Where Can I Send Graphic Lens n US For Overhaul?

[F4U]

This is my lens from my Super Graphic. Both the lens and the camera are in absolute mint condition. The lens has obviously never been serviced, and it is completely unusable. Terribly slugglsh. I am located i nthe southeastern US. I've watched Chris Sherlock's videos and his work is impeccable. But he's in Australia, and I'm not even sure he would want or need the job anyway. Is there anybody in the US who can do work like that, and won't take forever to get it done and back to me? Like I say, the lens is virgin new condition. I don't want chewed up screws and scratches. Edit: I wonder how much it costs these days for good repair work like that? Thank you.

 

[koraks]

Maybe Carl Flutot; from here: https://www.photrio.com/forum/threads/repair-shops-in-and-out-of-business.210509/post-2875874

 

[loccdor]

Chris Sherlock has retired, @retina_restoration Paul Barden is doing the Kodak Retina repairs now, I'm not sure if he would also work on your lens, you can ask. He is in the USA. Can vouch for a good service.

 

[GregY]

F4, give Precision Camera in Austin a call. I'm sure there are many companies that would work on a leaf shutter.
Here in western Canada Gary at Lensmedic YYC works on every thing from Rolleis to Leicas to old folders with leaf shutters.
I know in the US Carol Flutot gets mentioned often but I'm sure there are others. Compared to lots of cameras, LF shutters aren't that complicated.

 

[koraks]

Carol Flutot

I stand corrected; apologies!

 

[MarkS]

Zack's camera is a sponsor of this site- try them. Synchro-Compur shutters are very common, and well-known; it doesn't seem like yours is worn out and needing parts. Any camera repair shop should be able to service it, they will have seen and repaired many of them.

 

[Chuck1]

I heard Jack's has closed up shop

 

[Chuck1]

I heard Jack's has closed up shop

Zack's (auto compose got me)

 

[mmerig]

Zacks' is great. I have sent a few lenses to him and he did a great job. So does Carol Flutot.

One option to consider is to unscrew the lens elements and soak the shutter in 95% alcohol for a few hours, working the shutter now and then. Usually, the shutter will fire more normally as the alcohol loosens up old lubricant and also acts as one. After the alcohol soak, put it in naptha (white gas, Coleman fluid) for few minutes. This gets rid of the alcohol and it dries fast. I have tried just the alcohol and after it evaporates, the shutter will sometime be slow again. Years ago I sent a shutter to Carol Flutot and she mentioned that she soaks the shutters for days before working on it.

After this treatment I use a home-made shutter speed tester and mark the actual speeds somewhere on the camera. Usually, the slow and medium speeds are close, but the faster ones (like 1/400th) could be a stop slow. But that's a spring strength problem. I hardly use speeds faster than 1/100th anyway.

I have done this with several lenses, for 4 by 5 and 2 by 3, and use them a lot with no problems. I have sent three of them out though that were actually broken, not just sluggish.

Good luck!