Is there any competent independent lens repair anywhere in the United States???

I'm at the end of my rope dealing with pretenders...

I'm trying to help a friend with the repair of a very rare lens: a Canon mount Voigtlander SL Series I 125/2.5 APO-Lanthar. We cannot seem to find anyone competent enough to open this lens to check a sticking aperture blade issue. The first tech who looked at it diagnosed it as a bad aperture motor. The lens was not opened up for this diagnosis. The problem occurred during shipment of the lens to a new owner (me-I returned it).

The owner and myself want to find an old school guy who can open the lens, properly diagnose it, and even if it's a part no longer offered by the manufacturer (the aperture motor, for instance), use a little ingenuity to get this gem of a lens functional again. Please don't respond with any negative forecast. This is not rocket science and I am certain in the right hands this lens will not become a paper weight.

I'm weary of dealing with techs who only know how to disassemble, replace, and re-assemble. I'm looking for someone who knows his stuff and has the ingenuity to get this lens functional again. Know any old school craftsman out there or all they all dead?

Tempe Camera Repair in Arizona still has a full-service repair shop.

I think they'd be worth contacting to inquire about your lens.

www.tempecamera.biz

These are the folks used by Best Buy when you buy an extended warranty. They serviced my 30D a couple of times (even replaced the shutter mechanism) and did a fine job each time.

http://www.precisionca​mera.com

Keh.com

and have you contacted cameraquest?

KEH deals primarily with used lenses, both sales and repair - Given the width and breadth of their inventory, they're probably worth a try.

since you're in norcal have you tried henry paine in stockton, ca?

Midwest Camera repair is a favorite of the sportsshooter crowd.

Great leads, friends. I will check out each and every one of them. Keep them coming if you have a favorite indy.

daveyboi wrote in post #12647392
since you're in norcal have you tried henry paine in stockton, ca?

Nope, but I'd like to hear more.

plasticmotif wrote in post #12647341
Keh.com

and have you contacted cameraquest?

Yes. No luck there.

I've contacted everyone recommended here. Thank you all for the leads. While I am awaiting feedback, any other recommendations are very much appreciated. TIA