Ulophot
Ulophot
I have an Elmar 90 M-mount in need of CLA. I'm on the East Coast, but will ship as needed. Recommendations? (I tried searching here but gave up after 10 minutes; my search terms are not getting the right results.) I have heard DAG Camera recommended elsewhere.
Thanks.
Thanks.
wlewisiii
Just another hotel clerk
DAG. No if and's or buts. I had a Voigtlander 21/4 that had an element "fixed" incorrectly by a previous owner that he quickly and cheaply repaired and when he was unable to replace a badly haze damaged lens element in 50/2.8 Elmar of mine, he cleaned it as best he could and returned it at no charge. I've used him for several camera CLA's in the past as well (Leica CL, IIIf & Canon IVSb & 7) with equally wonderful results. I'll be devastated when he is no longer working for whatever reason.
raydm6
Yay! Cameras! 🙈🙉🙊┌( ಠ_ಠ)┘ [◉"]
Youxin Ye is well regarded also and another good option. I have used him several times. He is in Massachusetts.
Lens service prices:
www.notes.nicefilmclub.com
Video of Youxin at work:
Lens service prices:
Interview with a Leica Repair Master: Youxin Ye — Nice Notes
Gabe: Hi, this is Gabe Ginsburg. I emailed you last week about doing a phone interview. Is this a good time? Youxin: Oh, yeah, yeah. I remember you, go ahead. Gabe: I spoke to Don Goldberg about a month back, and we did the same thing. I just wanted to talk to you and talk about your practice
www.notes.nicefilmclub.com
Video of Youxin at work:
The Art of Work
rulnacco
Well-known
You've got them, right there. I've never used DAG, but he's acknowledged by those who have as possibly the best there is. I *have* used Youxin Ye for repair on my M3, and his work was very good, too--I was entirely happy and would absolutely use him again.
DAG will probably cost a bit more and have a longer turnaround time, but from what I understand he's capable of doing things with lenses that go a bit beyond what Youxin offers. Youxin does have the advantage that, if you pay extra (30%? I think that's what it costs) you can get expedited service. As his turnaround times are creeping upward, if you need the lens back quickly, he's probably the way to go.
My understanding is that Youxin is much more communicative than DAG. His communication before I sent in the camera was excellent, and he got in touch quickly with me when he discovered that someone who'd previously worked on the camera had somewhat buggered something inside, and he fixed it, too, without extra charge. Obviously, you don't want to go bugging your repair person--it can be annoying to them, busy as they are, and answering calls/replying to e-mails takes time that could be spent working on cameras--but if you *do* need to get in touch with them, it's comforting knowing that you can. And from what I've heard (and experienced), Youxin scores somewhat higher on that front.
Really, with either you can't lose. Because they are both in high demand, be prepared for a long wait to get your lens back unless you go with Youxin and pay extra. Neither is slow, they're just swamped, really, with work. It's great to have both still doing such excellent service.
DAG will probably cost a bit more and have a longer turnaround time, but from what I understand he's capable of doing things with lenses that go a bit beyond what Youxin offers. Youxin does have the advantage that, if you pay extra (30%? I think that's what it costs) you can get expedited service. As his turnaround times are creeping upward, if you need the lens back quickly, he's probably the way to go.
My understanding is that Youxin is much more communicative than DAG. His communication before I sent in the camera was excellent, and he got in touch quickly with me when he discovered that someone who'd previously worked on the camera had somewhat buggered something inside, and he fixed it, too, without extra charge. Obviously, you don't want to go bugging your repair person--it can be annoying to them, busy as they are, and answering calls/replying to e-mails takes time that could be spent working on cameras--but if you *do* need to get in touch with them, it's comforting knowing that you can. And from what I've heard (and experienced), Youxin scores somewhat higher on that front.
Really, with either you can't lose. Because they are both in high demand, be prepared for a long wait to get your lens back unless you go with Youxin and pay extra. Neither is slow, they're just swamped, really, with work. It's great to have both still doing such excellent service.
ellisson
Well-known
I've have repair experience with both Don Goldberg and Youxin Ye. Both give excellent service and are upfront with what they can and cannot do. Communication is important. Both are busy, but Don will answer the phone. Telling him your issue/what you need done is important along with a follow-up note referencing the call and outlining the requested work. Youxin reads and responds regularly to emails. Be sure to give him as much detail and pictures when it will be helpful to describe the issues. Watch the video about Youxin in the link provide by raydm6, above. It is an interesting story with insight into Youxin and his work.
x-ray
Veteran
I’ve used both and had great service from both. Matter of fact I just got 3 lenses back today from Mr Ye that I had cleaned. I was in no hurry but his turnaround was just over 2 months. His pricing is very good too.
If I had a technical issue where something needed to be fabricated or replaced I’d probably go to DAG. Don is more of a problem solver.
If I had a technical issue where something needed to be fabricated or replaced I’d probably go to DAG. Don is more of a problem solver.
armadsen
Established
The third master Leica repair person in the US is Sherry Krauter in New York. I've had both her and Youxin Ye work on stuff for me and have been perfectly satisfied. Sherry is quite a character and very interesting to talk to on the phone, too.
I recommend both without hesitation. (I’ve never used DAG but he has a stellar reputation.)
I recommend both without hesitation. (I’ve never used DAG but he has a stellar reputation.)
Ulophot
Ulophot
Thanks to all of you. I shall send it off to DAG.
Sherry Krauter, who CLA'd my M4 years ago and to whom I had also sent a note asking about turnaround, referred me to him in a one-liner, either because she's too busy or some other reason unknown.
Sherry Krauter, who CLA'd my M4 years ago and to whom I had also sent a note asking about turnaround, referred me to him in a one-liner, either because she's too busy or some other reason unknown.
John C. Ling
Member
Hello,
I have known DAG for over 20 years and his repair work is superb. However, he likes to confine his repairs chiefly to Leica and Minox. Another repairer who does excellent general repairs is Cuong Dang in Southern California. In addition to camera work, he is also an expert watchmaker and clock repairer. He has serviced my 1941 Hamilton ship chronometer and vintage Jaeger Le Coultre Atmos clocks. He is an expert in high end watch brands, such as Patek Phillipe. He was the only one able to restore the frozen focussing action of my veteran Carl Zeiss Contarex 50mm f2 Planar lens. I recommend his repairs whole-heartedly.
John Ling
John C. Ling
Member
Cuong Dang is also able to refinish and recoat camera lenses.
John Ling
John Ling
Miles.
Beamsplitter
Do you have contact info for Cuong Dang?
signet35
Newbie
Hi John Ling - trying to get an website / address / phone # for Cuong Dang; do you have any contact info for him?
Went on a wild goose chase down to Garden Grove and came up empty handed - watch repair guy in a billiards hall down there DEFINITELY does not know Leicas
Godfrey
somewhat colored
DAG has done excellent work on my Leica and Minox cameras, he's been my go-to repair person for this kind of equipment since the late 1980s.
G
G
eldivad1
Newbie
hi john, i'm local to garden grove and was hoping to have my leica worked on by cuong but can't seem to happen to find his contact info. are you able to help out?