p.1 #1 · Interview with Leica Repair Master Sherry Krauter
Nice Film Club (my local shop, who do an amazing job!) have a new interview up on their blog with Sherry Krauter. It's a very enjoyable and illuminating read, and the passion she has for her work (art?) is palpable.
p.1 #3 · Interview with Leica Repair Master Sherry Krauter
I still love shooting with my M4-2, even though Sherry says this camera doesn't deserve the Leica name on it (ouch). But, there is one major design flaw that Leica overlooked, just like Sherry stated, and that's the synchro block being made of plastic. I bought an M4-2 from Tamarkin earlier this year. It was working great until I bought those plastic plugs from DAG and stuck them in the terminals/sockets. A few days later I open my bag and one of the flash terminals was just sitting on the bottom. One of the terminal plugs must have caught on the side of my bag, and caused the plastic synchro block threads to crack. I emailed Sherry and she explained everything to me. I ended up returning the M4-2 and buying a new one from another store, and the replacement has had no problems and works great. I would not recommend putting those plastic terminal covers/plugs in the back of the M4-2. There's a company out there called Midnight Camera Repair that has a replacement synchro block for the M4-2 with brass threads that won't break. Could be a long term solution to this well known problem.
p.1 #4 · Interview with Leica Repair Master Sherry Krauter
@madNbad can address that M4-2 issue. Mine - that I sold to him - had that. But outside that the camera is great. Doesn't deserve the Leica name on it? Frankly that is silly. I just made sure not to use end caps that could snag.
p.1 #6 · Interview with Leica Repair Master Sherry Krauter
acanton wrote:
I still love shooting with my M4-2, even though Sherry says this camera doesn't deserve the Leica name on it (ouch). But, there is one major design flaw that Leica overlooked, just like Sherry stated, and that's the synchro being made of plastic. I bought an M4-2 from Tamarkin earlier this year. It was working great until I bought those plastic plugs from DAG and stuck them in the terminals. A few days later I open my bag and one of the flash terminals was just sitting on the bottom. One of the terminal plugs must have caught on the side of my bag, and caused the plastic synchro block threads to crack, cause the terminal to fall out. I emailed Sherry and she explained everything to me. I ended up returning the M4-2 and buying a new one from another store, and the replacement has had no problems and works great. I would not recommend putting those plastic terminal plugs in the back terminals of the M4-2. There's a company out there called Midnight Camera Repair that has a replacement synchro block for the M4-2 with brass threads that won't break. Could be a long term solution to this well known problem. ...Show more →
I bought a replacement flash block and new PC sockets from Albert at Midnight Camera Repair in January, The block is 3D printed nylon and much stronger than the original plastic Leica used. The M4-2 I bought from Huss took a trip to Oregon, Wisconsin for Don Goldberg to install the new flash block, plus a M3 style lens release collar and a general CLA. The camera had been previously service but DAG replaced some small parts that were missing and after installing the new flash block, adjusted it so it would make contact consistently. The blocks are well made and I would recommend getting new PC sockets at the same time. It makes the installation easier by starting with all new parts. The cost of the flash block and two new PC sockets was around two hundred u.s. dollars.
I love my M4-2 and have hardly touched my M4 since it returned from service. After hearing about users pulling the flash socket out by snagging the protective plug on a jacket or other clothing, both the flash socket plugs and the soft releases went in the storage bin.
I believe you can contact Midnight Camera Repair through Facebook or Instagram. https://www.facebook.com/midnightcamerarepair
p.1 #8 · Interview with Leica Repair Master Sherry Krauter
meditations wrote:
What happened to your M5? I was actually under the impression if an M5 needed attention, Sherry was basically it.
The camera went in for cla and to adjust the meter to use 1.5v batteries.
When I got it back I noticed that the RF patch now flared really badly, making it often difficult to focus. I asked her what had happened as it was fine before. She refused to provide an explanation saying everything was ok.
I sent it to DAG who told me the rf condenser had been removed. He replaced it (of course I had to pay for that) and also said the meter was never recalibrated.
So basically Sherry harvested my camera for parts - worst case scenario - or for some reason took the condenser out and forgot to put it back but still refused to admit that. Also billed me for work not done - the meter recalibration.
Jadon at Red Dot Repair works on M5s so that is an option.
P.s. last year there was an M5 for sale on this site that had vulcanite damage. The seller said that was done by Sherry during a cla when her tool slipped.
p.1 #9 · Interview with Leica Repair Master Sherry Krauter
madNbad wrote:
I bought a replacement flash block and new PC sockets from Albert at Midnight Camera Repair in January, The block is 3D printed nylon and much stronger than the original plastic Leica used. The M4-2 I bought from Huss took a trip to Oregon, Wisconsin for Don Goldberg to install the new flash block, plus a M3 style lens release collar and a general CLA. The camera had been previously service but DAG replaced some small parts that were missing and after installing the new flash block, adjusted it so it would make contact consistently. The blocks are well made and I would recommend getting new PC sockets at the same time. It makes the installation easier by starting with all new parts. The cost of the flash block and two new PC sockets was around two hundred u.s. dollars.
I love my M4-2 and have hardly touched my M4 since it returned from service. After hearing about users pulling the flash socket out by snagging the protective plug on a jacket or other clothing, both the flash socket plugs and the soft releases went in the storage bin.
I believe you can contact Midnight Camera Repair through Facebook or Instagram. https://www.facebook.com/midnightcamerarepair...Show more →
A lot of great information here. I'm going to buy a replacement flash block and PC sockets from MCR as insurance for my M4-2. Thanks so much!
