Greetings and welcome. You have found the site for the best value for Classic camera repairs on the net. My specialty is with Twin Lens Reflex cameras such as the Rolleiflex. I can also service your Rolleicord, Yashica, Minolta, Ziess cameras as well. In addition, Large format shutters. I have experience with Kodak, Compur, Syncro-Compur, Compur-Rapid, Grafex, Rapax, Copal, Prontor, etc... Primarily, If it isn't electronic, I'll work on it. Digitals, Automatic, Point and shoot cameras, send them to the factory service center. I'm not set up to work on them.
ABOUT ME and MY ROLLEI HISTORY
In 2000 I took a vivid interest in medium format photography to enhance my other hobby, Model Railroading. With certain goals in mind I set up a black and white darkroom and bought my first Rolleiflex Automat 4.
Upon receiving the camera I was greatly disappointed to learn that it didn't work due to lack of use. The shutter was stuck, the film advance didn't work properly, and the focus mechanism had a squeek in it. I had a choice of 3 options. Purchase another camera that may have the same issues, Pay $300 to the local repair guy, or learn to fix it myself. I chose the latter of those options and I'm happy to say I shot at least 100 rolls of film without incedent before I sold the camera for an upgrade.
At the time the going rate for a lens hood was $50 or so. Rather than paying that, I proceeded to my shop to make one of my own. The hood was let go with the camera when it was sold in 12/2002. Since that time I seek out cameras that "need service" and repair them both for use and resale. The cameras that I sell are offered on Ebay at very reasonable prices. More about that later.
Why is this important to you?? Simple. Rather than make mistakes on YOUR camera, I've already made them on mine. I never go further with a customers' camera than I know my ability will take me. Since that first Rolleiflex I have well over 100 customer cameras in my experience box. To the best of my knowlage, No unhappy customers.
The Full Service I offer begins at $120. That will get you a clean shutter, clean optics (if possible), smooth film advance and smooth focus. $10 of the return shipping is included in the price which is enough for most cameras within the US48. You are responsible for any extra.
The Shutter
The shutter is completely removed from the camera and completely disassembled. Any oil traces are cleaned from the shutter blades (which is the number one cause of shutters sticking). The speed regulators and (if applicable) self timer are also cleaned. Upon reassembly only industry recommended lubricants are used and they are used in such a matter that they won't splatter. Nor will they gum up the shutter. The speeds are then set and the shutter reassembled.
The Optics
The lenses of the camera are then serviced. Over time, all surfaces of the lenses can collect dust or in some cases fungus. All exposed surfaces are cleaned with cleaners that will not leave a film or coating. If possible fungus will be removed. A side note here, It isn't always possible to completely remove fungus. There are some cases where it has etched itself into the coatings of the lens and will leave marks when removed. Scratches are also perminant residents on lenses. I cannot do anything with them. Most later Rolleiflexes have 2 front surfaced mirrors. Both are carefully cleaned and placed back in the camera. Also part of the optic system is the focus screen or in some cases, ground glass. It too is carefully cleaned all for a dust free view of your favorite subject matter.
The 2 parts above are offered at $55 plus return shipping. To continue with the $120 service, read on..
Film advance and Focus
Rarely do these need service and in most cases, no improvement will be perceived. However, if you wish them done, they will be completely disassembled, Old hard lubricants removed, new ones applied, and the camera reassembled. It is nearly impossible to do one without the other (focus but no film advance service) so I don't offer those services seperately.
Prices are the same for other TLR cameras of similar vintage.
General repairs are also available. To give an accurate quote however I must see the camera. I can give a guesstimate based on a detailed description but it will be just that. Parts for repairs are available on a limited basis but WILL NOT Be sold without service contract. The only items I cannot replace are the taking lenses.
What Else can I do
I can restore your camera to an almost like new state with the help of a third party vendor for coverings. Chipped paint can be stripped and replaced as well. Dents (in most cases) can be removed or repaired. The price will depend on exactly what you want done.
What I cannot do
I cannot remove coating marks, cleaning marks, oil splatters that have settled into the coatings, etched fingerprints, repair cracked or seperated lenses, or work miracles. There Are some cases where it would just be better to replace the camera. That's unfortunate because in most cases, a little care would have prevented the need.
Warranty
ALL of my work is guaranteed for 1 full year from the time I ship your camera back to you. If at any time during that year your camera fails to operate you may return it to me for service.
Payment
I accept all forms of payment in one form or another. The transaction can be handled in one of 2 ways. You send the camera followed by payment so you know exactly what the return shipping will be. -OR- You send payment With the camera. Either way, payment must clear before I return the camera and work is completed before I accept payment.
My online history
I trade on ebay under the name WABRAIL. Feel free to check me out.
Ready???