Passing this 'warning' along - no idea if it is legit

[bmattock]

http://cgi.ebay.com/FRAUD-WARNING-R...614923945QQcategoryZ30030QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

So let your own conscience be your guide. The guy who posted this seems awfully earnest, though.

I do not know either the eBoy lister (what a listing, eh?) or the person to whom he is referring. However, I do know that plenty of us (not me, actually) own Leicas and have them serviced from time to time. So here this is, caveat emptor and all that.

Best Regards,

Bill Mattocks

I am sorry to have to bring to your attention that Austin Van Campen, email Austin@rolleiflexrepair.com and of ClassicCameraService@rolleiflexrepair.com is a fraud. He solicites business on ebay and at his website to CLA vintage equipment,esp. Rollei and Leica equipment. In fact, he takes your camera and payment and does not deliver either service,nor camera etc. I am sorry to report that two months ago I sent him a Rollei T for repair and made payment through paypal. Despite repeated email and phone calls, said person has not been in touch. At present, there are law suits pending against him. So, I am out the cost of a good camera and a CLA. One lives and I have other cameras. But be warned that this man is a thief and that paypal will be of no help to you. If you douubt my credibility, please check my feedback. I have been with ebay from its early days and I am considered a reputable dealer. I am listing this notice to others in the belief that we are a community of decent and reputable collectors and must note those whose efforts are disgusting. Thank you for your patience. Jerry

 

[tedwhite]

Thanks for the heads up, Bill. Haven't a Leica, but do have a Rollei.

 

[JimG]

Thanks for the heads up, Bill. Haven't a Leica, but do have a Rollei.

Regarding getting a CLA I send my Spotmatic to "Dean Williams" <deanw@bmi.net based on a recomedation from Ted at least I think was you Ted. Got my Spotmatic back in a week cost $60. I'm happy. JimG

 

[Ergo]

Where does he reside?

 

[bmattock]

Where does he reside?

Classic Camera Service
D. Austin VanCampen
1055 Benson Way #12
Ashland, OR 97520

According to his website.

I want to emphasize that I do not know Mr. VanCampen, and I do not know if the allegations are correct against him. I note merely that the person who did the eBoy listing/warning has a lot of positive feedbacks and does not seem the insane sort. Since so many of us here have CLA's etc, done, I thought it was worth passing along - FYI only. I make no accusations.

Best Regards,

Bill Mattocks

 

[tkluck]

Bit of follow up from
http://cgi.ebay.com/FRAUD-WARNING-R...614923945QQcategoryZ30030QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

from the Questions from other members
---------------------------------------------------------------
Q: Thanks for your listing on Austin Van Campen. In the past, I had several Rolleis CLA'd by him and the only was that it took a lot longer to get the cameras back than he had advertised. I know he had or has Cancer so that may be at the root of it. I have had great results and service from Ross Yerkes and Harry Fleenor both in Los Angeles and I continue to do business with them. Sorry for the loss of your camera. Armand Dion
Apr-30-06
A: Thanks for the email. Armand. I hope other people read your advice!

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Cancer? Hard to say what the whole story is, but like you said "caveat emptor".

I spent a month off and on checking all over the net before I sent two OM bodies out in the mail, to a stranger, in another state, that I didn't know from childhood, for a CLA.
If I had a Leica I'd believe I'd find out who services Queen Elizebeth's. And have my pastor check with a buddy visiting Rome.(Not a bad idea with a German Pope. ) I'd also check here too while I waited for the Palace and the Vatican to get back to me.
It is'nt paranoia if they realy are out to get you.

 

[Ken Ford]

This is why I stick with DAG for Leica repairs and the former Nikon depot here in Chicago for Nikons!