DO NOT USE KURTS CAMERA REPAIR IN SAN DIEGO!!

This is going to be a long post regarding a situation I found myself in starting in 2017 when I gave my Nikon F4 to Kurt's for a CLA/Aperture Control Lever repair on 10/16/17. I finally got the camera body back on 01/16/18 after a series of BS replies from Kurt's as to when it would be ready (originally promised for 30 days or so. I returned the body 2 days later with the following note:

From: Michael ------ mike@w6ott.net
Subject: Nikon F4 Repair/CLA S/N 2529722 CRI# 00054289
Date: January 18, 2018 at 4:39 AM To: Kurt's Camera Repair
Bcc: File

Hi Folks,
After I picked up this body from your shop on the 16th I found the following problems, none of which existed when I gave you the F4 Body for repair/CLA on 10/16/17.
1) When operating the shutter release the shutter does indeed seem to work but a motor comes on and remains on until I shut down the camera with the power switch. (sounds like the rewind motor) **(actually had to remove the power pack)**
2( The green/red focus illumination light in the viewfinder no longer lights up.
3) The Exposure Compensation Dial (when set at zero) causes the Exposure Compensation Icon to light up in the viewfinder and will only go dark after adjusting the dial one click toward a positive value. (what to believe, the switch or the window on the side of the viewfinder?)
My big concern is the motor running. I can live with the Exposure Compensation Dial (can run a film test with Velvia 50) but the motor is another story. Also, the focus indicator is a big factor since I bought this body primarily fo be able to use my older m/f nikon lenses with the matrix meter in the F4.
I have another F4 which seems to run fine, other than a musty smell, l intend to have it CLA’d once this one is complete. Then on to an F3, Nikkormat EL, and an F Ftn all which are due for CLA’s and new foam.
BTW the repair to the Aperture Control Lever seems to work great, kinda do miss that squeal though, not.

Best, Mike

After waiting well past the new promised finish date I again stopped by the shop and was told they didn't have a way to power up the camera to test their work so I loaned them my battery pack and a lens. (how did they test the initial work without the means to fire up the body?) Anyway, they now had the camera and I waited, and waited, and waited. Each time I stopped in I was given another BS excuse. Finally, after several more months I stopped in to retrieve the camera and was told that it was disassembled and on the repair techs desk and that they would reassemble it in a week or so. I waited several more weeks and went back yet again. The body was still disassembled! I demanded the body and received the disassembled body as a bag of parts.

I have used Kurt's over the years before and they always did a fine job but this time was the last. The saga of lies and shoddy work ($180 worth) elevates my blood pressure still. Writing this up has, I'm sure, raised my BP off the charts. So I wrote off the experience as a learning experience...

Anyway, please save the snarky questions and opinions. Use Kurt's at your own risk! If you truly have questions send me an email and I will reply...