Anyone used International Camera Technicians for a camera repair?

logan2z · Apr 10, 2023

Has anyone used International Camera Technicians in Bonita, CA for a repair/CLA and could share their experience?

I've been looking for a good camera tech to fix my Nikkormat FT3 and came upon an online thread that mentioned International Camera Technicians run by someone named Jim Holman. Jim is apparently a Nikon factory trained camera tech with 35 years of experience. There doesn't seem to be much about this company online and it seems to rarely get mentioned when the subject of camera repairers comes up.

The company web site says they are backlogged at the moment and aren't accepting new repairs for a few weeks. I suppose that's a good sign.

RudyMerz · Apr 10, 2023

I bought a CLA’d Fe2 from him and he did a CLA on my Rolleicord V. He is fast, compared to others, and thorough. When I got the cord back there was a USB stick with images on it where he documented the CLA. Never had this before. Everything works, no complaints.

logan2z · Apr 10, 2023

RudyMerz said:
When I got the cord back there was a USB stick with images on it where he documented the CLA.

There's a YouTube video linked on the ICT web site in which someone describes their service experience with the company and they mentioned the USB stick. That's a nice touch.

madNbad · Apr 10, 2023

Thanks for the information. My favorite local technician is closing his shop due to health problems. Just about any shop repairing film cameras has a backlog.

AnselMortensen · Apr 10, 2023

ICT was previously owned by a gentleman named Manfred, and was located in Mountain View, CA.
Manfred retired a few years ago, and sold the business to Jim, who relocated the business to Bonita, CA.

logan2z · Apr 10, 2023

I have also read some good things about Daves Camera Repair in Michigan, run by Dave Easterwood. I dropped him an email last night asking if he repaired the FT3 (fyi, not all repairers I asked said they would work on this camera, for some reason), and received a very friendly and prompt reply. Dave does work on the FT3, says he was factory trained to work on them and has many parts for them. So that seems like another viable option.

Does anyone have direct experience with them?

Steve Goldstein · Apr 10, 2023

My Canon L2 is at ICT right now for CLA. The cost is probably more than the market value of the camera but that’s OK in this case.

There’s also Midwest Camera Repair in (I think) Wyandotte, MI - they’ve been around a long time.

Also Zack’s in Providence, RI, if he’ll work on it. Michael has closed his storefront but is still taking in work (though not my L2).

There are others, but everyone seems busy.

logan2z · Apr 10, 2023

Steve Goldstein said:
There’s also Midwest Camera Repair in (I think) Wyandotte, MI - they’ve been around a long time.

Thanks, will check them out.

Steve Goldstein said:
Also Zack’s in Providence, RI, if he’ll work on it. Michael has closed his storefront but is still taking in work (though not my L2).

I inquired once before and he told me he does not work on Nikkormats.

btaylor · Apr 10, 2023

I have had good dealings with Dave Easterwood on two things- a shutter CLA on a Kowa 250mm lens and a CLA on a rough Rolleiflex 3.5f.
I am interested in ICA- looks like a good shop, I am looking forward to feedback as well.

logan2z · Apr 10, 2023

btaylor said:
I have had good dealings with Dave Easterwood on two things- a shutter CLA on a Kowa 250mm lens and a CLA on a rough Rolleiflex 3.5f.

Good to know, thanks!

logan2z · Apr 10, 2023

Steve Goldstein said:
The cost is probably more than the market value of the camera but that’s OK in this case.

Given the relatively low cost of these cameras today, I think this is pretty common. I'm underwater on some cameras due to the cost of servicing, but that's fine with me. The cameras will serve me well while I use them, and I'll feel confident passing on a good quality camera to the next owner if/when the time comes.

Huss · Apr 10, 2023

logan2z said:
I have also read some good things about Daves Camera Repair in Michigan, run by Dave Easterwood. I dropped him an email last night asking if he repaired the FT3 (fyi, not all repairers I asked said they would work on this camera, for some reason), and received a very friendly and prompt reply. Dave does work on the FT3, says he was factory trained to work on them and has many parts for them. So that seems like another viable option.

Does anyone have direct experience with them?

Dave repaired a CLE for me a few years ago that no-one else would touch.

Trask · Apr 10, 2023

logan2z said:
Has anyone used International Camera Technicians in Bonita, CA for a repair/CLA and could share their experience?

I've been looking for a good camera tech to fix my Nikkormat FT3 and came upon an online thread that mentioned International Camera Technicians run by someone named Jim Holman. Jim is apparently a Nikon factory trained camera tech with 35 years of experience. There doesn't seem to be much about this company online and it seems to rarely get mentioned when the subject of camera repairers comes up.

The company web site says they are backlogged at the moment and aren't accepting new repairs for a few weeks. I suppose that's a good sign.

