why so bashful ... ?

[Kalkadan]

I occasionally amuse myself looking at various places on the net for certain examples of the Leica M and Leica screwmount which have had a recent CLA, lenses as well as bodies.

It's a curious thing, but whenever I ask if I may see a copy of the invoice to prove that the CLA was indeed carried out - I am met with a variety of reasons why it cannot be produced.

I would have thought that if you were selling something at a certain price based on its having had a CLA you would be prepared to back up that statement.  For example I saw one ad on Rangefinder for a lens said to have been CLA'ed by Sherry Krauter.  The vendor sensibly included a scan of the invoice from Sherry verifying that a lens of that description and serial number had been the subject of certain specified work at a stated cost.

(what was even more impressive was the note below that entry in the invoice by Sherry referring to another lens.  She simply said words to the effect 'nothing wrong with this lens, therefore didn't do anything to it - no charge')

Why would anyone pay over the odds for an old Leica body on the basis that it is alleged to have the benefit of a CLA, without proof of that fact?

I have in the last couple of months queried at least ten sellers - some commercial, some private.  Not one has produced the documentation.  Some of the excuses  were amazing.  And not one of them said that the request was unreasonable, or an invasion of privacy or that it would be unfair for some reason (not that I can imagine why it would be unfair to ask for evidence of the statement - after all, they said it).  They just did not have the papers.

Blind faith is sometimes a wonderful thing.  But I think this is expecting too much.  Am I being unreasonable?

[jake]

Nope. Never buy something that does not meet your criteria. It isn't your responsibility to make it easier for the seller. They need to meet your requirements for a transaction to take place, and if they don't, then no transaction.

[Madrigal]

Of course you're not being unreasonable, Dan. If they're trying to use the CLA as a selling point, they most definitely should be able to produce proof of such. I would assume it was BS if they can't.

[Greg M]

  Always ask for that piece of paper that backs up what they say in writing.  It's my golden rule in car buying, mechanical work, and it applies to photography.  To paraphrase Nancy and Jorn , "As the buyer they need to meet your requirements".

[Julio1fer]

Boy, it is not that hard to keep that little piece of paper, and in any case the seller should want to (sale or not), since it may be needed as a guarantee if something goes wrong. You do well to ask for it!

[shadowfox]

Some *very good* camera repair/technicians do not send out paper invoices. Only email trail.