FYI-"new" repair guy in Seoul

[Bill58]

Several weeks ago I lamented that my favorite repair guy was going out of business. Fortunately, thru a series of lucky circumstances, I've found a new guy and he's a gem. His name is Mr. Kim and he's newly-located in the heavenly, old camera shop- rich area of Chunmurro sta. His shop is upstairs in a Black/ White film processing lab (also maybe the best in Korea) and his phone number is 011-9091-1192.

He's a real nice, cheerful guy, and an Aussie I met in the shop said he repairs many of the local Leica club members' cameras. He did a CLA and beamsplitter switchout w/ a GTN for $50 and a Leotax CLA for $100 for me. Both were superbly done.

Brought to y'all as a public service.

 

[jonmanjiro]

> His name is Mr. Kim

Hmmmm, lets see now .... about 50% of the population has the surname "Kim". He shouldn't be too hard to track down then 😉 Just kidding 🙂 Glad you found a new repair guy!

P.S. I love your avatar 😀

 

[Bill58]

Actually it's about 60% and pronounced "Gim" (I think). Thanks for the comment about my avatar. Those M-B folks really make a nice "chassis." I shot that about 3 yrs ago at the big auto show. Many Koreans (including grown men) who see it are embarassed. This is a very conservative culture.

> His name is Mr. Kim

Hmmmm, lets see now .... about 50% of the population has the surname "Kim". He shouldn't be too hard to track down then 😉 Just kidding 🙂 Glad you found a new repair guy!

P.S. I love your avatar 😀

 

[bennyng]

Thanks for the heads up. Since there are foreigners in his shop, I suppose Mr. Kim speaks English as well? If so, that'll be great!

Cheers,

 

[Bill58]

You'd be better off w/ a translator, but he knows/ speaks some English camera terminology. For example, a CLA is an "overhaul."

The other foreigner in his shop at ttime was an Aussie who speaks a little broken Korean.

'Glad to be of some help in this mysterious country.

Thanks for the heads up. Since there are foreigners in his shop, I suppose Mr. Kim speaks English as well? If so, that'll be great!

Cheers,

 

[mike kim]

Thanks for the data. I can't wait to got back to Seoul... it's one of the most interesting cities I've ever visited.

(and yes, my surname is Kim too).

 

[Bill58]

Mike:

Yes-Seoul is quite interesting and mysterious at the same time to foreigners. I just found out he has an associate who can professionally paint a Leica or clone for only $300!

I'm happy to help.

Bill

 

[oftheherd]

Actually it's about 60% and pronounced "Gim" (I think). Thanks for the comment about my avatar. Those M-B folks really make a nice "chassis." I shot that about 3 yrs ago at the big auto show. Many Koreans (including grown men) who see it are embarassed. This is a very conservative culture.

You know, when I was there, a total of 7 1/2 years in the 70s and 80s, I would have agreed on the conservatism. Watching the Korean TV now, I am not so sure. 🙄

Good to hear you have found another good repair person. The first time I was in Korea I used to enjoy looking for old cameras in the many camera stores. I expect now an "old" camera would be from the 70s.

 

[mr. matt]

Thanks for the info Bill.

I've been in and out of Seoul for a year now - interesting city for sure.

I was wondering if he could do a RD-1s rangefinder/focus patch adjustment for me.
Anyone know what the ball park price is for just an adjustment?

Could you also give me directions to get there?

Thanks.

 

[Bill58]

Matt:

RD-1 adjustment? Wow. I doubt it, but you could try. Servicing one of those here is the No. 1 reason I never got one.

As you know, there are no street names nor bldg. addresses in Korea, so all the locals use their cell phone to "vector in" to a bldg. It would be best to have a Korean call him to get directions OR you can call me around 12:30 PM this coming Friday and we can meet nearby therafter and go to his shop together. My cell phone number is 010-4282-5150. BTW--I'll have an amatuer "translator" w/ me.

Bill