Considering a DIY CLA on a Canonet QL17 GIII?

[Ken Nadvornick]

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]

Did it come with a ransom note?

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

 

[Ken Nadvornick]

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]

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]

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]

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

 

[Ken Nadvornick]

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]

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

 

[maarten m]

i hate snuff-pics!

 

[Tony-S]

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]

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]

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

PM sent...

Ken

 

[fenderslash]

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

 

[jbwpro]

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]

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

 

[jbwpro]

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

 

[Ken Nadvornick]

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]

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]

Good luck...



Ken

 

[toolbox]

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

 

[ambaker]

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]

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

 

[jbwpro]

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]

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]

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