Lens CLAs

Stephanie Brim · Oct 17, 2006

I may have one that needs it. Nikon brand. Does anyone know if there is someone who can do this close to Iowa?

Richard Wasserman · Oct 17, 2006

Is Chicago close enough? Bob Watkins at Precision Camera Works is very good. See: precisioncameraworks.com

Richard Wasserman

Stephanie Brim · Oct 17, 2006

The problem is this: when held up to light, it seems that there is something that looks like someone sprayed a fine mist over one of the internal elements. It doesn't look like dust. Anyone want to comment on what it might be, best and worse case scenerio?

Dan Fromm · Oct 17, 2006

What is the lens? I ask because if its not expensive replacing it may cost less than having it opened and cleaned.

Stephanie Brim · Oct 17, 2006

The outside glass on this lens is such that I think that I'll pay to get it cleaned rather than pay to get another one. Seriously...the front and rear elements have nothing wrong with them. So...yeah.

It's the Nikkor AI f/1.4 50mm.

mgb74 · Oct 17, 2006

I'm not sure "close" makes a difference unless it's within driving range. But I would consider Paul Ebel in Menomonie, WI. His number is 651-335-8759.

AgCl4ever · Oct 17, 2006

Best guess re: best case: You have a little bit of haze (oil vapors) that doesn't really degrade performance.

Best guess re: worst case: your lens has fungus that may spread to other lenses, and your lens performance is the pits.

I would suggest testing your lens for resolution and contrast before dropping bucks on service or another lens. Sometimes a lens looks worse to your eye than it does to the film! Good luch with it.

Ken

Dan Fromm · Oct 17, 2006

KEH offers BGN grade 50/1.4 AI Nikkors for < $100 plus shipping. In my limited experience, KEH's BGN grade lenses are beyond reproach. There's your bogey.

removed account4 · Oct 17, 2006

not too close to chicago, but if you don't mind shipping to rhode island
http://www.midstatecamerarepair.com/ and http://www.slr35.com/
both do VERY good work ...

can't beat bargain lenses at keh

BrianShaw · Oct 17, 2006

having it opened and cleaned: 50 to 75 bucks.

Stephanie Brim · Oct 17, 2006

I think that with the look of the outside elements, I'd be better off getting a CLA. The front and rear elements are literally spotless...the only problems I'm having are that focus is slightly loose and the haze that I'm seeing. It's really relatively minor. There are no spiderwebs or anything.

I should get the camera body by Saturday that I'll be putting it on and we'll see then. I'm hopeful, but I won't get my hopes up until I do a test roll of film.

jnash67 · Oct 22, 2006

Where in Iowa?

There is a very good shop in the Quad Cities, Rock Island actually. It is called United-Camera http://www.united-camera.com/ I had a Canon AE-1P CLA'd there. As you can see from the site, they have been around awhile. Also, they told me they do work for alot of other repair centers around the country. Give them a try.

Joe

Lens CLAs

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