[Leica] Repairs at Leica Luton (UK) - Great service [long]

["Nikolas Pisanias" <nikolas@pisanias.org>]

Dear LUGers,

Having lived in the UK for some years and dealt with a number of camera
shops, receiving anything from indifferent to bad service, I recently
had a very positive experience and wanted to share it with you. 
Here's the story:

A piece of vulcanite about 1sq.cm chipped off my M3. Before patching it
with epoxy I called Camera Repairs & Restoration at Luton, UK (which had
been recommended to me by other LUG members) to ask for advice.

I spoke with Peter Grissafi, who was friendly,polite and knowledgeable.
He took the time to explain me in detail about the behaviour of vulcanite
as a material, and then he presented me all the alternatives for repair
and replacement.He spoke in a way that showed genuine love for the Leicas.

As it was only a small piece he advised me to have it patched, rather
than replacing the whole cover. He offered to do this for a nominal fee
of 10GBP(15US$). Even though his turnaround time was only a few days,
I needed the camera sooner for a trip. So I asked how could I patch it
temporarily, just to prevent further cracking. Rather than a temporary
solution, he offered to send me a small piece of vulcanite, and gave me
clear instructions on how to apply it. On the following morning(!), I
received the vulcanite along with black wax, carefully packaged.
His attention to detail impressed me. All without any charge. 
Mr Grissafi even took the time to write me a short letter explaining
again the procedure. By the same night I had my M3 repaired and ready
to go out on the streets again :-)

It may have been a small thing, but I find this kind of service rare.
That's why I thought it was worth sharing it with you.

Obviously, now I know where I will be sending my M3 if it ever needs
repairs (touch wood) or for its next CLA.

Nikolas
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