Crazy repair request 1100. Your thoughts?

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Cagliostro73

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Hi, i've just sent my M2 for repair.
It had some trouble with the second curtain and i asked them to fix it.
I had the "suggested" repair list from (they say) Solms, and the cost, as it follows:
- curtain brake replacement and shutter tuning
- rangefinder calibration (not needed)
- CLA
- vulcanite replacement (with non original covering and most of all: not needed)
- total cost 1.100 euros.

I asked the reason for the vulcanite replacement and they told me it's normal because technicians must change it after the repair. Is this true???
Finally, why the rangefinder calibration? Again they told me it's needed after the operation...
I'm asking you if and how all this may be possible.
I'm new in these things.
I've refused the repair... they will charge me the preemption but i do not care...
Now i'm scared they have ruined my M2.
Any advice will be precious.
 
Removing the shutter requires taking the rangefinder off the camera, which messes up its calibration. That's why they want to charge you to recalibrate it. I think the screws that hold the mechanism to the body shell are exposed on the M2, so the vulcanite doesn't need removed (it does on the later models like the M6), but I cannot remember for sure.

In any case, the price is way too much. Sherry Krauter completely overhauled an M4 for me a couple yrs ago, including replacing the curtains and replacing a part in the rangefinder mechanism as well as overhauling the shutter and wind and calibrating the RF and she only charged me $500.
 
Thank you Chris. I confirm: the screws are not covered by the vulcanite...
But I'm in Italy... I'd send the camera to Sherry if it would be possible.
Any other trusted repairman near me?
Thanks for the reply.
 
I don't know anyone in Italy, but there are a number of other Italians here on RFF. Hopefully one of them can recommend someone. If no one helps you find someone in Italy, you might be able to send it to CRR Luton in the UK or Will Van Manen (not sure if I spelled his name right) in the Netherlands. They're both said to be very good Leica repairers, and since they're in the EU, you wouldn't have customs hassles.
 
I pay $80-120 USD to CLA a Leica M. If new curtains are needed then it might be $180 USD, but usually they are not - Leica M curtains are very durable. The price they are quoting is absurd by any standard, and I think dishonest. The Leica M's are common cameras, not particularly complex or exotic, and any local camera technician should be able to repair them.
 
Last edited:
David Murphy said:
<snip> The price they are quoting is absurd by any standard, and I think dishonest. <snip>
Click to expand...

I tend to agree. The only parts of OP's list that would add to the cost of a regular overhaul is the curtain brake and vulcanite replacement. Any adjustment of shutter and rangefinder should be included in the CLA.

Sherry Krauter charges around 275 USD for an M2 CLA plus additional for parts. For a sanity check you can write to her and ask for an estimate of the additional charge if a shutter curtain brake replacement is required as part of the CLA.

Over the past half year, she has overhauled two M's and one lens for me. I live in Japan and have had no problems with shipping to and from USA. (You do need to educate yourself on the customs rules when your camera returns to EU.)
 
From what I know, this is fairly typical price point for Solms. They *are* expensive, your better bet is to try one of the independent repairmen suggested above.
 
Hi,

Leica are often expensive but, in my experience, will often do small things for free. Well, they did up to a couple of years ago for me. And they will return the camera usually back at the original specification; rather than just repaired. And some of the equipment they use is way beyond the ordinary repair shop. It's like owning an Audi...

Regards, David
 
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