+1 for Stephen Gandy

A quote from Stephen's web-site that has been there for a long time:

We no longer do lens repairs unless we are also repairing the camera body. Why? Too time consuming, and not enough good repair people.
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Stephen is a stand-up guy. I wouldn't use RFs without his web-site and
have bought several items for him. What I appreciate most is the
fast response time.

Best,

Roland.
 
ferider said:
Stephen is a stand-up guy. I wouldn't use RFs without his web-site and
have bought several items for him. What I appreciate most is the
fast response time.
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Comments on his prices has nothing to do with his character. I appreciate that paste from his site. I did not know that myself and was not aware of that during our e-mail communications. This is good info for everyone!
 
ywenz said:
Problem is outlined here: http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39939

The quote was $100. Other reputable service guru from the Midwest quoted less than half that. After more research, I just ended up fixing it myself with a lens spanner. Like I said, others mileage may vary. I recommend you make the inquiries first and then make your decision on who to go with.
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A quote given by email or phone, based upon the info given, is hardly the same as having the lens in hand.

generally if a CV lens barrel is loose, the problem is loose lens barrel mounting screws, not a loose retaining ring. disassembly and recalibration of the lens is usually required. a $100 estimate for that service is correct.

Stephen
 
Pherdinand said:
Marc,
that should be valid for the positive comments too, shouldn't it?
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Yep, cannot agree more! That's why I never do positive comment!😀

Let's be serious, I agree with Akiva:

kshapero said:
No, I disagree. Positive comments are always appreciated and don't need verification. Negative comments can hurt a reputation for along time. So one should always check in private to give the other party a chance to make good. After or if that fails then public negative comments might be warranted. IMVHO.
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Another postive vote for Mr. Gandy. I've order a couple of items and never had a problem.

Plus his website has provided me with hours of enjoyment.
 
Same for me. I ordered via Paypal. He delivered very quickly. The lens arrived in Germany in world-record-time. And even with german taxes and costs for customs it was far cheaper than in Europe! Gandy-Price with all other costs for the Color Skopar 35 mm 1:2,5: 195,56 Euro. Price in Germany: 399 Euro!

Kleinkamera
 
kleinkamera said:
Same for me. I ordered via Paypal. He delivered very quickly. The lens arrived in Germany in world-record-time. And even with german taxes and costs for customs it was far cheaper than in Europe! Gandy-Price with all other costs for the Color Skopar 35 mm 1:2,5: 195,56 Euro. Price in Germany: 399 Euro!

Kleinkamera
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I fully agree with you!

Best regards,
Uwe
 
Keep in mind service can be a black hole that sucks up time and money. When you ask how much something costs to fix and can not bring it in for a hands on look under the covers you are asking them to guess. I sent some lenses to DAG and I know it cost him a lot more in time and effort that I was charged.

Stephen might charge more than a local guy, but I've never found is costs out of line with the quality I get back (I've used him for repairs several times).

B2 (;->
 
Stephen is an excellent retailer I agree ... but I am a little uncomfortable with constant accolades to his service via the forum. It's not necessary and I myself would tend to send him a personal email letting him know that I think his service is excellent having received such service.

Sellers are expected to do the right thing by their customers these days and when they don't they deserve to be criticised ... but good service is a 'gimee' as far as I'm concerned and doesn't warrant too much backslapping! 🙂
 
I ordered a bessa R from Stephen last year sometime - was the last black one till the next batch... Paid that day and shipping was only meant to be about a week or something. Waited two weeks, gave him an email and it took ages to get a reply back, but it was something like:

Sold last ones in batch, waiting for new batch.

So waited another week or two, and finally got it. When i did get it, the rangefinder was slightly out. He said before I bought it the rangefinders are all fine and checked now.


Not really a bad experience but I found him to be a little uncommunicative during the period in which I handed over the money and was waiting for what I paid for to come through.
 
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