Fixed Lens Walz / repair needed

[@Stake]

I posted this in the repair forum but didn't get much response so I thought I would try over here.

This is a Fixed Lens RF ... it has a leaf shutter and uses the EV system (coupled shutter and aperture settings)

It's a Walz Envoy 35. I have a good, working one but the slow speeds are off and the focus is stiff. I'm trying to find a repair person who could CLA and hopefully lossen up the focus, correct the shutter speeds and calibrate the rangefinder (although the rangefinder is probably okay).

Any recommendations?

Cheers,
Phil

 

[KoNickon]

Essex Camera in NJ fixed mine (camera was jammed) maybe 2-3 years ago; cost under $100.

 

[@Stake]

Thanks, Nick! ... I sent them an inquiry.

 

[JMQ]

Let us know if Essex replies. There was a thread here a few days ago, and it looks like Essex closed down after Hurricane Sandy wrecked havoc. Thanks.

 

[@Stake]

If I hear back, I'll let you know.

 

[farlymac]

Try these places.

http://www.northwestcamerarepair.com/

http://www.tccamerarepair.com/

http://www.camerarepairservice.com/index.htm

http://www.baldmtn.com/

PF

 

[@Stake]

Thanks, Farly ... I had sent inquiries to a couple of those places but the place in Pittsburgh looks promising, sent them a note this morning.

Really appreciate all the suggestions. Hopefully something works out. I really love using this camera!

Cheers,
Phil

 

[@Stake]

Farly, do you have personal experience with camerarepairservice?

I did get a quick response from David at Camera Repair Service ( www.camerarepairservice.com ) ... he said $15 for an estimate and $10 for return shipping. That sounded okay. But I took a look at Yelp reviews of the place, and they are quite less than stellar.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/camera-repair-service-inc-pittsburgh

Does anybody have personal experience with Camera Repair Service in Pittsburgh? ... this is a pretty unique camera so I really don't want hacks going at it, nor dishonest business people. The quickness of his response made me wonder if they even considered the job before they agreed they could do it, if that makes sense.

I'm sure some of you must understand not wanting to give your camera to just anybody...

 

[farlymac]

I fix my own cameras, but have at least one that I will send out for an overhaul. But the guy that works on those is the only one in US that specializes in them. Other than that, I only have a bunch of links I save from posts where folks have recommended someone, or found them in a search for something else. I did fire off a message to Mr. Kovaks on your behalf, but haven't heard back yet. My only advice is to peruse the posts on RFf for good references to repair shops. But a Walz Envoy 35 shouldn't be all that difficult for any competent shop to handle, unless they don't have parts. But it just sounds like yours needs a cleaning, not repairs.

PF

 

[@Stake]

Thanks, Farly,

I spoke with a gentleman yesterday who's not too far way, in Kansas City, who is familiar with the Envoy 35 and has worked on a few of them. I'm going through there next week and plan to stop by. Seems like a really nice guy and an experienced tech, who's very competent. If that turns out to be the case, I will post up here with more info.

Appreciate your sending a note to Mr. Kovaks. Please do let me know if you hear back.

Cheers,
Phil

 

[@Stake]

I never heard back from Essex ... maybe they did get displaced by the flood? I hope not.

The gentleman in Kansas City did a wonderful job. Got my camera back last week. It works beautifully and looks that way, too. First roll of film is in the camera.

 

[farlymac]

Good to hear, awaiting results.

PF

 

[@Stake]

Here are a few quick, iPhone photos of the camera. It was pretty clean before I sent it but it's very clean now. And really just a pleasure to use, I might add.

 

[farlymac]

Looks like an Aries.

PF

 

[@Stake]

Yes, I'm told it has much in common with the Aries Viscount. The gentleman who CLA'd it also specializes in the Aries cameras. This one has a slightly different lens. It's tack sharp — comparable to my Zeiss Sonnar 5cm/2. The Aries, I believe, is also very sharp and focuses close — 20 cm. This one is more normal, something like 55cm close focus.

Here are some sample photos. The first one is Tri-X pushed two stops. F5.6. The other two are Tmax 100. One is closed down all the way; the other is wide open.

 

[KoNickon]

So, following up on this -- can you provide more info on the guy in Kansas City? Thanks. I think we're always interested in knowing more about good experienced repairers.