ulrich_messmer Posted February 1, 2006 Share Posted February 1, 2006 Has anybody had a CLA done by DS-SPC in Manchester/UK? They advertise it on the "auction" site occasionally for USD 160. I'm aware of CRR in Luton and would prefer them due to the many recommendations that I've seen here, but their lead times are long and I'm looking for an outfit in Europe that can do the job in less than 6 weeks from now. My experience with Solms has been somewhat mixed. I have 2 M bodies that need to be CLA'ed. I'd go with a U.S. based shop but I guess that'll lead to fuss with customs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Williams Posted February 1, 2006 Share Posted February 1, 2006 I don't know this company, but you might also try Malcolm Taylor (similar reputation to CRR). No website, but these pages have contact details: http://www.nemeng.com/leica/005d.shtml http://www.ukcamera.com/collect/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul hart Posted February 1, 2006 Share Posted February 1, 2006 I know the owner of DS-SPC well. He runs a specialist photo shop in the Barton Arcade off Deansgate, Manchester. He is a Leica expert/specialist and knows his stuff very well indeed. In all my dealings with him I've found him spot on and I'd be surprised indeed if you were disappointed. Yes, Malcolm Taylor is top drawer - I've used him too - but you pay more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fred_johnson Posted February 1, 2006 Share Posted February 1, 2006 I bought an m2 from them via ebay that included their CLA in the final price.When the camera arrived i was happy with the condition but as for the supposed cla...well lets just say that if had been then it left a lot to be desired...(and i think it was..more about this later).The first thing i noticed was that the wind on lever was not smooth at all...The shutter speeds sounded ok..but on inspection of the shutter blind..once fired ..looking from the back of the camera...the seam of the shutter was fully visible which it shound't be.More dissapointing than all this was the viewfinder/rangefinder...which was dim and hazy and on looking through from the front had a noticable brown staining on one of the mirrors.As you can imagine i was thoroughly dissapointed.Rather than send it back to them(it was under 12 months guarntee) i phoned Peter at crr luton who was extremely helpful on the phone and i made an appointment to bring the camera to him.He inspected the camera and agreed that it wasn't as smooth as it should be and showed an example of an m2 he had just serviced.The difference was amazing.THE VIEWFINDER ALSO WAS CLEAR AND BRIGHT.He noticed that on my camera one of the sync sockets had been screwed on wonky and that someone had used the incorect tool to undo the collar around the shutter release ..necessary to take the top plate off.I got a call from peter roughly 2 weeks later.When i picked up my camera it was like a different camera altogether.Smooth as silk and a crystal clear viewfinder.This is just my story but my advice to you is steer well clear. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benlloyd Posted February 1, 2006 Share Posted February 1, 2006 Despite the long times quoted on the website try contacting Peter at CRR Luton. I can make no guarantee, but in the past he has told me to send stuff straight away and turned it around well before the site would indicate he could even look at it. If you have 2 bodies needing service, why not try 2 different outfits, and report back on the experience? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emanuel_lowi1 Posted February 1, 2006 Share Posted February 1, 2006 If you can tolerate overseas service, please contact me directly. I don't see why this should be a hassle with Customs, as routine service rates aren't very high. There are several top-notch Leica service people right here in Canada who do a perfect job very quickly and at reasonable cost. Remember that Canada was Leica's second real home, for many years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andrewlamb Posted February 2, 2006 Share Posted February 2, 2006 Ulf, If you speak to Peter, at CCR, and tell him that you have a tight deadline he may be able to turn the gear quickly. He fixed both my M3 and SL and in rapid time. The quality of the work is top notch. Heartily recommended. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ulrich_messmer Posted February 3, 2006 Author Share Posted February 3, 2006 Thanks for all your answers - since I'm on a tight schedule, and also out of sheer convenience/lazyness, I'll go with Solms again, but will take my IIIg to CRR later this year. Paul, I believe it was you who sold me that Tele-Elmar via ebay... great lens, it's been very good to me! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andy m. Posted February 3, 2006 Share Posted February 3, 2006 CRR in Luton are the best that I have personally used. If their lead times are long this is because they offer good value and are simply very very good. By this I do not mean to infer anything negative about any other service tech. Cheers, A Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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