I first was referred to Clarence via an internet posting about a rather obscure camera from the 1950s (an Aires III). Apparently, Clarence could fix it. Having a rather beat up and decrepit version of such a camera, I sent it to him. He restored it to perfection! And, the price was very reasonable.
I have since relied upon him, and referred others to him for all manner of film cameras. He is willing to take on almost any job. He will also tell you if you shouldn't buy something - save you big money right there. I've used his services to correct problems not addressed by some of the big name specialist repairers out there - the Rolleiflex, Leica, Zeiss experts. Clarence has fixed what they were supposed to have fixed in the first place, but didn't do so great a job on.
Now I'm about to send him an ancient camera from 1938, built just before the war in Dresden, Germany. I know he's up to the job!
As for the review from the man with vinegar in his blood, just view the facts objectively. The man has never had any dealings with Clarence. He is a do-it- yourselfer who is probably bitter because he's bitten off more than he can chew. I asked Clarence about his ""no parts sales"" policy. The reason is, these self-repair people used to buy his part, then break the part trying to install it wrongly and then demand a refund, or else come back with the original broken part and demand a refund. He's a small businessman, not a patsy.
Having said that, Clarence is a straight shooter. He is not anyone's fool. He is very friendly, honest, and has undoubted integrity. He'll even send me back the old parts if he's replaced parts.
Take the word of his actual customers. Clarence and Betty are great people to do business with. The repair is done right, and quickly. If something goes wrong later on, Clarence has often corrected it free of charge. He stands behind his service. Such people should be patronized, and not slandered. I will continue to use Clarence's services for all of my cameras, even though I have to ship from out of state.
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