Author Topic: lens repair uk? (Read 5071 times)

LT · « **on:** April 10, 2013, 08:25:05 AM »

Do any Uk shooters have recommendations for lens repair services? I just put 2 gouges in the front coatings of my 65mm super topcor - my fave 4x5 lens, and I am gutted! I think they're not beyond polishing out, I just need a reliable repairer to do it ...

Sandeha Lynch · « **Reply #1 on:** April 10, 2013, 08:41:08 AM »

This is the only specialist I know of - http://thelensdoctor.co.uk/

Haven't tried them, but they have been recommended by folks I know.

Late Developer · « **Reply #2 on:** April 10, 2013, 08:46:22 AM »

Quote from: Leon on April 10, 2013, 08:25:05 AM

Do any Uk shooters have recommendations for lens repair services? I just put 2 gouges in the front coatings of my 65mm super topcor - my fave 4x5 lens, and I am gutted! I think they're not beyond polishing out, I just need a reliable repairer to do it ...

Crapola, Leon, that sounds nasty. Sorry to hear about that.

There's an absolutely excellent chap who works for Aperture in their Museum Street shop. I don't know if he can do such work himself but he's been in the lens / camera repair business for 40+ years and he might be able to give you options.

LT · « **Reply #3 on:** April 10, 2013, 10:45:04 AM »

Bugger - just got one quote in excess of £300. I could buy a new (to me) lens for that.

LT · « **Reply #4 on:** April 10, 2013, 10:45:30 AM »

Thanks for the tips guys, I will follow them up.

Terry · « **Reply #5 on:** April 10, 2013, 04:29:11 PM »

Leon,
From what I have heard Focal Point is one of the last shops left that can do polishing and recoating: http://www.focalpointlens.com/fp_intro.html
They do use the word 'expensive' in their blurb...

Greg Bartley · « **Reply #6 on:** April 10, 2013, 05:24:23 PM »

Leon do a test to assess the damages first , you maybe surprised!

Late Developer · « **Reply #7 on:** April 10, 2013, 07:22:33 PM »

Is this any good? Looks very similar but I fully understand if it ain't quite what your after....

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SUPER-HORSEMAN-65mm-f1-7-6x9-LENS-VH-VHR-BABY-GRAFLEX-EXCELLENT-/230957545635?pt=Camera_Lenses&hash=item35c62478a3

Late Developer · « **Reply #8 on:** April 10, 2013, 07:27:21 PM »

Or this?

http://global.youthwant.com.tw/zh_tw/public/jyahoobid/jyahoobid_auctionItem.php?AuctionID=l163824692

DonkeyDave · « **Reply #9 on:** April 11, 2013, 01:57:09 AM »

Some of my favorite lenses have chunks knocked out of them, fungus or lots of haze. It seems to make little if no difference. Getting it fixed might also be more expensive than getting a replacement. I'd shoot a few sheets into the sun first to see if you really need to spend anything.

Mike Crawford · « **Reply #10 on:** April 11, 2013, 09:03:17 AM »

Hello

Thought I should join this forum having lurked about for a bit. Seems a friendly place!

I used Aperture recently to get the 75mm lens of my Mamiya 6 repaired and they did a very good job, though the problems was more mechanical than optical. (Focusing ring suddenly got all grungy.) There's a company in my building which are more geared towards the film industry, but they are experts in stripping and repairing lenses. May be worth speaking to them.
http://opticalsupport.co.uk/

All the best
Mike

LT · « **Reply #11 on:** April 11, 2013, 09:18:48 AM »

+LD - that is the exact same lens, thanks.

+Dave - thanks for the tip - I'll be wasting a few sheets next week if wee ever see the sun again

+mike - thanks for the suggestions, and welcome to filmwasters. Great to have you here. Are you still printing professionally?

Mike Crawford · « **Reply #12 on:** April 11, 2013, 09:25:43 AM »

Hi Leon

Oh yes, but more digital than darkroom sadly, though have had quite a bit of traditional printing to do in the last few weeks.
http://www.lighthousedarkroom.com/
Will put my sites on my signature when I work out how to do it!!!

