Leica Repairs for Canadians

[Rafael]

I just called Canada Border Services and found out that I will be charged duty and taxes on the full value of my M6 if I send it to DAG or Sherry for repairs.

When I depress the shutter button, the metering arrows flash on for a split second and then go out. They will not illuminate again until I fire the shutter and advance to the next frame. The meter readings still seem to change as they should.

I figured that while the camera was in the shop, I would have the viewfinder upgraded and the advance lever switched to an M3 style. DAG and Sherry are the obvious choices for this kind of work. But it doesn't make financial sense to send the camera to them because of the additional cost of the duty and taxes.

I know that Kindermann in Toronto works on Leicas. Has anyone had them do a viewfinder upgrade?

Any other suggestions of where to send the camera?

 

[Vickko]

1. I have sent cameras to the US for repair, and never been charged customs nor PST/GST. You have to clearly mark the item "for repair".

2. you can also send your Leica to Kindermann in Toronto. They are excellent. They fixed my mint MP, where the meter died. They fixed it under warranty, and the level of workmanship was stellar. http://www.kindermann.ca/

I do not believe Sherry nor DAG can deal with the meter - it requires the Leica software to re-calibrate. Kindermann can easily deal with the RF upgrade and lever, if they have the RF part. What upgrade were you thinking, to get rid of the flare?

regards
Vick

 

[Rafael]

Vick, Thanks for the information.

I must admit that I was quite surprised by the information that I got from Border Services. And I'm glad to hear that it is possible to send cameras to the US for repair without having to pay duty as though you were importing them.

With regards to the upgrade, I want to install the MP finder as I have been experiencing quite a bit of VF flare recently.

 

[Vickko]

Phone up Kindermann and ask if they will upgrade the RF for you.

Good luck.

Vick

 

[Rafael]

I just spoke with Kindermann. They will charge me their CLA price ($360) plus the extra parts. The upgraded VF will be $120. If the meter needs replacement it will cost $120. If only the LED array needs replacement the cost will be $50. So, I'm looking at $530-$600 for the lot. Does that sound about right?

 

[merciful]

Kindermann is expensive as hell. With the relative state of the US and Canadian dollar now, you'll almost certainly find a US shop more reasonable.

Vick is dead right on the cross-border issue. Mind that you have the shop mark on the package that the country of origin is Canada, that it's being returned after service; and keep the receipt you got when you shipped it.

 

[Rafael]

Thanks for the advice Merciful. As it turns out, the problem was simply a defective battery. So I won't be sending the M6 off after all.

 

[bob cole]

Leica Repairs for Canadians

Rafael, try this fellow:

Contact : douglas 1 905 994 0515
dduglas@dugwerks.com

He's a long-time camera dealer in Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada. and just might know of some Leica repair person other than Kindermann... He also travels regularly in the US...Years ago he used to buy from me at a camera show in New Jersey...

 

[photogdave]

Rafael, glad the problem was solved. For future reference, Kindermann is a first-class repair service and well worth the money spent!

 

[merciful]

I'm perfectly happy with the work they do, but considering it can be done at the same level of quality elsewhere for less, I'm not sure I'd go that far.

Glad it worked out for Rafael so easily.

Rafael, glad the problem was solved. For future reference, Kindermann is a first-class repair service and well worth the money spent!