545 repair? (california?)

[jss]

can anybody recommend a repair service for 545 backs? i have two, both of which are not working. one stopped grabbing the metal ends of film packets.. i tried fixing it following some instructions i found online. now it's consistently bending the metal ends! the other back just stopped grabbing the ends in the same manner as the first. local to california would be faster to deliver/receive, but anywhere is fine really. i just hate waiting!

 

[bobfowler]

I hate to say this, but...

There are a glut of used 545 backs on ebay, most of which can be had for less than it will cost to repair one.

 

[Aggie]

Apex Camera repair
1295 Blvd Way
Walnut Creek, California

(925) 933-6016

They have done several repairs for me.

 

[jss]

545.. burn through them, or invest in new?

I hate to say this, but...

There are a glut of used 545 backs on ebay, most of which can be had for less than it will cost to repair one.

that's why i have two backs and not one. the first one came with a camera. the second, i got for $70. if i keep burning through them, should i just buy a new one? i know the older metal ones, people keep saying they're solid and last.. but i've yet to see this in action

jason

 

[removed account4]

hi jason

did you see the "field repair notes" on sk grimes site?
i have never done it, and found it after i sent mine to be repaired ...
http://www.skgrimes.com/545/index.htm

when mine was in the shop getting worked on, i ended up getting a 500 back.
it cost me $15 on FEEbay, and i have been using it for 4 years now without a problem. the 500 back is thinner, and has a different ( better ) roller mechanism ... but doesn't have the "stop" when you remove the paper, so you kind of have to know when to stop pulling the paper out or you will remove it completely

good luck getting yours fixed!
john

 

[jss]

hi jason

did you see the "field repair notes" on sk grimes site?
i have never done it, and found it after i sent mine to be repaired ...
http://www.skgrimes.com/545/index.htm

i found those before; i tried it on my first back. seems like the internal parts just need to be replaced. just worn too much. i haven't tried it on my 2nd back yet.

 

[snapnsam]

I'd try Wally at Apex in Walnut Creek (Address & tel # in Aggie's reply). He has done several repairs for me and I am very satisfied with his work and his price.
Sam