bnyc Posted March 25, 2003 Share Posted March 25, 2003 Hi all, picked up a Kowa 6 body and 85 MM lens separately from ebay. Both seem to work fine independently, but together they don't function correctly. The problem seems to be that when winding after an exposure, the body doesn't quite cock the lens fully (just barely, it seems). The net result is that when the shutter is released, it just closes immediately, regardless of the shutter speed. When the lens is off the body and I cock it by hand, it will stay open if I, say, set the shutter speed for 1 sec and then release the shutter. Unfortunately I needed to waste a roll before I noticed the problem... don't you love breaking in a new camera? ;> Anyway, two questions: (1) Has anyone else had a problem like this (just curious)? (2) Can anyone recommend a repair shop in NYC or Brooklyn that is familiar with Kowas and probably won't charge too much? (no sense in investing a lot when another lens or body could be had on the cheap...) Thanks, Pete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david_goldfarb Posted March 25, 2003 Share Posted March 25, 2003 With the demise of Professional Camera Repair, I don't know that there's anyone in the city that I would trust with a camera of that vintage. You could try Nippon Camera Repair, but they are best with current equipment. Frank Marshman at Camera Wiz in Harrisonburg, VA is probably a better bet. I send him all my classic Bronica equipment, and he's also serviced two Voigtlander folders for me. His number is 1-800-471-8133. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonathan brewer Posted March 25, 2003 Share Posted March 25, 2003 Ross Yerkes out here in LA works on Kowas I believe, he is reasonably priced, meticulous, and prompt. Type his name on a Photonet search for his phone and address, he isn't on the internet yet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robert_marvin Posted March 26, 2003 Share Posted March 26, 2003 You might try calling Eddie Smoloff in Park Slope who just repaired my Pentacon Six. I don't know if he works on Kowas, but I suspect that he can fix most any mechanical camera. Here's his contact information: Eddie Smoloff, Active Camera, 117 - 7th Avenue, Brooklyn New York 11215, 718-622-5373 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul ron Posted March 27, 2003 Share Posted March 27, 2003 Perhaps before you start sending your camera to a repair shop, you might try reading the users manual for mounting and dismounting the lens. You may have a synch problem, meaning if a cocked lens is mounted on an uncocked body, the lens will never fully charge or fire properly because the mechanisms are not aligned properly. I live in the Bronx and if you are interested in bringing it over one day, I can take a look at it for you. e-mail me at automax1@juno.com. Good luck. The more you say, the less people listen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chip_greenberg1 Posted March 28, 2003 Share Posted March 28, 2003 Pete, I picked up a Kowa 6MM a few months ago with an 80 and a 200. The 80 is in for CLA now, and most people feel you will need to CLA any of these as they are all at least 25 years old. do you have a Kowa 6 or 6MM? It would say 6MM on the nameplate. The behavior sounds a bit like when I lock the mirror up on mine before exposure. Feel free to email me if you want more detail: chipg@pvtn.net. Ross Yerkes # is 323-256-1018. Figure about $150 ea to CLA body and lens This website is loaded w/info:http://medfmt.8k.com/mf/kowafaq.html All being said, I'm delighted with the optical quality of my lenses so far. Good luck. Chip Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bnyc Posted March 28, 2003 Author Share Posted March 28, 2003 Chip, thanks for the info. It is a 6MM. After taking Paul's advice, I gave it another go last night (without success) and then did a few more experiments. I noticed that the shutter isn't behaving as well on it's own as I thought -- I think you are right about it needing some professional attention. And I have to agree on the optical quality -- I was very pleased with the one shot I was able to get out of my first roll. ;> Thank you all for your help! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul ron Posted March 28, 2003 Share Posted March 28, 2003 If you tried the synch and it's still doing it then by all means take it in to be checked out by a repair shop. The fellows above gave several sources, I repair my own cameras as a part of my photo hobby for the past 30 years and have nothing to loose when I reserect junkers. If you get a repair manual, there is a site on the net that sells em, these MF cameras are very easy to work on yourself. I have done hundreds of Mamiya RBs that were deemed as parts with nothing more than an adjustment with a pliers and they are still on the road. Most MF camera repair shops charge a flat $250 for body work, $150 for the lens depending on what's wrong and if parts are still available, which is a load of crap, there are tons of dead Kowas out there for $50. What did you pay for the camera? BTW:Kowa optics are very nice since the company is in the medical optical business, they produce very fine glass. Nice lenses. The more you say, the less people listen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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