tunalegs
Pretended Artist
So this is a bit of an odd problem for me. I collect and repair old cameras, but I don't touch lenses (usually) because they require a different set of tools than used for camera bodies.
I recently acquired an old M42 mount lens with a stuck aperture. Oil on the blades, common problem, pretty easy fix usually if you have the tools to open the lens and get inside. I took the lens to the local repair guy who is well regarded for his capability in repairing classic cameras. He notices the problem right away, tells me the lens will be ready by the weekend.
I go off thinking nothing could be easier. Well I have no chance to stop by on friday (the shop is not open on the weekend). So I figure I'll pick the lens up on monday. I go over to the shop, it's closed. Half hour before closing time. Business next door says the guy left early.
I call, leave a message, say I'll stop by tomorrow to pick up the lens. Go again - store's closed early again. Call again, leave another message - remind him that his sign and his message machine both give the same closing hours but the shop is closed every time I go. I say I'll be back again tomorrow.
Third time. This time I show up even earlier. Shop's closed. Business next door says he headed out early today too. So he obviously was there and isn't just sick or unable to come by. I didn't waste my breath calling again. I just taped a note to the door saying I would be there - for the fourth time - on tomorrow's date, at a specific time, and I wanted to pick up my lens.
Had he had the lens ready and been available, I would have been impressed by the turnaround and the service. But it seems to be ridiculously difficult for me to get into the shop during the hours it is supposed to be open! And given the short hours the shop is (theoretically) open, and that it is closed on weekends, I'm not sure how this guy makes any money. Nobody with a day job will be able to drop off or pick up anything without going on a lunch break or taking a day off.
So far this thread has just been me venting my stupefied frustration - but supposing I show up tomorrow and the guy has already closed up and fled - what should I do? I don't want to be endlessly pestering somebody, I just want the lens back.
And if anybody knows of any reputable shops that they've had good experiences with for this sort of work I'd be happy to send my business to them in the future. I wanted to go local to save time, but if I have to wait, I don't have a problem waiting - just don't promise work done in a few days then keep me waiting an extra week (or two at this rate).
I recently acquired an old M42 mount lens with a stuck aperture. Oil on the blades, common problem, pretty easy fix usually if you have the tools to open the lens and get inside. I took the lens to the local repair guy who is well regarded for his capability in repairing classic cameras. He notices the problem right away, tells me the lens will be ready by the weekend.
I go off thinking nothing could be easier. Well I have no chance to stop by on friday (the shop is not open on the weekend). So I figure I'll pick the lens up on monday. I go over to the shop, it's closed. Half hour before closing time. Business next door says the guy left early.
I call, leave a message, say I'll stop by tomorrow to pick up the lens. Go again - store's closed early again. Call again, leave another message - remind him that his sign and his message machine both give the same closing hours but the shop is closed every time I go. I say I'll be back again tomorrow.
Third time. This time I show up even earlier. Shop's closed. Business next door says he headed out early today too. So he obviously was there and isn't just sick or unable to come by. I didn't waste my breath calling again. I just taped a note to the door saying I would be there - for the fourth time - on tomorrow's date, at a specific time, and I wanted to pick up my lens.
Had he had the lens ready and been available, I would have been impressed by the turnaround and the service. But it seems to be ridiculously difficult for me to get into the shop during the hours it is supposed to be open! And given the short hours the shop is (theoretically) open, and that it is closed on weekends, I'm not sure how this guy makes any money. Nobody with a day job will be able to drop off or pick up anything without going on a lunch break or taking a day off.
So far this thread has just been me venting my stupefied frustration - but supposing I show up tomorrow and the guy has already closed up and fled - what should I do? I don't want to be endlessly pestering somebody, I just want the lens back.
And if anybody knows of any reputable shops that they've had good experiences with for this sort of work I'd be happy to send my business to them in the future. I wanted to go local to save time, but if I have to wait, I don't have a problem waiting - just don't promise work done in a few days then keep me waiting an extra week (or two at this rate).
