anu L ogy
Well-known
We should attempt to get someone skilled with a video camera to ask a repair person to do a youtube series, or dvd for DIY repairs for simple issues. If they price it right, or we get a bunch of rff members to fund the production, mabey we can set outselfs up to repair our own.
Matus
Well-known
With all the due respect I do not think that is going to work. I do believe that to repair (not just swat a non working part) requires skill and experience with this kind of job AND with given type of camera (not only Leica, but also Rolleiflex, all those MF SLRs, etc.). it is not only repair of broken parts but also calibration of shutter, collimation of lenses, calibration of the rangefinder, etc ...
On top of the experienced person you also need an access to camera parts. Until a camera is in production or still officially supported by the producer (Leica is a good example here) there will be parts available. But as soon as there are no parts and not enough broken cameras to be used as a source - to produce the replacement will mostly not be feasible.
So - in a long run (I mean something like 50 years) only those cameras will remain feasibly repairable if they remain either in production or still supported by the producer (or simple enough to be repaired with 3rd party stuff).
My guess is, than in 50 years it will be easier that to get M3 repaired than a Rolleiflex 2.8F, Pentax 6x7 or Nikon FM2.
johannielscom
Snorting silver salts
when I was looking for a replacement rewind shaft screw for my early M3, Don Goldberg sent me pictures of the various models of screws that were used in Leica M3's and M2's (four different types).
All the parts he showed me were new and unused. I gather that somewhere in the world these parts are either made or stacked up in large quantities.
So far I have never heard of a Leica being unrepairable because of lack of parts. Not like the Minolta CLE, where a broken circuit board equals a nice paperweight. Or the Hexar RF.
All the parts he showed me were new and unused. I gather that somewhere in the world these parts are either made or stacked up in large quantities.
So far I have never heard of a Leica being unrepairable because of lack of parts. Not like the Minolta CLE, where a broken circuit board equals a nice paperweight. Or the Hexar RF.
35mmdelux
Veni, vidi, vici
After years of slogging, it was only after I acquired an acute business skill that my fortunes improved. College degrees are about education; however, one needs to back it up with an applicable skill set.
Landshark
Well-known
No, it couldn't be. The OM-1 is a totally mechanical camera but for the metering system.
The idea that the Leica is more adjustable is something a tech might say to rationalize the additional cost. It is actually one of the simplest cameras to work on. The internals seem to be beefier and more rugged and easier to access for cleaning. There is no mirror or mirror box linkage to deal with.
The shutter is released with a direct shaft to the release link, not having to have the mirror actually trip the shutter.
For access to the shutter assembly(and everything else in the camera the top,bottom covers and body shell are removed and everything is accessible.
For normal service and replacement of MOST parts, the only special tool are the various flexiclamps to fit the lock rings used on the top cover. Depending where they're bought they run $70-$150. for a complete set.
There are many tools used by the factory for alignment that are typically not needed for most service
The Contax G cameras do not live by electricity alone. Those motors connect to something, not air. Electronic components are replaced as units,are adjustable and tend not to drift as mechanicals can. They're different critters but still have weak points.
Vickko
Veteran
That's the beauty of the Leica design (and perhaps their evolution). There isn't a lot to adjust - it just goes together pretty much in a working fashion, and it has provision for the final adjustment, if needed (e.g. shutter tension, RF alignment).
You don't need to do a whole bunch of iterative assembly and disassembly to get something working correctly.
Having access to parts is essential, if you have to deal with worn or damaged parts. But that isn't surprising, and no different than with any other brand or item (think MGB cars).
Self taught is possible. Perhaps a longer path than "factory trained". But doable.
Only proviso - the modern electronic cameras pretty much invalidate what I've said. So for the M7, M8 and M9, I'd only trust the mother ship.
...Vick
You don't need to do a whole bunch of iterative assembly and disassembly to get something working correctly.
Having access to parts is essential, if you have to deal with worn or damaged parts. But that isn't surprising, and no different than with any other brand or item (think MGB cars).
Self taught is possible. Perhaps a longer path than "factory trained". But doable.
Only proviso - the modern electronic cameras pretty much invalidate what I've said. So for the M7, M8 and M9, I'd only trust the mother ship.
