Re: [Leica] A Chatterton Story

[Shawn London <srlondon@ibm.net>]

Bob Figlio wrote:
>Because of Chatterton's attitude and neglect I only bought the M-6 body from
>him. The rest I bought elsewhere and shall continue to do so unless there 
>is a good reason to do otherwise.

I agree with you completely on this one.  He listed a Noctilux at a good 
price on his web page a few months ago, and I called him up, credit card 
in hand, ready to place the order.  He said that he hadn't even unpacked 
the lens from the box he received it in, so he had to wait until later to 
give details about the condition, etc.  I explained that I intended to 
purchase the lens if he could verify that the glass was clean. He said 
that was fine and he'd call me back.  I called him again at 5pm pacific 
time before he closed, and he said that he still hadn't opened it, and 
that he'd call the next day.  Twenty-four hours later, when he didn't 
call, I finally did, he admitted that he already sold the lens.

After several painless transactions with KEH Camera, who have always been 
polite, returned phone calls promptlyl, and delivered goods when they 
promised them, I can't imagine chasing anybody like Don Chatterton to let 
me give him my money. The business is competitive enough that, at the 
very least, you should get polite and punctual service.  When you're 
buying from somebody, they're making money off YOU, not the other way 
around.  They should be the one putting forth the effort.