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Recommended Pentax repairers in the UK?

Posted 02/12/2012 - 09:44 Link
You read so many horror stories about camera repairers that I thought I'd ask if there's anyone who does a good job on the SV and S1. Both could do with an overhaul and the S1 shutter needs some attention.
Mannesty
Posted 02/12/2012 - 10:02 Link
Peter E Smith - flickr Photostream
AuraTodd
Posted 02/12/2012 - 10:41 Link
Don't they charge a fortune for repairs?
Mannesty
Posted 02/12/2012 - 11:02 Link
I'm sure they probably charge at or near to the going rate for whatever repair is required. A complete overhaul of a mechanical camera is a skilled and time consuming job and is likely to cost significantly more than say, having a winding lever replaced (for instance).

Also, they guarantee the camera against further defects for 6 months. Not bad for an approximately 50 year old camera.
Peter E Smith - flickr Photostream
womble
Posted 02/12/2012 - 12:10 Link
AuraTodd wrote:
Don't they charge a fortune for repairs?

It may seem expensive compared to the cost of buying an old camera like this, and you'll never re-coup the expenditure on selling it, but if you want to use a 50 year old camera for another 50 years it'll be worth every penny. I've had quite a few of my cameras serviced and don't regret the money at all.

K.
Kris Lockyear
It is an illusion that photos are made with the camera… they are made with the eye, heart and head. Henri Cartier-Bresson
Lots of film bodies, a couple of digital ones, too many lenses (mainly older glass) and a Horseman LE 5x4.
johnriley
Posted 02/12/2012 - 15:50 Link
If you look on the Harrow technical website, they quote some typical prices. They look very reasonable to me.
Best regards, John
co049
Posted 02/12/2012 - 19:23 Link
I've used Harrow Technical for 2 cameras, the price was reasonable, the service was excellent and the work carried out was top class. Recomended!
Chris,

Pentax K1ii, K3, K-m & MX-1.
Pentax LX, MX, ME Super & MV.
"Old Skool" with the new!
womble
Posted 02/12/2012 - 20:10 Link
co049 wrote:
I've used Harrow Technical for 2 cameras, the price was reasonable, the service was excellent and the work carried out was top class. Recomended!

I'll second that. K.
Kris Lockyear
It is an illusion that photos are made with the camera… they are made with the eye, heart and head. Henri Cartier-Bresson
Lots of film bodies, a couple of digital ones, too many lenses (mainly older glass) and a Horseman LE 5x4.
Posted 03/12/2012 - 01:39 Link
Thanks very much for the recommendations everyone. It looks like Harrow Technical would be a good choice. As Womble said, servicing is the price we have to pay if we want to use these beautiful old cameras.
mdc
Posted 03/01/2013 - 12:58 Link
These guys are incredible: http://www.johnsons-photopia.co.uk

They'll also sell you spare parts individually if you ask nicely
womble
Posted 03/01/2013 - 20:50 Link
mdc wrote:
These guys are incredible: http://www.johnsons-photopia.co.uk

They'll also sell you spare parts individually if you ask nicely

I'd be surprised if they would touch 50 year old classic cameras. My experience with them for modern stuff was mediocre.

K.
Kris Lockyear
It is an illusion that photos are made with the camera… they are made with the eye, heart and head. Henri Cartier-Bresson
Lots of film bodies, a couple of digital ones, too many lenses (mainly older glass) and a Horseman LE 5x4.
johnriley
Posted 03/01/2013 - 22:16 Link
JPS only do the digital cameras, so it's Asahi Photo or harrow Technical for older models.
Best regards, John
aliengrove
Posted 07/01/2013 - 08:55 Link
womble wrote:
mdc wrote:
These guys are incredible: http://www.johnsons-photopia.co.uk

They'll also sell you spare parts individually if you ask nicely

I'd be surprised if they would touch 50 year old classic cameras. My experience with them for modern stuff was mediocre.

K.

When they fixed my lens release button, I got back a manual focus only camera
DrOrloff
Posted 07/01/2013 - 09:38 Link
When they 'fixed' my sensor banding problem the camera came back with the same problem, twice. However, I did find them to be very amenable and generally efficient with the attempted repairs.
Edited by DrOrloff: 07/01/2013 - 09:53
mecrox
Posted 07/01/2013 - 17:43 Link
co049 wrote:
I've used Harrow Technical for 2 cameras, the price was reasonable, the service was excellent and the work carried out was top class. Recomended!

I'll second that, on the basis of having two smc-A lenses serviced (and one of them repaired). Nice people.

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