Some news from Oleg

[Oleg]

I stopped working on some cameras... More info you can see on my site http://www.okvintagecamera.com/repair.html

Sorry....

[ruben]

Hi Oleg,

I have no comment about this. But I definitely would like, as a client of you, that you have more cameras for sale, even at higher prices than current ones.

Now, at the risk of serious unpopularity here, I would ask myself in loud voice what do I need most, cheap Kievs and Feds, or highly well working Kievs and Feds. My absolute answer goes for the latter.

Of course you make your bussiness calculations and know your matter and surroundings, and find what best fits you. But it is a pitty for me finding myself buying cameras not from you.


Cheers, and best,
Ruben

[rxmd]

That's a pity, but I guess it has to do with the increasing shortage of parts.

[dee]

This sounds sensible Oleg - you can just do the cameras that you can get parts for - and all cameras are getting older ! i have been delighted with the Kievs and Fed that I bought from you - and my Fed /Leicas cla by you .
dee

[Xmas]

Waaaaaaaaah

sniff

Noel

[ruben]

Originally Posted by Xmas

Waaaaaaaaah

sniff

Noel

Noel ?
Hmmm, are you going to give us one of those precious days of your best humour ?
Better I track you today.

Best,
Ruben

[Xmas]

Ruben

I've got an Iskara... it is ok today, tormorrow it may break.

Noel

[FrankS]

It's good to see that none of the really popular FSU camera models have been dropped from the fixable list.

[rxmd]

Originally Posted by FrankS

It's good to see that none of the really popular FSU camera models have been dropped from the fixable list.

But some of the best models! The Drug for 35mm and Iskra for 6x6 are really the top of the line for FSU cameras, and the Kiev-10 series is one of the most original and inventive FSU SLR series. And while for Zorkies and FEDs there is always Maizenberg and good documentation, for Drugs, Iskras and especially Leningrads things are looking quite grim. The last master here in Tashkent who could fix them died from a stroke half a year ago, and now there seems to be nobody left in Uzbekistan who can do it.

I can understand Oleg, but it's really more important IMHO in the long run to have someone who actually can fix the rare and delicate models than someone who can do a good CLA on a Zorki. Oleg is top of the line either way, but it's still a huge loss.

Philipp

[ruben]

Originally Posted by Xmas

Ruben

I've got an Iskara... it is ok today, tormorrow it may break.

Noel

Noel,

Are you really telling me that you cannot repair an Iskra? Nahhh, you are jocking again...

Cheers,
Ruben

[POSTI-Tuomo]

Here's a business prospect for someone who is willing to cater for a niche (world) market... Years of rigorous self-education and nimble fingers is everything you need! Not to mention the ever-diminishing amount of spare parts... I wish I could machine and die-cast.

Still, an opportunity.

[Xmas]

Ruben

I dont like repairing cameras, I only strip when they jam. I'll only do a lens when it has fungus or liquid ingress.

If you damage a part it means a part camera is needed, the weak parts tend to be broken or marginal so two parts cameras are needed... I've only got one parts camera the Kiev III with the resistor you need, perhaps?

Noel

[ruben]

Fellow FSU camera users folks, since I failed in gaining unpopularity in my first post, let me try again.

Master repairmen as we all know, are a very rare breed to find. Oleg has not stated his reasons for his move, and they may be out of his control. But one thing is clear to me: his pricing list is very underpriced. Therefore if one day we have an Iskara or Drug to fix, we can always offer Oleg an extra payment offer, he rightfully deserves.

Cheers,
Ruben

[ruben]

Originally Posted by Xmas

Ruben
..............If you damage a part it means a part camera is needed, the weak parts tend to be broken or marginal so two parts cameras are needed...

Noel

Fair enough Noel, that's the point you should decide wether you love your camera because it is cheap or because it is good. If Iskras are good for you, then have 2 parts cameras (as I really have).

Kindly excuss me Noel, as I feel myself turning blunt , without you deserving it. It is just that I am too focused on the issue itself.

With Mr Scherer's increasing waiting list, Oleg's move, and other repairmen problems, it seems that lazy times for film cameras are rather expiring, and we should start to gain some control over the inners of our gear. Film camera prices have dropped down long ago, their maintainance price is now going up, and we have to adapt ourselves to changing times.

Not that I think we can become repairmen ourselves, but definitely we can learn basic disassembling of many models and replace big chunks with other chunks of parts cameras.

Currently I own 8 Kievs, three of them not working. Having parts cameras is extremely usefull in many senses, provided you know what camera you prefer. Some times you buy a Kiev which unexpectedly is faulty but it helps you to bring alive another one that was sleeping as parts, and vice versa.

Cheers,
Ruben

[Xmas]

Ruben

I was not offended, it is worse when an OM fails, an Iskara fault needs a weekend at least, life is too short.

What do your people say 'to life'?

Noel

[Oleg]

Originally Posted by rxmd

That's a pity, but I guess it has to do with the increasing shortage of parts.

Yes, you are absolutely right.... No ways to find spare parts... It's a first reason...

Second reason is a changing rouble/dollar exchange ratio... Dollar is so cheap now here...

Third reason - I am so busy in local offline business... My main job takes my time and I try to start new business...

And I have fourth, MAIN reason for getting more free time.... I'll say it some later, in August of this year, I hope...

[JohnM]

Good luck on reason number four, Oleg!

[outfitter]

Originally Posted by rxmd

But some of the best models! The last master here in Tashkent who could fix them died from a stroke half a year ago, and now there seems to be nobody left in Uzbekistan who can do it.



Philipp

I suspect the skilled repairmen have all moved to New York (along with watchmakers). Suddenly I find that I can get repairs on FSU cameras (and watches) at very competitive prices (mainly because of the savings in postage) and quick turnaround. As an example I got a Contax II CLA's and the shutter tapes replaced for $100 including postage.

I haven't tried to get the more exotic cameras repaired here but my last experience getting a Leningrad repaired in Russia was none too great in any event and it took many months.

Michael

[dee]

Are we forgetting that many modern electronic cameras are virtually dead in the water 'cos spares have dried up ? - or batteries are no longer available ?
the joy of my more basic rangefinders is that Oleg is still around to fix them - maybe my Kievs are on borrowed time - but quality borrowed time !

dee

[Santafecino]

Don't forget Fedka. And there will be others. I took my Kiev II into the local (little Santa Fe!) photographic repair shop to have its J-12 stripped and lubed, and the owner recognized it and said he had replaced the shutter tapes on his own Kiev. When the need arises, he will be there.

So much better than getting a plastic camera with a 2-year warranty. In 2 years it's DOR and no one services them so you get to buy another one.

[ruben]

Originally Posted by dee

...........the joy of my more basic rangefinders is that Oleg is still around to fix them - maybe my Kievs are on borrowed time - but quality borrowed time !

dee

Hi Dee,
I don't think Kievs are on borrowed time for as long as shutter curtains will be still available, either in roll, or within unused or slightly used Kievs. Beyond this issue of shutter curtains, anything else can last a hundred additional years, or more.

Cheers,
Ruben

[tedwhite]

Is there someone in the US who can repair of CLA a Kiev 4AM?

[brachal]

Originally Posted by tedwhite

Is there someone in the US who can repair of CLA a Kiev 4AM?

try www.fedka.com. we had a hard time tracking down a light leak, but when it was done, the camera was like butter.