Re: Hello , help with SUMMICRON dont know what to do

[mark81]

Re: Hello , help with SUMMICRON dont know what to do

Hello,
I have sent my summicron lens to Optical instrument (Bilham) LTD
they sent me a quot for polish and some more stuff, the told me that it will take 4 weeks, now it is allready almost 7 weeks, they r not replaying to my email and not answering the phone

I dont know what to do, Anyone have any ideas?
thank u.
if some body is living near maybe can check for me...what is going on...

THANK U ALL!!!

 

[alun severn]

Do you mean Balham, not Bilham? Send them a letter by registered delivery so that -- should there be a problem -- you have proof you you have tried to contact them.

 

[mark81]

and then what?
Is there anybody lives near by? somebody that know whats going on?
thank u

 

[John Lawrence]

I believe Optical Instruments batch coat lenses to keep costs down. So if your lens arrived just after a batch had been done, they're probably waiting for more lenses in order to keep the cost down. Alternatively they may have a 'rush' job on from the film industry or military who want something done yesterday.

I've never had a problem with them and the finished product is top notch and well worth any delay. I'd try a few more times to cotact them by telephone to find out where your lens is in the queue.

Hope this helps,

John

 

[John Lawrence]

.. Should have added that when I had a Summar done by them it took 3-4 months, but I was prepared to accept the delay due to the ridiculously low cost and high quality work they do!

John

 

[mark81]

I have no problem that it takes so long I realy dont, the thing that bothers me that first of all they told me that it will take one monht, second that they r not aswering my phone calls and emails, they can say it will take 3 more monht but the just egnoring my emails...L(

 

[sanmich]

.. Should have added that when I had a Summar done by them it took 3-4 months, but I was prepared to accept the delay due to the ridiculously low cost and high quality work they do!

John

John

could you elaborate on what was done on your summar, and the price?
I have a cute summar that I would love to have CLA'd and polished (lots of fine scratches on the front element) but prices are prohibitives, and John Van Stalten even told me that he couldn't do it due to the soft glass...

 

[John Lawrence]

If you look through the threads here you'll see that virtually every couple of weeks one comes up complaining about lack of communication, delays etc. from many of the small specialist repairers. In many cases the reason for no response is simply down to lack of manpower or resources, or that those concerned are just not that good at communication with customers. It doesn't make it right, but it's one possibility here.

John

 

[John Lawrence]

John

could you elaborate on what was done on your summar, and the price?
I have a cute summar that I would love to have CLA'd and polished (lots of fine scratches on the front element) but prices are prohibitives, and John Van Stalten even told me that he couldn't do it due to the soft glass...

My Summar was polished, coated, re-lined with black paint inside, re-lubricated and collimated all for less than £100 sterling. The quality of the work was outstanding and the only downside, which you'll be aware of from this thread, is the long wait. But given the cost, it was a trade-off I was more than willing to make.

As an aside, one of the top Leica repairers in the UK (and worldwide) who carries out similar work was amazed at what they had done for the price. His exact words were, "I don't know how they make a living doing it for that price".

John

 

[mark81]

so John what can u sajest? to wait?

 

[John Lawrence]

so John what can u sajest? to wait?

I'd try a few more times to contact them by telephone over the next few weeks at different times of day etc. Alternatively, if you're feeling really aggrieved then the earlier suggestion of sending a letter by recorded delivery may be worth trying.

If I get a chance, I'll try calling them next week to see if I have any luck getting through.

John

*Edit* - Just remembered that Roger Hicks uses and recommends them, so it may be worth drawing his attention to this thread.

 

[John Lawrence]

Another thought is you could send them a message with a link to this thread.

John

 

[mark81]

thanks! u r realy helful!

 

[mark81]

still nothig,
I dont know what is the deal overthere but I know that there is no replay from them phone or emails for monht

 

[mark81]

They have ceased trading. This info was posted on the LUF on 25 Sept 2010.

Optical Instruments (Balham)

 

[Sonnar Brian]

That is sad news, and I am shocked that the business has not returned your lens to you. Recently, I read of a camera being returned by the family of a repairman that had passed away.

As the LUF knew something of the situation, why not register on that forum and send the Member that posted the notice a PM, or post to that thread concerning disposition of equipment left in their care.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

I have posted a thread to the Repair and Camera care forum here on RFF, with the link to LUF, regarding Optical Instruments (Balham) ceasing operation.