Recommendations for Leica M lens service in USA?

[bensonga]

Hi folks,

I recently bought my first M lens, a ~50 year old 135mm Tele-Elmar. It appears to be in excellent condition, but the focus is on the stiff side, so I think it would benefit from a CLA.

I would appreciate any recommendations from forum members re a Leica service specialist here in the USA that I could contact.

TIA,

Gary

 

[Godfrey]

Any of these do excellent work:

Youxin Ye: YYeCAMERA

Don Goldberg: Featured Products - DAG Camera Parts

Sherry Krauter: Sherry Krauter.com -- Home of the Golden Touch.   

I always find it best to call and talk to the person doing the work rather than using email or web messaging.

G

 

[bensonga]

Thanks Godfrey!

Gary

 

[alajuela]

+1

Don Goldberg: Featured Products - DAG Camera Parts

 

[thompsonkirk]

I'm not sure Youxin Yee should be on the list for work on lenses. A friend sent him one for cleaning and he misreassembled it (if that's a word). And as of last year he had no collimator, so he could only take them apart and put them back together without re-calibrating. He reimbursed her for completion of repairs by DAG.

 

[monza]

DAG.

He's got the proper test equipment. Sent him many brand new M9s and lenses for calibration over the years.


----- Original Message -----
To: "Don Goldberg" <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, November 25, 2009 8:15 PM
Subject: Re: M9 focus

Thanks Don...it's really frustrating, we wait months to get some M9s
and then they don't focus properly and customers aren't happy. I
wouldn't be either after spending $7k.

I don't understand why they can't do this at the factory. What are you
adjusting, the cam? Shimming the lens mount?

I am assuming you have special equipment to dial things in with high precision.

Best regards,
Robert
---

Robert,

Yes, proper collimators, shims & magnification optics. I have lenses made of tool steel by Leitz, Infinity targets, 1 meter test stand & 35 years of adjusting Leica R/Fs.

regards,

Don
DAG

 

[Godfrey]

Yes, I would normally send lenses to DAG too.

G

 

[monza]

He just finished a CLA on a 28mm M-Rokkor for me. One of the few without white spots, unfortunately the focus was off. The adjustment required?

5 thousands of an inch.

Tiny, yet enough to throw focus completely out of whack!

 

[bensonga]

Thanks for the responses and info everyone!

Sounds like DAG is the place to go. I'll give Don a call next week. Besides the 135/4 Tele-Elmar-M, I also have a 135/2.8 Elmarit-R (Series 7) that is stiffer than it should be, so I'll send both lenses to him for a CLA. The focusing on my newer E55 135/2.8 Elmarit-R is buttery smooth and so I would like all of these to be that good.

Gary

 

[silver92b]

I sent my M240 and 3 lenses to DAG. My camera returned today but I did not pick it up yet from the business I had it forwarded. I'm very excited about getting it back and see how much improvement I see.

I too had purchased a 135 Tele Elmar and Don adjusted it with the camera. I can't wait to try it out. DAG charges $155 for the lens focus adjustment if needed, $25 to check it. Well worth it if it brings the lenses to tip top operating condition.

 

[MCTuomey]

DAG has serviced lenses for me - his work is top-notch. I've also had Sherry Krauter CLA several lenses for me, as well as film M work, equally happy with her work too. No experience with YY.

 

[silver92b]

Yesterday I tested the lenses that Don adjusted for me. I tested the focus with the RF patch vs the EVF with the focus aid. I tested the Zeiss 35f2.8 the Lux 50 f1.4 and the Tele Elmar 135f4 tested them at various distances from 4' to 25' they were all right on the money!

Here are a couple of test shots with the 135mm These were straight OTC (one was cropped a little). Auto WB and ISO natural light at the end of the day. I'm pleased with this lens...

 

[johneaton]

+1 for Don -- excellent work and fast turnaround!

 

[samuelphoto]

Gerry Smith, Kindermann, Markham, Ontario. Doesn't get as much press as DAG or Sherry but supremely qualified. Fast turnaround and billing is in Canadian $. I don't think I'd give my lenses to YY for anything but a lube.