Johnmcd
Well-known
Thanks for all the advice (and empathy).
The camera is (and was described as by the repairer) in very good condition. It is not a beater and it cost me 1000 euros in late 2011. That's not to say there isn't something inherently wrong with an adjacent system that is causing the problem and it has been serviced poorly at least once in its life. I kind of think that this must be the only logical reason but it has now been opened at least 4 times by an experienced technician and nothing untoward found.
I am loath to sell it for a number of reasons. One, It was my first M and in all other respects it is a really nice example. Two, I have enough other cameras to use (including and M3) to allow me to send it off for however long it takes to fix. And finally, there's a part of me that just wants it fixed with the problem found and identified. However, having spent a little above market in the first place, I really don't want to keep throwing money at it until it becomes the most expensive M4 ever 🙂
I will send emails to Leica, the original repairer and others that have been recommended in Australia and see what is said, then make a decision. Either way it appears that others have had curtain failure with M4's.
As I write this I am looking at a well used Minolta X700 that was purchased for $70 with motor drive. I know nothing of its history but would assume that a CLA is alien to this camera nor even necessary. Now I know it's like comparing a quartz time piece to a clockwork watch but the Leica is meant to be known for its reliability. I took the X700 fishing in a boat the other day because it is a great image taker and it only cost me $70. Regardless, I suspect the only thing that would have stopped it (aside from dead batteries, mind you an OM1 costs no more), is a trip overboard.
Thanks again and I'll keep you posted.
Cheers - John
The camera is (and was described as by the repairer) in very good condition. It is not a beater and it cost me 1000 euros in late 2011. That's not to say there isn't something inherently wrong with an adjacent system that is causing the problem and it has been serviced poorly at least once in its life. I kind of think that this must be the only logical reason but it has now been opened at least 4 times by an experienced technician and nothing untoward found.
I am loath to sell it for a number of reasons. One, It was my first M and in all other respects it is a really nice example. Two, I have enough other cameras to use (including and M3) to allow me to send it off for however long it takes to fix. And finally, there's a part of me that just wants it fixed with the problem found and identified. However, having spent a little above market in the first place, I really don't want to keep throwing money at it until it becomes the most expensive M4 ever 🙂
I will send emails to Leica, the original repairer and others that have been recommended in Australia and see what is said, then make a decision. Either way it appears that others have had curtain failure with M4's.
As I write this I am looking at a well used Minolta X700 that was purchased for $70 with motor drive. I know nothing of its history but would assume that a CLA is alien to this camera nor even necessary. Now I know it's like comparing a quartz time piece to a clockwork watch but the Leica is meant to be known for its reliability. I took the X700 fishing in a boat the other day because it is a great image taker and it only cost me $70. Regardless, I suspect the only thing that would have stopped it (aside from dead batteries, mind you an OM1 costs no more), is a trip overboard.
Thanks again and I'll keep you posted.
Cheers - John
