Nikon CLA - If I need one who...

[ch1]

Hi,

Chance to help a "newbie".

First off, what the heck does CLA mean?

I realize from context of postings here on RFF that it is some level of overhaul of a vintage RF - but just what do the letters "stand for" etc.?

More importantly, who in the US does top-quality CLA work on Nikon RFs? And, what should I expect in getting back the CLA'd camera? Near mint?

Finally, what is a "reasonable" price for a CLA on a camera that seems to be in very fine condition? And if not????

Thanks,
George
copake_ham

 

[VinceC]

It stands for "clean, lubricate, adjust," or so I think.

Stephen Gandy used to offer this service on his www.cameraquest.com site, but last time I looked he wasn't really encouraging people to use his services (I think he outsources his work to reputable repairmen).

Nikon RFs are easy cameras to work on for a qualified repairman. But it's been so long since I've had a CLA that I'm not able to recommend a shop.

You need a CLA if: Your rangefinder patch is hard to see; your shutter speeds are off or sticky or create uneven exposures; you have light-leaks around the shutter; focusing is stiff.

 

[Dan Chang]

Try contact DAG, he do NikonRF too

 

[Sonnar Brian]

Does your camera have specific problems?

If the RF spot is dim, chances are the prisms have desilvered and need to be redone. That can run the repair cost up. If the finder is "just hazy", a CLA will fix it up. If the focus is "rough" or "dry", a CLA will fix it up. Never use oil or lubricants on it. I "helped-out" a couple of mine by putting the camera on "T" and using Ronsonol (lighter fluid) to "flood clean" the helical. Squirt some in, work the helical, sop it up with a Q-tip.

If the shutter is off, light leaks, etc, expect a standard CLA to return it to perfect order.

 

[CameraQuest]

Vince,
I don't know where you got the idea I wasn't encouraging repairs. As explained on mysite, I use techs who specialize in a particular type of camera. CLA's on Nikon Rangefinders run $175 + 20 Fed Ex return. the turnaround is 3 to 4 weeks after receipt. Nikon F curtains can be used as replacements in the S3, SP and S4, but curtain replacements are only available from parts cameras on the S2 and earlier cameras. As the S2 and later cameras use gold coating in the prisms, they can not be resilvered. As a rule classic Nikon rangefinders are much more reliable than Leicas. Leave a Leica sitting in a camera bag for twenty years, you can be sure it will need a CLA and maybe curtains. Do the same to a Nikon rangefinder, and you have a 60% chance you can just go out shooting.

Stephen

 

[ch1]

Vince,
I don't know where you got the idea I wasn't encouraging repairs. As explained on mysite, I use techs who specialize in a particular type of camera. CLA's on Nikon Rangefinders run $175 + 20 Fed Ex return. the turnaround is 3 to 4 weeks after receipt. Nikon F curtains can be used as replacements in the S3, SP and S4, but curtain replacements are only available from parts cameras on the S2 and earlier cameras. As the S2 and later cameras use gold coating in the prisms, they can not be resilvered. As a rule classic Nikon rangefinders are much more reliable than Leicas. Leave a Leica sitting in a camera bag for twenty years, you can be sure it will need a CLA and maybe curtains. Do the same to a Nikon rangefinder, and you have a 60% chance you can just go out shooting.

Stephen

Stephen,

Thanks for coming into this. Based on what I've read here, I do not think my S2 needs a CLA - it seems to be working fine and the RF finder is good. It was more a query for possible future reference and because I see so many recommendations to others on various threads here.

BTW: after obtaining my S2 I recently purchased from you a R2S body with a 25mm lens. The lens included that very convenient "knurly knob" to attach to the focusing ring.

Can I get these "knurlies" separately either from you, or if not, from some other source you are aware of? I'd like to put them on my Nikkor 5.0cm and 13.5cm lenses.

George

 

[VinceC]

>>I don't know where you got the idea I wasn't encouraging repairs. <<

Stephen,
I stand corrected and apologize for any confusion.

(Now if only someone could think of a way to re-gold a Nikon RF mirror.)

 

[Vickko]

My favourite Nikon CLA person is Pete Smith:
FOTOCAMERA REPAIR INC.
3095 SO. MILITARY TRAIL #16,
SILVER OAKS PLAZA,
LAKE WORTH FL.33463
561-433-8434