Dean's Photographica
Camera Repair & Cleaning


 I offer general repairs and cleaning on many makes of older or "classic" cameras.

Most of the work I do involves cameras made before electronics were a part of a camera's operation.

The services I list are geared toward returning your classic to working condition.

Please note:  Many older cameras have meters that are not repairable, as these older
electronic parts are no longer available.  Sorry, I don't service cameras that use
automatic exposure systems and battery operated shutters.


Following is not a complete list.  Just a representative sample of cameras serviced.
Please write if you have questions about a specific model not seen here.


CLA:
If you're wondering what the letters "CLA" mean, it's an abbreviation for
"Clean, Lube, & Adjust.  In most cases, that's what it will take to  put an older
camera back in service.  It consists of taking apart the shutter and cleaning it,
cleaning all the lens elements that are not factory sealed, cleaning any viewing
apparatus, such as viewfinders, rangefinders and reflex mirrors.  Focus is
checked at the film plane and collimated as necessary.  Where applicable,
film transport and winding gears are cleaned and re-lubed.  If the camera has
foam type light seals, they are replaced.   These things, along with any other
needed steps particular to certain brands are what make a CLA .
It's kind of like a tune up and oil change for your car.

Shutters, especially leaf shutters, are often the main trouble with cameras that
have been sitting a long time, or are just well used.  When I clean a shutter, I
don't just squirt some solvent into it and call it good.  The shutter is taken apart,
cleaned, lubed as the manufacturer indicates, reassembled, and speeds are
checked for manufacturer's specification.

Ricoh Diacord: Clean, lube and adjust for metered and non-metered models with knob winder:  $69.00 For crank wind models, please write.
Kodak Signet 35: Clean, Lube & Adjust, includes, but not limited to; RF, shutter and focus helical service:     $49.00
Yashica Mat: Clean, Lube & Adjust for all crank winding models, including 12, 24, EM, LM, 124, 124G and standard Mat models:                        $89.00 Includes cleaning shutter, reflex mirror, view finder, and all lens surfaces. Frame spacing adjustment is an additional $25.00, if needed.  You will know if you need this, as the frames will be overlapping on your negatives. NOTE: Some Yashicas have a hard plastic covering that must be replaced with new covering if removed.
Yashica D and C models Clean, Lube and Adjust for all Yashica D and C TLR cameras:           $69.00 Includes shutter, reflex mirror and view finder, all lens surfaces. Frame spacing adjustment is an additional $20.00, if needed. NOTE: Some Yashicas have a hard plastic covering that must be replaced with new covering if removed.
Yashica A twin lens cameras:   $45.00 Includes shutter, reflex mirror, view finder, all lens surfaces.
Folding and ridged Rangefinders, like the Ansco Super Regent and the Argus V100 shown here use an internal rangefinder for focusing. CLA for these cameras and others like them from various manufacturers is:        $69.00 and up. Contact me about it. Many of this type of camera had light meters.  Sometimes they can be repaired, sometimes not.  Other than that, most can be brought back to working condition.
35mm Viewfinder cameras are scale focusing cameras like the Kodak Retinette and the Zeiss Contina pictured here. CLA for these cameras, and others like them from different makers:        $45.00 There were many variations from many manufacturers.  Most are the same price for a CLA. Many of this type of camera had light meters.  Sometimes they can be repaired, sometimes not.  Other than that, most can be brought back to working condition.
Folding roll film cameras like this Ziess Nettar come in three pricing categories. A CLA for scale focusing cameras is:                 $40.00   For models with an uncoupled rangefinder, the price for a CLA is:     $65.00 A CLA for coupled range- finder folders is:         $95.00
Kodak Retinas Well, there are a lot of Retina models.  For a Retina II, like this one, a CLA is       $65.00 Some models are a little higher.  Please write with your model number for a quote.
Services for Leica thread bodies, and copies like Canon or FSU cameras, CLA is $75. New shutter curtains, $90. CLA and new curtains at same service, $150.
CLA for Kodak Medalist and Medalist II models $115

If I didn't mention the specific brand of camera you own in this page, it doesn't mean I can't repair or clean it.  There are hundreds of brands.  I've just listed some of the more common makes here to give an idea of the camera type. For cosmetic issues, i.e. leatherette, etc. please check out the link on the home page. Please send your questions to: Dean's Photographica Thank You! www.deansphotographica.com © 2005 Dean Williams