My eyes popped when I saw the subject of your post, as I recall having some dealings with ICT a long, long time ago -- I grew up in the Mountain View/Los Altos area back in the 60's and 70's, and IIRC ICT was in business even back them. I had looked for them online some time ago and thought they had disappeared, so it's nice to know that it is still helping photographers all these years later under new ownership.

dourbalistar · Apr 11, 2023

Fogdog Blog has a review about ICT:

The Nikon FM and The Joys of a CLA — Blog

For some time now, I have been on the hunt for a very nice, chrome, early edition Nikon FM 35mm SLR. There are lots of FMs for sale on eBay, but I wanted a copy with a serial number that started with a 2 and was a three-knurled-knob version. Why? Honestly, is there really any rational reason for tho

www.fogdog-photography.com

logan2z · Apr 11, 2023

dourbalistar said:
Fogdog Blog has a review about ICT:

The Nikon FM and The Joys of a CLA — Blog

For some time now, I have been on the hunt for a very nice, chrome, early edition Nikon FM 35mm SLR. There are lots of FMs for sale on eBay, but I wanted a copy with a serial number that started with a 2 and was a three-knurled-knob version. Why? Honestly, is there really any rational reason for tho

www.fogdog-photography.com

Thanks! I'm probably going to send my camera to Jim once he opens up for new repairs again.

Disappointed_Horse · Apr 12, 2023

logan2z said:
Has anyone used International Camera Technicians in Bonita, CA for a repair/CLA and could share their experience?

I've been looking for a good camera tech to fix my Nikkormat FT3 and came upon an online thread that mentioned International Camera Technicians run by someone named Jim Holman. Jim is apparently a Nikon factory trained camera tech with 35 years of experience. There doesn't seem to be much about this company online and it seems to rarely get mentioned when the subject of camera repairers comes up.

The company web site says they are backlogged at the moment and aren't accepting new repairs for a few weeks. I suppose that's a good sign.

I had ICT service one of my Nikon FEs last year. Jim did a great job and the turnaround was very quick. Not the cheapest option, but well worth the money.

Steve Goldstein · Apr 12, 2023

logan2z said:
Thanks! I'm probably going to send my camera to Jim once he opens up for new repairs again.

For my Canon L2, I filled in an online form to get on the waiting list. I received an email when the next intake window opened with a link to an intake form and a place to pay for the eval ($50, non-refundable but credited against the repair), which I filled in and included with the camera when I shipped it.

You might end up waiting a long time if you simply wait for an announcement that he's taking in work again...

logan2z · Apr 12, 2023

Steve Goldstein said:
For my Canon L2, I filled in an online form to get on the waiting list. I received an email when the next intake window opened with a link to an intake form and a place to pay for the eval ($50, non-refundable but credited against the repair), which I filled in and included with the camera when I shipped it.

You might end up waiting a long time if you simply wait for an announcement that he's taking in work again...

Thanks. I've already added myself to the wait-list and received email confirmation that I'm on it.

logan2z · Apr 12, 2023

AAlfano said:
I had ICT service one of my Nikon FEs last year. Jim did a great job and the turnaround was very quick. Not the cheapest option, but well worth the money.

Good to hear, thanks.

logan2z · Jun 29, 2023

Well, I'm still waiting for a slot to open up at ICT. They initially said it would be about three weeks but it's been a couple of months and I haven't heard a word since my initial contact. Patience isn't my strong suit so I may consider sending the camera elsewhere.

destroya · Jun 29, 2023

when ICT was in Mt view, they repaired and CLA'd many of my cameras. always great work. was sad when they relocated

Naples · Jun 30, 2023

Anyone know how ITC compares to Authorized Photo Service in Chicago? I used APS for a Nikon F100 and they did a great job.

logan2z · Jun 30, 2023

Naples said:
Anyone know how ITC compares to Authorized Photo Service in Chicago? I used APS for a Nikon F100 and they did a great job.

I've never heard of APS but I'm going to give them a call and see if they will accept an FT3 for repair. Thanks for mentioning them.

Naples · Jun 30, 2023

logan2z said:
I've never heard of APS but I'm going to give them a call and see if they will accept an FT3 for repair. Thanks for mentioning them.

I had a Nikon F100 with a broken AF sensor on the front. I sent it to Nikon but they did not have the part and so could not do the repair. APS had the part and repaired it.

logan2z · Jul 11, 2023

Well, I gave up on ICT as they have still not contacted me about sending my camera in for repair and they aren't responding to my emails. I did talk to APS and they seemed very professional so I've shipped the FT3 off to them for a repair estimate. They said their turnaround time is as short as a week so I'm hoping to have the camera back soon. I'm sure I'll be well under water on the camera once it's back in my hands, but what else is new...

Anyone used International Camera Technicians for a camera repair?

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