cameraworks-uk.com experience / recommendations?

[Ste_S]

I have been looking around for a repairer in the UK recently.

I found these. None are endorsed by me as I haven't used any of them. But some may be worth investigating. Has anyone here used Aperture? Their offer is tempting.


Aperture offer a 'rapid turnaround, usually within a week'.

https://apertureuk.com/camera-repairs-london/

Classic Camera say 4-6 weeks, possibly longer depending on part availability and workload.

https://theclassiccamera.com/repairs-servicing/

The Real Camera Co offer repairs though anything specialist will probably get sent away

https://realcamera.co.uk/repair/


Otherwise it's Cameraworks, Newton Ellis or CRR .

I’ve not used Aperture for repairs, but have bought stuff from them. They’re knowledgeable and a pleasure to deal with. They’re also doing more to keep film alive in London then most (sales, repairs and developing). Prices are slightly higher, but very reasonable for the location.

 

[SimonPJ]

Correct, this was the last one. I suppose they could change their minds later, it's just they are so swamped with work as it is...in the meantime there are other repair depots who will work on them.

Who will work on M5s?

The last time I had work done on an M5 it was by Sherry Krauter in the US. I see she still has a website, so maybe she is still working.

 

[splitimageview]

DAG, Sherry Krauter, possibly Gus Lazzari, possibly Leica. Someone posted recently (can't remember if it was on this forum or not) that they sent their M5 to Leica USA and they sent it to Germany where it was repaired.

It depends on what has failed, too; some M5 specific parts are no longer available. But that applies pretty much just to the meter, everything else is repairable and usable without a meter.

 

[Mackinaw]

Kanto Camera in Japan may repair the M5. Many of their repair techs are Leica trained.

Jim b.

 

[splitimageview]

I would not be surprised if they service M5s.

 

[DLox]

Another vote recommendation for Alan Starkie.
I sent a Leica 3f. to him in May 2019.
I spoke to him about 3 weeks ago. He is snowed under with work.
I felt that I was delaying his work, he can end his day at 11.00 p.m.
My camera was back with me on Monday (yesterday).
It is in superb condition, it even feels better.
His rangefinder modification is quite something to use.
If anyone else is as good they too will be snowed under.
Hang-on in there.

D.Lox.

 

[bgetty]

re: sherry krauter -- she's definitely still working. i just received my M4-P back from her mid-february. she quoted me a 4-week turnaround and had it on my doorstep in 3.

excellent work, fair price, and *much* faster than i was expecting.

 

[splitimageview]

Another vote recommendation for Alan Starkie.
I sent a Leica 3f. to him in May 2019.
I spoke to him about 3 weeks ago. He is snowed under with work.
I felt that I was delaying his work, he can end his day at 11.00 p.m.
My camera was back with me on Monday (yesterday).
It is in superb condition, it even feels better.
His rangefinder modification is quite something to use.
If anyone else is as good they too will be snowed under.
Hang-on in there.

D.Lox.

Congrats!

Which rangefinder mod did you get?

 

[VictorM.]

I just wrote a description of my experience, but the site logged me out and the post is lost.

Edit: Thanks, Doug. I seem to have developed the bad habit of skipping that step.

 

[Doug]

I just wrote a description of my experience, but the site logged me out and the post is lost.

Make sure to check the box labeled "remember me" when logging in!

 

[Brian Atherton]

I just wrote a description of my experience, but the site logged me out and the post is lost.

Use an external text/word program for your extended pieces: I use a MacBook, so use TextEdit.

When you're ready to post on RFF, copy your piece and paste.

 

[Ricoh]

My guess is that more and more will be sending their Leicas to Alan whilst waiting for the scientists to develop a vaccine. Turn around likely to be about the same, vaccine and repaired / CLAd camera.

 

[haempe]

Just a hint if you waiting for email reply... Check your spam folder.
Thunderbird put the mail from cameraworks-uk in my spam folder, don't know why.

 

[VictorM.]

My experience: Sent my M2 to Cameraworks on 9May19. It was in good shape except the first curtain had pinholes. Email repair ticket received 18May19. The next email arrived 9Mar20, saying my M2 'is on the bench.' Emailed invoice arrived 10Mar20, paid within minutes by paypal. Shipping notice received 14Mar20. Camera back in my hands, in Toronto, on 19Mar20. A copy of the work order and guarantee included. Camera works perfectly, the first curtain now looks factory fresh. I haven't put film through it yet. It took ten months. The cost was a bit higher than I had expected due to currency fluctuations over those ten months.

Despite the long wait time and lack of communication, I would recommend cameraworks. But don't expect your camera to be repaired in a few weeks.

Unfortunately, it was returned via UPS. I saw the truck and met the driver at my front door, otherwise he was going to leave it outside the door! I didn't have to pay any extra charges at the door but I suspect an invoice for customs clearance, etc. will arrive in the mail.