Ross Yerkes Rare Camera Restoration

Texsport · Sep 22, 2014

Here's a tip of my hat and a huge thanks to Ross Yerkes for restoring to perfect working order my Warner 66 camera.

It wasn't working when I found it, but now it looks and performs like a new machine.

Mr Yerkes' comment was "what a job".

My comment is "what a gentleman and craftsman"!

Highly recommend Ross Yerkes.

Texsport

Trask · Sep 22, 2014

Might be worthwhile to post his website/contact information here.

eclarke · Sep 23, 2014

Another vote for the info

Paul Howell · Sep 23, 2014

Ross is one of the few techs who works on Kowa, he serviced my Kowa 250mm 7 or 8 years ago. As far as I know he does not have a webb address, I dont know if he has email. He also sells Kowa equipment.

Ross Yerkes Camera Repair

Address: 342 Kirby St, Los Angeles, CA 90042

Phone323) 256-1018

BobMarvin · Sep 23, 2014

I have never used Mr. Yerkes, so I have no direct experience, but FWIW, he is a rather controversial figure for reasons other than his camera repair expertise. Anyone contemplating using his services might want to do a Google search first.

David Brown · Sep 23, 2014

BobMarvin said:
I have never used Mr. Yerkes, so I have no direct experience, but FWIW, he is a rather controversial figure for reasons other than his camera repair expertise. Anyone contemplating using his services might want to do a Google search first.

I have used Yerkes, so I'll comment. His work is fine. He can, at times, be a bit of a curmudgeon. It did annoy me that when my cameras were returned from repair, there would be not exactly mainline religious propaganda included in the package. However, he's no more "controversial" IMHO than Chick Filet or Hobby Lobby. SO, let's not derail the thread, let's just leave it at that, please.

However, I was shooting Kowa at the time, and if one wants their Kowa repaired, he's the guy.

I did do the Google search you recommend just now, and all I came up with is what I just said.

BobMarvin · Sep 23, 2014

Well, it isn't Mr. Yerkes' RELIGIOUS views that are controversial, but I'll leave it at that. I might well shop at Hobby Lobby [not Chick Filet, but only because I don't like fried chicken] but I'd never personally use Yerkes. YRMV.

Texsport · Sep 24, 2014

I'd ask Ross Yerkes to do repairs for me again.

I found him very polite and helpful, asking questions and advising me on packaging for shipping.

A very satisfactory experience dealing with him.

Texsport

Texsport · Sep 25, 2014

Texsport said:
I'd ask Ross Yerkes to do repairs for me again.

I found him very polite and helpful, asking questions and advising me on packaging for shipping.

A very satisfactory experience dealing with him.

Texsport

And -- he restored a camera that two other shops told me parts were unavailable for!

removed account4 · Sep 25, 2014

SNIP SNIP AND SNIP AGAIN

David Brown said:
.... there would be not exactly mainline religious propaganda included in the package.

sorry to put you on the spot david ...

a tract ?

maybe he was given a whole bunch and he couldn't go door to door or windshield them ?

i get emails + PMs from people that tell me to have "a blessed day" and "g'd bless"
and i just say to myself ... whatever ...

David Brown · Sep 25, 2014

jnanian said:
SNIP SNIP AND SNIP AGAIN

and i just say to myself ... whatever ...

Well, John, that was sort of my point. Yerkes is eccentric, perhaps, but controversial? :confused:

analoguey · Sep 26, 2014

BobMarvin said:
I have never used Mr. Yerkes, so I have no direct experience, but FWIW, he is a rather controversial figure for reasons other than his camera repair expertise. Anyone contemplating using his services might want to do a Google search first.

David Brown said:
I have used Yerkes, so I'll comment. His work is fine. He can, at times, be a bit of a curmudgeon. It did annoy me that when my cameras were returned from repair, there would be not exactly mainline religious propaganda included in the package. However, he's no more "controversial" IMHO than Chick Filet or Hobby Lobby. SO, let's not derail the thread, let's just leave it at that, please.

I did do the Google search you recommend just now, and all I came up with is what I just said.

I think its a fair (and good) warning (even if it weren't an International forum).

Out of curiosity, I did do a google search myself.
Google did point me to a couple of similar posts to Bob's above, but with direct experience:

On Apug, (there was a url link here which no longer exists), posts (there was a url link here which no longer exists), (there was a url link here which no longer exists) & (there was a url link here which no longer exists). (there's more on the next page)

I haven't had the occasion to use his services, but on reading such reviews, I wouldn't. I would much rather let a camera rot than pay for it being serviced and be sent a tirade in return.
YMMV

removed account4 · Sep 26, 2014

David Brown said:
Well, John, that was sort of my point. Yerkes is eccentric, perhaps, but controversial? :confused:

i totally agree ... i don't really think that is very controversial ... maybe annoying to someone who doesn't want to hear it,
... to me its about as controversial as someone saying "God Bless You" when you sneeze ...

