The death of Pete Smith

[rbsinto]

There is a note posted at Nikoncafe reporting that Pete Smith died
two days ago in a hospice in Florida.
The poster who said he was a friend had last seen Mr. Smith about a week or so ago.
I have no way of checking the accuracy of this information, and have not seen it posted or mentioned anywhere else, so I can't vouch for it.
However, if it is true then the Nikon community has lost a legend.

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

I'm so sorry to hear that. I'm not a Nikonite, but have read a few things here and there over time.

I also read about what happened a few years ago. Very heartbreaking all of it.

Sympathies to his family.

 

[furcafe]

Sad to say that it is true.

I confirmed it w/a phone call to Del Ray Camera.

There is a note posted at Nikoncafe reporting that Pete Smith died
two days ago in a hospice in Florida.
The poster who said he was a friend had last seen Mr. Smith about a week or so ago.
I have no way of checking the accuracy of this information, and have not seen it posted or mentioned anywhere else, so I can't vouch for it.
However, if it is true then the Nikon community has lost a legend.

 

[BillBingham2]

Very sad, a great guy who will be missed.

Rest in peace Pete, rest in peace.

B2

 

[Vickko]

Oh my god. I am very saddened.

RIP Pete, and condolences to the family.

Vick

 

[uhoh7]

He was wonderful in dealing with me on a CLA of my nikkor 28/2 AI in feb.

🙁

 

[splitimageview]

RIP Pete....

 

[Mackinaw]

He once cleaned an old Nikon F prism I had.

My condolences to the family.

Jim B.

 

[Nikon Bob]

I only dealt with Pete Smith once when he did a CLA on my S2. He was a gentleman to deal with and did a super job in a reasonable amount of time. I am sure that his talent and service to the photographic community will be sorely missed. My deepest condolences go out to his family. RIP Pete Smith.

Bob

 

[Timestep]

A sad loss indeed.
He restored my beloved Nikon S2: "Good for another Half-century.."

 

[CameraQuest]

A sad day.

Pete was not only great person to know,
he was also a great classic Nikon repairman.

Pete will be missed.

Stephen

 

[jdriffill]

Some years ago, I wanted to have a Nikon S2 repaired. One of its shutter blinds had some holes in it. I was recommended Pete Smith and emailed him to explain, and ask about a repair, expecting that I'd have to send him the camera. Instead he very kindly explained how to patch the blind, and sent me a piece of shutter curtain material, for free! I still have most of the piece of material, in case more is needed some time. The S2 is still working fine with its patched blind.

It was really generous of him to reply and help like that. Much appreciated. And something that sticks in one's memory.

I am sorry to hear this sad news of him.

John

 

[kshapero]

There is a note posted at Nikoncafe reporting that Pete Smith died
two days ago in a hospice in Florida.
The poster who said he was a friend had last seen Mr. Smith about a week or so ago.
I have no way of checking the accuracy of this information, and have not seen it posted or mentioned anywhere else, so I can't vouch for it.
However, if it is true then the Nikon community has lost a legend.

It is accurate, I was informed by his son.

 

[paulfish4570]

mercy, mercy, mercy ...

 

[kshapero]

Since I lived so near him, he was a mentor to me. Always with a smile and ready to do a favor for me. Unfortunately Pete was not a rich man and spent almost all he had on medical costs. I am putting together a fund to help pay bills and will work with his family to sell what parts and inventory that is left. Stay tuned as I set this up.

 

[kshapero]

Our Friend

 

[bdeyes]

I had only one purchase transcation with Pete. But I knew of his reputation, and that was a big incentive for the purchase. He was a supremely nice and classy gentlemen. To his family and those who knew him closely, my sincere condolences.
Mike

 

[jonmanjiro]

Sad news indeed. R.I.P Pete.

 

[marcr1230]

He repaired a lens for me. That don't make 'em like that anymore, neither lenses nor camera gurus.

RIP Pete

 

[scorpius73]

Wow, he repaired my Nikon S3 a few months back. My condolences to his family.