Deconstructed vintage film camera parts laid out meticulously for restoration

Holistic Film Camera Restoration

Beyond Repair: A Complete Mechanical and Cosmetic Rebirth for Your Camera.

At GARY P GRIECO, we don't just fix problems—we meticulously restore your cherished film camera to its original glory. Our comprehensive approach ensures every mechanism, every optical element, and every aesthetic detail is brought back to flawless function and timeless beauty, preserving your photographic legacy.

Request a Restoration Assessment

What Does a Full Restoration Involve?

Mechanical Restoration

  • Complete disassembly of mechanical assemblies
  • Ultrasonic cleaning of every component
  • Careful replacement of worn gears and springs
  • Shutter curtain inspection and replacement
  • Precision lubrication with modern, inert synthetic compounds
  • Full Clean, Lubricate, Adjust (CLA) service

Cosmetic Restoration

  • Viewfinder and rangefinder prism cleaning
  • Selection and application of new vulcanite or custom leatherette
  • Careful metal polishing and paint touch-ups
  • Replacement of all light seals to prevent leaks
  • Precise bright-line frame repainting for clarity

From Common Faults to Flawless Function

Photographic print with a visible light leak, showing a streak of light across the image.

Problem: Light Leaks

Distracting Streaks Destroying Your Art

Unwanted light exposure can ruin an otherwise perfect shot. Our comprehensive light seal replacement addresses every potential entry point.

Solution: Complete Light Seal & Baffle Replacement

Image showing half of the frame underexposed or black due to a malfunctioning shutter.

Problem: Shutter Capping

Inconsistent Exposure, Lost Detail

When your shutter isn't firing uniformly, halves of your images can be lost. We ensure precise, even exposure across the entire film plane.

Solution: Full Shutter Train Service & Calibration

A blurry, hazy view through a camera viewfinder, making it difficult to compose an image.

Problem: Hazy Viewfinder

Obscured Vision, Missed Moments

A cloudy or dusty viewfinder obstructs your vision. We bring crystal clarity back to your composition, allowing for precise framing and focusing.

Solution: Prism & Optics De-cementing and Cleaning

Close-up of a vintage camera with peeling leatherette and visible brassing on the edges.

Problem: Worn Aesthetics

Diminished Beauty, Lost Grandeur

Time takes its toll on exterior materials. We meticulously restore your camera's outward appearance, often exceeding its original finish.

Solution: New Custom-Cut Covering & Metal Refinishing

The Core: Clean, Lubricate, Adjust (CLA)

The Clean, Lubricate, Adjust (CLA) process is the very heart of every GARY P GRIECO mechanical service. It's not merely a repair; it's a profound re-tuning of your camera's intricate soul.

Clean

Lubricate

Adjust

This is not merely 'squirting oil in.' It's a precise, multi-stage process: complete disassembly of mechanical assemblies, ultrasonic cleaning of every component, microscopic inspection, and finally, the application of highly specified, inert synthetic lubricants. Each mechanism is then reassembled and calibrated to exacting tolerances, restoring that satisfying, original tactile feel and flawless operation our clients expect.

Discuss Your Camera's CLA Needs

Expertise Across Iconic Brands

Leica logo Hasselblad logo Mamiya logo Bronica logo Rolleiflex logo Nikon logo Canon logo Olympus logo Pentax logo Yashica logo

Our expertise extends across the most celebrated names in analog photography. If your cherished camera isn't listed, please inquire.

Begin Your Camera's Journey Back to Perfection

Ready to rediscover the tactile joy and precision of your fully restored film camera? Fill out the brief form below to initiate a restoration assessment, and we'll guide you through the next steps.

For more detailed inquiries, please visit our main contact page.