Reliable repair for Canon SLR's - EF and AE-1

Pumal · Mar 9, 2010

After reading all these, I'm glad I live in Santiago, Chile and I have a german (Harry Muller) that does my CLA'S for 40 Bucks.

goamules · Mar 11, 2010

Two of the small, recommended shops won't even work on EFs. The big guys will, for $110 or $130, but I've heard conflicting reports about how well they do. I'll probably sell the body, throwing money at a problem is not my method; buying a better working one is.

Pumal · Mar 11, 2010

I'm alive!!

LyleB · Mar 11, 2010

I just received a call from KEH repair.

Last Friday, less than a week ago, I sent them two bodies, an FM2 for an overhaul (CLA) and replacement of the light seals, and a FE for a similar CLA and repair of a stiff door latch and VERY stiff DOF preview. They have completed both cameras, and will be shipping them back to me tomorrow AM. The person I spoke with said the DOF was repaired with no additional charges. That is less than one week turn-around time on two bodies, including the initial shipping time. I'm very impressed. Cost was $120 per camera. Not the cheapest, but not the most expensive estimate I got either. Definitely quick service. I'll let you all know what they look like when I get them back. So far, I'm totally happy.

benjiboy · Mar 14, 2010

I'm not in the US and can't recommend a repairer, all I can tell you is that I have most of the FD bodys including the F1 and T90, and my EF is my favourite, I had it given a complete service recently and paid far more than I could buy one from an auction site for, but the camera I got back from the repairer I couldn't believe it considering it was made in 1975 it was like new, and as smooth as silk, and was well worth what it cost in the pleasure I get using it and will in the future.

Steve Weston · Mar 14, 2010

Benjiboy. Could I ask who you used over here in the UK? I have an F1n that has a shutter that fires when it can be bothered.

benjiboy · Mar 14, 2010

Steve Weston said:
Benjiboy. Could I ask who you used over here in the UK? I have an F1n that has a shutter that fires when it can be bothered.

PM sent.

LyleB · Mar 16, 2010

Well, I just got my two bodies back from KEH. Both appear to be in great condition now.

The FM2n was sent in for CLA and replacement of light seals, appears to have been done, looks spotless inside. New seals, the old ones were gummy and disintegrating, but did work.

The FE was sent in for CLA, repair of DOF preview, and a stiff rear door latch. All of these have been repaired, and seem to be working fine now. In addition, they felt the ASA/ISO dial was sloppy, and moved too easily (it did, but I just thought I would live with it). They replaced the dial, and now it securely locks into the settings. No extra charge.

Very happy with the service and turn-around time. Will run some film through these cameras today, not expecting any problems. So far, KEH gets a big recommendation from me for both purchasing used equipment and repairing the same.

Greg Campbell · Mar 17, 2010

http://www.cameraclinic-usa.com/ is well thought of among FD users.

benjiboy · Mar 17, 2010

The O.P was asking for repairers in the U.K.

holmburgers · Feb 14, 2011

My EF is in need of repair. The viewfinder "frame" that indicates the shutter speed is getting stuck at 1/60th and won't go any higher even as I turn the SS up to 1000. This messes up metering, etc.

I'm in the US and so far, one of the best FD guys (John Titterington) says he doesn't work on EF's. Is there anybody that actually knows about EF's and has the ability to repair them well? It doesn't seem like a verdict was ever reached on this thread about EF's.

Buying a new one is always an option, but I like the idea of keeping these cameras in service as long as there are people alive who know how to fix them. Someday, there will be no-one and then good luck finding working examples....

Cheers!

kreeger · Feb 15, 2011

Hey holmburgers... have you taken your camera to Lee Bartel at Overland Photo before? He's been doing camera repairs for 50+ years and knows his stuff.
He's only in there Mon-Thursdays. I'm over in KC area - any others around here??

holmburgers · Feb 15, 2011

Wow, really? I love Overland Photo but I never knew he did repairs. Thanks for the tip!

John Titterington(sp?) is highly regarded, but he only works on A-series canons and not the EF; he's in Leawood. Other than that, I'm not really sure. Time to start emailing and begging I guess..

Cheers

EDIT: OK, I called and talked to Lee. He said they have worked on some EF's in the past with success and so I'm going to bring it in and see what's up. That's great... I can pick up some darkroom stuff at the same time. Overland Photo is the best darkroom supply in the area that I know of; very good prices and good selection. Thanks much kreeger!

dynachrome · Feb 15, 2011

Essex does excellent work. Any repaire facility can overlook something. I have had many cameras and lenses serviced by Essex and my experience with them has been good. Why pay $100 to have a camera overhauled when you can buy another used one for $50? So you know you have something that works properly.

holmburgers · Feb 15, 2011

dynachrome said:
Why pay $100 to have a camera overhauled when you can buy another used one for $50? So you know you have something that works properly.

Agreed. Plus I consider it a service to the repairman and the cameras. Someday, repair will really no longer be an option.

kreeger · Feb 15, 2011

Glad to help. Lee's worked on my Nikons and Hasselblads since the mid 80s.. He was trained by the only really reliable repair guy in the city going back to the 50s I suspect.
I agree that Overland Photo is the only store like it left. There used to be 5-6 good stores but not anymore. The chain store places are awful. Better to order from Freestyle, Calumet or B&H.
PM me off line if you want to grab coffee sometime.

holmburgers · Mar 9, 2011

Ok, update. Lee was not able to fix my EF unfortunately. He doesn't do "major repairs" on them as they're kind of an odd duck in the Canon lineup. The sad thing is, everything works on the camera, meter, shutter, etc., except that the winder/shutter button are stuck. I really want to get this particular camera back up and running, so if you know anyone that does legitimate repairs on the EF, please let me know.

In the meantime, I'll do some searching.

update: Ken Oikawa seems to be the man. Two recent posts.
http://photo.net/neighbor/view-one?neighbor_to_neighbor_id=337020
http://photo.net/canon-fd-camera-forum/00YLpK

I'm going to call him, I think his current number is 951-246-9136

jmcd · Mar 9, 2011

Ken Oikawa is a great camera repair person, and absolutely tenacious. He has worked on a couple of cameras for me.

One had a persistent problem. He took it back and finally found the cause. He said he had been working on Canon F-1 cameras for 30 years and that was the first time he had seen that particular cause of a problem. Ken is the best.

jmcd · Mar 9, 2011

You have his correct phone number, holmburgers.

holmburgers · Mar 9, 2011

Thank you very much. That's very reassuring; I'll be sure to report back if he works on my camera. He seems to have nothing short of a stellar reputation.

Mackinaw · Mar 10, 2011

holmburgers said:
Thank you very much. That's very reassuring; I'll be sure to report back if he works on my camera. He seems to have nothing short of a stellar reputation.

Ken is a retired Canon repair tech who specializes in older Canon gear. F-1, FTb, Pellix, Canonflex, etc. that's what he knows best. Year's back he totally rebuilt an old F-1 of mine. It came back operating like it was new.

Jim B.

holmburgers · Mar 10, 2011

That's awesome. I understand that his prices are reasonable as well, is that true?

Mackinaw · Mar 10, 2011

holmburgers said:
That's awesome. I understand that his prices are reasonable as well, is that true?

From memory, he offers several types of services, everything from a minor CLA to complete overhauls, to repairs.

My memory is that what he charged for a complete overhaul of my F-1 was competitive with others who do this type of work.

Hard to say what he would charge for a repair. It would depend on what he has to do. He can give you a better idea once you talk to him.

Jim B.

Reliable repair for Canon SLR's - EF and AE-1

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