Oleg is a daddy!

[kiev4a]

Some collectors here have heard me tell about or had dealings themselves with Oleg Khalyavin. Oleg lives in the Mari El Republic of Russia. When the bottom fell out of the old Soviet economy, Oleg, who had computer training, got on the Internet and identified a need: There were a lot of crazy people in other parts of the world buying old Soviet cameras and a lot of the cameras didn't work properly. So Oleg taught himeself how to repair those cameras. Then he went on some of the collector forums and offered his services. Some collectors were skeptical because in those days a lot of Russian repair people seemed to believe a "CLA" was squirting Ronsonal on the gear train of an ailing camera.

I'm proud to say I was one of the early collectors to give Oleg a shot. The word got around quickly he could fix just about any problem. Over the years since, he has become almost legendary in Russian camera collecting fields.

In every society there are some people who, in bad times, wring their hands and plead for assistance from the government. But there are others, like Oleg who see opportunity in such situations and turn lemons into lemonade.

I haven't talked to Oleg for some time. But the other day I noticed a post on another forum announcing that Oleg just became a daddy!

Below is a shot of Oleg and his six week old son, Ilya (Ilyuska). From what I have seen, Ilya is a lucky lad to have a father like Oleg. Not sure where he got the Canada shirt.

Oleg's camera site is at www.okvintagecamera.com

[Randy]

That's great! I wish he were a member here so he could share his story with us.

[Michael Fraley]

Fantastic, Wayne! I recently sent Oleg a Canon IIIa which was in need of new shutter curtains. He did a great job. I somehow pictured him as an old man with a grey beard, sitting at his workbench. It's great to see him as a proud papa!

[doubs43]

I, too, am surprised by Oleg's youth but his skill is undeniable. I sent him the shutter from an Iskra and he returned it in perfect condition. I also purchased a Moskva-2 from him and it's a beauty. He's honest and reliable and I'll add my name to the list of satisfied customers of his.

Congratulations, Oleg. I wish your son a long and happy life!

Walker

[kiev4a]

My first encounter with Oleg was when someone on the Russian Camera forum asked if anyone knew someone who could do CLAs on Soviet gear. Oleg piped up and said in rather broken English that he could do it. Someone pretty much blew him off suggesting they wanted a REAL repairman. Oleg really lit up, telling the guy he didn't have the right to judge his skills since he had never seen any of his work. The way he stood up for himself made me decide to send him a Leningrad for repair. Ended up sending him probably a half dozen different cameras for repair. In one case I had two inoperable "Red" Zorki 5 cameras. Both were missing some parts. I sent them to Oleg and he returned one fully operational Red Z5. On the Leningrad he also fixed the self timer and I hadn't even been aware it was broken. I know people who have sent him Leica and Canon RFs for repair.


A number of years ago I told Oleg I wished I could visit him and watch him in action. He said if I came we could set on the bank of the Volga, drink vodka and sing Russian songs. I said I don't speak Russian. He assured after a half liter of vodka I would be able to both understand and speak Russian!

[doubs43]

Wayne, that's hilarious! Oleg sounds like a guy with a sense of humor. I wish I had his mechanical skills!

Walker

[davesworld]

Wayne, what a wonderfull story! I wish Oleg and his new boy, Ilya, a wonderfull future.

Dave

[nikonbob]

It is nice to be able to put a face to a name. I have heard nothing but good things about Oleg and his services. I wish him and his family all the best. A hearty congratulations on the new addition.

Bob

[SidW]

As soon as I saw this thread I sent Oleg an e-mail. His reply:

Thank you very much! I am very happy with my little Iliya...
Sincerely,
Oleg

[Just Plain Curt]

Amazing to be able to finally see Oleg, like others here I'd imagined a wizened older type. Beautiful new addition to the family. I wish Oleg and his family health and happiness and a Merry Christmas.

[kiev4a]

Yeah. I guess we're behind the times. Oleg says Iliya (Elijah) is almost 4 months old now.