Re: [Leica] A Chatterton Story

[Carl Socolow <csocolow@microserve.net>]

And now it's my turn. I saw a posting on DCI's web page for the 21 2.8M
Elmarit w/ finder for the closeout price of $1495. Not bad thought I. I
called several east coast purveyors and found that they had sold their
allotments. I then called Mr. Chatterton, speaking directly with him and
not a machine (can't remember which day of the week it was) and was told
that he had sold out his current stock but his Leica rep had promised
him several more later in the week. I told him I wanted one and asked
that he hold it for three days until the end of my credit card cycle so
it would show up on the following months statement (60 days float is 60
days float). Sure enough, he got the lens, held off on charging and sent
it via 2nd day FEDEX. It arrived safe and sound and rests comfortably on
my M3.
On the other hand, I have also emailed Mr. Chatterton in the past and
received no response. And I have also called him looking for other Leica
items and received curt responses. Similarly with trying to sell a
Hasselblad ELM (which nobody in the country seems to want to buy these
days).
I've also dealt with Tamarkin and received a used 50mm M Summicron with
scratched rear element that wasn't described as such. Although they did
promptly replace a used MR4 that I bought that didn't work after one
week.
Nowadays, I'm inclined to bring my business to Sam Shoshan at Classic
Cameras (I believe) outside NYC because he's informative, helpful and
really tries. I also am willing to try Jim Kuehl based on the LUG's
recommendations although his pricing looks a little higher compared to
some of the others in Shutterbug.
Anyway, my two cents worth.

Carl S.