Kim Coxon
Moderator
A long story but I will try to give the short version.
Last spring I bought what was supposed to be a good "user" late SS M3 from an eBay seller in the US. Overall described as *GORGEOUS* and the detail said "Shows some typical abrasions on the base plate and top plate and paint wear around the edges of the back flap; also shows a depression around the film rewind knob. Operationally, it is in tip-top condition. Vulcanite is excellent. Shutter speeds are accurate; self-timer works perfect. Viewfinder is clean and clear." It duly arrived and as expected it came with a fairly hefty import bill but still more reasonable than the offerings in the UK. Well it should have been, the cosmetic description was accurate but as to being in "tip top" condition -
The frame selector was jammed, most of the shutter speeds were way out and on the slow speeds, the shutter didn't even open properly. There were a number of other faults as well. I contacted the seller who assured me that the camera had been checked by a qualified tech and was perfect. I sent it to Peter at CRR who confirmed the faults visually but did no more on my instruction due to the Paypal/eBay dispute process. This found in my favour but all I got from the seller was threats and abuse.
Having gone as far as I could, I then asked Peter to service the camera and paint it. The process is listed on his site. He stripped the camera and prepared it for painting. He no longer does the painting himself due to health but carries out all the mechanical work. The delays then began. His painter was in hospital for some time and the firm who does the painting kept delaying and so on. Having got the bits back, Peter has given the camera a full service and put it all back together. He also found out why he thought there were some problems, it seems as though the camera had been immersed in water!
OK, it has been a longish wait but boy has it been worth it. Some may say that Peter is responsible for the work he sent out but I am quite happy that nearly all of the delay was beyond his control. He has been in contact throughout and in the meantime has completed 3 other repair jobs for me each time within a week and didn't charge me for them (I suspect as a result of the delay). The quality of his work is magnificent. The body looks as new. All the blemishs and dent have been removed and bearing in mind the state of the camera I sent to him, the mechanics are just out of this world. The paint job is flawless. I haven't seen a Shintaro repaint but I cannot see how it could be better than this especially when combined with a full mechanical overhaul.
This isn't just a repaint and service, it is a work of art from a craftsman. The pictures don't do it justice and I will take some more when I have some spare time. To answer Melanie's question from another thread, I don't know how the paint will last but it has been done to a mil spec and I don't think you could get better without coating the camera. Now all I desperately need is one of Luigi's special cases that has the strap fixed to the case to protect the lugs etc.
Sorry for the long post but I am so very happy with it and I cannot praise Peter enough. He does have a waiting list for major jobs and with his quality of work at the price he charges, it is not surprising and well worth the wait. I know Peter can be difficult to contact by email but He is a very pleasant man to deal with and I have always managed to get through to him on the phone. His website with phone number is here. http://www.angelfire.com/biz/Leica/ If any member wants to contact him from outside the UK, I am happy to act as go-between.
Kim
Last spring I bought what was supposed to be a good "user" late SS M3 from an eBay seller in the US. Overall described as *GORGEOUS* and the detail said "Shows some typical abrasions on the base plate and top plate and paint wear around the edges of the back flap; also shows a depression around the film rewind knob. Operationally, it is in tip-top condition. Vulcanite is excellent. Shutter speeds are accurate; self-timer works perfect. Viewfinder is clean and clear." It duly arrived and as expected it came with a fairly hefty import bill but still more reasonable than the offerings in the UK. Well it should have been, the cosmetic description was accurate but as to being in "tip top" condition -
The frame selector was jammed, most of the shutter speeds were way out and on the slow speeds, the shutter didn't even open properly. There were a number of other faults as well. I contacted the seller who assured me that the camera had been checked by a qualified tech and was perfect. I sent it to Peter at CRR who confirmed the faults visually but did no more on my instruction due to the Paypal/eBay dispute process. This found in my favour but all I got from the seller was threats and abuse. Having gone as far as I could, I then asked Peter to service the camera and paint it. The process is listed on his site. He stripped the camera and prepared it for painting. He no longer does the painting himself due to health but carries out all the mechanical work. The delays then began. His painter was in hospital for some time and the firm who does the painting kept delaying and so on. Having got the bits back, Peter has given the camera a full service and put it all back together. He also found out why he thought there were some problems, it seems as though the camera had been immersed in water!
OK, it has been a longish wait but boy has it been worth it. Some may say that Peter is responsible for the work he sent out but I am quite happy that nearly all of the delay was beyond his control. He has been in contact throughout and in the meantime has completed 3 other repair jobs for me each time within a week and didn't charge me for them (I suspect as a result of the delay). The quality of his work is magnificent. The body looks as new. All the blemishs and dent have been removed and bearing in mind the state of the camera I sent to him, the mechanics are just out of this world. The paint job is flawless. I haven't seen a Shintaro repaint but I cannot see how it could be better than this especially when combined with a full mechanical overhaul.
This isn't just a repaint and service, it is a work of art from a craftsman.
The pictures don't do it justice and I will take some more when I have some spare time. To answer Melanie's question from another thread, I don't know how the paint will last but it has been done to a mil spec and I don't think you could get better without coating the camera. Now all I desperately need is one of Luigi's special cases that has the strap fixed to the case to protect the lugs etc.Sorry for the long post but I am so very happy with it and I cannot praise Peter enough. He does have a waiting list for major jobs and with his quality of work at the price he charges, it is not surprising and well worth the wait. I know Peter can be difficult to contact by email but He is a very pleasant man to deal with and I have always managed to get through to him on the phone. His website with phone number is here. http://www.angelfire.com/biz/Leica/ If any member wants to contact him from outside the UK, I am happy to act as go-between.
