Camera CLA and Repairs by Ian Rota

Camera CLA and Repairs by Vintage Image Repair’s Ian Rota

If you own a vintage camera you may well have asked the question “Where can I get my camera repaired?” or “Where can I get my camera CLA’d?” If that sounds like you then read on!

For those of you who have not come across the term “CLA” before it stands for “Clean, Lubricate, and Adjust.” But it isn’t just vintage cameras that need work as even more modern cameras can encounter problems.

Now I will at some point in the near future have a reference section on the website that lists known repair and/or service technicians but until then I will talk about people I trust and have used personally.

Why Choose a Solo Technician

One of the first things photographers do when a camera fails is to look for businesses that do repairs and camera dealers are often a first port of call. But have you seen the prices? Some want $300 before it even gets through the door. Hence technicians outside big business are worth their weight in gold as they are so much more affordable.

Of course, it is not just cameras that can be in need of some TLC as lenses too fall into the category.

Some technicians specialize in just one particular make or in many cases just one or two models. And then there are some who have a much broader range of makes and models that they work on. Ian, a professional photographer himself, is one of those who can tackle a wide range of makes and models for both cameras and lenses.

So, What Services Are Offered?

Cameras – A basic diagnosis to determine exactly what’s going wrong. Any underlying wear and tear issues will be noted and then you will get a personal walk through about what was found and what can be done next. Individual or combination services offered include the following:

• CLA (Clean Lubricate and Adjust)
• Pentaprism and focus screen dusting, or de-molding
• Light seal and mirror cushion foam replacement
• Leatherette replacement
• Electrical component replacement/circuitry rebuilding
• Shutter speed or drag adjustment

And On What Makes and/or Models?

Services for most 35mm cameras are available and most can be worked on for mechanical and/or electronic faults. Obviously there may be limitations due to a paucity of spare parts.

Very modern electronic cameras can be problematic as they often require a literal laboratory to be serviced or repaired.

The easiest way to find out if servicing and/or repairs are available for your camera is to contact Ian and ask!

The Lens Repair Dilemma

Unlike camera bodies lens repairs are uniquely case-by-case. Look at it this way, a lens with a loose front or rear element might be a simple fix, but something loose internally will often require a full disassembly and complex recalibration. And the same goes for AF motor failure in more modern autofocus lenses.

Fungus can be cleaned and halted but even then damage to coatings may have occurred. Haze too can be minimized but may not be completely removable.

Probably the most difficult problem to assess is impact damage. Without a thorough strip down it will be hard to diagnose and provide an upfront cost.

Probably the simplest way to put it is that each lens is a unique proposition and as such expert evaluation before commitment may well be the recommended course of action.

The best course of action is to contact Ian and discuss the issue.

How to Contact Ian for Further Information

Ian’s website can be found here: VINTAGE IMAGE REPAIR

For inquiries about camera and lens repairs plus CLA services you can:

Use the website contact form.

Email: Ianrotaimage@gmail.com

Phone: (802) 557-2075

Or message through Instagram: Business or Personal

Reach out! You have nothing to lose by asking and quite possibly everything to gain!

My Personal Involvement and Recommendation

I have purchased two cameras from Ian that he has brought back to life and are now fully working. One is a Nikon F that is the featured image above. It was DOA when he got it, and now it’s fully functional. Not easy to get a 60+ year old camera running again in fully operational condition!

The other is a Yashica MG-1 which underwent a full CLA. Both cameras now work perfectly and even if you don’t need Ian’s repair or CLA services right this moment it is well worth checking out his Whatnot shop and shows, in addition to any photographic gear he has on his website.

So, in a nutshell I highly recommend reaching out if you have a problem camera or one that needs a bit of TLC to get it back up to scratch.