PHOTOGRAPHY ON BALD MOUNTAIN

KEN RUTH, 113 BALD MOUNTAIN, DAVENPORT, CALIFORNIA 95017, ( 831 ) 423-4465

CAMERA AND OPTICAL INSTRUMENT REPAIR, FABRICATION, MODIFICATION, AND RESTORATION. SPECIALIZING IN OBSOLETE AND VERY UNUSUAL EQUIPMENT.

ESTIMATES- In most cases, there is no charge for estimates or quotes. Estimates are rough indicators of costs. "Ballpark estimates" can sometimes be given over the phone. Estimates are created from generalizations about past work on similar or related projects and equipment. I cannot be held to ballpark estimate figures. Quotes are firm repair costs that are normally not exceeded except under unusual circumstances. I prefer to make quotes on work only after I have seen the equipment complete with lens and any other parts that have an effect on the function of the camera. I have no "set" repair charges. I base my quote on projected actual repair time for each individual item. Material costs will be included as an estimate when appropriate but may vary depending upon actual final material costs. You are responsible for shipping, insurance, and handling costs when you send items to BALD MOUNTAIN. You are also responsible for return shipping costs.

TIME- Upon receiving a quote approval, a project is put in a queue with other approved work. Each piece starts at the bottom of the queue and moves forward as work at the top of the queue is completed and shipped. Depending on the complexity and time demands of work involved in each piece, the queue length varies considerably and therefore the wait time for your item can depend on many factors. Wait time may be several weeks to several months. Please call if you have any questions or special problems.

PAYMENT- I accept personal checks, cashier checks, or money orders in U.S. funds. I do not accept credit cards.

Payment is preferred near the end of repair completion time. If no payment is received after billing, the repair may be sent back COD. Pre-payment is required for special parts and materials and their associated acquisition costs. Please stay active in monitoring the scheduling and billing of your repair in order to catch any errors or oversights.

All shipments out of the United States must be paid in advance. After two years, unclaimed and/or unpaid items will be treated as having been abandoned.

GUARANTEE- MY GUARANTEE IS YOUR SATISFACTION This means that if you are dissatisfied with my work in any way, call or write me immediately. I will be happy to try and correct any problem immediately at no further labor charge to you. I like my customers to be repeat customers. My reputation means a lot to me. Special exceptions

NEED AN OPINION?- If you are unsure whether a repair, modification, or fabrication is feasible, give me a call. I will give you my opinion, for what it's worth. 831-423-4465 Telephone calls received only during these hours: 9-5 Wednesday and Thursday, 9-noon Friday. (Please note that I may be gone for large projects at several times during the year.) Have a problem? Call! Most problems are easy to solve on the phone.

WANT TO REACH ME BY EMAIL?- baldmtn@pacbell.net

SPECIAL NEEDS- If your equipment is going to be placed under unusual conditions, please let me know before I begin my work. I can often tune my repairs to match your needs when I have knowledge ahead of time.

SHIPPING- We ship via US Postal Service, or Federal Express. I recommend that you insure your equipment for full replacement value. I usually return ship via UPS and I re-pack in your shipping materials if they are OK to use. Please, for the protection of your equipment, pack all items separately with this in mind [packing hints]. When you ship to me, please remember to include an easy to locate note that explains the nature of the problem, what you want me to do, information on how to contact you, and a return shipping address . All items that are shipped to Bald Mountain, stored at Bald Mountain, worked on at Bald Mountain, and shipped back to you are done so at your own risk. I take careful precautions but you retain responsibility for your equipment and any loss or damage at all times. I recommend that all equipment be insured by you for loss or damage while here and during shipping. Return shipping is usually by FedEx. Delay, and an extra charge may occur for items that need to be sent by US Post, COD, or by other carriers.

DESIGN AND TECHNICAL CONSULTING- Aside from repairs, fabricating, modifications, and restoration of esoterica, I also provide a design and technical consulting service to individuals, institutions, and business. Please call or write and tell me about your problem and needs. You may also contact me for information, use, and maintenance of your antique cameras.

WE ENJOY A CHALLENGE !