Camera Repair Workshop - UK ex-Minolta team

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David Kilpatrick
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Camera Repair Workshop - UK ex-Minolta team

Unread post by David Kilpatrick »

For many years Camera Repair Workshop, based in Milton Keynes close to the original Minolta UK service department, handled the repair of classic SRT, X, Vectis and later film cameras for Minolta UK.

They have obtained many of the spare parts and KM’s stocks of older ‘cannibalisation cameras’ like 7000 and 8000i. Their proprietor is David Boyle, and his two technicians are Minolta trained. As an independent repairer they will specialise in film and digital, and hold parts going back to models like the XM. The Dynax 9 is an exception, previously serviced by a special European centre, and must be sent to JP (see post on UK official details). No VAT is chargeable at present, and they offer Photoworld magazine subscribers a 10 per cent discount on prices which they say are already better than former retail repair charges. This enables the club to continue with its 10 per cent service and repair discount offer.

The Photoworld Camera Check scheme will be operated by Camera Repair Workshop, though in absence of Konica Minolta’s former bulk shipping arrangements, the return carriage costs have increased and a charge of £25 per camera/standard lens combination is now required.

Your equipment is bench-tested for shutter speed, metering, focusing and aperture accuracy, externally cleaned and adjusted (this includes mirror box and film track, and all accessible parts or adjustments). If performance is below standard, a quotation will be issued for optional servicing. A certificate is completed showing the test results and functions checked, and returned with the camera. Camera Repair Workshop were actually responsible for most of the Club Camera Check work, and hold a stock of original ‘Minolta Club’ certificates along with all the necessary bench testing equipment.

They are based at:
Unit 9, Wharfside, Bletchley, Milton Keynes MK2 2AZ.
Telephone 01908 378088, fax 08712 427677.
Email: [email protected]
Clayton
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Re: Camera Repair Workshop - UK ex-Minolta team

Unread post by Clayton »

Are these people still operational? I get no reply to email or telephone.
David Kilpatrick
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Re: Camera Repair Workshop - UK ex-Minolta team

Unread post by David Kilpatrick »

I have been trying myself to reach them since I saw the message on dPreview. Just remember, they take holidays - that is, they shut down. It was a bank holiday last weekend and many people choose to extend that. So give them another week of trying before we investigate. It has happened before - they shut down for a three or four week break.

David
Clayton
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Re: Camera Repair Workshop - UK ex-Minolta team

Unread post by Clayton »

Do you happen to know if they can do the free first black frame repair?
David Kilpatrick
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Re: Camera Repair Workshop - UK ex-Minolta team

Unread post by David Kilpatrick »

Definitely not. That is a JP Services/Sony-Minolta deal repair.

You need (taken from our page with info):

JP Service Solutions
Johnsons Photopia Ltd
Hempstalls Lane
Newcastle under Lyme
Staffordshire ST5 0SW
Tel: 01782 753366 Fax: 01782 753340
Email: [email protected]
Clayton
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Re: Camera Repair Workshop - UK ex-Minolta team

Unread post by Clayton »

Thanks for the info. I was trying for a one stop solution for my equipment, but no such luck.
HFnotts
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Re: Camera Repair Workshop - UK ex-Minolta team

Unread post by HFnotts »

Do they handle lens repairs?
I have acquired, don't know how, a tiny speck of dust under the front element of my 16-80 Zeiss. Whilst it doesn't seem to create a problem in the images it will prove off-putting if I seek to sell the lens.
Bengeo
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Re: Camera Repair Workshop - UK ex-Minolta team

Unread post by Bengeo »

Yes, they do handle lens cleaning and repairs very well. Can't think of any reason why they couldn't do that lens, but it might be worth asking before you send it.

Andy
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Re: Camera Repair Workshop - UK ex-Minolta team

Unread post by HFnotts »

I emailed km support to be told that they do not handle Sony repairs.
Bengeo
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Re: Camera Repair Workshop - UK ex-Minolta team

Unread post by Bengeo »

HFnotts wrote:I emailed km support to be told that they do not handle Sony repairs.
I was referring to Camera Repair Workshop, the main subject of this thread. David gave the contact details above.

Andy
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Re: Camera Repair Workshop - UK ex-Minolta team

Unread post by Pirate »

CRW's website: http://www.camerarepairworkshop.co.uk/

Check offers for sensor cleaning. Dave is your man there (nice bloke and most helpful). They will repair if they can source parts (if required), but since Sony pulled the plug on Minolta 5D & 7D FFB issues (for example), they have no parts for fix this on 5D and 7D Dynax/Maxxum, so you'll have to send your Minolta DSLR's to Runtime in Germany who I believe still hold parts, but call ahead for confirmation of price and parts availability.

This is the phenomenon and a possible temporary work-around: http://www.dyxum.com/columns/other/firs ... _frame.asp

Also see this link for authorised repair service centres: http://ca.konicaminolta.com/

As for lens repairs and service cleaning etc, CRW can do lens cleaning and repairs, but again, it'll depend on if they need parts, and as they're no longer manufactured, they may not be able to fix, but contact them first in addition to Runtime.
classiccameras
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Re: Camera Repair Workshop - UK ex-Minolta team

Unread post by classiccameras »

An update on the "Camera Repair Workshop" in Bletchly Nr Milton Keynes.

I was with Dave Boyle yesterday and he told me that spares are no longer available from his usual sources for the Minolta 5D and 7D. Any parts now needed he said will have to come from cannibalised bodies where he can get them. He said the biggest faults with these 2 cameras after many years use is the shutter packs up.

Dave also repairs most other makes of camera such as Canikon and Fuji.
He has been over the years contracted to carry out refurbishment work for a well known brand.
Dave Boyle is a Konica Minolta trained technician.

Tel, 01908 378088
Web site www.camerarepairworkshop.co.uk
Darren Hankard
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Re: Camera Repair Workshop - UK ex-Minolta team

Unread post by Darren Hankard »

Hi
Just wondered if we have an update?
Noticed the site isnt the greatest and the blog hasn't been updated in a year.
Still going?
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Re: Camera Repair Workshop - UK ex-Minolta team

Unread post by Pirate »

Darren Hankard wrote:Hi
Just wondered if we have an update?
Noticed the site isn't the greatest and the blog hasn't been updated in a year.
Still going?
CRW are still going and you just need to call them as this is their preferred method. You can also access their Facebook site which is administered by his wife, but she'll just tell you to phone Dave on the website number. There's nothing else to update. Dave is a very friendly chap and he'll be happy to talk with you, but if you have an issue with a lens or camera body, don't just send it before talking with him to confirm price, whether it can be fixed subject to if any parts may be required and if they're available.

He's just a phone call away and email isn't the best method either. Having used his services a few times already, take the advice given if you need his help.
Darren Hankard
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Re: Camera Repair Workshop - UK ex-Minolta team

Unread post by Darren Hankard »

Ah thanks GC :)
just enquiring for a friend, and getting a few numbers/places/sites he can try, when he gets back from holiday.
Ill pass it on.
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