Dieter Schaefer

In response to this forum member in regard to repair charges: you get what you pay for. We just redid some bargain-basement repairs, which were incorrectly serviced. One camera actually had a loose filmgate with the two lower mounting screws missing, causing a lovely huge streak in the image area. The cameras showed out of tolerance reflex framing, missing screws, improperly repaired governors, loose shutter assembly, etc. One unit had the back of the turretplate polished down to adjust the flange, instead of properly replacing the shim behind the filmgate. This actually will cause an incorrect alignment of the reflex system. It also seemed that the cameras were not completely dismantled, only relubed with the mechanism assembly out of the body. Needless to say, each camera took many hours to put back in good working condition, including removal of the silicone sealant used inside the body. As an authorized factory repair station and in order to perform proper repairs, factory tooling and test equipment is employed to the tune of thousands of dollars, plus a complete stock of parts is always available. We are also proud of our basically zero return record. The $495.00 repair is normally only required if the camera requires total dismantling to replace internal parts, as in this members case. Usually a repair, lube and adjustment would run $395.00. Thanks to all the members who understood these service procedures. Just my thoughts regarding this thread.