rapsak
Newbie
As a new member of the Rangefinderforum, I wanted to relay my recent repair experiences with Gus Lazzari.
I have had several Leica cameras repaired by Leica USA as well as by two of the most reputable independent repairmen in the US. My experiences with them were overall positive, though on several occasions I had to return the cameras or lenses because of their failure to address my requests or other problems.
It was because of these experiences that I decided to look elsewhere. I read on Ken Rockwell's webpage about Gus Lazzari, and thought I would give him a try.
I sent Gus my Leica M4 for a complete cleaning and adjustment. His correspondence with me was prompt and his work impeccable. The camera operated beautifully. Unfortunately, because of an accident with the camera, I had to return it for other repairs. I also sent him a M3 for a complete cleaning and adjustment.
Both cameras arrived from Gus several weeks ago, and, as before, I am completely satisfied with his work. Gus addressed all my concerns. A particular area was his adjustment of the rangefinder mechanisms. The viewfinders are crystal clear and focusing at infinity is spot-on. For some reason, my previous experiences with repairmen in this area have been less than satisfactory.
I will not hesitate to use Gus again. In my experiences, his attention to detail is amazing.
Gus is obviously very busy, so the repair time can be long. But, the wait is WELL worth it.
I have had several Leica cameras repaired by Leica USA as well as by two of the most reputable independent repairmen in the US. My experiences with them were overall positive, though on several occasions I had to return the cameras or lenses because of their failure to address my requests or other problems.
It was because of these experiences that I decided to look elsewhere. I read on Ken Rockwell's webpage about Gus Lazzari, and thought I would give him a try.
I sent Gus my Leica M4 for a complete cleaning and adjustment. His correspondence with me was prompt and his work impeccable. The camera operated beautifully. Unfortunately, because of an accident with the camera, I had to return it for other repairs. I also sent him a M3 for a complete cleaning and adjustment.
Both cameras arrived from Gus several weeks ago, and, as before, I am completely satisfied with his work. Gus addressed all my concerns. A particular area was his adjustment of the rangefinder mechanisms. The viewfinders are crystal clear and focusing at infinity is spot-on. For some reason, my previous experiences with repairmen in this area have been less than satisfactory.
I will not hesitate to use Gus again. In my experiences, his attention to detail is amazing.
Gus is obviously very busy, so the repair time can be long. But, the wait is WELL worth it.
zleica
Established
Thank you for sharing your experience and your recommendation.
Timmyjoe
Veteran
Yeah, I had always heard he does really good work and his turn around time is quite long. Glad you are happy with the work he did on your cameras.
Best,
-Tim
Best,
-Tim
Robert Lai
Well-known
Gus does more than just Leicas. He's overhauled a Voigtlander Bessa RF, and some other medium format gear for me, as well as Leica gear. He has a web site to show you where you are in the queue, and he'll send you email updates as to where he is in the repair process.
What I most appreciate about Gus is that like Henry Scherer, he will clean the camera while it's apart. That's the best time to get all the old dirt and grime out.
What I most appreciate about Gus is that like Henry Scherer, he will clean the camera while it's apart. That's the best time to get all the old dirt and grime out.
Bill Blackwell
Leica M Shooter
Both Gus and Don Goldberg ("DAG") are friends of mine.
For a straight CLA, both are top notch!!! I have used Gus, but I prefer DAG as he does things no one else will touch (including Gus) - and believe it or not, his turnaround is much faster.
And FWIW, I get no "friends and family" discount from either.
For a straight CLA, both are top notch!!! I have used Gus, but I prefer DAG as he does things no one else will touch (including Gus) - and believe it or not, his turnaround is much faster.
And FWIW, I get no "friends and family" discount from either.