Mike Elek

[anthonym3]

UPDATE.,alas my joy at having my camera back was short lived. Upon further inspection i have found what appears to be oily residue or fungus between the front lens elements over at least one quarter of the area The lens was clean and clear when sent to MIKE ELEK,now unless I can figure out how to clear it the lens it will probably be unusable.

 

[anthonym3]

I have re read the E-MAIL that MIKE ELEK sent about returning the camera. In it he suggested that repeated heating with a propane torch would loosen the helicoil "HOWEVER THERE IS A FINE LINE BETWEEN LOOSENING IT AND RUINING THE LENS". I now suspect that that is what has occurred.

 

[choiliefan]

If you can't fix it with a hammer, it has to be an electrical problem.

 

[anthonym3]

I should have added that I did not try the propane torch,in fact do not own one,I suspect that MIKE ELEK did and crossed that "FINE LINE".

 

[nosmok]

FWIW I have that same same Agfa 105mm Solinar and it is frozen absolutely solid in its helical threads too. I have dealt with other Agfa frozen grease issues but it sounds like this Solinar is an order of magnitude worse, based a sample size of 2. Too bad, as mine took amazing pics of stuff 8 feet away from the camera .

 

[Deleted member 88956]

I should have added that I did not try the propane torch,in fact do not own one,I suspect that MIKE ELEK did and crossed that "FINE LINE".

Seems like the guy is a hack not repair anything person. The mere idea of using torch next to glass elements gave me goose bumps. More shocking is such a revelation was put in writing.

Makes me wonder, would he have "loosened up" with the same technique, if he were constipated? And at what point would he have known whether the "fine line" had been crossed?

 

[Alex Varas]

I have re read the E-MAIL that MIKE ELEK sent about returning the camera. In it he suggested that repeated heating with a propane torch would loosen the helicoil "HOWEVER THERE IS A FINE LINE BETWEEN LOOSENING IT AND RUINING THE LENS". I now suspect that that is what has occurred.

There is a big difference between suggesting it and doing it.
Anyway you are free to read whatever pleases you more.

 

[Deleted member 88956]

There is a big difference between suggesting it and doing it.
Anyway you are free to read whatever pleases you more.

But the lens was clear and returned messed up. Seems like legitimate suspicion, on top of silliness of that suggested solution.

I loved this one earlier:

If you can't fix it with a hammer, it has to be an electrical problem.

 

[Alex Varas]

But the lens was clear and returned messed up. Seems like legitimate suspicion, on top of silliness of that suggested solution.

I loved this one earlier:

I understand this from someone who has not been in contact with someone during last years, I have and I was very surprised (not that Mike doesn't reply promptly or even reply at all, this I agree happens) that he would use such methods as torch (I would use oven to 50 degrees in case heat would be necessary as splitting up old cemented elements).
So as I was not there either when Mike or OP were manipulating the camera or lens elements I can't assure that Mike used torch, he (and others) has the benefit of the doubt.

 

[Deleted member 88956]

I understand this from someone who has not been in contact with someone during last years, I have and I was very surprised (not that Mike doesn't reply promptly or even reply at all, this I agree happens) that he would use such methods as torch (I would use oven to 50 degrees in case heat would be necessary as splitting up old cemented elements).
So as I was not there either when Mike or OP were manipulating the camera or lens elements I can't assure that Mike used torch, he (and others) has the benefit of the doubt.

And I was only saying that the idea of torch is silly, given the impossibility of controlling the flame and heat coming out of it (for the discussed task), and in such a vicinity of other materials that could be destroyed in the process. There is no 50 degrees from a torch, use hair dryer for that and much higher actually. There are electric heat guns far safer overall that bring the heat much beyond hair dryer too.

Besides, if lens was shipped clean and came back not that anymore, then the hack was done to it. To me the whole story of remaining silent for so long is good enough to place judgment. If you don't know how to handle something you state so, return the item back, apologize for making up false hopes, and at least be a man keep it honest. So no, as far "contractor" goes, I think this went way beyond benefit of a doubt.

 

[BrianShaw]

This is what small claims court is for... to settle a problem and righting s wring... to be made whole.

Destroying a mans name and reputation on the internet is...

 

[anthonym3]

There is a big difference between suggesting it and doing it.
Anyway you are free to read whatever pleases you more.

I need to clarify,I did not do it but MIKE ELEK may have.

 

[anthonym3]

This is what small claims court is for... to settle a problem and righting s wring... to be made whole.

Destroying a mans name and reputation on the internet is...

I did not "destroy" his reputation however his negligence may have. As for small claims court at age 79,no vehicle,I am not about to take public transportation from CONNECTICUT to western NEW JERSEY nor should I have to.

 

[anthonym3]

FWIW I have that same same Agfa 105mm Solinar and it is frozen absolutely solid in its helical threads too. I have dealt with other Agfa frozen grease issues but it sounds like this Solinar is an order of magnitude worse, based a sample size of 2. Too bad, as mine took amazing pics of stuff 8 feet away from the camera .

Would you be willing to sell it to me? I will try to loosen it and if it doesn't work so be it,it is at least worth a try.

