Classic Nikon SLR repair?

[Richard S. (rich815)]

Who is the Harry Fleenor of older Nikon SLR body repair and CLA? Want to have my F3 tuned up, tested and seals replaced. Would like to have it done by the best. Recommendations please?

 

[brucemuir]

It was Pete Smith up until just recently. Unfortunately he just passed away.

I use Dave Easterwood in Michigan. He once told me he went to special classes for the Nikon F (first series).
I use him for any mechanical cameras but never asked him about the more modern stuff with electronics but I bet he can handle it.

 

[LyleB]

I've been very happy with both KEH Repair and Garry's Camera Repair. Not sure if they at "THE" place to go, but both have done very well by me with multiple Nikon manual cameras.

 

[BrianShaw]

I had my F3 overhauled by my local Nikon Authorized repair center. There is a list of them at the Nikon web site. I was very happy with their service.

The closest to you appears to be California Precision Serv. Inc. (Profoto) in Sacramento. 916-451-1330.

 

[CGW]

I had my F3 overhauled by my local Nikon Authorized repair center. There is a list of them at the Nikon web site. I was very happy with their service.

The closest to you appears to be California Precision Serv. Inc. (Profoto) in Sacramento. 916-451-1330.

Apart from a general clean-up and perhaps seal replacement(not much to do), there's not a lot to go out of spec on an F3. Parts are getting very scarce, so hopefully nothing will need replacing. Think I'd trust a Nikon repair centre more for that kind of work as Brian suggested.

 

[marcmarc]

Maintaining these once great cameras have become a major pain for me. I have two F2's that are unusable and I may sell off for parts. I have one F3 that went in for a shutter bounce repair and came back with the same problem. Nikon doesn't even want to touch a F2 and the F3 they will look at but they told me that finding parts if needed may be time consuming. Good luck with your search and let us know if you find someone reliable.

 

[Richard S. (rich815)]

Good suggestions. Thanks all.

 

[epatsellis]

Maintaining these once great cameras have become a major pain for me. I have two F2's that are unusable and I may sell off for parts. I have one F3 that went in for a shutter bounce repair and came back with the same problem. Nikon doesn't even want to touch a F2 and the F3 they will look at but they told me that finding parts if needed may be time consuming. Good luck with your search and let us know if you find someone reliable.

google Sover Wong for the F2's, his work is top notch and he warrantees all of his work

 

[Peter Simpson]

google Sover Wong for the F2's, his work is top notch and he warrantees all of his work

+1 on Sover Wong - I'm very happy with the CLA/repair he did on an F2 I bought.

 

[Richard S. (rich815)]

+1 on Sover Wong - I'm very happy with the CLA/repair he did on an F2 I bought.

Isn't he in the UK?

 

[Peter Simpson]

Isn't he in the UK?

He is. I had no problem getting the camera to him and getting it back using postal express mail. However, he *only* works on F2's.

 

[CGW]

Wong's does F2 renos as a speciality, not general Nikon repair. The OP has an F3.

 

[Jeff L]

Im not a Nikon user, but I have read good things about WInball Nikon Repair in Toronto ON (Canada). Never used them. I know it's a different country but it's another name just incase.

 

[mdarnton]

Authorized Photo Service in the Chicago burbs apparently used to be a Nikon repair facility. Their web address is http://nikoncamerarepair.com. They did my FM a couple of years ago, and last fall did a big job on my FA, which included replacing some major components, and a complete realignment of everything.They're not cheap (the FA cost $240--the FM was more like $130, I think) but they did a great job. The best thing about them was that they were really fast. I sent the camera, they sent an estimate for approval the day after they got the cameras, and after I approved the bill, I think they were about two days in the shop, and one in the mail back to me--very different from some of the camera repair horror stories I have read.

 

[Sundowner]

I've read plenty of reviews on KEH and Garry's, and both seem like good options. I'm not sure if they're the Harry Fleenor of the F-series world, but that sure would be nice. I've got a Rollei 35 with Mr. Fleenor right now...it'd be nice to get my F3 to someone just as competent.

 

[puderse]

F3 repair

Nikon in El Segundo, CA did a good job my F3 HP!