BobMarvin · Sep 26, 2014

With respect, many people consider racist and anti-semitic comments and literature rather more controversial and offensive than "someone saying 'God Bless You' when you sneeze ..."

David Brown · Sep 26, 2014

BobMarvin said:
With respect, many people consider racist and anti-semitic comments and literature rather more controversial and offensive than "someone saying 'God Bless You' when you sneeze ..."

With respect, racist and anti-semitic comments was not my experience. I have not dealt with him in many years, and his views may have expanded. I am not disputing what you are reporting, BobMarvin. I am not saying that you are wrong. I am saying that your information is, at best, second hand. My information is, at best, old and perhaps no longer accurate.

We used to be very cautious about making ad hominem attacks on individuals here on APUG. That civility seems to have gone away in recent years. People can make up their own minds if and when they actually do deal with him. Let's leave it at that.

I'll stop talking about it.

BobMarvin · Sep 27, 2014

I too will stop writing about Mr. Yerkes and yes, you're right that my information is second hand, although I've read similar things from numerous sources over the years and they seem credible.

Dismayed · Sep 27, 2014

Judge for yourselves. Here's a scan of the "material" that he included with my CLA. I wouldn't have given him any of my business had I known in advance.

Texsport · Sep 27, 2014

I'd say that free speech is a right defined by the Constitution, giving everyone the right to express their opinions.

Labeling anyone whose opinions doesn't align with others is becoming the standard for of attack in the media and as commentary by many in disagreement.

I don't have to agree with other's opinions, but defend their right to express them.

In the case of Mr Yerkes, I'm grateful that he has the skill and willingness to offer camera repair services not available elsewhere. I chose to ignore opinions I don't agree with, without a second thought, and certainly have no desire to attack him for his opinions.and, let the first person without fault throw the stones!

Texsport

Texsport · Sep 28, 2014

I really dislike auto spell programs!

My apologies for the horrid grammar and spelling, and unclear sentence structure!

Texsport

benjiboy · Sep 28, 2014

Dismayed said:
Judge for yourselves. Here's a scan of the "material" that he included with my CLA. I wouldn't have given him any of my business had I known in advance.

View attachment 95263

View attachment 95264

I know free speech is guaranteed by the U.S constitution, Britain has no written constitution but spreading this sort of racial hatred in my country is a serious crime as it is in most civilized countrys, and if it isn't a criminal offence in America it should be. If a camera repairer included this highly offensive literature when returning my camera repair I would immediately report it to the police.

Dali · Sep 28, 2014

Texsport said:
I'd say that free speech is a right defined by the Constitution, giving everyone the right to express their opinions.

Texsport

Everyone is free to give his opinion when asked. I doubt anyone asking this gentleman to repair a camera is also asking to receive such BS.

Chrismat · Sep 28, 2014

benjiboy said:
I know free speech is guaranteed by the U.S constitution, Britain has no written constitution but spreading this sort of racial hatred in my country is a serious crime as it is in most civilized countrys, and if it isn't a criminal offence in America it should be. If a camera repairer included this highly offensive literature when returning my camera repair I would immediately report it to the police.

Civilized countries don't arrest people for giving their unsolicited opinions despite how distasteful the content. Deliberately advocating violence would be exception. I wouldn't like receiving that sort of mail either, but I would just throw it away and not do business with them again.

benjiboy · Sep 28, 2014

Chrismat said:
Civilized countries don't arrest people for giving their unsolicited opinions despite how distasteful the content. Deliberately advocating violence would be exception. I wouldn't like receiving that sort of mail either, but I would just throw it away and not do business with them again.

Some people's opinions are so repugnant, vile and hurtful to the majority of the rest of the population they should be curbed in law.

pdeeh · Sep 28, 2014

There's freedom of speech and freedom of speech, and I'm with benjiboy on this one all the way

Kirks518 · Sep 28, 2014

FWIW, no way in Hades I would send my business to this guy if he was the last option on earth. By using his services, you are indirectly supporting his ignorant opinions/views/beliefs. The money he gets for his camera services contribute to promoting his agenda. Between this thread, and the numerous pages on the web about this bigot, if anyone continues to support him, it must be, IMO, that those who choose to use him follow his beliefs, and are no less guilty of spreading hate then Mr Yerkes.

I am fully aware of the right to free speech, but with his approach, we have no option but to be exposed to it. Those who are unknowing do not have the option to 'turn the channel' or walk away. They are blind-sided by this unsolicited hate mongering 'literature', and by the time they know, they have already been an unwilling supporter of said hate.

It just shows the means necessary by people like him to be able to get their word out. Since they probably can't find someone to actually sit down and listen to them, they must bombard the unsuspecting with this trash.

Ross Yerkes Rare Camera Restoration

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