 

[Deleted member 88956]

This is what small claims court is for... to settle a problem and righting s wring... to be made whole.

Destroying a mans name and reputation on the internet is...

I believe a story was put out and comments followed. Perhaps litigation is always a solution for some people, but how does this whole thread constitute "destruction" of one's name? Are you questioning OP's story? If so, isn't this not equal to the supposed "crime" of defamation you allege?

I just think it is a bit too dramatic. Just like suggesting a torch to fix a focusing ring. The latter could also be viewed as highly prone to liability claims.

Are we not moving a bit too fast into the ever finer print of disclaimers, so fine, so complex, and so hidden away, the originator actually never wants the recipient to see, but would love to meet him in court later on, usually for own wrong doing?

 

[Deleted member 88956]

I did not "destroy" his reputation however his negligence may have. As for small claims court at age 79,no vehicle,I am not about to take public transportation from CONNECTICUT to western NEW JERSEY nor should I have to.

+1

 

[removed account4]

I did not "destroy" his reputation however his negligence may have. As for small claims court at age 79,no vehicle,I am not about to take public transportation from CONNECTICUT to western NEW JERSEY nor should I have to.

you don't have to sue him in NJ if you take him to court in CT where you live, he has to travel to YOU. and even if you "win" a judgement against him
the hard part is getting payment, btdt.

at least he is sending your camera back.

 

[anthonym3]

you don't have to sue him in NJ if you take him to court in CT where you live, he has to travel to YOU. and even if you "win" a judgement against him
the hard part is getting payment, btdt.

at least he is sending your camera back.

I am not litigious by nature and would not react to that degree and am perhaps too trusting due to sixty years of practicing my profession jeweler/designer/repair in which trust is paramount. If one breaches that trust word gets around very quickly and prospective clients become wary or non existent.

 

[BrianShaw]

So I’ll back down from my potentially erroneous and unfair assertion that a name and reputation is being “destroyed”... but raking him over the coals is nearly the same thing. Sueing isn’t in your nature, you say, nor is it in mine. Especially when it’s apparent that claims probably can’t be proven either way. Being disappointed and pissed off appears to be something we share. But this has turned into a retaliatory public humiliation and flogging. At some point one needs to just accept the facts and move on. Not really criticizing but just sayin’

 

[Alan Johnson]

So I’ll back down from my potentially erroneous and unfair assertion that a name and reputation is being “destroyed”... but raking him over the coals is nearly the same thing. Sueing isn’t in your nature, you say, nor is it in mine. Especially when it’s apparent that claims probably can’t be proven either way. Being disappointed and pissed off appears to be something we share. But this has turned into a retaliatory public humiliation and flogging. At some point one needs to just accept the facts and move on. Not really criticizing but just sayin’

Yes. this type of "naming and shaming " over a $40 camera is completely disproportionate and unfair to Mr Elek who has been a distinguished contributor to internet forums for many years.

 

[removed account4]

I am not litigious by nature and would not react to that degree and am perhaps too trusting due to sixty years of practicing my profession jeweler/designer/repair in which trust is paramount. If one breaches that trust word gets around very quickly and prospective clients become wary or non existent.

then maybe "move on" instead of continuing to bad mouth this guy? he made a mistake. its was a broken camera that probably cost less to purchase then it was going to cost to fix? ( i'm guessing it probably cost $65? and shipping both ways from the repair guy 30$ and the repair if it was done to your satisfaction probably $100?) not trying to be a jerk, and while i totally understand why you are upset that this trouble happened, is it really worth all of this ?

 

[anthonym3]

So I’ll back down from my potentially erroneous and unfair assertion that a name and reputation is being “destroyed”... but raking him over the coals is nearly the same thing. Sueing isn’t in your nature, you say, nor is it in mine. Especially when it’s apparent that claims probably can’t be proven either way. Being disappointed and pissed off appears to be something we share. But this has turned into a retaliatory public humiliation and flogging. At some point one needs to just accept the facts and move on. Not really criticizing but just sayin’

Put yourself in my place. I trusted someone who said that he could help me so I sent my camera. That was in JUNE 2019. We communicated three times,the last when I asked if it would be done in time for fall foliage,that was about AUGUST 19th 2019. He replied that it would be done by the next SATURDAY. I replied that there was no hurry if it was proving difficult,having done jewelry repair for decades I understand that some repairs are more intensive than others. That was the last communication between us for five months despite my having E-MAILED him at least twelve times all of which were not answered until a member suggested a website on which he was a contributor. Seeing that my message to him demanding the return of my camera stating he had had it for 8 months was visible to others it embarrassed him into finally returning it. I believe that I was completely justified in my demands and in my criticism however harsh.

 

[Ballinderry-Michael]

Yes. this type of "naming and shaming " over a $40 camera is completely disproportionate and unfair to Mr Elek who has been a distinguished contributor to internet forums for many years.

And in addition we have heard only one side of the story.

 

[anthonym3]

To all who are critical of me. I am certain that all of you would have been quite happy to have had my experience. Why not attempt to contact MIKE to ascertain his view? If he is honest he will validate my criticism.

 

[JBrunner]

This axe is ground to a nub, and this thread serves no further purpose. Closed.