DAG Vs. Essex Camera repair in NJ, which one is better

[Platinum RF]

Does anyone have use both services? which one is better in service quality? DAG turn around time is terrible, Essex is much better. Any idea? thanks

 

[Pickett Wilson]

I don't have any experience with DAG, but I've had several cameras tended to by Essex. They did a good job with an excellent turn-around time.

 

[peter_n]

I've used both and both are good. So is Steve Choi in LA. One of the reasons Don Goldberg takes so long is that he does a lot of testing, he once CLA'd a Noctilux for me and used 3 separate (short) rolls of film in his adjustment testing. It all takes time. I would send new items for adjustment/repair to any of the three I've used in the past without hesitation, but would send to DAG only if I could afford to be without the piece for several months.

 

[raid]

If I have a lens that is worth a lot to me, I will send it to Don Goldberg. He will give it extra attention, as mentioned above.

 

[George S.]

They're both good choices as testified to here at RFF, there's no reason not to send to either. I've used Essex a few times and found them to be polite, honest, fair priced with great turn-around times. I have the luxury of being able to walk something in to them, and they always take the time to give it a quick but thorough look to give me a better idea of what has to be done before I leave it. They've done an adjustment on the spot and handed it back to me with no charge. Lens CLA turn around has been as short as 48hrs for me there.

 

[msadat]

steve choi contact info please

steve choi contact info please

TIA, mehrdad

I've used both and both are good. So is Steve Choi in LA. One of the reasons Don Goldberg takes so long is that he does a lot of testing, he once CLA'd a Noctilux for me and used 3 separate (short) rolls of film in his adjustment testing. It all takes time. I would send new items for adjustment/repair to any of the three I've used in the past without hesitation, but would send to DAG only if I could afford to be without the piece for several months.

 

[peter_n]

Phone number, email etc. are on their web site:

http://www.stevecamera.com/

 

[kermaier]

I've used both, with good results.

Essex tends to be a bit more expensive than DAG, but I'm able to go to them physically, so I save on shipping costs. They are very polite and honest. They once didn't charge me for cleaning fungus off a lens element because they were not satisfied with the result -- they thought they could do better, but were not able to. Occasionally there's a communication problem -- once or twice an item sat with them for a week, not being worked on, because they didn't understand that I'd authorized them to go ahead with the repair after they'd given me the estimate. I'm happy to recommend them, especially for Japanese equipment.

Don Goldberg quotes very reasonable fees, and his turnaround time (2 weeks, usually) is good enough for me in most cases. He's invariably done good work on my lenses, and I have no problems recommending him.

::Ari

 

[wjlapier]

I've used both and both are good. So is Steve Choi in LA. One of the reasons Don Goldberg takes so long is that he does a lot of testing, he once CLA'd a Noctilux for me and used 3 separate (short) rolls of film in his adjustment testing. It all takes time. I would send new items for adjustment/repair to any of the three I've used in the past without hesitation, but would send to DAG only if I could afford to be without the piece for several months.

This is good to know. DAG has my Canon 50/.95 and he is going to convert it to M mount using a Visoflex III mount. I wasn't in a hurry, so it's been with him for a little while. Pleasant communication. Should have the lens the end of this month.

And if you don't know, he has a webpage that has parts for sale and are reasonably priced.

 

[Tuolumne]

I always take mine to Essex because they are a short drive from me. They've always done a good job. If having alot of work makes you more comfortable with a place, Essex's shelves are always cram jammed full of cameras (mostly Leicas) awaiting repair.

/T

 

[jmcd]

Essex repaired a Canon P for me that went into the shop with a slightly cloudy viewfinder and with sticky slow speeds—it came back working smoothly and looking great. The turnaround was very fast, and the communication polite and to a business minimum. Six months later the camera still works perfectly.

 

[1dave]

Does anyone have the weblinks for DAG and Essex?
Thanks

 

[peter_n]

Both are on the first returned page of a Google search for each name.

 

[ferider]

I can recommend Steve as well.