Content creator Kai George reportedly discovered her late grandmother’s vintage Rolleiflex 3.5F camera. But when she took it to Walters Camera Video and Digital Repair in LA’s Chinatown for a cleaning, and went to pick it up, she discovered the leather on it was now peeling, the metal on it looked different, and the serial number appeared changed.
What really happened? And what should consumers know before handing over their valuable items? The Shade Room’s Justin Carter shares answers on ‘TSR Investigates.’
Walters Camera Video and Digital Repair Accused of Destroying $3,000 Heirloom Camera & Covering It Up
According to Carter, the vintage Rolleiflex 3.5F camera Kai George found was made in the 1960s. Per George, the camera is valued at up to $3,000, and when she brought it to the Walters shop, she was met by a store clerk named Henry, who told her the item was in great condition.
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They reportedly agreed to replace the camera’s internal mirror and have it undergo a CLA procedure. Per Carter, this means the camera would be cleaned, lubricated, and adjusted. Ultimately, George was quoted $450 and told the camera would be ready in a week or two.
However, when she arrived to pick it up, she noticed details on the camera were fundamentally different. And the camera appeared swapped. Per Carter, however, “no one” at the store took George’s concerns seriously until her video of the incident went viral.
More On The $3,000 Heirloom Camera & Alleged Cover-Up
According to George, she believes the shop intentionally stole or swapped her camera. However, when she went to file a police report, she was reportedly told that the incident was a civil matter.
Scroll above to watch as George shares footage of what happened when she brought her brother to the shop, and of what the sales clerk admitted and later shared in an online statement. Additionally, Carter and George share tips for consumers to keep in mind when taking valuable items to be serviced at an establishment.
