Hello,

I bought a "non working" FT1 from an ebay seller. I'm thinking of having it repaired. My choices are:

A) Konica Service in NJ. Anyone used them and how did they do? How was their price?

B) Greg Weber. Same questions as above.

C) Local Camera repair guy. He used to do repairs for the largest dealer in the area. They sold, and he repaired, tons of FT1's. He says he has a couple cameras for parts.

What do you think? One reason I might lean with Konica in NJ is perhaps they have an inventory of new??? (unused?) parts? I have spoken with Greg Weber and he says Konica often sends him FT1's for repair.

Anyone have any insights?

Thanks, David S Smith

-- Anonymous, March 03, 2001

Answers

FT-1 Repair

Dave.... I have gone all three routes with mixed results! With Konica I did 3 FT's and 2 of the three were OK. One had to be sent back to get the job finished. It was a logistics screw-up! Haven't got that one back yet. Average cost was slightly over $100 each. (each one got a new AA bat case) Greg did a FP-1 but mine was so far gone that we did an exchange. I also got a CLEAN 135/2.5 from him when he sent the exchange. Satisfied with both. Have also used a local with disatrous results. He just didn't like Konica's and told me so upfront. What it comes down to is the "T" word (trust) in whoever is going to do the service for you! I recommend Greg or Konica unless you are real comfortable with your local guy. Just some ramblings on my experiences..............jim

-- Anonymous, March 03, 2001

Konica Repair

Hi David: I just got my T4 back from Greg Weber for repairs and a tuneup,and a while back he did a TC for me.Both camers came back perfect. If you use Greg you won't be desapointed, this guy knows Konicas. The next one up for a clean and lub is my T3 and there's only one one place I'm sending it to,Greg Weber. Good luck.

Frank Purpura

-- Anonymous, March 03, 2001

FT1 Repair

Hello,

Many thanks Jim and Frank. I purchased the camera mainly for backup and parts. I have three FT1's and probably need a psychiatrist to settle me down a bit with the Konica collecting mania I'm in. I just love the camera. Greg is a bit more for items, but then so am I. I believe with him, you get full value for your money.

I just wondered if Konica had brand new unused parts they were putting in the FT1's. Scavenged electronic parts from "used" cameras make me edgy. Electronic parts being what they are.

Anyways' thanks for the input. It is most helpful.

David S Smith

-- Anonymous, March 03, 2001

Konica FT-1 motor

Oh! and Hi to all Konica friends! My youngest son ruined my FT-1 motor by enforcing a rewind w/o a film release last year. Since then I've tried to achieve the damaged wheel-component (plastic) w/o no success! Is is someone out there that can tell me where to get it or how to approach the problem. In Norway it seems that none of the dealers are able to help, - the blame the production which is about 1983. I love the FT-1, so I'll appreciate any help or advisory! Thanks! Willy

-- Anonymous, March 15, 2001

FT-1

Hi Willy: Try eather Greg Weber or Konica, eather should be able to help you with this part. Both of there e-mail adress can be found on this web site. Good luck. Frank Purpura

-- Anonymous, March 15, 2001

Repair - FT-1

Hi David,

In answer to your questions: I have an FT-1 all boxed up to go to Konica right now... have not used them for repair but this seems to be the place to send FT-1s, specifically, and I am going to give them a try.

They use new parts and have a stock of most FT-1 items. I have bought a number of parts from them and all have been new, inexpensive. They are very nice to deal with!

One tip that came from another person on this B.B., include a lens with the camera and it will usually get tuned up & cleaned, too, as a part of the price (probably limited to normal lenses).

For any other Konica models (TC, T3, T4, etc.) repairs, there are 3 choices I've either used or heard really good things about: Greg Weber in Utah, K&S Camera in Sacramento, Calif. or Strauss in NJ (I think). I'm sure Konica sends out stuff they can't handle to Strauss (Konica told me) and wouldn't be suprised it they use Greg & K&S, too.

I haven't had any work done by Strauss. I had a couple bodies CLAed by K&S a few years ago (T4 & TC) and was very happy with their work. While I haven't had repairs done by Greg (aka "Mr. konica"), have purchased a number of things from him and he is great to deal with, very helpful and knowledgeable. I plan to work with him or K&S soon on a T4 rebuild. I would imagine all three of these would need to use a higher percentage of "recycled" parts, as new spares are scarce or simply unavailable (used stuff is not too big a deal with mechanical cameras, new parts are more of an issue to me with electronic models).

Also recently heard about a lens specialist (not just Konica), I am trying to track down, in Ohio I think.

My best/favorite local used/repair shop I go into more to kid them about Nikon equipment than anything else... "Nikon makes all their own lenses, huh?". Uh huh. "Hey, I heard Nikon is #3 or #4 camera co. in Japan?". Always gets a response! They are soooo defensive. Heh, heh.

Might have them work on a slide projector... I won't let em touch my cameras! (But a friends Nikons go there... regularly!)

A few years ago another local shop CLAed one of my T3s into uselessness, but only charged me $50-60 for it!

Alan Myers San Jose, Calif.

-- Anonymous, March 03, 2001

Konica repair

Hi David, I have four Konica FT-1's that I use on a regular basis and have them serviced by the gang at the Konica Service Facility in Mahwah, NJ. For the most part, they have never been there for any thing more than a cleaning and and oil change (yes, you should change the lubricating grease every now and then). They will service them providing they do not need serious repair or parts they no longer have in stock. They will clean, service and replace anything the come across but do not have the luxury of canabalizing other cameras for parts. They will fit your FT-1's with a new battery case as part of the repair. Figure an easy $100.00 charge and guaranty their work for a year. Real fast, real prompt and a new battery holder whether you need it or not. But again, they will not try and get parts from a camera recycler. Greg Weber on the other hand, will do his best to get you up and flying and may have some of the critical parts you need. A real fine fellow to chat with and if you tell him you don't want the repair to go over $150.00 He will make sure that is reflected in his repair estimate. Since your camera is not working now I'd sent it to Greg. Best of luck

-- Anonymous, March 03, 2001

Konica repair

Hi David, I have four Konica FT-1's that I use on a regular basis and have them serviced by the gang at the Konica Service Facility in Mahwah, NJ. For the most part, they have never been there for any thing more than a cleaning and and oil change (yes, you should change the lubricating grease every now and then)and new gaskets. They will service them providing they do not need serious repair or require parts they no longer have in stock. They will clean, service and replace anything the come across but do not have the luxury of canabalizing other cameras for parts. They will fit your FT-1's with a new battery case as part of the repair. Figure an easy $100.00 charge and guaranty their work for a year. Real fast, real prompt and a new battery holder whether you need it or not. But again, they will not try and get parts from a camera recycler. Greg Weber on the other hand, will do his best to get you up and flying and may have some of the critical parts you need. A real fine fellow to chat with and if you tell him you don't want the repair to go over $150.00 He will make sure that is reflected in his repair estimate. Since your camera is not working now I'd sent it to Greg. Best of luck

-- Anonymous, March 03, 2001