...Vick
Roger Hicks
Veteran
One of my old camera mechanics (long dead, alas) used to charge less to work on Leicas because they were easier and more pleasant to work on. I wonder if extra charges for Leicas nowadays may be because too few Leica owners trust the repairers and too many think they know more than the repairers do (e.g. demanding a 'CLA' every time the camera changes hands). In other words, they're not charging extra to work on Leicas: they're charging extra for dealing with neurotic Leica owners.
Cheers,
R.
Cheers,
R.
johannielscom
Snorting silver salts
Frank Petronio
Well-known
I figure that by the time the current generation of techs peter out (insert your favorite euphemism here) that 35mm will be waning as well... people will still want old Leicas, but more as display objects, with a roll of Kodachrome 25 endlessly wound and rewound....
For the few remaining diehards, there will always be fancy and expensive restorers. The people you will miss are the blue-collar camera techs, like Youxin Ye, who can get your "user" running for a reasonable amount. Instead we'll end up with the sort of guys who clean stuff up for museums and high-end collectors.
For the few remaining diehards, there will always be fancy and expensive restorers. The people you will miss are the blue-collar camera techs, like Youxin Ye, who can get your "user" running for a reasonable amount. Instead we'll end up with the sort of guys who clean stuff up for museums and high-end collectors.
daveywaugh
Blah
I think that sums it up nicely ;-)
daveywaugh
Blah
I love that idea! Hopefully it will happen one day.
daveywaugh
Blah
Great article - thanks for posting. Certainly M's still seem to be popular amongst young photographers, so I guess it's only natural that people will start to 'fiddle' and eventually learn the 'secrets'.
johannielscom
Snorting silver salts
I guess the most affordable approach would be to start working on FED-1 or Zorki-1 cameras and once you master these get a Leica to work on (and be amazed about the much better build quality).
Start by working from Tomosy's book on Leica repair, it isn't perfect or complete on all subjects but its a good start.
The moment some active forum member announces he's starting to become a repairman, I'll donate a Zorki-1 thats in parts (completely!) to set him up with spare parts. Would be nice if we would all do that so someone can start learning without huge initial costs.
Start by working from Tomosy's book on Leica repair, it isn't perfect or complete on all subjects but its a good start.
The moment some active forum member announces he's starting to become a repairman, I'll donate a Zorki-1 thats in parts (completely!) to set him up with spare parts. Would be nice if we would all do that so someone can start learning without huge initial costs.
Mister E
Well-known
If I had the time I'd ask Sherry about doing an apprenticeship. I'll bring it up when we have dinner next month.
sc_rufctr
Leica nuts
If there is a demand then there will be someone providing the service.
One good thing about "our" time is that you can find repair people all over the planet and it's not a big deal to send them a camera for repairs.
It's not as good as having someone you can take it to locally but at least we can get stuff fixed.
One good thing about "our" time is that you can find repair people all over the planet and it's not a big deal to send them a camera for repairs.
It's not as good as having someone you can take it to locally but at least we can get stuff fixed.
alun severn
Established
Roger, That's a lovely idea, but I suspect the answer is simpler -- and duller: basic economics. They are charging what the market will stand, and the Leica-user market will stand more, so it pays more...
But this is a thought-provoking and interesting thread.
jmooney
Guy with a camera
I'd try and apprentice if there was anyone near me. I'm looking for a work at home career.
braver
Well-known
I have thought about this issue of repair availability, but I'm not worrying yet. With Leica's 30 year availability of parts, reinforced by their track record and their renewed economic viability, I see no problems there. And if Leica's isn't there to do the work, Will van Manen isn't old, and Kathy is plain young, and both do wonderful jobs. So really, my concern is in getting old enough myself rather than the disappearing of technicians.
Also, I agree with Peter. What's so cool about technology and the web right now is that on the one hand digital has pushed vinyl and film into niches, on the other hand it offers all sorts of possibilities for these niches to thrive. You can now reach a worldwide market from your home.
Also, I agree with Peter. What's so cool about technology and the web right now is that on the one hand digital has pushed vinyl and film into niches, on the other hand it offers all sorts of possibilities for these niches to thrive. You can now reach a worldwide market from your home.