Going in for CLA

[brofkand]

Hey all,

I have an FG that I bought on the bay about 2 months ago. I don't notice any problems with it (in fact it looks brand spanking new, save for a small dent on the pentaprism cover), but I would like to send it in for a CLA. Where would I send it, and how much would it cost approximately? I'm in NC.

Thanks!

 

[lens_hacker]

Essex camera and KEH will service the FG. This will run close to $100, when shipping is added in. This is in an age where you can buy a Nikon F3HP for ~$100.

My suggestion: use the FG. Look at the light seals under the back, and the mirror bumper. These are easy to fix yourself. If you are going to invest in a CLA on a camera, go for a top-notch one. The FG is a nice, light camera. Fun to use, with program mode. I'm saving my mint FG for my daughter to use when she wants an SLR.

 

[seawolf66]

Or you could try Carol Flutot's camera service, she is tops for old cameras , she just CLA'D two Contaflex's and those are not easy to do , But be advised 5 week wait time , but hey for good service it does not matter :

 

[brofkand]

I have used my FG for a few rolls of film, and it works great. I replaced the light seals because they were gunk (I didn't have any light leakage, but the goo dirtied up my mirror and film back).

I've just always heard that cameras lose accuracy over time, so I thought it might be worth it to send it in for CLA. Maybe not. It works fine without it, so I guess I'll skip it.

Thanks!

 

[b1bmsgt]

As long as it works, best not to try to fix it...

Russ

 

[resummerfield]

As long as it works, best not to try to fix it....

My feelings, exactly. You've replaced the light seals, and a film test indicates the shutter is working properly. Unless there is something obviously wrong, I would not risk sending it in for a CLA.

 

[Nitai108]

You can test the shutter speeds yourself very accurately for just a few bucks, take a look at this http://photo.net/large-format-photography-forum/0044cW

 

[brofkand]

It works fine, the only problem is my still lacking knowledge of exposure. That's a problem with the photographer, not the camera though.

Once I get better (much better) at exposure, I'm sure the camera will perform admirably. I love the lenses I have for it as well. I have the common 50mm E lens, as well as a Soligor 28mm f/2.8.

 

[Steve Bellayr]

Check KEH They advertise a CLA which includes light seal replacements & return shipping for $45.

 

[lens_hacker]

I think you'll be fine. For the goo on the mirror- be VERY careful! The surface is silvered, and it is easily destroyed. If it's not bad, leave it alone. The film back can be cleaned, I use q-tips and isopropyl alchohol. Lighter fluid is also good. Be careful using any solvents like this, well vented areas are a must. And they are flammable.