Sover Wong and my F2A

[bobfowler]

It's been a great day, new grandchild AND my F2A came back from Sover Wong's shop in the UK.

I can't say enough about his workmanship - simply superb! In addition to the CLA on the body, he did a CLA on the DP-11 finder (no more jumpy needle) and added 3 LEDs with latching circuitry so you can SEE the meter, f/stop, and shutter speed in the finder in low light. He also added a 3 pin socket on the front of the MB-1 battery pack so I can use an MR-3 release for vertical shooting. Those two mods alone were worth the price of the overhaul. Total time out of my hands was 15 days, more than half of which was occupied by the Postal Service. During the overhaul, he sent me daily updates (with photos) of what he found and corrective actions taken.

If you have a sick F2, Sover is THE man!

Sover, my hat is off to you sir!

 

[eric]

Awesome news. SW did mine when he was still living in Singapore. My F2 will last another 50 years.

 

[wilsonneal]

Very good to hear. Can I ask about his rates for a CLA on a body/meter? Does he have a website? I have two F2's that need service that are just sitting in a box.
Neal

 

[bobfowler]

Very good to hear. Can I ask about his rates for a CLA on a body/meter? Does he have a website? I have two F2's that need service that are just sitting in a box.
Neal

Sover isn't cheap, but he isn't THAT expensive either. His rates vary upon level of service (his website is here).

I had a "standard" service on the body ($160), DP-11 "standard" service ($90.00), DP-11 Nightlight modification ($140.00), MB-1 vertical modification ($135.00), plus I bought an MF-3 auto-stop back and a manual for the MD-2. Yeah, it was a lot of $$$ in one shot, but the camera is now good for many, many years of service. Shipping via USPS International Priority mail was about $40.00 over, $50.00 for the Royal Mail for the return trip (insured, tracked, etc.)

 

[wilsonneal]

That's comparable rates to NYC shops. Were there any hassles with Duty or customs on either end?
Neal

 

[bobfowler]

That's comparable rates to NYC shops. Were there any hassles with Duty or customs on either end?
Neal

No, as long as you follow Sover's instructions on how to address the package (his tax exempt number, value under a certain amount, etc), it sails through customs in the UK. Coming back took a little longer, but I'm not sure if it was because of the British Post Office or US Customs or our "Homeland Security". 3 days over, 7 days back.