M2 seals replacement - quote seems unreasonable

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nickthetasmaniac

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Hi all, this is specifically for the Australian members.

I’ve just recieved a quote from Camera Clinic to replace the seals on my M2 - $466...

Is this reasonable? It seems very high compared to work I’ve had done previously, but I’ve never used Camera Clinic before.

Thanks, Nick
 
Hi Nick,
I have used Camera Clinic and found the quality of their work impeccable.
I guess you pay for what you get.
There are not many People capable or willing to service Leicas now. I am in Sydney and have no reliable service men, or women.
Cheers
Kangaroo2012
 
Where is more than two light seals. One is main, seals the light at curtain edges.
Sold as one piece.
 
kangaroo2012 said:
I guess you pay for what you get.
Click to expand...


I'm a firm believer in this, but the quote is about 50% the cost of a 'new' M2, just to replace the seals. Seems awfully close to price gouging...


In context, this is significantly more than what I paid a year ago to have the VF prism re-silvered (a much more complex job).
 
You could try Ron Pinksterboer at Twin City Camera House in Adelaide. I have been doing business with him for 20 years or more. Ron is the store owner and an old time trained camera tech who still does that work whenever he can just because he enjoys it. His work is excellent, his service good and his prices are reasonable. You could at least ask him to provide either an estimate or a quote.

Ron is pictured in the following article. (which, however, is more about the telescope part of his business). https://www.insideimaging.com.au/2016/scoping-the-market/
 
Your M2 is more than half of a century old. The light seals are wore out. I'm guessing a lot more than just the seals are wore out, need lubricated, adjusted, etc. The $466 is for more than just replacing two seals.


While on the high side the price is not out of line for a Leica qualified technician in the US.
 
peterm1 said:
You could try Ron Pinksterboer at Twin City Camera House in Adelaide. I have been doing business with him for 20 years or more. Ron is the store owner and an old time trained camera tech who still does that work whenever he can just because he enjoys it. His work is excellent, his service good and his prices are reasonable. You could at least ask him to provide either an estimate or a quote.

Ron is pictured in the following article. (which, however, is more about the telescope part of his business). https://www.insideimaging.com.au/2016/scoping-the-market/
Click to expand...


Thanks for the suggestion.
 
Beemermark said:
Your M2 is more than half of a century old. The light seals are wore out. I'm guessing a lot more than just the seals are wore out, need lubricated, adjusted, etc. The $466 is for more than just replacing two seals.


While on the high side the price is not out of line for a Leica qualified technician in the US.
Click to expand...


No actually, the quote is just for the seals, not a CLA. The camera was serviced about 18 months ago. The current repair quote is for a specific light leak that has emerged in the last 6 months (as discussed below).


https://rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=166544
 
C'mon people, that price is crazy.

Let's not try to rationalize this, it is absolutely nuts charging $466 to replace light seals.
FYI that is about $330 US.
 
nickthetasmaniac said:
Yeah, except they also charge $120 for 'quote refusal'...
Click to expand...

That's extortion - did they dismantle the camera already? They should "know" what to do and there's no need to charge $120. $50-60 is reasonable to check the camera. Have they used microscopes or something just to check it - I doubt it. I agree and visit Ron in Adelaide - or give him a call.

Did you agree to this price already? Have they got the camera? Are they allowed to charge this crazy price and hold you ransom by Australian Consumer Law?
 
Hmm. The camera was "serviced" just 18 months ago, and now needs a $330USD service for "light seals"?

Seems wrong to me. I would expect an M2 CLA'd just 18 months ago by my favorite tech (Don Goldberg) to be ready for many more years (YEARS) of trouble-free operation. So, right off this seems wrong.

There are different light seals and baffles in the M2. Do we know which they intend to service (replace)?

I guess we just don't know all the details here, there may be more to this estimate than "light seals", and it might be for a reason. Still seems a high quote.

Can you check with another competent repair shop/technician??? I'd certainly like a second opinion
 
Wait, what? $120 for quote refusal? Who are these people?

This is reminiscent of the folks who "fixed" my Rolleiflex. It went to the shop with a sticky shutter release (minor repair)-- came back as a paperweight. I was charged a full repair fee to have them return my permanently broken camera -- that they destroyed. I'll never use those "advanced" repair folks again....I obviously don't like paying someone else to brick my gear. I can do that myself thank you. I didn't even receive an apology, just demands that I had to pay to get my camera-shaped piece of trash back (I wasn't so sure I wanted it back, but they were not kind about that option).

This was another motivation for learning camera repair and investing in the necessary tools.

I trust very few technicians today: Don Goldberg and..... I'm thinking...
 
Have you tried Yoshi at Nagami Camera Service ?www.http://nagamicamera.com.au
He was quite busy when I spoke to him last week as I sent my Canon P rangefinder to fix a faulty film counter and general service. He quoted me 6-8 weeks.

I don't know if Victor Plant is still in the repair business. He specialized in Leica and Rollei repairs. The only contact I have is a mobile number 0414 854 082.

What about Vintech Camera Service Centre in Melbourne (03) 9602 1820.

Good luck
John W.
 
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