Ventura Repair

I purchased a Ventura 66 Deluxe last week (otherwise known as an Agfa Super Isolette), a beautiful little camera that if I can get to work, I will sell most of my 35mm gear and just use 120 film (I only use the 35mm for street work since my other 120 gear is too large to lug around and the Holga is not ideal for everything but even then, the 35mm doesn't leave the house that often). 95% of my film work is 120 and it seems a pain to keep both formats in the fridge. Since I got the camera for $15, even if it never works it still is a good-looking paper weight but I would really rather use it; however, like almost all of these cameras, it needs a CLA and a bellows replacement/repair. I know there is a man named Jurgen (cert06) who does repairs but his website says he is not accepting cameras at the moment and emails asking when he will be resuming are not being returned.

Does anyone else know of someone/store who is doing these types of overhauls or repairs for this camera? I know there is a couple of websites dedicated to repairs/CLA procedures but I would rather have it professionally done and know the camera will work for years (unless of course it is as easy as they make it out to be?).

Thanks.

Sorry to bump my thread but I was hoping someone had an idea.

Be very careful about Certo 6 if you have read about him in Rangefinderforum. Below are some information which may be of interest to you.

1. Camerabellows of Birmingham can make bellows for the Super for GBP25 each without you sending in the old bellows.

2. Richard T. Ritter can get replacement bellows for US$85. CLA would be an additional US$50-90.
www.lg4mat.net/index.html

3. Newton Ellis of Liverpool, UK can do a CLA, including bellows replacement, for about GBP85 +VAT and P&P (price dependent upon what price they can get the bellows for).
www.newtonellis.co.uk

Hope this helps.

I have replaced the bellows of my Super and it is a fantastic camera. A little bit on the heavy side. But the lens is just so good. Beat my Super Ikontas by quite a margin. And the rangefinder is so smooth. Good luck.

Windscale said:

Be very careful about Certo 6 if you have read about him in Rangefinderforum. Below are some information which may be of interest to you.

1. Camerabellows of Birmingham can make bellows for the Super for GBP25 each without you sending in the old bellows.

2. Richard T. Ritter can get replacement bellows for US$85. CLA would be an additional US$50-90.
www.lg4mat.net/index.html

3. Newton Ellis of Liverpool, UK can do a CLA, including bellows replacement, for about GBP85 +VAT and P&P (price dependent upon what price they can get the bellows for).
www.newtonellis.co.uk

Hope this helps.

I have replaced the bellows of my Super and it is a fantastic camera. A little bit on the heavy side. But the lens is just so good. Beat my Super Ikontas by quite a margin. And the rangefinder is so smooth. Good luck.

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I second the recommendation of Richard Ritter. My experience with his camera work has been excellent.

Thanks, I will look into your recommendations.

Camera CLR

In Canada there is a place in Vancouver that do good work. They rebuilt my A1 for a fair price. CAMTEX Camera & Electronic Repairs. Web : www.camtexgroup.com or Ph 604 737 7301 I don't know you may want to send it on a world cruise with out you. Check it out.