roy_ramavarapu1

<p>Very sad to read this. A true gentleman - vast patience even for strangers like me with trivial questions. I emailed Tom on his Leica soft release buttons (softies), and he and Tuulikki Abrahamsson (wife) guided me in their email reply - they even wrote me after several days to confirm if I received the items that I purchased. More than this, I never missed reading his comments on the different websites on Leica - Tom wrote from experience with the other user (like me) in mind. Tom Abrahamsson will be missed by the Leica users.<br> Roy Ramavarapu, 08 Jan 2017</p>

<p>I have several older Nikon camera bodies, and needed to change the base plate on one body with same in much better condition from a donor body. I searched the different website locations for simple repair tools. Based on my actual experience, I looked for JIS (Japan Industrial Standard) tools. I found the JIS type Philips format screwdrivers made by Moody (from USA). I also found many sellers on the auction site selling camera repair tools (spanner wrenches, compass type, etc.). I purchased some tools from Japan Hobby Tool, received them (very fast shipping directly from Japan), and was "blown" away by the quality and precision of the tools that I purchased and received. The tools are made of stainless steel or steel, and the bits are extremely strong, and of high quality. I used their tools to replace the base plate, and they did the job perfectly. I now plan to purchase the complete set of JIS screwdrivers and spare bits from Japan Hobby Tool, and am waiting for them to assemble this kit. They wrote me that they plan to put this complete set on the auction site. The repair tools that I purchased and received were Made In Japan; one tool was made in Germany. I believe that all their tools are made in Japan only.<br> Japan Hobby Tool replied promptly to all my emails in English, and have excellent communications. They also gave me their catalog (in Japanese), and I can use the photos in the catalog to purchase items I need. Most of their catalog items are listed on the auction website. <br> I am in no way connected with Japan Hobby Tool and do not own or sell any of their tools/items. I am posting this to inform fellow members about a very good place on the auction site to purchase high quality repair tools based on my personal experience. They also sell lubricants, grease, and lens repair items; I have no experience with any lens repairs, and consider it beyond my skill level.<br> I hope this helps - I looked at different places to purchase camera repair tools, and am more than impressed with Japan Hobby Tools and their service.<br> Roy Ramavarapu, 18 April 2015</p>

<h1 ><em>non-AI Nikkor-P 180mm/f2.8 conversion to AI with Nikon factory ring</em></h1> <p>posted on 17 Oct 2013<br> This posting may have relevant information/experience that I documented in a similar situation: I was dismantling this lens only for AI conversion, and started out with the wrong set of tools. The Japanese camera equipment need JIS (Japan Industrial Standard, I think) type Philips screwdrivers. Regular Philips screwdrivers will ruin the screws; using acetone is ok but use a Q-tip (touch only) and don't let the acetone seep into the lens. Hope this posting helps. I FINALLY completed my task of AI conversion.</p>

<p>Thank you all for all the information. Very much appreciated, and I think others who do a Google search on VIOOH will find this information helpful.</p>

<p>Hi Mukul:<br> Thank you for the information. Based on what you wrote, would it be correct to assume that the VIOOH (and TUVOO) would be redundant/not required on the later M cameras, e.g., like the M2, M3, M4, M5, M6, M6TTL, and higher. Just for info, the well-known site suggests that VIOOH be used with the Noctilux + hood because the combination blocks the built-in camera viewfinder. I must state that the author of this well-known site does not mention the camera; I think the Noctilux does not mount on the IIIf and earlier Leicas. </p>

<p>Please note this correction: The first sentence in the third paragraph, "Please note that there are already threads in this forum about use/handling this finder" should read as "forum about handling this finder". Thanks to all.</p>

<p>I did a search on the subject, went through the search findings, but am unable to find an answer to my question (please see subject line). Will the experts/actual users of this item give the SIMPLE answer, please. This finder is described in a well-known site (Google search), and there are numerous listings on the big auction site (most listings describe the condition as hazy, etc.). From what I can understand, this finder is recommended when using a lens (alone), or lens + shade, and the viewfinder is partially blocked by the size of the lens, or the lens + shade. Is this correct? I would assume that this finder can be used even if there is no blockage. Is this also correct? <br> Please also give any actual experience with this finder VIOOH. Please add any actual experience with a companion attachment TUVOO for 2.8cm lens to this finder VIOOH. Is it worth buying VIOOH and using it. I assume one would also buy TUVOO if the 2.8cm lens is used.<br> Please note that there are already threads in this forum about use/handling this finder, making corrections for parallax, different versions (lyre shaped, straight sides) of this finder - even a New York version given the name IMARECT, etc. <br> Thank you all very much, and best regards.</p>

