recommend US West Coast shop for IIIc/IIIf ?

Hi;

 

I'm looking to find a reputable shop to do a CLA on my Leica IIIc / IIIf -

preferably in the Seattle area, but anywhere on the West Coast is OK.

 

Thank you.

 

Tim

<a href=http://www.ictcamera.com/>ICT Camera</a>

Tim,

 

If your looking for a very reputable and qualified Leica repair specialist, just send

your camera to Sherry Krauter of Golden Touch Quality Camera Repair. You can call

her to describe your needs. She is a "Leica trained" repair specialist with a reputation of the highest degree. She's always CLAed/repaired my M6 cameras and

lens.

 

She is located at:

118 Purgatory Road,

Campbell Hall, NY 10916

 

Phone: (845) 496-8834

 

Tell her that John from New Jersey recommended her. She repaired the film rewind

crank on my M6 "0.85" a few months ago. I occupied way too much of her time

talking about way too many subjects not related to Leica cameras.

 

Hope this helps.

Ace - thanks, but ICT does not list the IIIc or IIIf.

Well DAG is in Westconsin. Isn't that out there somewhere?

John - thank you - that's a good recommendation, I'd prefer West Coast to minimize shipping costs and/or time though.

Shipping time/costs really aren't a big issue, you want a professional job. Go with one of the two experts in the USA and get the job done right. I've personally used Don Goldberg (DAG) for a number of jobs with total satisfaction.

Shipping costs isn't really an issue. However, if you just must have west coast, than try Stephen Choi in L.A. Google him. He's pretty good.

Where it is shipped to in the US is irrevalent if you want to get it done right, whether it is 1000 mi to LA, 2000 to WI, or 3000 to NY, it should take the same time and cost little extra when compared to the work you want done.

I second Sherry. Her work is immaculate and speedy. She is also a wonderful person to speak with.

I can't recommend Sherry enough. $36usd shipping.. I just had to send my M6 to her for a quick fix.. (I live in Northern California). Took 3 days to get to her (secure, and insured). I had the camera back on my door step 10 days later. She shipped it back to me.. shipping was the exact same cost.. and she did an incredible job of packing.

 

I had hesitations as well about shipping.... but she seriously does a great job. Both times sending her a camera.. both times consistent, and prompt.

 

Trust me (us). "By the time you you're done finding a local shop, you could of had the camera to Sherry and back". ...that's actually what my wife told me when I was telling her I needed to drive all over the bay area to unheard of Leica shops.

 

Good Luck! (call Sherry!) ..or DAG. :)

Given the number of cheers for Sherry Krauter in response to my question, I decided to call today. It was an informative and entertaining call, and most importantly, she called back quickly, knew just what needed done and explained her basic procedures for a CLA. The personal touch was the clincher. The camera will go out in a day or two.

 

I also got an informative historical overview of the area, including the naming of the road. 8-)

 

Thanks to all for the suggestions and comments!

 

Tim

I am not in any way being critical of Sherry, as she has a top name on the Leica ( home site user forum) , however have used Don Goldberg for a CLA that turned into more of a refurbishment of a mint -cosmetically- Leica IIIG Red Dial.

 

Fantastic job.

 

With these 2 individuals you can't go wrong.

Despite all the glowing recommendations, I've asked Sherry to send my camera back, unrepaired. She's had the camera for a month and has not looked at it, and can only say that she can "probably do it by the end of the month." [July, that is] No assurance, just a maybe. Heck of a way to do business.

 

I'm REALLY disappointed the way this turned out. I guess things change, maybe she's got other issues going on. Maybe she's still the best in the business, but quite frankly I don't see that from my experience. When I get the camera back, I'll find a local shop to do a CLA where I can actually talk directly to the repair people live and in-person.

Tim,

 

Unfortunate that you couldn't wait, Sherry is the best. At least in my book. She's always sent my cameras and lens back

working and looking like new. You probably wouldn't have gotten Leica USA or any other reputable camera repair service to turn it

around any faster.

 

Lastly, I've seen first hand how many Leicas are delivered to Sherry every day. It's a lot, and there is a reason.

 

Best of luck with your Leica repair, and keep us posted on how you make out.

The wait is over.

 

Yesterday I received my Leica IIIc back from Steve's Camera in Culver City California. CLA'd and repaired as described and agreed, for a reasonable price. Everything feels just right - like new.

 

Looking forward to a photowalk at lunchtime today, and a visit to Moonphoto for processing when the roll is finished.