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?
Mike Elek
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Appears he posted videos to youtube two months ago.
Is this the same guy?
Is this the same guy?
He does post on you tube.
David A. Goldfarb
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Duplicate threads deleted.
You could try to contact him through his website.
Sorry. Being a new member I was not aware that duplicate threads are not allowed,it will not occur in future.
David A. Goldfarb
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No problem. Most people see all the new threads in the “new thread view,” so multiple threads are unnecessary.
I have tried that at least ten times,no response.
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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.
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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.
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.
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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?
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you're welcome, i'm glad i could help.
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.
Too bad... that would have been a fun camera.
It is actually cosmetic and glass wise almost mint. I may find someone who can repair it.
I would suggest try Mark Hansen http://www.zeissikonrolleirepair.com
His web site says:-
Folding Cameras from Agfa to Voigtlander to Wirgin to Zeiss
Kodak Retina are a speciality of mine.
I have only had one canera repaired by him, but he made a super job of it.
I don't know if Jurgen Krecler (CERTO6) is still around, he was pretty good with AGFA/ANSCOs
He helped me with an old AGFA about 15yrs ago.
PS. His website is still up : https://certo6.com/service/
He helped me with an old AGFA about 15yrs ago.
PS. His website is still up : https://certo6.com/service/
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!
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
I know Mike for about a couple of years, if he says he found one probably he did and the camera is in working order.
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!
First notice about frozen helicoid, green dry grease typical from Agfa.
Always look at the bright side! He found the broken piece!
Always look at the bright side! He found the broken piece!
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.
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