Can someone recommend a new (reputable) camera repair shop?

[eharriett]

Like the title suggests, I am looking for a new one. I thought I had one, but we had some contact issues recently. They hopefully have been resolved, but he has a ways to go before reearning my trust. Meanwhile, I'm looking to get these cameras repaired. I know some of you might comment they are cheap cameras, but I like them and I really want to get them working again. They are not toy machines to me. These are the ones I want to get working again.

1. Olympus RC35. Camera is fully functional, but in the years I have had it, it has never been CLR’ed. And something is rattling around loose in the viewfinder which is completely destroyed the rangefinder abilities of the camera.

2. Agfa Karat 36. Camera is completely jammed up. I spoke with someone who is an expert on these cameras and he believes the shutter needs to be disassembled and inspected, additionally, there is a lubricant around the focus ring which the factory put on that has not stood the test of time and has gummed up the focusing. I am hoping to get this camera working good as new again.

If someone could recommend a repair shop to me that has the knowhow to repair these AND IS COMMUNICATIVE, I'd appreciate it. I'm in Ohio, but I've shipped cameras over the world to get repaired before, so I do not mind as long as their work is good and I get the occasional update or they respond to emails.

Thanks

 

[Truzi]

You could call Pro Camera in Parma:
http://procameraservice.com/

They tend to service digital anymore (to keep alive) but the past couple years I've had them work on a Bronica GS-1 and Super Speed Graphic.
You'd really have to ask if they have anyone who is familiar enough with your cameras to work on them, but it never hurts to try.
As far as communication goes, it's about 50/50. They are good if you call them to check on status, but I never nag.

On the other hand, maybe someone on this site can refer you to someone who specializes in your cameras, which would be better.

 

[bdial]

I recommend Zacks camera repair, they are an APUG sponsor, http://zackscamerarepair.com

 

[mgb74]

I've used Zacks camera repair (a photrio advertiser) in the past with good results. As to communications, I recently asked - via email - for a rough estimate on a lens CLA. I emailed one evening and received an answer the next morning.

They seem to have a good reputation for repairs to vintage gear. Whether they have the knowledge to repair the your specific cameras, I don't know.

 

[Thorpelyon]

Check out this list over in the Film Photography Project discussion on Flickr...

https://www.flickr.com/groups/filmphotographypodcast/discuss/72157668948888217/72157706027842001/

 

[ronwhit]

I also have had good luck w/ Mike Zacks (noted above) on Hope Street in Providence, RI. He is my go-to guy for this type of work.

ronwhit

 

[AgX]

A "new" repair shop would be difficult, it is a shrinking business. I assume you mean "another", new to you...

 

[eharriett]

Thank you for these suggestions.

I’ll reach out to Zach’s tonight.

And that FPP thread will be bookmarked for future checks.

 

[crumbo]

Have you found an Olympus tech that works on RC's? I may be able to help.

 

[Sirius Glass]

Tempe Camera Repair
Samys Camera

 

[eharriett]

Have you found an Olympus tech that works on RC's? I may be able to help.

Thank you. I reached out to Zach’s and he repaired it and quite promptly, I might add. He shall be getting future work from me.

Now if I ever get my first one back from guy in Michigan, I’ll be happy.