CLA/Repair estimate for M6, Leica Solms

Kevin

Kevin

Rainbow Bridge
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Jun 5, 2005
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Hi everybody,

I just received a CLA/repair estimate for my older leica M6 + 35mm Summilux from the Leica customer service center in Solms, Germany. I have never had to get an M6 CLA'd or repaired before and the 650 Euro price seems a bit high.

I cannot translate some of these words into english very well, but I will try my best. Hopefully someone can offer an alternative repair source in the EU that is cheaper.


Der weiße Punkt auf dem 1.Rollo fehlt - Fremdeingriff
The white point on the first rollo is missing - foreign invasion

Bodendeckel richten
Adjust Base Plate

X1 KURZSCHLUSS
This has to do with the flash not firing - short circuit. Hot shoe or x-sync

X2(MITTENKONTAKT) KURZSCHLUSS
This also has to do with the flash not firing - short circuit. Hot shoe or x-sync

RSV Reinigen
RSV Cleaning, whatever that is

RTV Reinigen
RTV Cleaning, whatever that is

AUFZUG FEHLERHAFT
I am guessing that the Winder is defective ??? Whenever I wind with a flash on, the flash fires.

Verschlußmechanik instandsetzen
Refurbish Shutter Mechanics

Verschlußzeiten regulieren
Regulate Shutter Speeds

Schalter reinigen/justieren
Clean and adjust Counter, Switches ???

E-Messer justieren
Adjust Rangefinder

E-Messer reinigen
Clean Rangefinder

BELEDERUNG, GROSS
Something to do with the finish ???

ROLLOTUCH KURZ, KOMPL.
Something to do with the cloth shutter (rollo) ???

Objektiv: E-MESSERKURVE ZU TIEF
The lens rangefinder turn is too low ???



Thanks for any possible suggestions,
Kevin
 
Hi Kevin,

The list you provided is quite typical of a regular CLA. I guess itemising it like this allows them to charge more than they should. I would send it to DAG in the US. A M6 CLA from DAG would run about $300, parts not inclusive. I'm not sure how much the lens would cost but he does them too.

www.dagcamera.com
 
I have read the word DAG on this forum in several threads but do not know what/who it is. Is there a website you could point me to?

Thanks very much,
Kevin
 
Yes, it's in my post www.dagcamera.com

It's Don Goldberg's shop, Mr. Fix-a-Leica himself. The site doesn't quite say but he does provide CLA services. Email him to ask but be prepared for a slow response (at least he writes back, unlike some of the other shops).
 
Last edited:
Thanks, just sent Don an email.

Best Regards,
Kevin

P.S. Just for alternatives, does anyone know of a source within the EU? This would save shipping costs and prevent hassles with customs.
 
This is no normal CLA. Apparently the have to restore the shutter and transport mechanism after a botched previous repair (Fremdeingriff) It even has the wrong type of shutter curtain without the white spot. I never thought I would say this about Leica, but this seems a reasonable estimate....
 
jaapv said:
This is no normal CLA. Apparently the have to restore the shutter and transport mechanism after a botched previous repair (Fremdeingriff) It even has the wrong type of shutter curtain without the white spot. I never thought I would say this about Leica, but this seems a reasonable estimate....
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info, Jaap !!
 
I paid about 477 and 533 Euro for the repair of my R-E and M3. Both with shutter replacement and the normal CLA. So it really seems to be a "normal" evaluation.

Cheers
Thomas-Michael
 
The problem with this camera is that I bought it used from a German ebay seller who claimed it was mechanically 100% in working condition. He did not mention the "Fremdeingriff", that it has been previously repaired by someone other than a Leica specialist. Maybe it is impossible to get parts from Leica, I dont know, but he should have mentioned this repair, don't you think?
 
Yes I agree Kevin, but unfortunately some people are less than honest. Don Goldberg (DAG) is one of the leading Leica repair technicians in the US. He has a long waiting list. It may be more convenient for you to send the body to an independent technician in Europe.

 
DAG is currently @ $290 (240 euro) for camera CLA and $90 (75 euro) for lenses. Be sure to add shipping/insurance into the cost.

Figure at least one to two months for repair work.
 
From Leica's estimate, Kevin, this sounds like a pretty abused camera. In your shoes I'd just bite the bullet and have Leica refurbish it. Afterwards you can enjoy the camera for a far longer time than you'll agonize about being sold a lemon.
 
Last edited:
Jaap, if I have sound legal grounds for proving false representation of goods, the seller will have to pay for the refurbishment, in which case Leica will do it. The word is out and I should have legal feedback soon enough. I hate having to go court over something like this. Fortunately I have other cameras which are fine that I can use, so I am not really agonized about the situation - I just feel cheated. Who wouldn't?

On the bright side, the camera does work without flash, I even made a keeper with it last Carnival.

Astableef,
Kevin
 
Terence T said:
Email him to ask but be prepared for a slow response (at least he writes back, unlike some of the other shops).
Click to expand...

BTW, Don wrote back twice within a matter of hours. Very informative and polite.

Thanks!
 
Good luck with a legal claim :( Best bet is probably to get the seller to take it back and return your money.

The upside on the Solms repair estimate is that although it's very costly, the camera will come back essentially rebuilt and ready to go for another 20 years or so. We tend to forget (I know I do) that many of these M6s are getting quite old. I bought my first Leica, a 1955 M3, in 1973...if you buy an early M6 today, you are actually buying a camera that is older than my M3 was when I bought it...up to 20 years. The situation with your transaction is extremely aggravating :mad: but there is a sort of consolation in the fact that you'd wind up with an essentially new camera...for what that may be worth...best luck.
 
Thanks Mr. Newell, I will of course try that option. If the seller agrees to take the camera back, I will use the money towards a new Bessa or Zeiss outfit. If not, I suppose DAG or a man I know in Italy could refurbish the camera more cheaply. If it really is as bad as Jaap thinks it is, Leica should probably do it for sure.
 
Kevin if you get the cam repaired keep the receipt. That is dated proof (if ever you sell it) that the cam had a thorough CLA.

 
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