Rangfinder Newbie CLA recommendations

[smatti]

Hello All,

I am new to the site. I am getting back into film and have found this forum to be such a wonderful resource. You've built a great community!

I recently acquired two new rangefinders. They are in remarkable cosmetic condition, but need help mechanically (shocker!). Shutters gummed, focus tight, etc. Can anyone refer me to their favorite service tech and give me a sense of the cost involved to have the revived?

The cameras are an Olympus 35-s f1.8 and a Ricoh Five-One-Nine (f1.9). I've tried to insert a photo below. Fingers crossed.

All the best and thanks for any/all consideration with regard to my query.

Stu

 

[kshapero]

Welcome aboard. Thanks for joining our family. You have some pretty unique oldie but goodies. I am not really sure who can work on them. Are you east coast or west coast or somewhere in between? Anybody else have an idea?

 

[Ko.Fe.]

Welcome to RFF.
CLA will cost the same or more comparing to purchasing equal cameras in working order.
Some old cameras are easy to CLA by yourself. Google cameras you have, if it will return some results, read them, most of the times it is not so difficult.
To be honest, just call it false start and get something which working if you are into film RFs, not into trying to use something you acquire accidentally.

 

[hipsterdufus]

I would have to disagree with Ko.Fe. Why not restore them and bring them back to life? At least then you'll have some small assurance that the cameras will work for the foreseeable future. You may want to see if you have a local camera repairman in town. My local repairman was far more reasonably than the online guys and did a great job.

Edit: as for price, I had a Canonet QL19 serviced by my tech (Peter's Camera Repair in GR) and he charged $75.

 

[farlymac]

Two very fine examples there, Smatti, and well worth a service. But a little too involved for a beginner (especially that Five-One-Nine), so best to take them to a shop. If you read through the posts here, you'll find references to many repair places or individuals, and may find one near you.

Good luck, and welcome to RFf.

PF

 

[smatti]

Thanks, Everyone.

My inclination is to go ahead and have them serviced. I've seen and handled lots of old Olys and Ricohs, but very few of either of these models. Also, my experience buying used camera equipment that is "Working Great!" has been terrible. You often pay a premium and end up paying to have them serviced regardless. So, to the doctor they will go!

I thought maybe there was a RF wizard somewhere in America that specializes in these little nuggets. However, in lieu of that, we have a few really reputable shops here in PDX that will do just fine. I have an old F2 at one now and will likely just drop these off when I pick up the Nikon.

Thanks again for taking the time to respond with suggestions. I sincerely appreciate the consideration and look forward to exchanging ideas in the future.

All the best,

Stu

 

[jackieman402]

I think you won't be disappointed if you have them repaired. Both are fine cameras; I have the 2.8 version of the Olympus, which I wrote up here.

After they are repaired you know you will be able to trust their operation. To me it's well worth it.

 

[divewizard]

Sayed at Walter's Camera Repairs just did an excellent CLA on my Olympus Wide-S. It works like it was new.
He has done great work for me in the past, fixing my Mamiya 6, Fuji GS645S, and Fed Stereo. He has done great jobs on CLAs on Pentax 6x7 lenses for me as well.

 

[rick oleson]

There is a directory of camera repair services at http://www.acecam.com/srindex.html - it's indexed by location so you can find someone close to home. You don't need a wizard, any repairman who's been around long enough to know what they are will have experience with them.... it's not a difficult job. You could do it yourself if you feel like getting interested in that sort of thing.