CLA - Caveat Emptor

[RObert Budding]

Just a warning - I will not name names as I don't need any email attacks.

I purchased a "freshly CLA'd" Zeiss Sonnar (50mm f/1.5) that, on closer inspection, is in terrible condition. It looked fine on the outside, but the aperture ring had play in it and the blades were stiff. So I sent it off to a trusted repair man. It turned out that the center element has separation and may have been treated with oil. The oil can't be removed, and the lens will probably fail when it heats up and the oil expands. The lens also had been relubed with Vasoline! And, on reassembly, everything was put together finger tight only.

The lens has now been properly serviced and I'll use it until the elements completely separate. And I'll watch for a donor lens with a good center element.

Just an alert - make sure you know what you are getting when you pay for a CLA.

[Paul T.]

it's hard for an Emptor to take heed unless we know, for instance, what country your seller hails from, and what country the repairer is based. Without more clues, we might end up distrusting the wrong people!

Was it a well-known repairer? Because the repairer in the UK that I know of doesn't CLA lenses, and the well-known one in the US, although expensive and disparaging of others, has not been known to deliver sub-standard work...

[oftheherd]

Your post is a little unclear. Am I correct you are happy with your "trusted" repairman, but not with the seller's claim of CLA? And probably your payment for the lens expecting the prior CLA was legit?

I understand that you don't want "email attacks;" however, if you truly feel that you were cheated, I'm inclined to suggest (provided you feel comfortable) that you disclose the sellers information as a way of protecting other buyers.

I'm curious also if you attempted to seek redress with the seller... ?

Sorry about your bad experience.
Alex

I love reading about the trubbles of disgruntled consumers.

[colyn]

Originally Posted by RObert Budding

Just a warning - I will not name names as I don't need any email attacks.

If I get ripped I consider it my obligation to warn others. If someone did substandard repairs that person should be listed here with proof such as receipt for service. That way we can decide for ourselvies whether or not to send to this person. Afterall none of us are mind readers and have no idea who this repairman is..

Originally Posted by RObert Budding

I purchased a "freshly CLA'd" Zeiss Sonnar (50mm f/1.5) that, on closer inspection, is in terrible condition.

A lot of ebay sellers will say "recent CLA" and when you ask about the receipt they will reply "well if I can find it I'll send it"..and then hope you go away..

Originally Posted by RObert Budding

It looked fine on the outside, but the aperture ring had play in it and the blades were stiff. So I sent it off to a trusted repair man. It turned out that the center element has separation and may have been treated with oil. The oil can't be removed, and the lens will probably fail when it heats up and the oil expands. The lens also had been relubed with Vasoline! And, on reassembly, everything was put together finger tight only.

I seriously doubt that any reputable repairman would do what you mention here. It sounds more like a previous owner tried his/her hand at repairing this lens..

[RObert Budding]

Just meant to provide a general heads up. The lens has now been serviced and is usable - untill the elements separate completely.

[RF-Addict]

This posting is useless without Robert giving the names of the folks he is talking about. I understand your reluctance, but why post at all then? There really is no point in saying: WATCH OUT! The question is - watch out for what or whom?

[colyn]

Originally Posted by RF-Addict

This posting is useless without Robert giving the names of the folks he is talking about. I understand your reluctance, but why post at all then? There really is no point in saying: WATCH OUT! The question is - watch out for what or whom?

I agree. How are we to know who he is talking about if he doesn't name names..