Need a CLA for a Rolleiflex

[Sgore]

I have used Harry many times with many cameras but the last two times where a very unacceptable experience.. took way too long cost way too much and didn't do a good job. I am done with him.

It is my understanding that he has younger relatives doing most of the work these days and that he is primarily overseeing the work. I have had "Harry" do work on two of my cameras, and have been completely satisfied, but Mark Hansen has resurrected two cameras for me at half the cost

 

[doctorpepe]

I have had Harry Fleenor do my rollei 3.5 & rolleiwide & my Rolleiflex SL66. Both now work perfectly and I will be using him again for another SL66. You get what you pay for with these older cameras!

 

[blee1996]

Paul Ebel did good work on my Rolleiflex 2.8C a few years back, at very reasonable price and turnaround time.

I would also trust our own Dan Daniel to work on Rolleiflex too.

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

I would think unless your camera is having a problem that's not the usual thing then he might be worth it, but most repairmen can do general repairs. I have sent 2-3 cameras to Procamera in Va. and they are generally quick turnaround and reasonable.

Pro Camera in Virginia has fallen down a very deep black hole and is utterly unreliable now. Twice I had them work on my RZ 67 - they sent it back broken once, and the second time it went to them (unbeknownst to me - a local shop here was sending it out and didn't say that was where it was going) they sat on it for close to six months without even evaluating it because they were backed up, and never bothered to call to see if I wanted to get it back. I had the local store call them and request it be returned, which it finally was. I get it - camera repair shops are busy because there is a huge uptick in demand for work. But if you're so busy that you're refusing new repair requests, and your turnaround time is six months plus, then I do think you have a reasonable duty to notify customers of the situation.

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

Here in Washington DC, I take my Rolleiflexes (I have a pair of 2.8E's and a Tele) to Pro Photo on Pennsylvania Avenue. I have had exceptionally quick service from them (sometimes under a week) and my cameras come back working like a brand new camera - everything is smooth, exposures are dead on, and my focus screens are accurate (I had one of my 2.8E's upgraded to an Oleson screen - what a difference!). And they can service just about any mechanical camera - they also did a bang-up job restoring my Kodak Chevron with its odd rotating 1/800th of a second shutter and ball-bearing mounted focus ring. It now works like a new camera.

 

[blee1996]

I hope the interest in manual film camera, among the younger generations, can sustain the existing camera repair services as well as spur growth of a newer generation of technicians.

 

[Marcelo Paniagua]

Seems Harry's work is not as good as it once seems to had been. Two things a) Old cameras are old cameras and worn out cameras will give problems no matter how much technician charge. b) Higher cost technician won't necessarily be the best. Seems like Zack is doing a good job. Check with Zack about the issues that Fleenor pointed out. Don't feel any guilt since Harry will charge his inspection. Myself? I had a terrible experience with him (no standing up for a failed $900 repair) so don't send my cameras to him. Seems to me "the master" tittle has worned up with the years.

Just wanted to point out my experience to keepy your hopes at a realistic level.

I hope the interest in manual film camera, among the younger generations, can sustain the existing camera repair services as well as spur growth of a newer generation of technicians.

Hope for a new generation of technicians.

Marcelo

 

[Howl23]

Personally, I think Harry does a good job. I had sent in my SL66 in Jan. 2022 for servicing at a $700 fee and it came back in little under 4 months, which I would say is average turnaround time for most technicians (at least in my experience). The SL66 has also been working perfectly fine since then without problem. Granted I've only used his services once, so it is possible I got lucky, but doubtful since he still does come highly recommended.

Regarding Harry's cost, I don't mind paying this much especially when I take into account the age and intricacy of the cameras I use. The SL66 being a good example of this, being 50+ years old with some 1000+ parts. I would consider Harry more of a specialist than a regular technician and his prices reflect that fact. Moreso, knowing that he has worked at a Rollei factory here in the USA for 15 years back in the day.

Side note, If any one is willing to shell out the cash for shipping there is a good shop in Germany called Paepke Photoechnik which services Rollei products from 1960 onwards, and the Rollei 2.8F should fall under this if I remember correctly. Harry has also recommended this shop as well. I plan on using their services some time next year, after some budgeting.

 

[armadsen]

I took my SL66 to Harry Fleenor in early August, 2022, because the focusing was off and for a general CLA. He identified an issue with the shutter as well as a couple other minor things. He quoted a 3.5 month turnaround time. I got it back in early October (2 months later), functioning absolutely flawlessly. Total repair price was about $700. I consider it to have been well worth it and would absolutely use him again.

 

[Marcelo Paniagua]

Glad to heard you had good experiences with Harry Fleenor. SL66 are great cameras but unfortunatly not many service them.

 

[Sirius Glass]

I took my SL66 to Harry Fleenor in early August, 2022, because the focusing was off and for a general CLA. He identified an issue with the shutter as well as a couple other minor things. He quoted a 3.5 month turnaround time. I got it back in early October (2 months later), functioning absolutely flawlessly. Total repair price was about $700. I consider it to have been well worth it and would absolutely use him again.

Priceless! A CLA can make the world of difference.

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