Repairs and Servicing
Tried, Tested, and True
At cameraworks, we hold ourselves to the highest standards with the services we offer, and in every aspect of the work we do. Our workforce is highly trained and qualified to meet all your needs, dedicated to offering diverse and specialized services tailored to our client’s unique preferences and situation. Take a look at some of the services we offer below.
Servicing
Attention to Detail
At cameraworks, we can service the entire range of screw mount and rangefinder Leica cameras. Many faults that occur on a Leica are actually service related. Over time, oils and greases dry out. This causes excess friction and can adversely affect timing mechanisms and make the camera feel stiff and tight. This in turn puts additional strain on components, leading to wear and tear and ultimately breakdown.
We offer rather more than the usual CLA (clean lubricate and adjust). Each camera is fully overhauled. The shutter mechanism, including the main drum and rollers are cleaned and correctly lubricated. The slow speed mechanism is cleaned and lubricated, after which the shutter blind tensions are checked and balanced. Shutter speeds are then adjusted using a Kyoritsu camera tester and set to factory standard.
The film transport system is fully serviced too. We take the same approach to the viewfinder/rangefinder. We dismantle and clean the optics before reassembly and calibration at long and short ranges. For M series cameras where the viewfinder is blacked-out or suffering balsam separation, we can refurbish the prism. Shutter blinds can be replaced also, including red shutter material for wartime IIIc cameras.
While standard service parts are included in our prices, prism refurbishment and/or shutter blinds and vulcanite replacement are subject to additional charges as outlined in our service price list.
​
We believe our charges represent excellent value for money, especially when you consider that our service is widely recognised and will add value to your equipment. What's more, our servicing comes with a 12 Month transferable warranty. We also offer fast turnaround.
Lens Repair and Service
Expert Service
We repair and service Leitz lenses. Whether it be focusing that is too tight - or too loose, we can fix it. Sticking aperture blades? No problem. Dirt and fungus? That really depends on how long the fungus, if present has been acting upon the glass surface. As the fungus grows, it will liberate acids that can etch the glass and coatings. Although the fungus can be controlled, once the glass surface is damaged, only cleaning and light polishing is possible.
It is often said that any damage that can be detected with a thumb nail would require so much glass to be removed that the optical performance is likely to be severely affected. Similarly, sometimes, what looks like haze inside a lens can in fact be a series of tiny pits and cracks on the surface of the glass/coating interface that cannot be removed.
​
More often than not, your lens just needs a service. We carefully clean all optical components, clean and re-grease the helicoids, clean the aperture blades and aperture mechanism before reassembly, collimation and testing. Usually we actually take test shots and analyse these to make sure your lens is in tip top condition.
Replacement
Always Prepared
Ever consider a re-skin for your camera. While many see this as a DIY job, it is important that all traces of old adhesive and any oxidisation are removed from your camera before applying the new skin. We can do that for you, either in a replica vulcanite or even Moroccan leather. Please ask for details. As well as cameras and lenses, we can also repair finders, rangefinders and many other accessories for your Leica and the re-painting service can apply to these items too. Fancy a black SBOOI? We can do that too.
Contact us today for more details about the services we offer.