Camera/lens servicing.

[fgianni]

I have a couple of items requiring cla, one is a Certo Six camera, works fine but rangefinder patch is very faint, probaly needs new splitter mirror. The other is a Jupiter 9 lens in LTM that seems to focus 1.5-2 inches behind the rangefinder indication (at around the closest focusing distance)
Also I am waiting for an ISKRA2 from Grizzly Bear (e bay) that will probably require some attention.
What is my best option, is there anyone in the UK that can do the job on the cameras and/or the lenses or I need to send them abroad?

Thanks

 

[DaveP]

Highly reccomended: www.okvintagecamera.com

 

[kmack]

Highly reccomended: www.okvintagecamera.com

Second that, Oleg did a Zorki for me, it has become one of my favorite cameras.

 

[fgianni]

What camera are you using the J-9 on? If it is on a Leica or Japanese copy, chances are it is in spec already and must be adjusted for the 51.6mm Leica standard. You can do something to thicken up the cam, by about 0.5mm, to correct the focus. Been there, done that.

The camera is an Epson RD-1 with an adapter.

I'll try to thicken the adapter and see what does happen, thanks for the info.

 

[fgianni]

BTW what is the best way to thicken up the cam/adapter?

 

[Jocko]

I too would always use Oleg, but just for the record there's a former TOE senior engineer who repairs and services Soviet cameras at 32 Ravenstone Road, London, N8 0JT , phone 02083400963. Unfortunately I forget his name, but I've heard good reports of his work.

I would also strongly recommend http://www.Newton-ellis.co.uk/, who do excellent work on many old cameras, including folders and soviet models

 

[fgianni]

I have never sent cameras for repair abroad, how does it work with customs?

I mean if I have make a £20 repair on a £200 camera, I don't want to pay import duty/vat on the £200.

 

[Jocko]

To quote Oleg's website "do not declare value of parcel more than $100!".

Personally I always describe the contents of the package [entirely truthfully] as an "old, broken camera" and put the value at around $5, which seems about right for my busted FEDs or world-weary Zorkis. Obviously one might not want to do this with a valuable camera, but I've not had any trouble with customs or the post.

 

[brians]

Speaking of Oleg, has he been responding to emails lately? I sent a Zorki 6 four weeks ago, yet no reply to emails.

 

[Jocko]

I sent an e-mail to Oleg 11 days ago and heard nothing. Yesterday I e-mailed again and received a reply within 15 minutes - I assume he never got the first message, so perhaps there have been technical problems at his end.