Kim
Attachments
Kim Coxon
Moderator
K
Kyle
Guest
Beautiful! I would love to have my M2 painted, but its too nice to change right now.
telenous
Well-known
Wonderful camera, great job. Enjoy, Kim.
Here's my quick testimony for CRR: Three jobs, everything came back in tip-top condition. A vote of confidence for CRR from me.
Here's my quick testimony for CRR: Three jobs, everything came back in tip-top condition. A vote of confidence for CRR from me.
Ash
Selflessly Self-involved
If you EVER wanted to sell that camera, let me have first dibs pleeeease?
That looks wonderful. I'm still sorting the money for the IIIc to be serviced by him. once the cash is ready I'll give him a phone call.
I gotta say it looks better than brand new!!
That looks wonderful. I'm still sorting the money for the IIIc to be serviced by him. once the cash is ready I'll give him a phone call.
I gotta say it looks better than brand new!!
john neal
fallor ergo sum
Kim,
Glad it all worked out for you in the end - what a superb result!
I now know exactly who I want to service my M3 when the time comes!
I might even look for a user to get painted by Peter
Glad it all worked out for you in the end - what a superb result!
I now know exactly who I want to service my M3 when the time comes!
I might even look for a user to get painted by Peter
Last edited:
Topdog1
Well-known
Gee, do you think he'll be able to repair and repaint a water-logged M8 30 years out?
/Ira
(Couldn't resist that one)
(Gee, yourself, Ira. Do you think you'll be able to find any film for this M3 30 years out? )
/Ira
(Couldn't resist that one)
(Gee, yourself, Ira. Do you think you'll be able to find any film for this M3 30 years out?
)
edodo
Well-known
That M3 is a real dream camera Kim!
me wants to buy a beater m3, cla it myself, and at the same time, paint it! (cause I'm poor)
me wants to buy a beater m3, cla it myself, and at the same time, paint it! (cause I'm poor)
Last edited:
Jocko
Off With The Pixies
A beautiful camera Kim! I'd just like to add my voice to the praise for Peter - CRR offer superlative levels of craftsmanship and dedication: I cannot praise them highly enough. To quote a member on another forum, one doesn't appreciate how sublimely good old Leicas are until they have been serviced to such impeccable standards. It is worth every penny.
Cheers, Ian
Cheers, Ian
petebown
Established
I'll add another vote of confidence for CRR.
I bought a very unwell R7 on eBay for £35 a few months ago. Sent it to CRR. Peter immediately recognised it as it had been to them before, but a previous owner decided not to go ahead with the repair as it had just been bought from a dealer and was under warranty.
I agreed to Peter's quote of £195, the repair was done in under a week. I now have an R7 in superb condition for half the market value. I'm so pleased with the camera, I've just ordered a Leicatime case (in burgandy) for it.
I bought a very unwell R7 on eBay for £35 a few months ago. Sent it to CRR. Peter immediately recognised it as it had been to them before, but a previous owner decided not to go ahead with the repair as it had just been bought from a dealer and was under warranty.
I agreed to Peter's quote of £195, the repair was done in under a week. I now have an R7 in superb condition for half the market value. I'm so pleased with the camera, I've just ordered a Leicatime case (in burgandy) for it.
kbg32
neo-romanticist
Yeow. Gorgeous.
Andrew L
Member
Another vote for Peter, at CRR. He has done terrific work on my M3 and Leicaflex SL.
I've just sent him my beloved Super Ikonta which has a sticky shutter. If anyone can do this gem of a camera justice then it's Peter. I can't sing his praises too highly.
Nice guy, as well.
Andrew
I've just sent him my beloved Super Ikonta which has a sticky shutter. If anyone can do this gem of a camera justice then it's Peter. I can't sing his praises too highly.
Nice guy, as well.
Andrew
Davor
Established
Wow, that M2 sure looks nice. You mind me asking how much you paid for the paint job?
Flyfisher Tom
Well-known
Oh my, Kim, that is gorgeous. Congrats
Wow!
Wow!
Leica Geek
Well-known
How much does it usually run to get something painted?
Kim Coxon
Moderator
It's an M3! According to the CRR website here http://www.angelfire.com/biz/Leica/page3.html, they quote prices starting from £325. It depends on exactly what paint job you have. Peter does offer a discount on a service if you have both done at the same time as it only involves one "strip".
Kim
Kim
Davor said:
T
Todd.Hanz
Guest
I have seen his body repair and re-paint, excellent work on a IIIG. I need to get my M3 done now
Todd
Todd
Ash
Selflessly Self-involved
Hmm... dare I save more money and splash out having the IIIc painted black as well??
rogue_designer
Reciprocity Failure
Damnit - and I thought I was so OVER wanting an M3. Damn you Kim.
Gorgeous camera - how does it shoot?
Gorgeous camera - how does it shoot?
BJ Bignell
Je n'aurai plus peur
Sweet Jeezus! Do you think he can make a silver Bessa R look that good?