Minox CLA and repair

[loquax ludens]

I know DAG does Minox CLA and repair. But I know DAG runs a high backlog, and so turnaround time could be lengthy. Are there any other good Minox camera techs you know of?

I've got a half dozen (at least) Minox cameras I want to have serviced. One of them, a Minox B, just came apart as I was using it yesterday. I pulled the cover off the meter end. It looks like it was glued on previously, and I could glue it back, but I figured it would be a good opportunity to have a CLA too.

[sevo]

What Minoxes? All Bs? The electronic subminiature cameras (C and up) are best serviced by Minox themselves, while there are a few classic camera tinkerers specializing in the mechanical ones - I assume you are in the US, but it you nonetheless consider shipping to Europe, I could point you to some. The 35 series is pretty much DIY by now.

[loquax ludens]

Originally Posted by sevo

What Minoxes? All Bs? The electronic subminiature cameras (C and up) are best serviced by Minox themselves, while there are a few classic camera tinkerers specializing in the mechanical ones - I assume you are in the US, but it you nonetheless consider shipping to Europe, I could point you to some. The 35 series is pretty much DIY by now.

I have several each of the model III, IIIs, and B. I have one model C, and it does indeed need repair. The others mostly just need a CLA, except for the B that I just broke.

I'd consider sending to Europe if there were no US option other than DAG.

I don't have any of the 35mm Minox, but I'd sure love to have a GT-E (II).

[ChrisP]

Maybe try contacting Kindermann in Toronto?

I've read good things about them and their website suggests they might work on it.

[loquax ludens]

Thanks for that lead Chris. I'll check them out.

Sevo, if you can recommend someone in Europe for the III and B CLAs, I'd like that too.

My main reason for preferring someone in the US is simply because of the extra handling and time needed for sending things through customs to another country and back. It's a greater risk for loss and damage. But I've done it before, and I don't have any fundamental objection if that seems to be the best option.

[Godfrey]

I had DAG work on my C and EC, both of which had shutter problems.
He did an excellent job and was pretty quick on turnaround.

These older electronic shutter cameras are not full of digital logic like modern cameras. Most of the time the issues are solved by cleaning connections, resoldering corroded joints, or are simple mechanical repairs just like a mechanically timed shutter requires now and then.

[sevo]

Originally Posted by loquax ludens

Sevo, if you can recommend someone in Europe for the III and B CLAs, I'd like that too.

Minox themselves recommend Kameraservice Schäfer in Wiesbaden for B/BL/C work. Earlier ones too, but if it is a collectable you'll have to specify that you want preservation at the current state rather than restoration to use.

[loquax ludens]

Godfrey, I found an email from DAG where I'd asked him about the C a couple of years ago, and he said he can repair them too. I'd forgotten that.

Sevo, thanks for the information. I don't have any collectible cameras. All mine are users, but it's good to know that there are services that can do preservation work as well.