Repair Shop for Canon FT CLA?

[mtnbkr]

I just picked up a Canon FT and 50/1.4 lens for a very low price. The body is in great shape physically and cosmetically (some brassing, but nothing unusual for a 50yo camera, no dents or marks in the metal), but the shutter speeds are very slow (1sec=30sec, 1/4sec=1sec, and so on). When actuated via Bulb, the shutter curtains snap open and closed with authority and no apparent dragging. The curtains are in good shape visually. The self-timer and mirror lock-up both work. It needs a mirror bumper (existing one is about half gone), pentaprism cleaning, and probably a thorough overall cleaning. I haven't tested the meter yet as I don't have a battery and none are available locally. Oh, and one of the strap lugs is loose.

I don't want to put a lot into this. It's not my only film camera and I only bought it because the price was right.

I've done a bit of poking around and these names come up for old film SLRs:
Garry's Camera Repair: Low cost leader, but lots of mixed reviews.
ProCamera: Low end is double Garry's price, but they're a scenic 2hr drive from here and I have other business in the same region, so I could hand deliver the camera, speak with them directly, and pick it up in person when done.
Zack's Camera Repair: Lots of great reviews, but no idea on price. I've reached out to them for an indicative quote based on what I've described above.

What's the safe move here? I'm leaning toward Garry's for the price or ProCamera because they're "local". While Garry's has mixed reviews, I assume that is due to price-related volumes (more jobs, more chances for people to be dissatisfied). I see this as being a straightforward job.

Chris

 

[removed account4]

im local to zacks. you might also give midstate camera repair a call, they do fantastic work too.

 

[Mackinaw]

Consider Ken Oikawa in California. Ken's a retired Canon repair tech who an excellent reputation. He also has a supply of NOS parts. Google for contact info.

Jim B.

 

[mtnbkr]

Consider Ken Oikawa in California. Ken's a retired Canon repair tech who an excellent reputation. He also has a supply of NOS parts. Google for contact info.

Jim B.

I thought I read he was fully retired and not taking on new work.

Chris

 

[Duceman]

Garry's Camera Repair: Low cost leader, but lots of mixed reviews.

In the past year, I have had more than 2 dozen cameras repaired/CLA'd by Garry. Out of all the them, the only issue I've had was when I sent in an inoperable Minolta XG-M. It came back "repaired" and fired exactly one time before dying. Sent it back to him, and was eventually told the main circuit board was fried and nothing further could be done. No refund for the prior repair was given. C'est la vie. Other than that, he's fixed/CLA'd every camera I've sent him, or if they're not repairable he doesn't charge to look at. All in all, I'm quite happy with Garry's Camera.

 

[Mackinaw]

I thought I read he was fully retired and not taking on new work.

I hadn't heard this. He was active in 2020, that much I know.

Jim B.

 

[mtnbkr]

I hadn't heard this. He was active in 2020, that much I know.

Jim B.

Gotcha. I may have misinterpreted what I read. I've been all over the 'net reading up on this subject.

In the past year, I have had more than 2 dozen cameras repaired/CLA'd by Garry. Out of all the them, the only issue I've had was when I sent in an inoperable Minolta XG-M. It came back "repaired" and fired exactly one time before dying. Sent it back to him, and was eventually told the main circuit board was fried and nothing further could be done. No refund for the prior repair was given. C'est la vie. Other than that, he's fixed/CLA'd every camera I've sent him, or if they're not repairable he doesn't charge to look at. All in all, I'm quite happy with Garry's Camera.

Thanks!

Chris

 

[tballphoto]

Camera Clinic USA - Professional Camera and Lens Repair Services

Email them, they fixed a canon Ftb for me, and did a CLA on it, got it timed correctly. Cost 100$ if i recall right.

 

[mtnbkr]

Update:

I went with Garry's Camera Repair. Partially because I didn't expect any gotchas with this camera (it's a traditional mechanical camera, no circuit boards, electronic shutters, etc), and partially because I want to control costs on this "purchased on a whim" camera. It ended up costing me a bit more than the standard CLA fee as it needed a new prism, but the total outlay, including my cost to ship the camera to him, was $100. Also, turnaround was extremely quick. If not for the delays caused by Thanksgiving, I would have had the camera back in a week.

Communication was excellent. He responds to email quickly and when the job was done, he sent me a clearly worded invoice explaining what he did and a breakdown in costs above the base CLA fee.

As for the quality of work, it appears to be completely sorted out. The shutter speeds "sound" accurate, the viewfinder is clean and clear, and the overall operation is smoother and "tighter" sounding. The proof is in the pudding, but I'm confident the pictures will come out fine (my own mistakes aside).

I did bookmark the other shops' sites in case Garry retires or I have a need outside his abilities. Thanks all!

Chris

 

[dynachrome]

Ken Oikawa did a repair job for me less than two month ago. He has done many repairs/overhauls for me and does excellent work.