cameraworks-uk.com experience / recommendations?

[SimonPJ]

I've just come across cameraworks-uk.com via a recent posting here about a restored IIIf.

In the past I have only used Malcolm Taylor and CRR Luton for repairs, and turn around times with both can be rather long.

Interested in your experiences with cameraworks-uk.com

Thanks,

Simon

 

[splitimageview]

Alan and James have painted and serviced several Ms and Barnacks for me, lead times have never been a priority for me as they offer services that no one else can do. That said, they’ve done complete restorations with full paint work faster than other techs have returned regular CLAs. Highly recommended.

 

[SimonPJ]

Alan and James have painted and serviced several Ms and Barnacks for me, lead times have never been a priority for me as they offer services that no one else can do. That said, they’ve done complete restorations with full paint work faster than other techs have returned regular CLAs. Highly recommended.

That's great to know. Thanks.

 

[Mr_Flibble]

Last year they've painted and rebuilt a Leica IIIc-sync conversion for me, including the installation of new red curtains.

It was in their work backlog for a while, but once work commenced it was done fairly quickly and I received updates with photos on important steps in the process.

Highly recommended +1

 

[johannielscom]

Had Alan and James do a CLA on my black Leica II to IIIa-syn conversion and they even took the time to make the 1/1000th speed spot-on.

The Leica II has a 1/500th top speed and with the factory upgrade to a IIIa comes a 1/1000th shutter speed button that actually is still 1/500th. But they took a minute amount of metal off the shutter latches (!) so that the whole shutter could be fine tuned to actually give 1/1000th at the selected speed.

Like Rick says, it took a little while to get going from the work backlog but it went quick once it started and I was informed on all work being done in a very complete and timely manner.

The camera wasn't repainted but I've seen their repainting work online and it's marvellous. They showed an M3 with 50mm Summicron repainted to black and it looked factory new and original, a real stunner.


Wholeheartedly recommend them, I will be sending them my early-production Leica II soon, somewhere next month I reckon. This just has a 500th top speed, should be less troublesome for them 🙂

 

[Greyscale]

Alan did a wonderful restoration of a Nagel Pupille for me, and he doesn’t even work on Nagels. I will be sending him my Leica II in the spring.

 

[sepiareverb]

They seem pretty swamped of late. They’ve had a lens of mine in for a CLA and paint for several months, and heard back over the weekend that they can’t get it open to do the paint. Fixed the ding in the threads and replaced my cap for free, waiting on the post now.

 

[splitimageview]

Email communication is good, too, in my experience.

They also have new frameline masks for M2 and M3; my M2 received one. They can even install titanium shutter curtains...

They are currently finishing up this IIIf that the OP mentioned.

IIIf red dial self timer, SBOOI, Canon 50/1.5

Work in progress, will have a hugostudio.com covering soon.

 

[Mr_Flibble]

That matching black trim lens is gorgeous. Wonderful set.

This is what Alan did to my IIIc

 

[splitimageview]

Very nice!

Alan restored the red curtains in my IIIc also.

 

[megido]

"They also have new frameline masks for M2 and M3; my M2 received one"

Interesting, was there a marked improvement over the original? If so, in what respect?

 

[splitimageview]

more on that in this thread, and here

 

[megido]

more on that in this thread, and here

Thank you!

 

[brbo]

Anyone have experience with Cameraworks-UK paint jobs and can share some thoughts?

I have sent my M2 for a repaint a couple of months ago and while waiting I have to decide which type of black paint (not DuraCoat) I want. They have a more glossy type of paint (type 1) and the version that has a more satin sheen (type 2).

Type 2 being more durable seems to be an obvious choice. The only black paint Leicas I've held so far are modern M 8.2 and MP and if type 2 repaint is close to them in looks and feel I guess I would be really happy with it.

Anyone that can share some experience with the repaints and which type of paint they chose (and why)? Thanks!

 

[Jake06]

I have sent my M2 for a repaint a couple of months ago and while waiting I have to decide which type of black paint (not DuraCoat) I want. They have a more glossy type of paint (type 1) and the version that has a more satin sheen (type 2).

Did you decide yet? I'm looking to send a lens in for repairs and debating whether to ask for a repaint at the same time.

 

[brbo]

I've decided on glossy black paint.

But it's been 4 months now and not a word from them yet. So I guess my M2 in not anywhere near the point where they need my input...

 

[Ricoh]

I decided to send my M6 for a CLA in July based on recommendations received, but as alluded earlier CameraWorks-UK seem to be somewhat swamped by the number of cameras being sent to them from around the word. Currently the quoted turn-around is 3 months, so hopefuuly the wait for my CLA'd M6 won't be much longer.

 

[Jake06]

Hmm I sent them an email about my lens a couple of days ago and I haven't heard back from them yet... looks like this might be a slow process.

 

[Ricoh]

I remember reading on their web page that they would rather spend their time fixing cameras (and lenses) than answer emails.
I'm sure they do a great job, so worth the wait I guess.

 

[DanskDynamit]

They are good but I think they lack of attention to details. I had to return my camera to their hands to finish the job.