Looking for antique camera restoration specialist in the UK.

njr · Jul 11, 2019

Hi all,

Looking for a restorer for late 19th/early 20th century plate cameras. I have a couple large format whole and half plate cameras that I need restored by a professional/someone more capable than myself.

Ideally looking for someone using age-appropriate methods and materials, preferably located in England. But the most important thing is that the cameras get repaired to full working order, while not destroying the integrity of the antique equipment.

Please let me know of any and all people or organisations who might be able to help.

Cheers, Nathan

ced · Jul 11, 2019

Not in UK but across the channel, you could do a lot worse than this master, give him a try.
https://www.facebook.com/rene.smets...kIVvEkW99EwfpjK3bQRzcsvfpiJvjjFpJTRrL_jlIckwh

macfred · Jul 11, 2019

Another recommendation over the channel :
Gerard Wiener
Landwehrstraße 12, 80336 München, Germany, Tel. : #49 89 595072
--
about G. Wiener
https://tech.swiss-1.ch/analog-camera-lens-repair/

MattKing · Jul 11, 2019

Hi Nathan - welcome to Photrio.
I would suggest that you reach out ("Start a Conversation) to Ian Grant here on Photrio.
If the work he does isn't what you are looking for, he might very well be in a position to recommend someone.
The "Start a Conversation" function is accessed through the "Inbox" link at the top right.

njr · Jul 16, 2019

Awesome, thanks everyone! I will reach out them all. Very much appreciated

njr · Jul 16, 2019

ced said:
Not in UK but across the channel, you could do a lot worse than this master, give him a try.
https://www.facebook.com/rene.smets.9?__tn__=,d-]-h-R&eid=ARBFHIGH3fIIPGXnlJ_QVR4b5kXFcs5rhLjkIVvEkW99EwfpjK3bQRzcsvfpiJvjjFpJTRrL_jlIckwh

Unfortunately Rene told me he only works on his own cameras as a hobby, never taking orders. Thank you for the suggestion though

njr · Jul 16, 2019

FYI. I have also spoken to Mark Voce, but he informed me he does not do restoration work.

I see a regrettable pattern emerging...

Ian Grant · Jul 16, 2019

njr said:
Unfortunately Rene told me he only works on his own cameras as a hobby, never taking orders. Thank you for the suggestion though

njr said:
FYI. I have also spoken to Mark Voce, but he informed me he does not do restoration work.

I see a regrettable pattern emerging...

I have an Underwood quarter plate in bits, a Half plate Gandolfi to start on, 2 Seneca City Views and an Improved View, a Mentor, 4 or 5 TP Ruby Reflex cameras, a Dallmeyer Press Reflex, and that's just the start of the list of restorations Then around 30 TP shutters including two focal plane (half plate. . . . . . . . .

The early Gandolfi.

Have replied to your PM

Ian

njr · Jul 16, 2019

Ian Grant said:
View attachment 227042
The early Gandolfi.

Holy Moly! Are those bellows savable? You must be a wizard to take on such a task! Mine is certainly not to that extent!

Thank you! Have responded oto your PM

Ian Grant · Jul 16, 2019

njr said:
Holy Moly! Are those bellows savable? You must be a wizard to take on such a task! Mine is certainly not to that extent!

Thank you! Have responded oto your PM

Those bellows are scrap however they will help draw up a new pattern, eventually.

Ian

larfe · Jul 17, 2019

I could ask an engineer friend of mine, he can fix anything and used to build cameras and so on

He is however very busy...

larfe · Jul 17, 2019

He's up for it if you can provide more info as to what sort of camera it is

pictures would help

ced · Jul 18, 2019

For that bellows (need a new one) you can visit the site of Rene posted earlier and there he takes one through the bellows construction process.
njr sorry ("Unfortunately Rene told me he only works on his own cameras as a hobby, never taking orders".) this was a dead end for you...

njr · Jul 18, 2019

Thank you all for your help and reccomendations.

@Ian Grant has graciously accepted the restoration challenge.

Looking for antique camera restoration specialist in the UK.

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