Looking for antique camera restoration specialist in the UK.

[njr]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

 

[njr]

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]

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]

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

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

pictures would help

 

[ced]

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]

Thank you all for your help and reccomendations.

@Ian Grant has graciously accepted the restoration challenge.