Digital creator Kai George claims that an LA-based camera repair shop has returned her heirloom Rolleiflex camera in a significantly different state than was originally supplied. The camera, which belonged to her late grandmother, is at the center of a dispute that George has dubbed ‘Camera Gate’ on her Instagram account (@kailaide), posting regular video updates as the situation has unfolded.
The Rolleiflex camera
The camera at the heart of the dispute is a Rolleiflex 3.5F Planar, a legendary German-made twin-lens reflex medium-format film camera produced from 1958 to 1976. Rolleiflex prices vary wildly on the used market, depending on the exact model and condition. However, such cameras can regularly be found used for upwards of $1,000.
The camera dispute
Roughly a week ago, George posted a video explaining that her grandmother’s old Rolleiflex camera had been found in a drawer and that she had taken it to LA-based Walter’s Camera and Digital Repairs for cleaning.
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Another video was posted showing an initial interaction with a shop employee, who assessed the camera. He explained that the lens element was in good condition, but the mirror needed replacing and the shutter was sticking. George was quoted $450 for the work.
The dispute began when George returned to pick up the camera, captioning the video with the following allegations: “Missing parts, dents and scratches??!” This is the first of multiple video posts detailing the ongoing dispute in which George has challenged the camera repair store directly, going so far as to discuss the matter with the police, who explained that the dispute was a civil matter.
The basis of George’s claims is that the camera is not in the same condition as it was when it was handed over, citing various discrepancies, alleging that some parts are different or missing.
In the second video, a store employee can be heard explaining: “The tools that allow you not to damage small, intricate pieces, they do not make them anymore.” At the beginning of another video, the employee says: “It dissolved the leather piece,” when referring to alcohol application on the camera’s leather.
The current situation
In the most recent video, George takes the camera to another repair shop, Rolleiflex camera specialist Rollei Repairs, and explains to the owner that the serial numbers match: “So, yeah, got the camera now, the serial numbers match, they… I feel like it just looks in worse condition than what I actually gave it to them in.”
Digital Camera World has reached out to Walter’s Camera and Digital Repairs for comment, but has not yet received a reply. This article will be updated accordingly should the website receive one.
