Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/05/16
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]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