Affordable and Reputable 35mm Repairs in UK? - Any Forum Members Do Repairs?

archaeodude · 07-11-2021, 01:22 AM

Are there any Pentaxians out there who could recommend a reputable repair shoppe (or trusted PentaxForums member) in the UK for the following Pentax models:

Pentax S1a
Pentax SP II
Pentax ME

I've tried my hand at light seal replacements and general cleaning of these bodies inside and out, but I think there are some more complex issues with shutter curtains in my S1a and SP II that may be beyond my skill set. If there are any forum members who live in the Ely area

I've explored a few of the links listed at this forum thread. As the thread shows, there are many service shoppes in the UK, but I'm hoping that some UK-based forum members might be willing to provide information about their own experiences—whether they were positive or (perhaps more helpfully) negative.

At the moment, I'm leaning towards either:

Harrow Technical - seem to have a reputation on these forums, though some of the references to repair work from this shoppe date to many years ago
Asahi Photo - a dedicated Pentax repair specialist
Luton Camera Repair Services - relatively close to where I live

Any advice will be much appreciated—and will hopefully help future forum members find good repair recommendations!

pschlute · 07-11-2021, 02:47 AM

Originally posted by archaeodude

Any advice will be much appreciated

You could also try Alan Marlow....... Camera Repairs and Lens Repairs in Shepperton TW17, Surrey.

He has serviced many Pentax lenses for me and I recommend him highly.

The issue is going to be parts. I would keep an eye out for a donor camera if you see one cheap.

**microlight** · 07-11-2021, 04:02 AM

Robin Gowing at Harrow Technical did a full CLA on my close-to-mint but non-working 1957 AP (shutter cloth issues) a few years ago, and did a great job; it now works perfectly and still gets film put through it. I'm going to send him my MX for a rejuventaion. Recommended.

jeallen01 · 07-11-2021, 12:45 PM

Peter & Pramath at Asahiphoto (in Brentford) have done some good work for me on various Pentax bodies (some very recently) although parts may be an issue for older bodies.

archaeodude · 07-12-2021, 04:39 AM

Originally posted by pschlute

You could also try Alan Marlow....... Camera Repairs and Lens Repairs in Shepperton TW17, Surrey.

He has serviced many Pentax lenses for me and I recommend him highly.

The issue is going to be parts. I would keep an eye out for a donor camera if you see one cheap.

Thanks for the recommendation! I'll keep Alan in mind. It's always useful to have personal recommendations!

And I will certainly keep my eye out for other cameras for potential part-harvesting!

---------- Post added 07-12-21 at 04:40 AM ----------

Originally posted by microlight

Robin Gowing at Harrow Technical did a full CLA on my close-to-mint but non-working 1957 AP (shutter cloth issues) a few years ago, and did a great job; it now works perfectly and still gets film put through it. I'm going to send him my MX for a rejuventaion. Recommended.

It's great to know that the folks at Harrow Technical do a good job. I'll keep this in mind as I select a repair shoppe for my equipment!

Thanks!

---------- Post added 07-12-21 at 04:41 AM ----------

Originally posted by jeallen01

Peter & Pramath at Asahiphoto (in Brentford) have done some good work for me on various Pentax bodies (some very recently) although parts may be an issue for older bodies.

Very useful to have your personal recommendation! Many thanks!

07-11-2021, 01:22 AM	#1
archaeodude Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: Fens Posts: 523	Affordable and Reputable 35mm Repairs in UK? - Any Forum Members Do Repairs? Are there any Pentaxians out there who could recommend a reputable repair shoppe (or trusted PentaxForums member) in the UK for the following Pentax models: Pentax S1a Pentax SP II Pentax ME I've tried my hand at light seal replacements and general cleaning of these bodies inside and out, but I think there are some more complex issues with shutter curtains in my S1a and SP II that may be beyond my skill set. If there are any forum members who live in the Ely area I've explored a few of the links listed at this forum thread. As the thread shows, there are many service shoppes in the UK, but I'm hoping that some UK-based forum members might be willing to provide information about their own experiences—whether they were positive or (perhaps more helpfully) negative. At the moment, I'm leaning towards either: Harrow Technical - seem to have a reputation on these forums, though some of the references to repair work from this shoppe date to many years ago Asahi Photo - a dedicated Pentax repair specialist Luton Camera Repair Services - relatively close to where I live Any advice will be much appreciated—and will hopefully help future forum members find good repair recommendations!

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07-11-2021, 02:47 AM	#2
pschlute Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Surrey, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,514	Originally posted by archaeodude Any advice will be much appreciated You could also try Alan Marlow....... Camera Repairs and Lens Repairs in Shepperton TW17, Surrey. He has serviced many Pentax lenses for me and I recommend him highly. The issue is going to be parts. I would keep an eye out for a donor camera if you see one cheap.

07-11-2021, 04:02 AM	#3
microlight Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Hampshire, UK Posts: 2,031	Robin Gowing at Harrow Technical did a full CLA on my close-to-mint but non-working 1957 AP (shutter cloth issues) a few years ago, and did a great job; it now works perfectly and still gets film put through it. I'm going to send him my MX for a rejuventaion. Recommended.

07-11-2021, 12:45 PM	#4
jeallen01 Pentaxian Join Date: May 2008 Location: London, UK Posts: 1,542	Peter & Pramath at Asahiphoto (in Brentford) have done some good work for me on various Pentax bodies (some very recently) although parts may be an issue for older bodies.

07-12-2021, 04:39 AM	#5
archaeodude Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: Fens Posts: 523 Original Poster	Originally posted by pschlute You could also try Alan Marlow....... Camera Repairs and Lens Repairs in Shepperton TW17, Surrey. He has serviced many Pentax lenses for me and I recommend him highly. The issue is going to be parts. I would keep an eye out for a donor camera if you see one cheap. Thanks for the recommendation! I'll keep Alan in mind. It's always useful to have personal recommendations! And I will certainly keep my eye out for other cameras for potential part-harvesting! ---------- Post added 07-12-21 at 04:40 AM ---------- Originally posted by microlight Robin Gowing at Harrow Technical did a full CLA on my close-to-mint but non-working 1957 AP (shutter cloth issues) a few years ago, and did a great job; it now works perfectly and still gets film put through it. I'm going to send him my MX for a rejuventaion. Recommended. It's great to know that the folks at Harrow Technical do a good job. I'll keep this in mind as I select a repair shoppe for my equipment! Thanks! ---------- Post added 07-12-21 at 04:41 AM ---------- Originally posted by jeallen01 Peter & Pramath at Asahiphoto (in Brentford) have done some good work for me on various Pentax bodies (some very recently) although parts may be an issue for older bodies. Very useful to have your personal recommendation! Many thanks!

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