[Leica] Re: Alfredo's Cameras

["Leonard K. Nicholson" <nicleok@sdllc.com>]

Dear Mr. Roberts:

Thanks for the email!

Mr. Alfredo is the personification of a renaissance craftsman.  He could take
just about anything completely apart and put it back together in better working
order than it was originally in.  I do, indeed, remember the Ferrari, but
another moment comes to mind with regard to Rolex watches.  He could take them
completely apart, adjust them, and put them back together better than Rolex
themselves!  I cannot recall his refinish work of Leica bodies, but I can tell
you that he routinely maintained all of his clients' equipment keeping them in
perfect working condition.   Leica had a first class representative in Mr.
Alfredo!  That kind of service and care that Mr. Alfredo is generally long gone
in sales, but I think a few do realize and others are beginning to realize that
there is indeed a relationship long after the product has been sold, and that
relationship is very important.

Does anybody on the LUG know the where abouts of Mr. Alfredo?  Did Mr. Alfredo
go back to Argentina?  To Boston?

With every good wish, I am,

Sincerely yours,

Leonard Nicholson
    nicleok@sdllc.com



Craig Roberts wrote:

> Good morning Mr. Nicholson...and fellow Leicaphiles,
>
> How good it was to hear from another friend of Alfredo.
>
> I, too, have very warm memories of Mr. Olivera.  Like you, he introduced me
> to Leicas and to the joys of photography in general.  One of the proudest
> moments of my young life is when he hung a framed print of one of my photos
> over his counter.  I wouldn't have been happier if it had been exhibited in
> the Museum of Modern Art!
>
> You are certainly right about Alfredo's generosity.  He was brash and seemed
> rude to outsiders at times...but what a heart he had!   I remember paying
> $300 for my first M4 with a new 35mm Summicron.  He knew I couldn't afford
> more, so he found a suitable body and overhauled it himself.    When he was
> finished it was in absolute mint condition...and probably worked better than
> it had when fresh from the factory.  He was a meticulous craftsman who
> demanded perfection...most especially from himself.
>
> I really enjoyed your story of the M4 shutter teardown.   He was constantly
> making complex repairs and adjustments on the spot, keeping his customers'
> cameras in perfect condition...usually for free!
>
> Do you remember the special Leica paint jobs he did....and the gorgeous
> Ferrari he restored -- bolt by bolt -- in the parking garage next door?
>
> Craig
> Boston