Group: Moderator
Post: 2,039 (562 liked)
Join date: April 2014
Status: Long, long time Contax and Yashica user; glad to be here and hope to contribute.
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on Jun 29, 2016 13:46:23 GMT
Last Edit: Jun 29, 2016 13:47:52 GMT by biggles3
Hi everyone,
Just for once I'm really pleased to be able to recommend someone that repairs Contax and Yashica cameras, along with Yashica and Zeiss lenses. Just go to www.contaxrepairs.com/ and check out which models he will repair; as with Zeiss and Yashica lenses, all this is subject to spares availability. A full CLA service is also available for working cameras in need of some tlc. The guy who runs the outfit used to be the service manager for Contax & Yashica here in the UK and so has years of experience with both marques; he also repairs classic Nikon cameras. His prices are very reasonable for the excellent quality of his work; I am already preparing to send him a few more items for repair or a CLA. His contact details can be found on his new website above.
I sent Julian 2 STs that needed urgent help along with the worst looking RTSIII in the history of the marque. I was not expecting anything with the RTSIII - it was firing at only one speed, all the dials and levers were locked, and there was a strange, cement-like paste that was exuding from the top plate. He diagnosed the problems with the STs and fixed them within a couple of days - they look and perform like factory fresh models again! He then somehow managed to remove the top plate on the RTSIII and I was horrified to see the photos he sent of the damage - the insides were covered in a strange, white crystalline substance that had got everywhere in the top plate assembly. It looked like salt but it wasn't and the electronic circuits were largely intact with no signs of salt-water corrosion - a complete mystery. Needless to say, the Italian gentleman from whom I'd bought it a year or so ago never mentioned the camera's problems. I have added a couple of the photos he sent me to show you the nightmare that met his eyes when he'd managed to remove the top plate....so weird!
 
I was prepared for the RTSIII to be returned as a rather grubby paper-weight but Julian refused to be beaten by the camera and today, it arrived along with its 2 ST siblings and is working again - shutter, metering, etc. And it looks like a normal RTSIII again - I still can't believe it!
It's so nice to be able to give some good news on repair issues for many of our favourite cameras and lenses; after the quality of service I received, I have no hesitation in recommending Julian's company to our members.
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Group: Administrator
Post: 1,010 (77 liked)
Join date: January 2014
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on Jul 1, 2016 2:50:09 GMT
Posted: Jul 1, 2016 2:50:09 GMT
Three cheers for Julian! It's kind of funny what a corrosive atmosphere will do to metal, such as in your RTSIII, reacting with the body shell, but not the electronics. Lucky you!
I'm looking into getting an RTSIII. From what I've read about it, it's one fine piece of equipment.
PF
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Group: Member
Post: 10 (0 liked)
Join date: July 2016
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on Jul 1, 2016 13:16:16 GMT
Posted: Jul 1, 2016 13:16:16 GMT
Oh Biggles, I'm blushing!
Thank you for the lovely words. I have to say your RTS 3 was quite possibly the worst I have ever seen from the marque but they are built like tanks and there's not much that will totally destroy them. Hopefully will give you many more years service.
Ridgeblue, keep an eye on my shop because I have RTS 3's coming and going all the time mostly with 12 month warranties. Hope I may be of service in the future.
J
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Group: Administrator
Post: 1,010 (77 liked)
Join date: January 2014
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on Jul 3, 2016 23:14:32 GMT
Posted: Jul 3, 2016 23:14:32 GMT
Will do, Julian. Was looking at a couple of them that I found out had LCD bleed in the viewfinder. Is that a common occurrence?
PF
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Group: Member
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Join date: July 2016
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on Jul 6, 2016 17:18:33 GMT
Posted: Jul 6, 2016 17:18:33 GMT
It's not common but it can happen if someone has had the top off and the rear viewfinder cover. If the unit is placed on its back without the door and the viewfinder surround the LCD control unit can become damaged and it is a nightmare to sort because it needs a new LCD unit and the position of the displays then has to be set up manually. Not a fun job........
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Group: Member
Post: 285 (39 liked)
Join date: April 2014
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on Jul 7, 2016 9:40:13 GMT
Posted: Jul 7, 2016 9:40:13 GMT
Hi Julian .... nice to see a name from the past ... and still doing business keeping Contax cameras going is a welcome bonus. I used to love the trips I made up to your place in the 90's in your lovely part of Lancashire, in search of some part for a Contax or the odd repair.
It was always a pleasure to have done business with you, I'm sure anyone using your services will be very, very pleased.
Bob (ex Contax Postal Club)
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Group: Member
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Join date: July 2016
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on Jul 10, 2016 17:43:56 GMT
Posted: Jul 10, 2016 17:43:56 GMT
Hey Bob, lovely to hear from you. Yes, still going but the old grey cells are certainly getting a workout these days!
Thank you for your very kind words, very much appreciated.
Jools
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