<p>A good and trusted place to look for Rolleiflex 2.8F, or 2.8E (or the 3.5 models) is KEH. I purchased several items including a Rolleiflex 2.8F and can write that their grading system is a benchmark; their prices are also comparable, and KEH has a return policy. E-bay is another place for bidding / buying, and there are some risks, e.g., the seller may not know the quality/condition of the item, and the grading system varies. My preference is KEH, and have no reservations in recommending KEH. I cannot write about selling gear to KEH as I have not sold any item to KEH.<br> Roy Ramavarapu, 21 Oct 2014 </p>

<p>I have purchased several used items from KEH. I can write from my purchase experiences that their ratings for mechanical and cosmetics is a benchmark, very conservative, and trustworthy. I have had no complaints with the items that I purchased from KEH.<br> Roy Ramavarapu, 11 Oct 2014</p>

<p>Thank you all for contributing your knowledge on this camera.<br> I don't think I can post some of this information for the article in The Hindu as it is archived by now. I will try to send an email to the editor. <br> Thank you, and my best regards to all of you.<br> Roy Ramavarapu, 21 Aug 2014</p>

<p>I read The Hindu (newspaper, from India) on a regular basis, and came across this interesting article in the 19 Aug 2014 issue. This newspaper is on-line, free, and can be accessed from any web browser. The subject article has the following link:<br> http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/a-maharaja-among-cameras/article6332534.ece?homepage=true#comments<br> Based on the description in the article, the camera is German made, has everything included (darkroom, fixer, developer and film box is all inside the camera). The photo in the article shows the camera on a tripod.<br> Would somebody be able to recognize this camera, and write more about it.<br> Best regards.</p>

<p>Thanks to Michael Darnton for the excellent link to the subject, and to Stephen Lewis for the alternate covering items. Please note that I mentioned ArmorAll but did NOT use it or recommend it for a Leica M#; I have used ArmorAll on automobile interiors (the surfaces stay somewhat oily for some time even after wiping off).<br> Thank you all, and best regards.<br> Roy Ramavarapu, 16 July 2014</p>

<h1 > </h1> <p>I came across a Leica M# on the well known auction site, and the seller had a note in the description that it is advisable to wipe down the vulcanite covering once a year, and Neatsfoot oil or Lexol were mentioned. I did a search on this site with Lexol and Leica vulcanite and found one item titled "Leica Detailing products, dated 17 Sep 2009, 07:23. Not much information on the subject products.<br> I would like to ask Leica M# users if this wipe down with the mentioned products is helpful, and if users have used the mentioned products. Is there something better than the mentioned products? Reminds me of ArmorAll used on auto interiors; there are claims that ArmorAll (or an equivalent product) releases the dust from the surfaces, and enables the material to "breathe", and stay intact for a longer time (prevents embrittlement). I think sunlight/UV component is the main reason why such material like vinyl, auto interiors, and possibly vulcanite becomes brittle over time.<br> Thank you all for your information, and best regards.<br> Roy Ramavarapu, 16 July 2014</p> <p> </p>

<p>Harry Fleenor is a highly regarded Rolleiflex TLR service expert, and has a site at www.rolleirepairs.com, and operates Oceanside Camera Repair in Calif. At this site, a pdf document is available as a download for USD10.00 (PAYPAL) titled, <strong>FINDING YOUR ROLLEIFLEX TLR, 1 B</strong> (I don't know if the 1 B is part of the title). This document gives info on buying a Rolleiflex TLR. I am NOT seeking this document from somebody who purchased it, and will pay the amount myself at Harry Fleenor's site, and obtain a copy. I am writing if anybody has bought this document and found the contents useful/helpful in buying this TLR camera. There is a large amount of information on the Internet on this TLR, and am wondering if this pdf document has something extra.<br> Thank you very much.<br> Roy Ramavarapu, 02 March 2013</p>