Seems that there is a Uptick on film Camera repairs.

cmacd123 · Dec 4, 2019

I was hearing form a few camera repair folks recently and many remarked that they are seeing a surge in Film Cameras coming in for repair. One person was stunned that the number of approved estimates was becoming higher. (folks willing to spend what it costs to get a Camera put right) Digital repairs are actually down at some shops.

Hardly a scientific poll, - this may mean that the supply of film cameras that work without refurbishment is becoming smaller, or that folks are more willing to pay up front to get a good working camera. recall that almost all film cameras are no longer supported by the manufacturers so repair folks have to obtain parts from dead cameras.

jtk · Dec 4, 2019

probably true here and there, inevitable result of death of most appealing film, decent labs, and high cost of repeated CLA incurred by people who don't have any experience with digital. The regional lab that experiences the "uptick" is simply packaging up old cameras on behalf of KEH.

Agulliver · Dec 5, 2019

I haven't specifically discussed camera repairs at my local camera shop (which specialises in such) but I have certainly seen customers handing over cameras for estimates while I've been chatting with the lady who handles film processing - which is my main reason for visiting these days. I'll ask next time.

guangong · Dec 5, 2019

In today’s photographic world, I don’t believe that the disappearance of photo labs is very significant.Browsing yesterday through a book on photographic method by Berenice Abbot that I got about 60 yrs ago, she notes that part of the tactile pleasured of photography is all that we do after pressing the shutter button. I use labs only for color reversal for reasons of consistency, but I consider shooting slides a separate subset of general photography.
Keeping in mind that most of the equipment that we use is many decades old, sometimes dating back a century, repair and maintenance is crucial. Especially maintenance! High end equipment is high end because made with high quality materials and craftsmanship, and as pointed out, parts can be in short supply, so keeping a piece of equipment working smoothly without stress is important. I always consider a CLA and/or repair into total cost of anything I buy from e-Bay. For reasons of economy, almost all commercial photography is now digital. So film eye photography belongs to those of us who enjoy the whole process of film. At the same time, there seems to be an uptick in new people coming to film. So more people seeking repair makes sense.
Our only prayer can be that the remaining camera mechanics are training younger repairman.

Bob Carnie · Dec 5, 2019

cmacd123 said:
I was hearing form a few camera repair folks recently and many remarked that they are seeing a surge in Film Cameras coming in for repair. One person was stunned that the number of approved estimates was becoming higher. (folks willing to spend what it costs to get a Camera put right) Digital repairs are actually down at some shops.

Hardly a scientific poll, - this may mean that the supply of film cameras that work without refurbishment is becoming smaller, or that folks are more willing to pay up front to get a good working camera. recall that almost all film cameras are no longer supported by the manufacturers so repair folks have to obtain parts from dead cameras.

Do you know of anyone in Ontario that is good at repairing enlarger lenses??

Hatchetman · Dec 5, 2019

Fewer and fewer people can fix these things, leaving those that can with more business.

Ko.Fe. · Dec 5, 2019

Bob Carnie said:
Do you know of anyone in Ontario that is good at repairing enlarger lenses??

Ask Alex at Halton Camera Exchange. He has lens repairman.

Mainecoonmaniac · Dec 5, 2019

I really don't know. I just sent in my Canon P for a CLA and it will cost $300. It's a good deal since is a nice camera and won't go obsolete like digital cameras. What I can tell you is that I inquired about the CLA with 3 other repair facilities and they declined the job one shop said it's hard go get parts for it. I'm sure if my camera is digital, the chance will be greater that they'll do the work.

Andrew O'Neill · Dec 5, 2019

I know VanCam in Vancouver is pretty busy...always has been.. and it's got nothing to do with KEH, as previous poster stated.

Mainecoonmaniac · Dec 5, 2019

Take a look at this video.

MNM · Dec 5, 2019

Hatchetman said:
Fewer and fewer people can fix these things, leaving those that can with more business.

That's a concern of mine. wait too long and they might all be gone. That's provoked me to be part of the uptick.

dutchsteammachine · Dec 5, 2019

MNM said:
That's a concern of mine. wait too long and they might all be gone. That's provoked me to be part of the uptick.

Most people who repair/CLA camera's are retired.

Unfortunately it is not a skill many pass on.

Mainecoonmaniac · Dec 5, 2019

dutchsteammachine said:
Most people who repair/CLA camera's are retired.

Unfortunately it is not a skill many pass on.

I chatted with a colleague that teaches film making. There’s only one guy that still repairs Bolex cameras. When he retires there’s no one to take his place. He’s last of the Mohicans.

pbromaghin · Dec 5, 2019

MNM said:
That's a concern of mine. wait too long and they might all be gone. That's provoked me to be part of the uptick.

My repair place; Key Camera (Dave Feeley) in Longemont, CO; has a guy in his 20's working and learning from him.

MNM · Dec 6, 2019

MNM said:
That's a concern of mine. wait too long and they might all be gone. That's provoked me to be part of the uptick.

pbromaghin said:
My repair place; Key Camera (Dave Feeley) in Longemont, CO; has a guy in his 20's working and learning from him.

That's good to hear.

jtk · Dec 6, 2019

MNM said:
That's good to hear.

Best of luck to that 20-yr-old...but I'd bet he leaves repair to do more photography...undoubtedly digital.

MNM · Dec 6, 2019

MNM said:
That's good to hear.

jtk said:
Best of luck to that 20-yr-old...but I'd bet he leaves repair to do more photography...undoubtedly digital.

No racecar mechanics, they have all become drivers?

Not saying it won't happen but hard to guess without knowing him. Some folks find that kind of work deeply satisfying. I spent a few hours one afternoon disassembling, cleaning and greasing a few ratchets pulled from the toolbox.

Then again, having money is nice too.

Seems that there is a Uptick on film Camera repairs.

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