Mike Elek

Status
Not open for further replies.

anthonym3

Member
Joined
May 26, 2019
Messages
361
Location
cheshire,ct
Format
Multi Format
I sent Mike a camera to repair 8 months ago. I have E-MAILED him several times,the last reply I received was in mid AUGUST. I don't know if he is OK or ignoring me. Does anyone have a current E_MAIL or phone number?
 

choiliefan

Member
Joined
Dec 27, 2013
Messages
1,311
Format
Medium Format
Appears he posted videos to youtube two months ago.
Is this the same guy?
 

David A. Goldfarb

Moderator
Moderator
Joined
Sep 7, 2002
Messages
19,974
Location
Honolulu, HI
Format
Large Format
Duplicate threads deleted.
 

David A. Goldfarb

Moderator
Moderator
Joined
Sep 7, 2002
Messages
19,974
Location
Honolulu, HI
Format
Large Format
No problem. Most people see all the new threads in the “new thread view,” so multiple threads are unnecessary.
 

removed account4

Subscriber
Joined
Jun 21, 2003
Messages
29,832
Format
Hybrid
Maybe you should go to his YouTube feed and leave a comment or register at the forum he is the admin of ( and try to reach him here >>photographytoday.net >>> http://photographytoday.net/forums/memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=2 ). my poor guess is there might be a glitch between your internet providers and his / your messages are not received or visa versa. a web based email ( like gmail ) or registering attempting to reach him on his forum might remedy the problem.
 
Last edited:

choiliefan

Member
Joined
Dec 27, 2013
Messages
1,311
Format
Medium Format
Or leave a comment on a few of his videos if messaging doesn't work?
 

Deleted member 88956

Looks like nobody finds it inappropriate NOT to respond to multiple attempts, especially given that a camera had been sent in long months prior? So the guy is still making videos, but has no time to reply? I don't know what arrangements were in place when this "repair" was initiated, but I'd note the name and never deal with again.
 
OP
OP

anthonym3

Member
Joined
May 26, 2019
Messages
361
Location
cheshire,ct
Format
Multi Format
jnantz many thanks. I contacted MIKE ELEK at photography.net as you suggested. He did not complete the repair and is returning the camera. It is disappointing that someone his age 74 has not learned common courtesy and accountability and keeping his word. I at age 79 have always striven to treat others with respect and dignity,sad that one of my generation does not adhere to the same ethical conduct. I should add this coincidence. There is a much younger man named MIKE ELEK who does post to you tube,he is not the elder (74) MIKE ELEK whom I contacted today.
 
Last edited:

BrianShaw

Member
Joined
Nov 30, 2005
Messages
16,526
Location
La-la-land
Format
Multi Format
If you don’t mind me asking... Why couldn’t the repair be completed.. was the repair impossible, cost prohibitive, or was it just not going to get done in a reasonable amount of time?
 
OP
OP

anthonym3

Member
Joined
May 26, 2019
Messages
361
Location
cheshire,ct
Format
Multi Format
BrianShaw said:
If you don’t mind me asking... Why couldn’t the repair be completed.. was the repair impossible, cost prohibitive, or was it just not going to get done in a reasonable amount of time?
Click to expand...
The camera in question is an AGFA BILLY COMPUR 105mm 4.5 SOLINAR. The delayed timer was jammed and in attempting to dislodge it something broke. The shutter will cock but immediately goes into delayed timer mode. I have several 6x6 but wanted a 6x9 for landscapes. Mounted on a tripod it will be of use but I wanted it repaired to original working condition. It appears that MIKE ELEK got in over his head and decided to just ignore my E-MAIL attempts for several months.
 

Grim Tuesday

Member
Joined
Oct 1, 2018
Messages
737
Location
Philadelphia
Format
Medium Format

Mark is wonderful. Simultaneously affordable and the best in the business. And very honest. He fixed a Rolleiflex of mine but said that the camera was "used up and worn out" and the repair was unlikely to last very long so he only billed me $50 instead of $250!
 
OP
OP

anthonym3

Member
Joined
May 26, 2019
Messages
361
Location
cheshire,ct
Format
Multi Format
Finally something hopeful. MIKE ELEK has shipped my camera,due for delivery tomorrow 1-25-2020. He claims to have miraculously found a working shutter that he used parts from. It remains to be seen if the camera is in working order
 
OP
OP

anthonym3

Member
Joined
May 26, 2019
Messages
361
Location
cheshire,ct
Format
Multi Format
Would that that were true,however he stated in his E-Mail."the lens helicals are still frozen". He has had it 8 months and I will still have a non working camera. I have one thing to say about him, NEVER AGAIN!
 
OP
OP

anthonym3

Member
Joined
May 26, 2019
Messages
361
Location
cheshire,ct
Format
Multi Format
One correction,the camera appears to be working properly. The lens helicoid is free ,as it was when sent to him. That is the bright side,the dark side is however the complete lack of communication for four and one half months/ I had been in the jewelry repair business for sixty years a business that is predicated upon trust. When one has lost the trust of one's peers all is lost. I will never again trust in or send a camera to MIKE ELEK.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Menu
Log in
Register
Cookies are required to use this site. You must accept them to continue using the site. Learn more…