Mid-Sate vs. Zack's

Ektagraphic · Jun 28, 2010

Hi Guys- I have been talking and dreaming about this for so long and I am definatly taking my Rolleiflex for repair very, very, very, soon. I am just trying to figure out Mid-State or Zacks. My problem is that when the film is advanced, the shutter fires so a complete overhaul including the film transport will definatly be needed...where to go? Price is a concern but the quality of the job is just as important.

Thanks!

Patrick

erikg · Jun 28, 2010

Mid-State are great guys, they've done a lot of work for me. Call them to be certain they will work on your Rollei. The estimates are free, and they are quick. Prices are more than reasonable.

bdial · Jun 28, 2010

I've done well by Zack's

Ektagraphic · Jun 28, 2010

Does one of these two guys do more thourogh work than the other?

fotch · Jun 28, 2010

If you willing to ship, I have used Harry Fleenor from Oceanside Camera Repair for my SL66. http://www.rolleirepairs.com/

Not connected with him in anyway, just very pleased customer.

Ektagraphic · Jun 28, 2010

Well, I talked to oceanside and it would end up being around $400 there and if I am going to do that I am going to invest in a Rolleiflex 2.8F....What I have is an Automat(not the cheap autocord) that is worth about $550 in top shape and mine is in pretty good condition but I'll go at it a step up and hang onto this one for a while if I am going to pay that.....

Elias Roustom · Jun 29, 2010

My 2 cents: Fix the Rollei you have before you buy another. You can do better than $400 for a CLA (unless your camera is in rotten shape and needs parts).

Ektagraphic · Jun 29, 2010

Is a model like the 3.5F much better than what I have?

fotch · Jun 29, 2010

Its unfortunate that labor and parts cost does not take in value of the item to be repaired. The SL66 is an expensive camera and the one I had was mint so what ever he charged (don't remember) was worth it to me.

The important thing in getting it repaired is the quality of the repair.

I am sure there are others, good luck.

Whiteymorange · Jun 29, 2010

Patrick, it's understandable that you want to know which service is better, but both seem to be getting a thumbs-up. Unless someone was really displeased by the service of one shop and went to the other for similar work, it's unlikely that anyone will have comparative info on two service departments. Why not just talk to them about price and timing and try to get a feel for how they work? Both Mid-State and Zack's have good reputations.

And I definitely concur with Elias- fix the one you have before buying another. I had one that was so non-functional that I assumed it would take a complete rebuild. A cleaning fixed it up.

removed account4 · Jun 29, 2010

i've had work done by both, they are both very good+honest repair shop.
i agree with what has been said above, estimates are free and it is hard to get
an estimate for anything over the phone without the camera in-hand.

Elias Roustom · Jun 29, 2010

Is the 3.5F better than the Automat? I seriously doubt you will be able to tell the difference between the photos.
The 3.5F is a wonderful camera, and I have one, but would be equally happy with a working Automat.
It's not the camera, it's the lens - and Rolleiflex lenses are all good.

Jump in, the water is great!

Ektagraphic · Jun 30, 2010

Camera in for repair with Midstate.

pesphoto · Jul 1, 2010

I just had a work camera repaired by Midstate, free estimate and work done in a week. He now has my Spotmatic for a new meter and overhaul.

Ektagraphic · Jul 1, 2010

Great! It's great to have found guys like this that can even put in a new meter!

Ektagraphic · Jul 10, 2010

Operation success! Rollei repaired! I have the camera back from Mid-State as of this morning and I haven't shot with it yet but I am pretty pleased with the job...except the fact that one of the screws for the WLF is now missing. It almost makes me wonder what else they could have missed inside of the camera....For a $195 job that was in the shop for three days, I would hope this kind of thing would not be missed but I guess I could have worse things to complain about.

fotch · Jul 10, 2010

Just be glad it wasn't surgery on yourself.

Elias Roustom · Jul 10, 2010

Call him back, and ask about it, what's wrong with that? Maybe it was never there to begin with, or he has a bucket full of them and he can mail you one.
Now for a roll of film!

Ektagraphic · Jul 20, 2010

The latest is that the shutter button sticks in when depressed and the self timer makes the whole camera lock up. I think I'm done with Midstate.

fotch · Jul 20, 2010

Unfortunately , maybe the lower price (outfit) was becasue it wasn't really repaired or rebuilt. Still, giving them a chance to stand behind their work might be something to consider. Or a refund. Your entitled to one or the other.

Elias Roustom · Jul 20, 2010

Take it back state your case - don't give up.

removed account4 · Jul 20, 2010

patrick

instead of ranting, give them a call and talk to them
they stand by their work ... it comes with a warranty...

Mid-Sate vs. Zack's

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