Pacemaker CLA

EASmithV · Sep 21, 2009

Well, I've recently had the inspiration to do a project using my speed graphic exclusively. However, before I start shooting it, I want to get my camera mechanically superb.

Do you know a good place that can do a full CLA on a Graflex with a very fast turnaround?

I want my FP shutter accurate enough to shoot transparencies, same with my lens/leaf shutter. I also want my rangefinder to be calibrated to better than I could possibly do myself.

Is this too much to ask? If not, where?

BradS · Sep 22, 2009

it is definitely not too much to ask. Any competent camera repair technician will be able to CLA both shutters...and ought to be able to calibrate the rangefinder as well.

However, if you want the camera "as good as new", Fred Lustig is the man to call. He lives in Reno, Nevada. Google him to find his number and give him a call. His prices are reasonable and his work is impeccable.

EASmithV · Sep 22, 2009

Excellent, thanks! I will have to get in contact with Mr. Lustig.

What is the best way to ship the camera to him? Should I insure it? I've never used shipping insurance before.

I know, it sounds dumb, but how do I do it? *sheepish grin*

BetterSense · Sep 22, 2009

Probably just put it in a box with some bubble wrap and ship it with your carrier of choice. Insurance sounds like a good idea. It's not like speed graphics are delicate.

BradS · Sep 22, 2009

Wrap the camera in bubble wrap. Find a box that allows for at least two inches of foam or wadded up paper all around. Add a layer of packing peanuts to the bottom of the box, put bubble wrapped camera in box and fill the rest of the way with packing peanuts. Write Mr. Lustig's shipping address on a piece of paper and put it in the box. Add a note to Mr. Lustig explaining what work you need done and when you 'd like the camera returned and how you can be reached...and your return address. Seal the box and write Mr. Lustig's name and address on the out side. Take the box to the nearest post office and ask the nice person at the counter to send it Priority mail....NOT parcel post. Do not worry about insurance. With the USPS priority mail service,, it'll get there in two or three days and it'll be fine (if you pack like I said above).

EASmithV · Sep 23, 2009

How do I give payment? Is there a form like the one from Dwaynes, where I can put my card #, and he can just charge me whatever it racks up to?

removed account4 · Sep 23, 2009

you might want to search for mr lustig's phone number
and call him, and speak with him about what you hope to have done ...
(before you ship it out to him).
you'll have a better idea of cost, payment and timeframe too ...

mhcfires · Sep 23, 2009

EASmithV said:
How do I give payment? Is there a form like the one from Dwaynes, where I can put my card #, and he can just charge me whatever it racks up to?

Here is Fred Lustig's phone # and address:

Fred Lustig
4790 Caughlin Parkway #433
Reno, NV 89519
Phone: 775-746-0111 . Keep in mind any time difference; he's in Nevada. (Pacific Time)

EASmithV · Sep 24, 2009

I had done this previously, and he said he couldn't quote me a price because he did not know the extent of the work until he saw the camera.

EASmithV · Sep 24, 2009

Are you sure that you have the right address? The last thing in the world I want to do is mail my baby to some random person...

The one on Graflex.org lists a different area code, but I know he moved.

"Fred Lustig
4790 Caughlin Pkwy #433
Reno, NV 89509
phone (775) 746-0111"

mhcfires · Sep 24, 2009

EASmithV said:
Are you sure that you have the right address? The last thing in the world I want to do is mail my baby to some random person...

The one on Graflex.org lists a different area code, but I know he moved.

"Fred Lustig
4790 Caughlin Pkwy #433
Reno, NV 89509
phone (775) 746-0111"

Best to call him first, He can give you his correct address if this one is wrong.

EASmithV · Sep 25, 2009

Will do!

Robert Budding · Sep 26, 2009

Fred Lustig does excellent work. He put new focusing rails on my Crown and got it up to snuff.

EASmithV · Oct 1, 2009

I mailed it a few days ago, so he should definitely have received it by now.

I didn't realize how much I would miss it... lol... I miss my babyyy...

Um... Maybe I need a girlfriend...

Venchka · Oct 1, 2009

Speed Graphics may not be as much fun, but they are cheaper in the long run.

brian d · Oct 1, 2009

I didn't realize how much I would miss it... lol... I miss my babyyy...

Um... Maybe I need a girlfriend...

Nah, you just need more Graflex goodies

DLawson · Oct 2, 2009

brian d said:
Nah, you just need more Graflex goodies

You mean there are people who only have one?

brian d · Oct 2, 2009

You mean there are people who only have one?

I doubt it but then again you can never have too many (of the Graflex goodies one girlfriend is enough)

mhcfires · Oct 3, 2009

brian d said:
I doubt it but then again you can never have too many (of the Graflex goodies one girlfriend is enough)

My girlfriend thinks I have WAY too many Graflexes. I have only one of each size press camera and SLR (2x3 thru 4x5).

Venchka · Oct 3, 2009

There must be something wrong with me. I only own one Speed Graphic. I also have a Linhof Technika V. Does that count?

mopar_guy · Oct 3, 2009

Venchka,
Yes it is wrong to only have one Speed Graphic. I feel bad that I only have five Speed Graphics, three Crown Graphics and two Graflex Super D's. Now all I need is more time to shoot with them.
Dave

BradS · Oct 3, 2009

Venchka said:
There must be something wrong with me. I only own one Speed Graphic. I also have a Linhof Technika V. Does that count?

What!?!??!?! Only one!?!?!?

Please tell us it isn't so. Perhaps, you've been out of sorts lately?

Our agents will be visiting you home soon....please do not try to hide.

EASmithV · Oct 3, 2009

lolol. You all NEED (yes, NEED) some Graflex bumper stickers... Such as "My other camera is a Graflex, too"

BradS · Oct 3, 2009

I like the tee-shirt (or sweat shirt) idea better!

Venchka · Oct 4, 2009

When she realized that I had 3 4x5 cameras, 1 6x7 camera, too many 35mm cameras to count and was considering a Hasselblad purchase, my wife politely suggested, "Why don't you use just 1 camera for a year?"

Sound advice? Blasphemy?

Pacemaker CLA

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency