goamules
Well-known
DAG is the pro. The other often mentioned person that is "cheap and fast" is basically a self taught person. Anyone can unscrew a lens and clean it, with mostly good success. But if you need some optical science work done, call a pro.
Huss
Veteran
Nice way to throw a back handed insult at Youxin Ye.
Here's the thing, he may be self taught but the work he does is great. And the stuff he cannot do he will let you know immediately and recommend someone who can. Youxin has recommended DAG to me for some work.
Here's what he says he does for lenses:
http://www.yyecamera.com/price_lens.html
There are plenty of very satisfied customers here, myself included.
That's not a dig at Youxin, it's pretty much accurate as Youxin will tell you himself. Doesn't mean he doesn't do a good job, and treat his customers right. And yes, he's recommended DAG to me on jobs that he can't do.
This is a job for DAG.
This is a job for DAG.
nasmformyzombie
Registered
DAG is a pro? How do you define 'pro'? DAG has considerable training and skill, but is quite possibly the last guy to send anything to if you want it back quickly. His communication is often lacking as well. There are a number of threads on RFF about his slow turnaround times and his propensity for being incommunicado for long periods of time.
If you need a CLA and want it back quickly and at a reasonable cost, Youxin is the first guy to contact. As others have said, more complex work can be directed to John Van Shelton at Focal Point. John re-coated the front element of a Rigid 'Cron for me some years back. I'm not aware of anyone else in the US doing that kind of work, DAG included.
If you want someone who has been a pro at Leica camera repair for decades, no one meets that description better than DAG.
He isn't fast because he's back logged. That's what happens when you're THE Leica repair guy. Youxin is no longer fast, either as I've stated multiple times.
I send gear to both of these men on a regular basis.
Youxin is quick to reply to emails. DAG is not as quick. He prefers the phone but he will definitely reply, it's always been fast enough for me.
Since I have emails going back nearly a decade I suppose I could create a spreadsheet showing the exact response times.
He isn't fast because he's back logged. That's what happens when you're THE Leica repair guy. Youxin is no longer fast, either as I've stated multiple times.
I send gear to both of these men on a regular basis.
Youxin is quick to reply to emails. DAG is not as quick. He prefers the phone but he will definitely reply, it's always been fast enough for me.
Since I have emails going back nearly a decade I suppose I could create a spreadsheet showing the exact response times.
nasmformyzombie
Registered
If you want someone who has been a pro at Leica camera repair for decades, no one meets that description better than DAG.
He isn't fast because he's back logged. That's what happens when you're THE Leica repair guy. Youxin is no longer fast, either as I've stated multiple times.
I send gear to both of these men on a regular basis.
Youxin is quick to reply to emails. DAG is not as quick. He prefers the phone but he will definitely reply, it's always been fast enough for me.
Since I have emails going back nearly a decade I suppose I could create a spreadsheet showing the exact response times.
No one is disparaging DAG's skills. The OP mentioned specifically that he wanted the lens back quickly. This would eliminate DAG from consideration, period. There are many threads on RFF about DAG's slow turnaround times and lack of communication.
I sent a lens to Youxin in January of this year. The CLA on my 90mm Elmarit-M was done in less than a week.
The OP said this in a followup post > "I should've mentioned the internal glass needs a tweak since the right side of the field is a tad soft while left side and center is sharp."
That eliminates pretty much all repairmen. I could be wrong, but I'd be surprised if even DAG can fix minor decentering, even though he has lens collimation equipment.
ferider
Veteran
What Jon said ^^^
That being said, try Leica NJ, they have a great parts and repair dept, and it's worth it for a 1000$ lens such as yours.
That being said, try Leica NJ, they have a great parts and repair dept, and it's worth it for a 1000$ lens such as yours.
jazzwave
Well-known
I have similar lens, sent to Youxin for CLA. He is doing good with reasonable price. Email him first before send the lens, explain what do you expect (including process time ).
Good CLA'er, ...recommended
~ron~
raydm6
Yay! Cameras! 🙈🙉🙊┌( ಠ_ಠ)┘ [◉"]
Youxin disassembled and cleaned a 5cm Collapsible Summicron for me this past Fall while I was at his home. Very cool to watch a lens being taken apart.
Cleaned all the gunk off the aperture blades and took the elements apart and cleaned off the haze and re-assembled. Lens performs beautifully now. (Before and after cleaning)
Cleaned all the gunk off the aperture blades and took the elements apart and cleaned off the haze and re-assembled. Lens performs beautifully now. (Before and after cleaning)
I'd recommend sending both gentleman an email describing things, and include a sample photo.
Let us know what you find.
Very nice!
I just got a collapsible back from another tech, the glass was quite good, just a few very light hairline marks, but the aperture ring would not move. This one is an early radioactive screw mount model.
The tech turned it the same day. I don't send him seriously challenging jobs, but same day turn on lens cleaning and such is the norm. One reason why I don't refer him on forums.
Rob-F
Likes Leicas
That's why I told you about John Van Stelten at Focal Point.
http://www.focalpointlens.com/
Sheesh! I wish you guys would pay attention to me :bang: