Leica CLA/service in the UK

I hand delivered my M4 to Camserve 4 weeks ago for a CLA, and to specifically check the winding mechanism and a small light leak. Quoted times were 3-4 weeks, so it should be hopefully ready soon. All I can say is the guys were kind and professional in dealing, they made it clear they don’t perform shutter replacements. I’ll report when I get it back.

Antonio
 
Sadly, I think Peter (CRR Luton) has retired following the death of his wife several years ago. He used to do a wonderful job - witness my Swedish Air Force inspired IIIC illustrated.
 
acarrus said:
I hand delivered my M4 to Camserve 4 weeks ago for a CLA, and to specifically check the winding mechanism and a small light leak. Quoted times were 3-4 weeks, so it should be hopefully ready soon. All I can say is the guys were kind and professional in dealing, they made it clear they don’t perform shutter replacements. I’ll report when I get it back.

Antonio
Click to expand...

I’m very sorry to report this has been a complete wreck.
They kept the camera for one and a half months, which is fine with me. As I got it back, I obviously tested it straight away, only to discover nothing had changed concerning the light leak or the winding. When I raised the issue with them, I was offered another go into New Year or a refund. I opted for the refund, which I promptly got. Today, after developing a few additional rolls, I’ve also discovered 1/1000 shutter speed has issues now, as the left side of the frame is left under/not exposed at all.
Regardless how kind they’ve been when dealing with, I’ve been deeply frustrated with the results. And with the perspective now to have to send the camera to Cameraworks and not get it back before summer...
Not recommended.

Antonio
 
Just as a rather sad coda to this thread, I discovered today that Richard Caplan closed down for good over Christmas. I have bought cameras from them over the years, and for those who remember, R G Lewis too. It is not so much about going to a physical location to buy or see cameras and lenses, but also about spending time with people who really love and share their joy of photography.
 
acarrus said:
I’m very sorry to report this has been a complete wreck.
They kept the camera for one and a half months, which is fine with me. As I got it back, I obviously tested it straight away, only to discover nothing had changed concerning the light leak or the winding. When I raised the issue with them, I was offered another go into New Year or a refund. I opted for the refund, which I promptly got. Today, after developing a few additional rolls, I’ve also discovered 1/1000 shutter speed has issues now, as the left side of the frame is left under/not exposed at all.
Regardless how kind they’ve been when dealing with, I’ve been deeply frustrated with the results. And with the perspective now to have to send the camera to Cameraworks and not get it back before summer...
Not recommended.

Antonio
Click to expand...

I don’t really like to bash good honest businesses, and I’m not going to. But I do have to add some support to this.

Honestly, through Covid and a lot of associated pressure, I’ve just had low inspiration. I’ve been taking my little 35RD out on some walks, but I’ve only put 3 or 4 rolls through the M4 they CLAd. First roll was fine. But when I got round to developing the others, all 1/1000th shots have dark banding on the left (and black in one case).

It was a few months after the CLA that I noticed. Running 1/1000 with the body held to the light you could see it was capping (is that the term?). Like you, I really couldn’t be bothered to send it back for another go, so put 1 notch more tension on the leading shutter. Seems spot on now, but they obviously have a systematic problem setting 1/1000ths

(Radio silence from Cameraworks UK on my M3 - but it’s only been 7-8 months 🙂. I guess there are no fast options anymore)
 
I'll chime in: I had Aperture do a CLA on my IIIf some years back when the slow speeds gave out and the top speeds were tapering. Fast turnaround, decent prices, and the fact it's done on site seemed reassuring (I'm always a little wary of sending things through the mail).

Got the camera back within a week or two but it definitely wasn't up to spec. They got the slow speeds working again, but post-CLA testing showed there was still significant tapering on 1/1000.

I ended up taking it into Red Dot Cameras three years later for another overhaul. That time it came back in perfect working order - no tapering, smooth as butter, and just generally a lot better job. I'm not sure who they actually contract to do the work but turnaround time was something like 4-6 weeks in 2017, and it's been running beautifully ever since.
 
Has anyone had any work done in the Leica Store Manchester? I was about to send my M3 for CLA to them but I've noticed they've raised their prices £50 to £195+shipping since last year and I've not seen any reviews of their work.
 
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