SL66 Bite the bullet?

mpaniagua

mpaniagua

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Probable rant warning.

Last December I send my SL66 to fix after I accidentally dropped the camera (well, carrying bag strap unlatched and the whole bag was dropped). Camera shutter disengaged and camera was not working. Fix cost was $781.29. Agreed on fixing since got about 6 lenses that are great.

After about 4 months I get the camera and tried to run a test roll, which couldn't be finished since camera shutter disengaged on mid roll. Send a mail to tech and said sorry, please send it back to check. After I send back camera, tech said that camera was Impacted and that it voided warranty. Also camera need curtain replaced. Total cost would be $776 dlls. Camera was not dropped this time, was packed securely on shipping so I suppose he may be mistaking impact sign from last time. Also, if I decide not to fix, tech is charging $40dlls FOR CHECKING PREVIOUS WORK FAIL as well as $40 for s/h.

So far, for getting camera fixed, it all add to $1637.29.



Well, sorry for the boring story so far. Now, question:

a) Do it make sense to pay the additional $776 dlls for getting camera, summing a totatl of $1637.29? Even though I'm not sure tech will stand for its jobs next time (since he didn't honor warranty for last time job)?

b) Bite the bullet and move out of SL66, sell camera as non working, all lens and accessory probably to Hasselblad or Bronica SQ?


On last note, I have a Bronica ETRS system (2 bodies, 3 lens and several backs) that I'm comfortable for 6x4.5. How does Bronica SQ lens compare to other 6x6 systems lens?


So, what would you guys do? Pay to fix? Move out to other system?

Regards

Marcelo
 
You have six excellent lenses for the SL66. This is a bummer that this service person gives you very bad services. Could you contact his boss, or some high ranking manager to complain about the no-service service?
 
mpaniagua said:
Probable rant warning.

Last December I send my SL66 to fix after I accidentally dropped the camera (well, carrying bag strap unlatched and the whole bag was dropped). Camera shutter disengaged and camera was not working. Fix cost was $781.29. Agreed on fixing since got about 6 lenses that are great.

After about 4 months I get the camera and tried to run a test roll, which couldn't be finished since camera shutter disengaged on mid roll. Send a mail to tech and said sorry, please send it back to check. After I send back camera, tech said that camera was Impacted and that it voided warranty. Also camera need curtain replaced. Total cost would be $776 dlls. Camera was not dropped this time, was packed securely on shipping so I suppose he may be mistaking impact sign from last time. Also, if I decide not to fix, tech is charging $40dlls FOR CHECKING PREVIOUS WORK FAIL as well as $40 for s/h.

So far, for getting camera fixed, it all add to $1637.29.



Well, sorry for the boring story so far. Now, question:

a) Do it make sense to pay the additional $776 dlls for getting camera, summing a totatl of $1637.29? Even though I'm not sure tech will stand for its jobs next time (since he didn't honor warranty for last time job)?

b) Bite the bullet and move out of SL66, sell camera as non working, all lens and accessory probably to Hasselblad or Bronica SQ?


On last note, I have a Bronica ETRS system (2 bodies, 3 lens and several backs) that I'm comfortable for 6x4.5. How does Bronica SQ lens compare to other 6x6 systems lens?


So, what would you guys do? Pay to fix? Move out to other system?

Regards

Marcelo
Click to expand...
Do you like the establishment? Enough to give them a donation of $776? Because having paid them once for a repair that didn't succeed, and then have them deny all responsibility for the quality of their work—a donation is what you would be making to them. Why on earth would you expect them to be any better, if a second repair attempt is not successful?

At this point I'd be taking my chances with another body that's not been dropped. I've seen a gorgeous SL66 that took a bad fall. It was written off. I think you have less to lose. But argue a partial refund for the work already done, anyway. What did you get for your money? And what have you got to lose?
 
Not getting any kind of refund for previous repair. Tech keep saying "Impact damage voids the warranty." even through there was no second impact damage. Probably there is something that was not fixed the first time. Unfortunately tech I'm talking with is the manager/owner so no luck on contact someone higher. Like I said, bite the bullet.

Raid, agree about lens. In fact, that is the only reason I paid the first repair. SL66 40mm,50mm, 80mm,80 with Leaf shutter, 105mm and 150mm are excellent and may worth getting another body.

For my 6x6 need got a Rolleiflex 3.5f and a Kiev 88 3 lens kit that works like a charm (although lens are not on the same level of Carl Zeiss glasses) so no big hurry.

Thanks for keeping up with my rant and counsel.

Regards
Marcelo
 
Emile de Leon said:
Charge back the MC/Visa card if its not too late..as they wont honor their "repair"..
Find another repairman..and/or get another body..
Click to expand...

Charge was made on December/January so no good. Getting another body seems like the way to go. Just hope it doesn't need a repair or I'm back to square one 😉

Thanks

Marcelo
 
The first thing I would do is pay the extortion/blackmail fee to get the camera back, and at the same time firmly mention that you would be filing a claim for a charge back on the original work (assuming that you paid with a credit card or paypal). I would also tell the tech that you would be posting your experiences on every photography website known to man, woman and child.

