Who does good CLA of 35mm cameras?

studiocarter

Member
Joined
Dec 19, 2008
Messages
437
Location
Pittsburgh
Format
Multi Format
It's finally happened. My Minolta SRT200 finally bit the dust. I got it new in 1974. I use the lenses on my Canon 5D so its no big loss. Except for film in the frig, and my enlagrer.
So, where can I send it to get it working again? The mirror sticks up. Some sproket holes were torn this last roll. The curtan doesn't close all the way every time. Fast exposures are darker on one side.
Thanks.
 

Wayne R. Scott

Member
Joined
Sep 2, 2004
Messages
119
Format
Medium Format
I have used this place for Contax IIA, Contax IIIA, Nikon F3, Nikon F3HP, Nikon F2 and Canon F1n overhauls. Fast turn around and reasonable prices in my estimation.

Dead Link Removed

Wayne

P.S. I meant to say that he should be able to get the Minolta up a running quickly.
 

jime11

Member
Joined
Mar 23, 2008
Messages
72
Format
Medium Format
I have had the mirror replaced on my Minolta 650si , the ME prisim on my SQ-A repaired , & a Vivitar series 1 28-90 cla at Havel & they have done a good job.

Dead Link Removed
 

elekm

Member
Joined
Sep 12, 2004
Messages
2,055
Location
New Jersey (
Format
35mm RF
The camera probably has some sentimental value. Otherwise, I would suggest not worrying about it and buying another buy, perhaps the SRT 202.

In this case, you could always check with KEH.com. They offer online repair estimates through their Web site.

If the problem is simply a lubrication issue, then it shouldn't be too difficult to fix. If it's a shutter curtain replacement, then that is more complicated.

By now, you should automatically replace the foam seals as part of the repair. Or you could do that yourself.
 

Bearman

Member
Joined
Oct 14, 2009
Messages
62
Location
Berkeley, California
Format
Multi Format
Minolta SRT

studiocarter said:
Mike,

Would my lenses fit onto the 202? The cost of buying one will most likely match shipping et cetra.
Click to expand...

Yes, same mount as other SRT series.

Definitely look to buy replacement Minoltas. They are cheaper than a CLA.

SRT 101 or 202 are both great solid cameras and go for about $50 to $75 on eBay.
 

mikebarger

Member
Joined
Jan 16, 2005
Messages
1,937
Location
ottawa kansas
Format
Multi Format
Even though a CLA may be more than a different body, you know you'll have a good camera for years.

Buying another body, how soon until it needs something?

2 cents worth.

Mike
 

benjiboy

Subscriber
Joined
Apr 18, 2005
Messages
11,970
Location
U.K.
Format
35mm
mikebarger said:
Even though a CLA may be more than a different body, you know you'll have a good camera for years.

Buying another body, how soon until it needs something?

2 cents worth.

Mike
Click to expand...
I agree with Mike entirely remember all the cameras of that era are between twenty and thirty years old and buying replacements of the same age if you want to have reliable working tools and not store up future problems isn't a good idea because at least you know where the ones you own have been, and that some ham fisted tinkerer hasn't performed surgery on them on his kitchen table, although it will cost more to get them serviced it is well worth it in the long run, I have had five cameras I have owned for more than twenty years given complete services in the last six months ( A Mamiya C 330F and four Canon FD bodies) and whatever it cost it was worth it because I can look forward to many years of continued enjoyment of using them.
 

Chris Lange

Member
Joined
Aug 17, 2009
Messages
770
Location
NY
Format
Multi Format
Nippon Photo Clinic in NYC are probably the best shop in the business. They're the prime shop for the fashion industry, and have been for many, many years. I had my F3 overhauled by them 6 months ago, and now they are working on my Rolleiflex. They've also done great work on my father's Hasselblads, Pentax 67s, and Mamiya RZ67s. They're sort of an insiders shop, but run by these great old japanese guys, they can fix just about anything, and the price is right too.
 

waynecrider

Subscriber
Joined
Feb 8, 2003
Messages
2,576
Location
Georgia
Format
35mm
dynachrome said:
Essex Camera Service in Carlstadt, NJ.
Click to expand...

I've had bad service thru Essex. I had to send my camera back after them not replacing the seals of all things in a CLA for which I sent it in. Then on top of it their service was very pricey. More then twice the price of a CLA I had done on my A1 by garryscamera in Illinois.
 

T42

Member
Joined
Jan 15, 2006
Messages
127
Location
Georgia, USA
Format
35mm
If one is willing to work on an old body, a visit to Rick Oleson's website may be worthwhile:

http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/index-27.html

I have a Practica FX which had stiffening shutter curtains, and it was capping like the Minolta described by the OP ... making one end of the frame more exposed than the other.

On Rick's recommendation, I wet the shutter curtains with Armor All, and let them sit for a few days. This action softened the stiffened curtains. After several days, I cleaned off the remaining film left on the curtains by the Armor All, and adjusted the curtain tension springs. These were controlled by two ratcheted gears on the bottom of the camera, under the cover plate. I put a bit of light oil on the camera's points where shafts met bearings. I used his TV screen trick for synchronizing the two curtains.

The Practica FX has worked on all shutter speeds ever since, without capping. That was a number of years ago, perhaps seven or so if I recall correctly.

As an aside, if one has a Leica needing a CLA, I highly recommend Sherry Krauter at Golden Touch in New York. She is top notch:

Dead Link Removed

 
Last edited by a moderator:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Menu
Log in
Register
Cookies are required to use this site. You must accept them to continue using the site. Learn more…