Advance Camera Repairs - A Job Well Done!

**grhazelton** · 05-15-2018, 12:47 PM - **2 Likes**

I just received my AsahiFlex IIa serial number 55930 after its repair by Advance. Looks really good! The shutter sounds correct, everything works smoothly. The camera looks like new, except for some scuffs on base plate from tripod attachment. The work involved complete disassembly, cleaning, lubrication, calibration, and rebuilding the wind and transport systems, plus custom cutting a new mirror. While the work wasn't cheap, at least Adance either had the needed parts, or could fabricate them. Given that the IIa was introduced in February 1955 I'm glad that it could be repaired.

Now to find the 83 mm f 1.9 Takumar and the 35 mm f 2.8 Tower from my Father's kit. He used his IIa along with extension tubes and bellows for much macro and near macro work, calculating exposure compensation with a slide rule.

MarkJerling · 05-15-2018, 01:07 PM

Impressive. Will you post a photo?

**jatrax** · 05-15-2018, 01:11 PM

Is the Advance Camera in Portland, Oregon?

**grhazelton** · 05-15-2018, 02:00 PM

Originally posted by jatrax

Is the Advance Camera in Portland, Oregon?

That is the one!

longbow · 05-15-2018, 02:43 PM

I've had quite a few Pentax film cameras brought back to life by them.

**Tonytee** · 05-15-2018, 03:26 PM

Originally posted by jatrax

Is the Advance Camera in Portland, Oregon?

I know these folks very well and they have a deservedly favorable reputation. Here is thier address and phone.

Advance Camera: 8124 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy. Portland, Oregon 97225.

Phone is: 503-292-6996. I will be there sometime this Friday or Saturday. Hope this helps.

Tonytee.

**jatrax** · 05-15-2018, 03:31 PM

Originally posted by Tonytee

I know these folks very well and they have a deservedly favorable reputation.

Thanks, I've been there several times. One of the few places that like to talk Pentax if you stop by. Nice folks, always helpful.

**murrelet** · 05-15-2018, 04:06 PM

I'm lucky to have them locally. They've fixed or CLA'ed 2 MX's, an ME Super, a Ricoh XR-7, Canon A-1, Nikon FG-20, Yashica A, and maybe a couple others I'm forgetting. They're working on a Mamiya leaf shutter lens right now.

**pepperberry farm** · 05-15-2018, 04:20 PM

they've mended three of my lenses so far - brought them back to life so they can keep performing...

Advance is highly recommended!

05-15-2018, 12:47 PM - 2 Likes	#1
grhazelton Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Jonesboro, GA Photos: Albums Posts: 1,957	Advance Camera Repairs - A Job Well Done! I just received my AsahiFlex IIa serial number 55930 after its repair by Advance. Looks really good! The shutter sounds correct, everything works smoothly. The camera looks like new, except for some scuffs on base plate from tripod attachment. The work involved complete disassembly, cleaning, lubrication, calibration, and rebuilding the wind and transport systems, plus custom cutting a new mirror. While the work wasn't cheap, at least Adance either had the needed parts, or could fabricate them. Given that the IIa was introduced in February 1955 I'm glad that it could be repaired. Now to find the 83 mm f 1.9 Takumar and the 35 mm f 2.8 Tower from my Father's kit. He used his IIa along with extension tubes and bellows for much macro and near macro work, calculating exposure compensation with a slide rule.

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05-15-2018, 01:07 PM	#2
MarkJerling Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: May 2012 Location: Wairarapa, New Zealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 20,280	Impressive. Will you post a photo?

05-15-2018, 01:11 PM	#3
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	Is the Advance Camera in Portland, Oregon?

05-15-2018, 02:00 PM	#4
grhazelton Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Jonesboro, GA Photos: Albums Posts: 1,957 Original Poster	Originally posted by jatrax Is the Advance Camera in Portland, Oregon? That is the one!

05-15-2018, 02:43 PM	#5
longbow Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: NW Oregon Posts: 905	I've had quite a few Pentax film cameras brought back to life by them.

05-15-2018, 03:26 PM	#6
Tonytee Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2012 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 20,180	Originally posted by jatrax Is the Advance Camera in Portland, Oregon? I know these folks very well and they have a deservedly favorable reputation. Here is thier address and phone. Advance Camera: 8124 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy. Portland, Oregon 97225. Phone is: 503-292-6996. I will be there sometime this Friday or Saturday. Hope this helps. Tonytee.

05-15-2018, 03:31 PM	#7
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	Originally posted by Tonytee I know these folks very well and they have a deservedly favorable reputation. Thanks, I've been there several times. One of the few places that like to talk Pentax if you stop by. Nice folks, always helpful.

05-15-2018, 04:06 PM	#8
murrelet Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Portland, OR, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 506	I'm lucky to have them locally. They've fixed or CLA'ed 2 MX's, an ME Super, a Ricoh XR-7, Canon A-1, Nikon FG-20, Yashica A, and maybe a couple others I'm forgetting. They're working on a Mamiya leaf shutter lens right now.

05-15-2018, 04:20 PM	#9
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 39,844	they've mended three of my lenses so far - brought them back to life so they can keep performing... Advance is highly recommended!

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