You could do us all a favor by saying who it is too. Where I come from, your tech is called a low life, lying dog of a thief. Myself, I would also throw that in while talking to him, AND I would make sure that I emailed him with all of this so that there's a paper trail. Then I would let go of it, follow up on all of this, and sell the camera for what I could get as-is.
 
john_s said:
My guess is that he is incapable of fixing it and this is how he's wriggling out of the situation. I would consider exerting pressure on him by suggesting that you would reveal his identity. These days bad news travels far and wide and fast.
Click to expand...

I'm pretty sure he is capable of fixing. My guess is that, since first time fix was due to impact damage, he is maybe mistaking possible signs from previous impact and thinking problem is related to that issue.

Marcelo
 
You don't seem like someone who likes creating waves and credit to you for that. 🙂

I think your best solution for your own peace of mind is to get another body and move on ... and of course never give that particular tech any more of your hard earned cash in future. Good luck whatever you choose to do. 🙂
 
Keith said:
You don't seem like someone who likes creating waves and credit to you for that. 🙂

I think your best solution for your own peace of mind is to get another body and move on ... and of course never give that particular tech any more of your hard earned cash in future. Good luck whatever you choose to do. 🙂
Click to expand...

Thanks. Will take that advise.

Regards

Marcelo
 
Oh boy do I feel sorry for you mate. I slipped on ice at the Grand Canyon last December. I had a Hasselblad SWC/m around my neck, A Zeiss Super Ikonta Opton Tessar 6x9 folder in my coat pocket and a Rolleiflex 3.5F Planar over my shoulder. I landed on the Rolleiflex, smashed the meter and bent the focus dial. It cost me $800 but was sent there three times before he got it right. It came back the first time with a problem it did not have at first. Second time it came back there was a serious issue with the focusing mechanism. I took images of the box to prove it was not bashed in postage. Well the last time it came back in perfect condition. At one point he claimed the camera had been damaged in transit, I phoned him up, he met me on the phone so to speak and sorted it out. As I told him I have been considering visiting his area, it is obvious nothing like Scotland from where I spent the first 30 years of my life. Never mind maybe another time. Push your case pal, my man is famous but obviously not perfect.
If you paid that amount for the stated service, well those items on the list need to be fixed. Why not tell him you have always wanted to visit that area, emphasizing the Scottish accent. The English limeys are still frightened to death of a hard core Scotsman. I could tell you tales of bars in Glasgow, when the Police were frightened of coming in to sort out trouble, they left minus their shiny buttons and fancy hats and if we felt a wee bit evil, we would take their boots as well !!!!
 
Since part of the payment was done using Paypal, I'm putting a case for resolution. Perhaps will need to escalate for resolution. Hope I at least get the body back without further investment. At this time, I don't really have hopes to fix the body, but at least have it back to sell it for parts. At this point, not really interested on getting it fixed by this guy, payment or not.

Regards

Marcelo
 
jmpgino said:
Oh boy do I feel sorry for you mate. I slipped on ice at the Grand Canyon last December. I had a Hasselblad SWC/m around my neck, A Zeiss Super Ikonta Opton Tessar 6x9 folder in my coat pocket and a Rolleiflex 3.5F Planar over my shoulder. I landed on the Rolleiflex, smashed the meter and bent the focus dial. It cost me $800 but was sent there three times before he got it right. It came back the first time with a problem it did not have at first. Second time it came back there was a serious issue with the focusing mechanism. I took images of the box to prove it was not bashed in postage. Well the last time it came back in perfect condition. At one point he claimed the camera had been damaged in transit, I phoned him up, he met me on the phone so to speak and sorted it out. As I told him I have been considering visiting his area, it is obvious nothing like Scotland from where I spent the first 30 years of my life. Never mind maybe another time. Push your case pal, my man is famous but obviously not perfect.
If you paid that amount for the stated service, well those items on the list need to be fixed. Why not tell him you have always wanted to visit that area, emphasizing the Scottish accent. The English limeys are still frightened to death of a hard core Scotsman. I could tell you tales of bars in Glasgow, when the Police were frightened of coming in to sort out trouble, they left minus their shiny buttons and fancy hats and if we felt a wee bit evil, we would take their boots as well !!!!
Click to expand...


At least technician took it back for repair. He insist I just don't want to pay for repair 🙁
 
Thanks everyone. Will escalate to Paypal, since discussion with technician is not going anywhere. He just copy/pasted the same answer he gave to me by email and put that I simply don't want to pay for repair. If I get something out of it, then good, otherwise call it a day and move on. Camera not worth stressing myself up.

Best day to you people.


Marcelo.
 
Would you consider revealing to us the name of the repairer, either now or whenever there is some resolution? Some good repair people for SL66 have passed away in the last few years making it harder to locate one.
 
Paypal denied a claim for payment today. So much for Paypal. Claimed services was not delivered. Was my last effort to get something back.

Getting camera back and selling it (along with lens and accessories) to move to something else. Only keeping my Rolleiflex TLR and Rolleiflex sl35e (2 bodies) till they die. I suppose I will post bodies on the bay.

Thanks for keeping with my rant as well as your comments/suggestions.

Best regards and a great day to you people.

Marcelo
 
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