Technostumped Mike

Late Developer · « **Reply #13 on:** April 11, 2013, 12:55:25 PM »

Quote from: Mike Crawford on April 11, 2013, 09:25:43 AM

Hi Leon

Oh yes, but more digital than darkroom sadly, though have had quite a bit of traditional printing to do in the last few weeks.
http://www.lighthousedarkroom.com/
Will put my sites on my signature when I work out how to do it!!!

Technostumped Mike

Welcome indeed.

I found your website via the link on the lighthousedarkroom site. Didn't you have an article and some photos printed in the UK "Black and White" magazine a while back? A few of the "Nocturne" photos seemed familiar.....

Mike Crawford · « **Reply #14 on:** April 11, 2013, 07:32:48 PM »

Hello Paul

Yes indeed, had the B&W article out last year. Since then, one exhibition in Germany (Bielefeld) and possibly another one in Cologne in a couple of months time. Here's hoping!
Mike

LT · « **Reply #15 on:** April 26, 2013, 01:21:59 PM »

thanks for all the tips averyone.

UPDATE:

the lens is kapput. Loads of softness and flare. A real shame is it was my favourite. A repair is looking like £500 + ... so I've bought a tasty littly rodesntock 75mm to replace it. It's good as it gives enough coverage for movements - something the topcor 65mm didn't allow. But I am completely gutted.

I'd made it through deep drifts and sheer ice to get to the summit of Snowdon the day before. I dropped the lens into Lynn Gwynant at the foot of the range the next day, so I think the mountain was getting me back!

Me not too happy with the conditions:

This happened a few days before we climbed:

Mountain Climber's 100-Foot Fall Captured On Helmet Cam - Mark Roberts - Snowdon

I should think myself lucky I suppose

Francois · « **Reply #16 on:** April 26, 2013, 05:48:47 PM »

Oh Sh**!
Poor Leon. Scratches, dents and now water... I'd cry if it happened to my stuff!

I'm starting to think that Timex should have made lenses... "Takes a beating and keeps on clicking" could have been the slogan.

Somehow, I feel bad for you...

Sandeha Lynch · « **Reply #17 on:** April 26, 2013, 07:17:02 PM »

Oh, one thing I forgot to mention. Fill the scratches with graphite, like with a good lead pencil. On rear elements this has proven very good at reducing flare - it may work even better on the front.

tkmedia · « **Reply #18 on:** April 26, 2013, 07:44:30 PM »

Quote from: Francois on April 26, 2013, 05:48:47 PM

I'm starting to think that Timex should have made lenses... "Takes a beating and keeps on clicking" could have been the slogan.

Actually they did manufacture a variety of camera and parts for Polaroid.

Francois · « **Reply #19 on:** April 26, 2013, 11:11:07 PM »

Quote from: Sandeha Lynch on April 26, 2013, 07:17:02 PM

Oh, one thing I forgot to mention. Fill the scratches with graphite, like with a good lead pencil. On rear elements this has proven very good at reducing flare - it may work even better on the front.

Also, a good lens hood is a must in this situation...

LT · « **Reply #20 on:** April 26, 2013, 11:27:42 PM »

Thanks for the graphite tip, sandeha. I'll give that a go.

A lens hood on a 65mm would be virtually vertical! You have to be careful not to get the tripod legs in the shot.

DonkeyDave · « **Reply #21 on:** April 27, 2013, 09:05:08 AM »

sorry to hear that Leon, though soft and flarey can have its uses?

LT · « **Reply #22 on:** April 27, 2013, 10:06:23 AM »

Quote from: DonkeyDave on April 27, 2013, 09:05:08 AM

sorry to hear that Leon, though soft and flarey can have its uses?

Yes - I'll definitely keep hold of it. The rear element is fine, as is the shutter. I have some old bits of lenses that I might try attaching to see what I get.

Francois · « **Reply #23 on:** April 27, 2013, 02:50:03 PM »

Maybe adding a good coated filter would help it...

LT · « **Reply #24 on:** May 01, 2013, 10:10:42 PM »

Well, my 75mm grandagon arrived today, and subject some judicious dusting and lens pen smear/haze removal, it's a beauty. I think I've got myself a bargain here.

Can wait to get it on a board and in front of some hp5

Francois · « **Reply #25 on:** May 01, 2013, 10:47:22 PM »

Maybe you should put this one on a leash before heading out near the water!
Just not the Lurcher's leash

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Author Topic: lens repair uk? (Read 5071 times)

Terry