Tessina repair

<a href="http://www.3rcamera.com./">http://www.3rcamera.com./</a>

Thanks, Martin. My experience with Heinz service the last few years has not been very good (they charge for work but don't seem to actually do anything), so an alternative is nice.

http://www.karlheitz.com/tessina.htm

New Tessinas were guaranteed for life plus reincarnations; at a cost of $1,799.

 

Average prices for used 35L models with finders seem to be $550-700; Automatics a bit more, and originals a bit less. A complete overhaul from Heitz Service was $300-400.

 

"Karl Heitz, aged 90 died on January 26, 2005 after an illness of six months. Born in Kreuzlingen, Switzerland. A dear friend of many. He owned and managed in New York until his death Heitz Service Corp., in business since 1947 an active European importer, distributor in servicing of Alpa, Tessina, Robot and Kinoptik photographic equipment. He was an important member of the Swiss community of New York." Published in the New York Times on 1/28/2005.

 

Following the demise of Karl Heitz and dwindling demand forced the closure of Heitz Service Corp. in spring 2005.

 

Servicing has been undertaken by Radu of 3Rcamera, based in Queens, NY, http://www.3rcamera.com. Phone number is 718-463-8217. 3R Camera Service, Flushing, New York service at 3rcamera dot com They have infact been handling repairs for Karl Heitz for a number of years.

 

Used Tessinas are available from many dealers:-

 

KEH seems to have the best selection of both cameras and accessories (http://www.keh.com/index2.html).

 

Pacific Rim Cameras (http://www.teleport.com/~pacrim/pp/submini/tessina.htm)

 

Brooklyn Camera Exchange (http://www.brooklyncam.com) also tend to have good selections.

 

Although prices at auction are typically below $400 (for a silver/brushed aluminmium version), a drop in value in keeping with a fall in the auction price of all film cameras, most Tessinas will need a service costing between $200 and $400. If you find the results from the Tessina are poor it may not be down to the format and lack of skills using the camera. The timing, particularly at slower speeds is often in need of attention. If the mirror is loose the images will not be sharp.

 

If posting a camera for repairs check with your local postal service about the export of the camera. There may be forms to prove posting and when the camera is returned this certificate can be quoted on the paper work and so import duty is not charged on the camera, only on the repair. If the insurance quotes for a new Tessina ($1999 for a silent gear gold camera) you would be charged import and VAT. If the service is under warranty then there is no charge. Although import and VAT charges can be reclaimed ,in this case, you then would not get back the handling and collection charge.

 

Gerald

One of my Tessina 35 had lens misalignment problem, its far end could only focus at 6 ft. I sent it to 3rcamera dot com. Radu has done a good job, turn around was about 2 weeks (excluding mailing time).

<p>I just used Essex Camera Services http://essexcamera.com/ and they were quite good.</p>

<p>Steve</p>