Contax T2 Repair Experience

[Big G]

My much loved Contax T2 started to break down in its old age (as we all do)-- eating batteries and other disconcerting behavior. Nobody really services these anymore, except one place: Suwa Camera in Nagano, Japan. . Apparently, they have all the remaining spare parts. Not wanting to acquire another doorstop, I filled in the form and sent it off. It took some time, but in general, the communication was good, including a phone call to tell me what was wrong (in detail) and how much it would be. A couple of months later I received it back in full working order. The cost was 33,000 yen ( USD $200, more or less). Unfortunately, I don't think they do international, as they are a little old-fashioned. Web page is http (no s) and they don't accept credit cards or bank transfers - COD only. Still, it's good to see that it's not yet a lost cause. Six months on, it's still going great.

 

[koraks]

That's encouraging for T2 users, even though there's apparently a hurdle for international customers. Thanks for sharing your experience!

 

[brbo]

Now we need to find "our man in Japan" to handle the international repairs!

 

[belichten]

in europe you can send it out to fototech serwis in warsaw/poland. had my t2 serviced after water damage.works great now

 

[Oren Grad]

Now we need to find "our man in Japan" to handle the international repairs

It's been a long time since I was in touch with him, but Bellamy Hunt might be able to serve as an intermediary for Japanese shops that are not set up to deal internationally:

https://www.japancamerahunter.com/services/camera-repairs/

 

[Arthurwg]

Now we need to find "our man in Japan" to handle the international repairs!

Japan Camera Hunter will help.

 

[multivoiced]

I'm embarrassed to ask this, but I have two T2 cameras that have sat with zero usage for over a decade. Do they need to run occasionally in order to stay healthy?

 

[Big G]

For me, the problems started when a run-down battery was changed mid-roll. The camera was never the same after that. Maybe it's like the old Konica FS 1 -- well known for its dislike of almost depleted batteries.

 

[perkeleellinen]

I once had a Canon EOS 300V that became unreliable after I changed a battery mid-roll, I had to get rid of it.

 

[multivoiced]

Nobody really services these anymore

What about Nippon in New York? They seem to get mentioned pretty often for Contax T2 repairs.

For those of us in North America, is it worth trying?

 

[Angarian]

My much loved Contax T2 started to break down in its old age (as we all do)-- eating batteries and other disconcerting behavior. Nobody really services these anymore, except one place: Suwa Camera in Nagano, Japan. . Apparently, they have all the remaining spare parts. Not wanting to acquire another doorstop, I filled in the form and sent it off. It took some time, but in general, the communication was good, including a phone call to tell me what was wrong (in detail) and how much it would be. A couple of months later I received it back in full working order. The cost was 33,000 yen ( USD $200, more or less). Unfortunately, I don't think they do international, as they are a little old-fashioned. Web page is http (no s) and they don't accept credit cards or bank transfers - COD only. Still, it's good to see that it's not yet a lost cause. Six months on, it's still going great.

Thanks! Good to know.
Just as additional info: Pierro Pozella in UK is also an excellent Contax T2 / T3 repair expert:

PPP Cameras

PPP Cameras Giving film cameras a new lease of life

pppcameras.co.uk

 

[m4rius]

Thanks! Good to know.
Just as additional info: Pierro Pozella in UK is also an excellent Contax T2 / T3 repair expert:

PPP Cameras

PPP Cameras Giving film cameras a new lease of life

pppcameras.co.uk

Adding to this, another man named aleksandr repaired a ricoh gr1 with shutter issue for me and also repairs all sort of premium point and shoot cameras.
He is a very kind guy and passionate technician. it was not that expensive at around 150€ if i remember.
His instagram is @awayrepairs
And his blog : https://awayrepairs.livejournal.com/

 

[tmannion87]

+1 For Away Repairs. I had him fix a GR1 for me and was very pleased with the service. Worth noting that he currently only accepts payment via crypto as he is exiled in Thailand. He walked me through the payment process, and I had no issues.

Meet the Exiled International Camera Repairman Who Fled Russia

Living on the road due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

petapixel.com

 

[lic4]

A few years ago, I had a Fuji Klasse that no one would fix, and I sold it for parts. Then I got used to shooting on a Minolta CLE, and it ended up breaking down with no one to repair it. I love the Contax T2 but feel once bitten twice shy about expensive electronics from the 80s/90s.

On the plus side, let's all outlive these cameras and not the other way around.