FSU CLA in European Union

[konicaman]

I am sorry if this question has been asked before, but I could not find anything in my searches.

I am looking for someone who can CLA FSU cameras within the European Union as the Danish Custom Service is rather hard to deal with. Any ideas?

 

[Fabrice2]

You can send it to oleg but he's in Russia, but i don't know how the danish custom work, so it may be taxed when sent back.
There's a french guy called Mael, i think he's sometimes here on this forum.
There's also some guys in UK but i don't know them.
If you can find a way to avoid taxes i would recommand eddy smolov (New York), or Oleg Khalyavin (Russia).Object under $100 are not taxed, but i don't know how things work in Danmark.

 

[JohnTF]

You can also try Skodaphoto in Prague.

Regards, John

 

[konicaman]

Thanks guys. I found the Skoda shop here:
http://www.fotoskoda.cz/
I am just chekcing their prices - I´ll post back on that.
I have heard a lot of good things about Oleg and Eddy but as they are not residents of the EU, it could end up quite expensive using them as the Danish taxes app. doubles the price.

 

[rxmd]

You can also ask Kamera Service Ostkreuz in Berlin. You might have to call them via phone, though (+49 30 2913626), they're not very internet-minded.

 

[Roger Hicks]

This may sound unnecessarily combative or cynical, but why spend good money on overhauling a camera that was of dubious quality to begin with? My first camera repairer (that is, the first I established a personal relationship with and used extensively) pointed out that a true CLA (or in English, strip, clean and overhaul) is an expensive undertaking, and may well cost less for a Leica than for something from the Communist Bloc. The Leica is so much easier and more pleasant to work on, and normally doesn't require replacement of worn or out of spec parts. At least, he charged less...

Cheers,

R.

 

[rxmd]

This may sound unnecessarily combative or cynical, but why spend good money on overhauling a camera that was of dubious quality to begin with?

Any number of reasons. I once sent an oldish Kiev to Kiev for repairs because it had been given to me by a good friend. Whatever.

My first camera repairer (that is, the first I established a personal relationship with and used extensively) pointed out that a true CLA (or in English, strip, clean and overhaul) is an expensive undertaking, and may well cost less for a Leica than for something from the Communist Bloc.

I guess not everybody needs a "true" CLA in the definition of your first camera repairer. Some people just want a professional to open their camera, clean out gunk, lubricate what needs to be lubricated and clean what doesn't, and adjust the rangefinder.

 

[konicaman]

Roger - no offense taken. And I agree with you a long way. However, buying an M3 or M4 would very much appeal to me, but not to my wallet. Having my 1960 Drug camera fixed for say 100$ is more in line with my budget.

And then there is the love for the old crappy cameras - a thing highly irrational, but still... 🙄

 

[rxmd]

If it's a Drug that needs fixing and you find a repairman that actually does it, please post it here. As they were made in low numbers, many repairpeople including Oleg won't touch them anymore because they can't get parts for some of the more exotic components (such as the chain in the winder mechanism in the bottom).

 

[konicaman]

Fotoskoda hasn't replied to my emails, so I took my chances and send it Yuri - keeping my fingers crossed...I also have a Kiev that needs a little loving care - I will try the guys in Berlin on that one.