Agfa Isolette II folder CLA & repair source

[jpelg]

I recently came into possession of an Agfa Isolette II in nice shape, albeit with the all-too-common frozen focus ring issue. I am looking for an experienced, reliable repair person to perform a complete overhaul on the lens, focusing system, & shutter, as well as a replacement of the bellows. I am located in the United States, so would prefer someone here.

I've attempted to contact Certo6 twice over the last few weeks via his website messaging page, but have not gotten any response to either of my queries. Rather than post in one of the threads about this gentleman & opening up discussions about him, I'd rather simply put out a call for recommendations of other possible repair sources.

Thank you in advance for any recommendations based on actual repairs to your own cameras.

 

[Godfrey]

I recently came into possession of an Agfa Isolette II in nice shape, albeit with the all-too-common frozen focus ring issue. I am looking for an experienced, reliable repair person to perform a complete overhaul on the lens, focusing system, & shutter, as well as a replacement of the bellows. I am located in the United States, so would prefer someone here.

I've attempted to contact Certo6 twice over the last few weeks via his website messaging page, but have not gotten any response to either of my queries. Rather than post in one of the threads about this gentleman & opening up discussions about him, I'd rather simply put out a call for recommendations of other possible repair sources.

Thank you in advance for any recommendations based on actual repairs to your own cameras.

Try Advance Camera Repair in Portland, ORE

8124 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy
Portland OR 97225

ADVANCE CAMERA REPAIR

Local camera repair shop in Portland, Oregon. We repair cameras from every era and also sell used gear. Established in 1990.

www.advancecamera.com

repair@advancecamera.com
‭(503) 292-6996‬

They've done very good work on my Kodak Retina IIc cameras (three of them, so far) and charged reasonable prices. Nice folks to deal with too.

G

 

[titrisol]

Isolette II is not a complicated camera to service.

The only problem is that you'll (more probably thn not) need a new bellows, make sure that whomever services it replaces it.

 

[KoNickon]

There was a guy in the UK named Sandeha Lynch who crafted new bellows. I don't whether he is still doing these, but I heard his work and materials were top notch.

And don't give up on Juergen (certo6) yet. I hope his lack of a response is not an indication he's unwell.

 

[titrisol]

There was a guy in the UK named Sandeha Lynch who crafted new bellows. I don't whether he is still doing these, but I heard his work and materials were top notch.

And don't give up on Juergen (certo6) yet. I hope his lack of a response is not an indication he's unwell.

Yes, Sandeha is still making them
Perfect fit and easy to DIY as long as your back plate is screwed and not riveted

SL Bellows

www.sandehalynch.com

 

[hap]

I vote for Alex Varas in Spain. Does this kind of work and lots of integrity.

Alex Varas Cameras - Camera Repair Service.

CLA, camera repair service for 35mm, medium and large format. Rolleiflex and Rolleicord repair and overhaul. TLR, folders, leaf shutters.

alexvarascameras.com

 

[wjlapier]

Try Dan Daniels. I had Sandeha make me bellows for a Certo Dolly SS. Dan did the install. Dan is plenty competent on CLAs. Most folks on Photrio agree on his excellent work.

 

[jpelg]

Necro-bumping this thread, as I have recently circled back to the Agfa. I have procured a new replacement bellows from Sandeha Lynch, who was very responsive & helpful in my endeavor, resulting in a new bellows in less than two weeks. Great customer service!

However, my search for a repair techniciain here in the U.S. has not been so fruitful. I never got any responses back from Certo6, and Dan Daniels has not responded to at least two queries on possible repairs - the first using the form on his website, the second via direct email.

At this point, I may reach out to Advance Camera Repair in Oregon (thanks Godfrey). But I'd prefer someone who knows & loves these cameras to give my Isolette the attention to detail it deserves.

Anyone have any othe recommendations here in the states? Or should I reach out to Alex in Spain as my next try?

 

[WoodallP]

Which Isolette II is it; which lens and which shutter? It makes a difference in deciding whether to spend money on repairs. Though in the end a working Isolette is a wonderful camera.

 

[jpelg]

Which Isolette II is it; which lens and which shutter?

The camera has the Agnar 85mm f4.5 lens. Not sure of the shutter...can check when I get home.

 

[jpelg]

Vario shutter

 

[JeffS7444]

I never got any responses back from Certo6,

Certo6 retired some time ago, though he occasionally sells refurbished cameras on *Bay.

Have previously purchased from Alex Veras, would do so again.

 

[titrisol]

Vario shutter

Agnar and Vario is probably the lower end of the Isolette IIs
Talk to Alex and see how much the refurbishment will cost you

 

[Joao]

No personal experience, but I've read that the Isolette bellows can be replaced by the bellows from a Kodak 66 folder. May be worth checking this option.

 

[WoodallP]

No personal experience, but I've read that the Isolette bellows can be replaced by the bellows from a Kodak 66 folder. May be worth checking this option.

I can confirm this, they are good bellows and I have used them in an Isolette. Most 6x6 bellows will work if you can get them out in one piece (I have also used Kershaw ones). Almost all manufacturers used better bellows than Agfa.

However I think the OP already has his bellows.