Repair of camera mechanics and camera electronics
Basically, mechanical parts and functions can be repaired well CLA (Clean, Lubricate, Adjust) can be made feasible. It becomes more difficult in the case of real damage to certain components, i.e. when spare parts are required. We produce certain missing parts ourselves - custom-fit camera leather coverings, components, wearing parts, spare parts, e.g. in 3D printing or special screws on the workbench.
The most "hopeless" are problems electronic components, many of these electronic defects are now irreparable.
However, there are no rules without exceptions :-)
Some of the typical electronic errors electronic analogue cameras can be repaired by us:
- Leica Minilux, Leica CM (display error, E02 error, flex strip, lens extension)
- Contax T2 and Contax T3 (flex band, lens extension, mobility of the automatic lens cover)
- Contax TVS and Contax TVS II (flex band, lens extension, mobility of the automatic lens cover)
- Contax G1 and Contax G2 (shutter)
- Ricoh GR 1 (display error)
- Yashica T4, Yashica T5 (display error, lens extension, flex strip, workability of the automatic lens cover)
- Nikon 35Ti (display error, Nikon Analog Display System (NADS))
- Hexar RF (error code 10)
- Hasselblad XPAN (display error 8888, shutter mechanism)
- but it depends very much on the exact error
- the repair price is relatively high, depending on point 1
- the repair time is currently very long (up to approx. 3 months)
- Some repairs are "experimental" and no promise of repair can be given in advance
Repair of a Leica Minilux with an E02 error
Just having a spare part is not enough :-)
Um the broken (or cracked) conductor tape inside the camera the Minilux has to be pretty much "disassembled" to replace it. Here you can see on the left, the ladder strip to be replaced and the complexity such a Leica Minilux repair. We have from decades Workshop experience (still) the devices from the analog "old" time and also the mechanic to be able to continue repairing cameras.
Fazit:
Anyone who wants to purchase a classic (partially) electronic camera - or wants to take photos with it again from the stock - must "love this camera very much" in order to justify the risk of failure, including possible repairs and the associated costs. The effort is high, experienced staff are rare and the hourly wages are high. The current value of many cameras is therefore lower than the costs for maintenance and repairs.
When it comes to purchasing classic analog cameras, the basic rule is to opt for as few electronics as possible, as these components are most likely to fail. With an increase in electronic functions, the risk of a possible defect increases, which explains, for example, the low prices for a Rolleiflex 6006 or a Hasselblad 500 ELM with a motorized elevator and film transport. If in doubt, such cameras can no longer be repaired.
Compact cameras with electronically extendable lenses, such as the Leica Minilux, often fail (the flex band breaks). Corrosion of the electronic components is often found on a Leica CL, and the light meter is also a weak point.
Even such a high-quality Leica M7 is affected by electronic problems at an above-average rate. The perfectly manufactured housings and solid mechanics outlive the electronics for decades, but who benefits?