The Leica repair center in New Jersey contacted me today with a report on the examination of my Leica SLR, my primary care for several years, and a machine that has improved my life and artistry.

Good and bad news. The good news is that it can be repaired, the bad news is that it won’t come back to me until sometime in June. Ouch, and also, relief.

The camera wizards found these issues that need repair: Cleaning off dust on the sensor, a sluggish shutter button, and a damaged eyepiece ring, replacing leatherettes on the side of the camera, and found strong traces if synthetec letter overuse.

I took the camera out in the snow and bitter cold every morning for months, and even the waterproof Leica felt the impact of the wind, snow, and cold. The camera was used when I bought it, and it was due for some repairs and a full check and examination.

I used the camera every single day and hope to never need another one.

All Leicas have some guarantees; I’ll get a discount. I was offered the chance for a freelance camera, but decided against it. I can use my iPhone and Maria’s new and classy Canon. Getting a loner would just complicate things.

The camera is an important part of my life, flower art, and creativity. But I accept the challenge of finding ways to take nice pictures and learn new things. When I get the camera back, it will be even better and last even longer. The winter was felt deeply around here – we need to remove an old chimney from a corner of the house and repair damage to the front porch.

We did get good news about oil to warm the house. I bought into a buy-in-advance program, and our cost for the year, minus the pre-payment, was just a few hundred dollars.

That’s the story. I’ll keep the pictures coming, and my goal is to be just as good as they have been. The Leica is unique in many ways and has a soft and special look that is unique; it seems to think sometimes.

I worked hard to learn how to use it. I’ll live. I live off of challenges and change.

(The photo above is a Leica photo.)