Sherry Krauter has been repairing Leicas for over 50s years and is one of of the last factory trained Leica repair specialists on par with Don Goldberg. Sherry worked for both Leitz in New Jersey and Brandt Optik in Sweden to hone her skills as a master. Sherry and Don remain the last ones standing
I have been aware of Sherry Krauter for years, and she has a certain reputation for both her work and her personality. Fun to get her opinions on Leica and other things. I do wish there was an unredacted copy, but she is entitled to her privacy.
As I was reading the comments I saw she posted a response to the interview- she hated it! Apparently the interviewer spelled her name incorrectly too. Worth a read I think.
I spoke with Sherry before I bought an M5. She was very helpful but now after reading the interview I realize at some point the main rollers will crack. I assume from the way she puts it there are no replacements. And of course the M4 (not P or -2) is becoming harder to find.
She has repaired some lenses for me many years ago. She also fixed a Leica IIIC where a previous technician (probably Leitz in NJ years before) misaligned the lens mount ring. Within the last year, she warned me to stay away from the original Leicaflex because parts are not available.
I spoke with her at length at a PHSNE show a few years ago, because I was curious about Leicas. She was very generous with her time. This thread reminds me that I have a camera to send her.
I spoke with Sherry before I bought an M5. She was very helpful but now after reading the interview I realize at some point the main rollers will crack. I assume from the way she puts it there are no replacements. And of course the M4 (not P or -2) is becoming harder to find.
I called Don before buying an M5 for my daughter. His opinion was that the factory defect found in early M5s were probably corrected some time in the past if camera is still functional.
I've known Sherry since she was a teenager working for her father.