Where to Repair Your Vintage Camera And What to Watch Out For

June 5, 2025 Jo Geier

Our recommendations for international Leica & classic camera repairs

If you’ve landed on this post, you probably care deeply about your vintage camera — whether it’s a precious family heirloom, a recent flea market find, or a rare collectible. And when it comes to service and repairs, that care should extend to where and how your camera is treated.

At Mint & Rare and Wetzlar Camera Auctions, we’re regularly contacted by collectors and camera lovers from around the world asking where they can safely send their rare equipment for service. This post lists our carefully selected recommendations for classic independent camera repair workshops. We do not promote retailers who forward cameras to other repair shops. We try to not mention workshops that have swapped original parts in the past that may compromise the value and authenticity of a collectible piece.

Why Classic Cameras Need Specialized Repairs

Analog cameras are mechanical precision tools. Even when they appear to work fine, they benefit from preventative maintenance. A clean, lubrication, and adjustment (CLA) can dramatically extend the life of your camera and prevent further damage from aging materials like grease, foam, or battery residue.

Some of the most common issues seen in classic cameras and lenses include:

- Sticky aperture blades

- Dragging or capping shutters

- Cracked or gooey light seals

- Misaligned rangefinders

- Battery corrosion in metered models

While some might be tempted to handle small fixes themselves (like light seals), it’s worth noting: a single misstep can misalign a rangefinder or damage valuable internal components — especially in rare Leica models and collectible cameras and lenses.

Be aware that in the past some service shops were replaciing original parts without disclosing it — severely reducing the value of historically significant cameras.

Important Note for Collectors

When it comes to rare or collectible cameras, you must be especially cautious. Many rare Leica prototypes, special editions, or cameras with a very early serial numbers lose substantial value if original parts — even screws or levers — are replaced without care.

We've seen countless examples of collectible cameras downgraded because someone didn't realize a small repair affected originality. This is also the case with refurbished cameras (repainted or rechromed, etc.).

These are the experts that we’ve had good experience with or heard consistently positive feedback about:

Germany

Kamera Service Ostkreuz (Berlin)
Specialized in analog cameras, including Leica.
https://www.kameraservice-ostkreuz.de/

Lens & Cam Repair
Expert service for classic lenses and bodies. Recoating and repair of balsam separation.
https://www.lens-repair.de/

Classic Fototechnik
Specialist for Rolleiflex, Rollei 35, and Rolleiflex SL models.
https://www.classic-fototechnik.de/

Foto Service Olbrich
Specialized in East German cameras: Zeiss Jena, Meyer/Pentacon, EXA, EXAKTA, Praktica, Pentacon SIX, Werra, and more.
https://fotoservice-olbrich.de/

Belgium

Camera Revival (Hasselt)
Founded by Leitz-trained Alexander Kaller. Expert in Mamiya RB/RZ, Pentax 6x7, Leica Barnack, M5/M6, and cine lenses.
https://camerarevival.com/

Netherlands

Amsterdam Camera Repairs (De Pijp)
Run by Alan Colley. Professional and experienced with Leica, Nikon, Canon, and other classic brands.
https://www.amsterdamcamerarepairs.com/

France

Minoltor (Nantes)
Specialized in Minolta cameras. Run by Julien Mathe.
https://minoltor.fr/

Hosto Photo (Aix-en-Provence)
Canon-focused repair shop run by Tibo Alberny.
https://hostophoto.fr/

Analog Repair (Toulouse)
Founded by Contax expert Romain Baudru.
Specialties: Contax G/T systems, Konica Hexar RF, Konica Big Mini, half-frame, and large-format rangefinder cameras.
https://www.analogrepair.fr/

United Kingdom

Southwest Camera (Bristol)
A new workshop founded in 2024, already recognized in the classic camera repair scene.
https://www.southwestcamera.co.uk/

CAMERAWORKS (Lancashire)
Run by Alan Starkie. Known for high-end Leica repairs and restorations.
https://www.cameraworks-uk.com/about-us

Japan

Kanto Camera (Yokohama)
One of the most respected Leica repair and restoration specialists worldwide.
https://www.kantocamera.com/english/index_english.html

Hong Kong

Midnight Camera Repair
Run by Leica specialist Albert Tong. Known for high-quality aftermarket parts and precision repairs.
https://www.instagram.com/midnightcamerarepair

United States

Pro Camera (Charlottesville, VA)
Led by Ryan Jones. One of the few technicians globally who can repair the Contax 645 system.
https://www.procamera.us/

DAG Camera Repair (Oregon, WI)
Run by Don Goldberg (D.A.G.). A globally respected Leica technician.
https://www.dagcamera.com/

Youxin Ye
Independent Leica specialist with a strong reputation for mechanical excellence.
https://www.yyecamera.com/

Canada

ICT Camera (Bonita, CA)
Founded by Nikon specialist Jim Holman. Trusted by Nikon users and collectors.
https://ictcamera.com/

We also buy rare cameras. Even with defects.

If you have a rare camera, even if it's no longer working, feel free to get in touch. We regularly purchase collectible items as-is, and in many cases, keeping the camera untouched is more valuable than attempting a repair through the wrong channel.

We’ll be happy to offer guidance or a fair evaluation.

You can reach us at info@jogeier.com
by What’sApp +4318904003
or fill in the form at www.jogeier.com