Does Essex Camera Service still exist?

[davidphillip]

Hi all,
I'm new to the forum, but not to Contax (I bought two IIas in 1970, and used them for years). I currently have two bodies which have totally jammed shutters; I've tried to contact Essex Camera Service both by phone and email. No response. Does anyone know if they are still in business?
Thank you!
davidphillip

 

[Mackinaw]

I read on another forum they were wiped out by Hurricane Sandy.

Jim B.

 

[oftheherd]

Hi all,
I'm new to the forum, but not to Contax (I bought two IIas in 1970, and used them for years). I currently have two bodies which have totally jammed shutters; I've tried to contact Essex Camera Service both by phone and email. No response. Does anyone know if they are still in business?
Thank you!
davidphillip

First, welcome to RFF. You might want to go to the members only forum and introduce yourself, but it isn't necessary, just considered courteous.

You might want to check this thread, http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=125068 for more information on Essex as well as other places that might be available to do the work you want.

 

[mwoenv]

Some more information:

http://photo.net/classic-cameras-forum/00bBYc?start=0

 

[davidphillip]

Thank you all for the responses - it's quite sad. There aren't that many competent repair shops out there....

 

[Gumby]

Fortunately there are still a few left. Just one less now than before.

 

[MrFujicaman]

They just sent me back my Lecia a week or two back-I'd figure they are still there.

 

[roboflick]

They just sent me back my Lecia a week or two back-I'd figure they are still there.

I got a Nikon s2 back from them a couple weeks ago it hadn't been touched. UPS confirmed they were out of business

Nik

 

[MrFujicaman]

I just called the main #-got a message that the voice mail box is full ?

Fax # has a recording that the # is out of service

Sent an email-I'll see if I get a reply or if it gets bounced.

 

[dreilly]

Nuts! Essex was great. Hope they reincarnate somewhere nearby soon.

 

[t.s.k.]

Nuts indeed.
I bet there were/are some unique gems in their parts inventory.
Hopefully they were able to salvage it.
IMO, obsolete parts are darn near priceless.

 

[farlymac]

Their web site is still up and running. I didn't try any features, since everyone says the e-mail just gets kicked back. But there is no mention of being down due to the storm damage. Maybe just an oversight, or hopefull wishing they will be back in business someday.

PF

 

[Rob-F]

Check the link given above. Or, here it is, again:

http://photo.net/classic-cameras-forum/00bBYc

Apparently they have moved up to the second floor, and are still in operation. Communication may be slow for a while.

 

[Mackinaw]

Where did you read they're still in operation? The note from Mr. Szabo on January 3rd is rather bleak.

Jim B.

 

[Rob-F]

Hmm. Other online sources say they have moved to another location. We'll see.

 

[peter_n]

Very sad to hear of this. They've done great work for me.

 

[Nokton48]

Also very sad to hear of this. Hope they are back soon. They just returned my Minolta XK recently and it is now flawless. I could not find anybody else that would touch it.

 

[Godfrey]

That's a serious loss to the photo community in the USA. Essex Camera did good repair work and often on equipment that no one else will handle anymore.

I hope they can get re-started, and that no lives were lost. That kind of expertise is fast disappearing, and lovers of older cameras like me (half of my favorite cameras date from before 1980) mourn every one of these shops that closes its doors.

Godfrey

 

[Jersey Jim]

I picked up a camera at Essex on November 29. The storm wiped out their shop on the first floor, but they moved upstairs. Mr. Kim said they has lost "many cameras" in the flood. On the day I visited there were three technicians working on cameras.

 

[ray*j*gun]

Same same........great work from Essex for years. I hope they find a way back.