What to expect from CLA on Leica MP

[Asim]

I bought a used Leica MP a couple of years ago and have just sent it in to Youxin Ye for its first CLA. The only thing that I noticed about this body that needed working on was the slight vertical misalignment of the rangefinder... which I'm sure Youxin will have no problem repairing.

My question is... what are some of the things one should be able to notice different about a Leica after it comes back from a CLA?

I hope to get my Leica back within a couple of weeks.

 

[yossarian123]

How old is the serial number? If it's newer than there's a good chance you might not need anything other than the vertical. Youxin had never charged me for unneeded services.
He currently has my mp- cleaning out a very dusty viewfinder and that's it.

 

[Asim]

My MP serial number begins with 29...
I wonder what year that would place it in?
Yeah, I need the viewfinder cleaned as well. I'm sure that's also something I'll notice.

 

[Asim]

It seems that more people need to get CLAs for their Leica. 🙂

 

[David Hughes]

Hi,

You might notice a lot if you've had it a while and used it frequently. The change / deteriorate slowly and you don't realise until you get it back restored to the original spec.

So I'll wish you good luck.

Regards, David

 

[Shac]

I bought my M6 new in 1988 - it's neber had a CLA and I don;t see any reason for one. IMO many people have a CLA on their Leica's for no good reason. Youxin is great - ask him to simply check the specs besides realigning the rangefinder.

 

[Huss]

It seems that more people need to get CLAs for their Leica. 🙂

I'm not sure if it is a 'need' or just the desire to have it as good as possible.

All my Nikons needed CLAs, but I did not bother with most of them as they still worked fine. But I sent my Leicas in the moment I got them as I wanted them to be as perfect mechanically as they are to use, and let's be honest here, hold.

It's also a market issue. Some people do not see the point of giving a $300 CLA to a $100 body, but do for a $1000+ body....

 

[Shac]

Yes - it's probably "need vs want" and of course a definitely a personal choice. If the camera has been regularly used (not abused), there's probably less reason for a CLA

 

[VertovSvilova]

For some I think it's peace of mind that you might be reducing the odds of failure in the field when using a second hand camera that has an unfamiliar service history. It's probably the same kind of mentality that draws people to buy 'certified' used cars from the car dealership.

'Certified' second hand cars have been looked over, inspected, and serviced. The new owner feels more comfortable knowing everything is working as it should and can now start with a 'fresh' and 'known' service history. Others don't feel that the extra cost of buying 'certified' has enough value and instead prefer to go the 'fix when broken' route; along with buying carefully and spending more time/effort with one's own inspection of the car. I think it's all about personal preferences and one's comfort levels.

 

[swoop]

If nothing was wrong with it, nothing will be different.