Notice Effective 15/10/2023
Due to a period of illness, active clients will experience a delay to normal servicing timelines. Prospective clients may experience a delay in receiving a response. Thank you for your patience and continued custom.
Camera Obscura
Leica specialist. Based in UK.
Shipping Worldwide.
Camera Obscura is a studio that services, repairs, and customises photographic equipment. From reviving some of the earliest 35mm analogue cameras ever manufactured to fine-tuning the latest digital products fresh off the press, our studio performs minor surgery to major operations. The high quality, consistency, and precision engineering of your equipment is reflected in our approach to treating and transforming it.
Service/
Repair
If your equipment is in need of servicing (‘CLA’ in Leica terminology), or if you have noticed a problem that requires a targeted fix, our expertise is available from a range of flexible packages. All completed work is guaranteed under warranty.
Condition/
Customise
Our customisation service gives you the opportunity to fully re-imagine the styling of your equipment and personalise your gear. We achieve a premium quality finish that brings longevity to your beloved equipment.
Our
Store
Visit our store to view our selection of limited edition customised equipment and optics products that are available for purchase. For custom items, we grade cosmetic appearance using our Condition Grading Scale.
Supported Models
Standard servicing can usually be completed within 15 working days, meaning that you can quickly get back to shooting and do what you do best. Customisation overhauls can usually be completed within 8 weeks.
Screw Mount
I, II, III, IIIc, IIIf, IIIg
Assorted lenses
R Mount
Leicaflex, SL, SL2
Assorted lenses
M Mount
M2, M3, M4, M4-2, M4-P, M5, M6, M6TTL, M7, M8, M9, M10, MP, M-A, CL
Assorted lenses
Other Brands
Voigtlander, Canon, Zeiss
Your equipment sees three core steps with us.
Assess
When your equipment arrives into the studio, it is logged and inspected. A detailed Inspection Report is compiled before admitting your equipment for processing. The Report is the basis of Recommended Service Items prior to any work commencing.
Process
Your equipment enters a meticulous workflow designed to carefully dismantle, calibrate, and restore function. For customisation, parts are de-plated, re-surfaced, neutralised, media blasted, coated, cured, and hand-finished.
Proof
Before dispatch, your camera is admitted to the “proof test” bay to ensure all functions are operational before final sign-off. A Service Receipt is issued with an itemised list of works carried out. Standard servicing is guaranteed for 3 months.
★★★★★
‘’Camera Obscura GB succeeds at where many others fall short, that being able to service your Leica M film cameras to a very high standard in mere weeks, instead of the several months to years that has been historically the turn around times when these type of cameras need service. All while maintaining the high standards you’d expect with cameras of this calibre.” —Skyllaney Opto-Mechanics (Leica M Series)
★★★★★
“Fastest turnaround I’ve ever experienced. It looks fantastic and the viewfinder is now exceptionally bright – transformationally bright - much clearer than it has ever been.” —Ian B., Oxford (Leica M6)
★★★★★
”It’s absolutely wonderful to use - the rangefinder is indeed glorious to look through, and the patch is really bright. I got the film back and every shutter speed is spot on with perfectly even exposure across the frame - such a difference, I can now use every speed with complete confidence. And no more worries about holes in the curtain! I couldn’t be more happy with it, thank you so much for the excellent service from Camera Obscura GB.”
-James, W. Hastings (Leica M2)
★★★★★
“Had our baby Summicron back from being CLA’d and fixed from @cameraobscuragb. Great service, hopefully ready to last another 30 years glued onto our M6.” —595strapco.com (Leica Summicron-C 40mm)