Who repairs Nikkormat ELs in 2024?

[Miles.]

Hi all,

I want to have my Nikkormat EL overhauled (meter is off, prism is dirty, new seals) but don't know who repairs these in 2024.

I'm based in Minnesota and would like to find someone in the states to do the work.

Update: Sending to Cameraworks in Waterford NY.

 

[Mackinaw]

Maybe Steve at the Camera Clinic in North Dakota. He works on many 1970's 35mm SLR's.

Jim B.

 

[chuckroast]

Try Frank Marshman (CameraWiz).

You may discover that buying a clean used on on eBay is cheaper than fixing your existing one, though. I see clean ones selling there for $100 give or take, and a full teardown and CLA is probably going to be more than this.

 

[Retro-Grouch]

Try Frank Marshman (CameraWiz).

You may discover that buying a clean used on on eBay is cheaper than fixing your existing one, though. I see clean ones selling there for $100 give or take, and a full teardown and CLA is probably going to be more than this.

I respectfully disagree, not just in this case but as a general principle. It's "the devil you know vs. the devil you don't". After an overhaul/CLA, you know that your camera is reliable and accurate, and should be for some time.

 

[chuckroast]

I respectfully disagree, not just in this case but as a general principle. It's "the devil you know vs. the devil you don't". After an overhaul/CLA, you know that your camera is reliable and accurate, and should be for some time.

In theory you are correct. I have had many cameras repaired on that basis.


But the OP's description of their camera suggests a heavily used machine. There is a point at which the wear and tear of a camera cannot be reasonably fixed with replacement parts. When people are selling equivalents that are described as being like new or virtually unused for a hundred dollars, it's at least worth of thought.

 

[Retro-Grouch]

In theory you are correct. I have had many cameras repaired on that basis.


But the OP's description of their camera suggests a heavily used machine. There is a point at which the wear and tear of a camera cannot be reasonably fixed with replacement parts. When people are selling equivalents that are described as being like new or virtually unused for a hundred dollars, it's at least worth of thought.

This is why it's so important to cultivate a relationship with a repair person you trust; if my favorite tech tells me a repair is just not worth it, I accept her judgement. Spending a bit for an estimate is well worth it in those situations.