Nikon rangefinder CLA service in EU?

[Rogier]

I am thinking of buying a Nikon rangefinder.
Any tips about what to look for and avoid on Ebay and other online marketplaces?

Also I am looking for a well qualified technician in Europe to who I am send the camera for service and eventual repair if needed.

 

[MNS]

I'd be very wary about such a camera on eBay.

Depending on your budget and I don't know what the import charges are from the UK, Grays of Westminster in London or outside of that is Bellamy Hunt in Tokyo, Japan. He run's the JCH shop in Japan and many of the cameras are CLD'd before sale but again there's the import charges to consider. Somewhere else to try is kamerastore in Finland. They again service all their stock before sale.

Your in the Netherlands, surely there's a specialist Nikon repair in Holland?

 

[Rogier]

Thanks for the advice! Sure there are Nikon repair persons but who can work on such vintage camera's?

 

[MNS]

From what I can see there is only a few film camera repair specialists in the Netherlands.

Might be worth sending an email this one and what their advice is.

Amsterdam Camera Repairs

 

[Jochen]

My Nikon S2 came from a japanese seller and the lens from another one. Both in perfect condition. But I recomend to buy only cameras that are discribed as "mint". "near mint" ist already faulty and "excellent++++" is not usable.

 

[splitimageview]

I suggest looking at offerings here on RFF, there is an SP currently listed. And also joining the Nikon Historical Society here, you won’t find better condition cameras than those owned by collectors in that group.

 

[MNS]

joining the Nikon Historical Society

That would probably be a better option Rogier

 

[Valkir1987]

Some major parts of the Leica based shutter in Nikon cameras are fitted with pins under tension, instead of screws. This makes service and disassembly difficult, and it requires special tools for reassembly as well. You need a repairshop that has experience on this point.
This is point that can be discussed, whether all the parts need to be fully disassembled cleaned and lubricated or parts can be cleaned and lubricated without disassembling them completely. Nikon rangefinders used animal based lubricants in the past (just like Leica) and I would prefer the first method when possible.

 

[Out to Lunch]

I'd definitively not buy these cameras on eBay. Re. CLA/repair options, you'll find a number of German Nikon rangefinder enthusiasts on YouTube. I'd ask them.