the same storage and gap between films but I have my doubts.

Also, I've noticed that technicians tend to say 'parts' and 'labour' but don't give much detail. Sometimes I collect a camera and ask and they tell me that such and such a screw gave problems and another screw was rusted and replaced and so on. All that suggests minor things are done and charged for but not really mentioned on the bill but they add to it.

As for charges, one might just have an average time decided for each model and another might just charge for time spent. One might assume a few minor parts are going to be replaced (screws, washers etc) and make a flat rate charge, or not, and so on.

As for how good or bad they are you'd need a lot of figures to get that sorted out. Just think of the dozens of ways a repair could be classified...

Just my 2d worth. They all seem OK to me and I'm going by reading about them but not using them.

Regards, David

 

[raydm6]

Youxin! I have been to his home several times and watched him work on my IIIf's and LTM glass. Very nice man and of course quite capable.

Haven't used him for my M's as they haven't needed any work. 🙂

 

[Gregm61]

Like anything else, time in the shop can also be delayed if the tech needs something to complete the work that cannot be sourced immediately. Not that the OP's M2-R is going to require any parts, but until the camera is gone through that's hard to say for sure, especially when you're talking a camera (like this M2-R) you have no real-life background with. It could be the camera's been in the box for a number of years because it wasn't working properly at that time.

Youxin has an M6 from me right now. Sent it there to have the range-viewfinder updated to the non-flare MP type, and the necessary parts are backordered at Leica, so it's easily going to be 4-6 weeks (at least) before I see that camera again.

 

[Fraser]

Why not just use the camera it may loosen up a bit, won't do any harm. It's only my opinion but I've never had a cla'd repaired yes but never anything else. In old cameras it's not unusual for slow shutter speeds to be off.

 

[brasshands]

I really appreciate all of your comments! It looks like i'm going to be giving Youxin a try 🙂

The M2-R arrived today and it's in amazing cosmetic condition and all functions work properly but the shutter does begin to lag at 1/30th and slower.

I'm sure I can't be the only one who's curious about each of the techs so I'll be sure to update this forum with my experience once the whole process is complete!

Best,
Parker