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View Full Version : Filter ring repair in London?

Paul T.
10-29-2008, 09:16
A couple years ago I dropped my Nikkor 85/1.4 which now has a noticeable dent in the filter ring. I figured on getting it repaired before I sell it and reckoned it would cost me something like the $20 that Henry Scherer charged me to repair an Opton 50/1.4.

Nosiree. THis morning, at the little repair place in St Anne's Court, Wardour St, they informed me it would cost £45. Plus VAT.

Can anyone suggest a more reasonable repairer, before I start cutting out chunks of wood and attempting the DIY approach?
Gumby
10-29-2008, 09:20
I don't know when you had a repair like that done for 20 bucks, but 45 quid doesn't seem unreasonable for a professional repair.
Paul T.
10-29-2008, 09:38
Henry now charges $35. Sendean's price is around $86. Call me a cheapskate, I call that unreasonable.
Austerby
10-29-2008, 09:51
Perhaps the lens needs more work compared to your previous case, though with London rates and labour costs it probably doesn't...

I'd give Malcolm Taylor a call - I've no idea what he'd charge for such a repair but you would get a comparative quote.
Stu W
10-29-2008, 09:56
Paul, I've done it myself with home made tools. The results were perfect. Micro-tools used to make a couple of dent removers but I don't think they do anymore. Anyway, I made my own and worked slowly and carefully with excellent results. Here's a link how to do it. Stu
http://www.kyphoto.com/classics/filterringtool.html
Roger Hicks
10-29-2008, 09:58
Buy a filter vice (vise in American?) from Micro Tools.

Of course there's always the question of a working repair vs. an invisible repair, and from memory, the Nikon filter ring is a lot thicker than on an Opton Tessar.

Cheers,

R.
Paul T.
11-09-2008, 05:57
I just tried the method recommended by Stu W and others; but I don't think it's going to work. I've made one minor mark on the threads and am in danger of messing them up.

SO this is a general call for recommendations of London repairers? (Since posting, I remember the people who quoted me £60, whose attitude I didn't like, also bodged my CL, according to Peter at CRR). Please post your suggestions!