Where to send Alpa Copal shutter for minor repair?

[epforever]

An issue recently popped up with the shutter on my Alpa Rodenstock 40mm lens: at 1/8s, 1/4s, 1/2s and 1s, the shutter sticks open after being triggered. To get it to close, I have to physically change the shutter speed.

I know these lenses are mounted and calibrated carefully. But perhaps removing the front element to work on the shutter wouldn't interfere with all that careful calibration?

Can someone suggest where to send the lens for repair? There's an excellent shutter-repair guy at Samy's in L.A. (my local resource and first choice), but they're not Alpa specialists, and I don't know if they'd mess anything up by removing the front element and working on the shutter.

My other thought is Linhof Studio in the UK. Or S.K. Grimes.

Thank you,
Ethan

 

[Paul2660]

An issue recently popped up with the shutter on my Alpa Rodenstock 40mm lens: at 1/8s, 1/4s, 1/2s and 1s, the shutter sticks open after being triggered. To get it to close, I have to physically change the shutter speed.

I know these lenses are mounted and calibrated carefully. But perhaps removing the front element to work on the shutter wouldn't interfere with all that careful calibration?

Can someone suggest where to send the lens for repair? There's an excellent shutter-repair guy at Samy's in L.A. (my local resource and first choice), but they're not Alpa specialists, and I don't know if they'd mess anything up by removing the front element and working on the shutter.

My other thought is Linhof Studio in the UK. Or S.K. Grimes.

Thank you,
Ethan

Precision Camera repair in IL also does great work on the copal. You may find it's not a repairable option, and need to send it to Alpa to send to Rodenstock for a aperture only mount.

https://www.precisioncameraworks.com/arcaswiss

They feature Arca, but should be able to work on any Copal shutter. Worth a try, they are quick and very reliable.

Paul C

 

[tcdeveau]

Aw bummer. Let us know how it goes.

I figure if I ever run into issues with the copal shutter on my Alpa lenses, I'll just convert to the aperture-only mount, but it would be good to know if other repair options are available.

 

[tylerallenmohr]

I just gave mine to Fotocare in NYC last March when a similar issue popped up on my HR 23mm with copal. Jeff took care of sending it back to Rodenstock directly for repair. 1 month and $1000 later its brand new again.




good luck,

Tyler

 

[vjbelle]

Ethan.... if I were you I would let Samy's do the work. They don't have to be Alpa specialists as both the front and rear elements screw off the shutter making it available for repair. You also mention S. K. Grimes which I would also recommend.

Victor

 

[epforever]

Ethan.... if I were you I would let Samy's do the work. They don't have to be Alpa specialists as both the front and rear elements screw off the shutter making it available for repair. You also mention S. K. Grimes which I would also recommend.

Victor

This is exactly what I was wondering. However -- I contacted Paula at Linhof Studio, from whom I originally bought the lens second-hand, and she said they could do the repair there under warranty, since I bought it within the last year. So I'm sending it off to the UK. Paula and Linhof Studio have always been great to work with.

 

[vjbelle]

Ethan...... without a doubt you have made the right decision. Paula is very accommodating and knows what she is doing. Linhof is wonderful to work with. The only place to buy LF lenses.

Victor

 

[epforever]

Ethan...... without a doubt you have made the right decision. Paula is very accommodating and knows what she is doing. Linhof is wonderful to work with. The only place to buy LF lenses.

Victor

Thanks, Victor. Agreed. The more I thought about it, I felt like I would send it to her anyways, even if it weren't under warranty.

 

[Eric Mansour]

You definitely want Bob at Precision Camera in Niles, IL.