Considering a DIY CLA on a Canonet QL17 GIII?

Ken Nadvornick · Dec 15, 2011

Yesterday Mark Hama was kind enough to send me this image of my QL17 as it currently sits on his workbench. If you look closely you can make out my name and the camera's serial number on white tape on the lens cap in the upper middle. And this appears to be only a partially disassembled lens assembly. That piece in the upper right below the body looks like it could easily be broken down further. Yikes.

What a testament to the golden age of mechanical engineering.

After seeing this I don't think I'll ever be tempted to pull one apart on my own - no matter how many well-intentioned posts I read that say it's a "piece of cake" if you're careful and don't misplace any parts.

:eek:

Ken

CGW · Dec 15, 2011

Did it come with a ransom note?

"For an extra 500 bucks I'll put it back together"

Ken Nadvornick · Dec 15, 2011

CGW said:
Did it come with a ransom note?

"For an extra 500 bucks I'll put it back together"

Nah... At least I don't think so... Hmm...

Then again, he did write in his email "I hope I can put it back together..."

That was a joke. I think...

Ken

spacer · Dec 15, 2011

Probably. He did a bang-up job on mine. Very nice, and he got it back to me well within his estimated 2 weeks.

BrianShaw · Dec 15, 2011

That's great! I took one apart and can attest to the fact that there are AT LEAST that many pieces, maybe more.

Tony-S · Dec 15, 2011

He's had my Fujica V2 since June and this is the last I've seen of it.

Ken Nadvornick · Dec 16, 2011

Tony-S said:
He's had my Fujica V2 since June and this is the last I've seen of it.

What was the reason? Difficult to find replacement parts? What did he say when you asked him?

I just now received an email from Mr. Hama informing me that my completed camera will be shipped back this afternoon. (And without ransom demands!!) That means time-in-shop will have been exactly three weeks to the day. Not bad at all, considering this the holiday season.

Ken

Justride408 · Mar 23, 2012

Would you mind sending me a private message with his contact info. Just picked up a ql17. Thanks!

maarten m · Mar 23, 2012

i hate snuff-pics!

Tony-S · Mar 23, 2012

Justride408 said:
Would you mind sending me a private message with his contact info. Just picked up a ql17. Thanks!

His email is markhama@comcast.net. But I still have not heard a peep about my Fujica V2. It's now been 9 months and $150. I could have had another kid by now!

benjiboy · Mar 23, 2012

You're a very wise man not to attempt it yourself, home kitchen table camera repairers are like incompetent surgeons, you only hear about their successes, they bury their failures :eek:

Ken Nadvornick · Mar 23, 2012

Justride408 said:
Would you mind sending me a private message with his contact info. Just picked up a ql17. Thanks!

PM sent...

Ken

fenderslash · Mar 23, 2012

This photo really illustrates why a thorough CLA by a pro isn't cheap

jbwpro · May 19, 2012

Anyone know how to get ahold of Mark Hama? I sent him my camera a couple of weeks ago and havn't heard a peep. no email responses, no cashed check. I really want it to shoot!

Ken Nadvornick · May 19, 2012

Mark Hama Ltd.
2675 Earl Dr.
Marietta, GA 30062
phone: (770) 565-1498
markhama@comcast.net
http://www.markhama.com/

jbwpro · May 19, 2012

Thank you! I don't want to bother him with a call, but really would like to shoot

Ken Nadvornick · May 20, 2012

On the other hand, if you've sent him both a camera and a check, then a simple phone call should get you an exlanation and a current status. There should be no issue with asking since he already has your money. Did you send him a request for a repair quote before sending your camera to him?

Ken

jbwpro · May 21, 2012

Yes,
we spoke over email a few times before I mailed it, and yes he has a check for the full amount. I will give him a call.

Ken Nadvornick · May 21, 2012

Good luck...

Ken

toolbox · May 22, 2012

Cameras have a lot of parts . Those shutter leaves can be a real bear to get back in sometimes.

ambaker · May 22, 2012

Like I always tell my wife... If you can't put it back together with fewer parts than the person who designed it, you are no smarter than they are.

benjiboy · May 23, 2012

I have an agreement with the repairer who services my gear, he doesn't take pictures, and I don't service equipment.

jbwpro · May 24, 2012

No word from Mark Hama regarding my camera

Tried calling and leaving messages, no reply to my emails, nothing for about a month and he hasn't cashed the check.... Delivery confirmation says someone signed for it. First, I hope he is ok. Second, I wish I could get in touch with him. Do any of you have contact with him? I heard about him from this forum.

-Jason

jbwpro · Jun 26, 2012

Sad to say that no matter how good his CLA work is, I cannot recommend Mark Hama... TERRIBLE communication, over two months and only one email saying he got back from vacation. He cashed the check a month ago. I just want to know the status. Since I found out about him on this thread, if anyone else does the same, I suggest someone else. I hate writing things like this, but I really just want my camera back.

jason

Ken Nadvornick · Jun 26, 2012

Truly sorry to hear this, Jason. My experience was the exact opposite, but that doesn't excuse your experience at all. Occasional excellence is really not excellence.

I hope Mr. Hama reads this...

Ken

Considering a DIY CLA on a Canonet QL17 GIII?

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