Zip repair on camera bag

[hangdog]

I bought a Lowepro Pro Roller wheelie case (one of those big semirigid suitcases) about a decade ago. This was long before I took up photography: I needed a padded, compartmented sample bag for my job as a sales rep, and this was an ideal, if expensive, solution.

Many years down the track, I'd like to use the same bag to store and occasionally transport my DSLR gear. Problem is, after thousands of openings and closings and generally being overloaded and bashed about, the zip closure no longer works properly. It operates roughly and either doesn't close, or opens up when it should stay closed.

Does anyone have any advice on how or where to repair this?

Thanks,

Chuan

[Glen]

Chuan, they way to repair it is take it to a luggage repair company and get a new zip put in. There is one in Kent St in Sydney. If the zip wont hold shut it is past it, wouldn't risk all your gear in there.

[gesteer]

Try:

Venus Repair Workshop
Suite 36, 104 Bathurst Street
SYDNEY NSW 2000
Australia
Tel: 02 9267 0706
Fax: 02 9267 0702

They specialise in repairs and modifications to camping equipment and backpacks. Their work is thorough and reasonably priced.
They are recommended by some of New Zealand and Australia's leading manufacturers (including Goretex), they can do all repairs and modifications to tents and poles (alloy and fibre glass), sleeping bags, down and Polertec jackets, rainwear, ski clothing, skis and backpacks.

[photograham]

Hangdog, seeing you not far from me, I can tell you of a good repair place in Camberwell.

Walkalong Leathers Travel & Shoe Repairs
515 Camberwell Rd
Camberwell VIC 3124

03) 9889 2800

A new zip in a Lowepro backpack was $80, and it was a good job.

Go down Burwood, turn right into Camberwell Road at Hartwell, and they are in the group of shops on the right hand size about 1 kn up, towards Camberwell.

[christiand]

Hi Chuan,

some places in shopping malls do alterations and repairs to clothes.
An then there is also Mr Minit or a shoe repair shop somewhere.
Ask one of those people - you may get "lucky"

Regards,
CD

[hangdog]

Thanks to all for the valuable advice.

I found "The Repair Place" in Forest Hill, only a few kilometres away. The bag should be ready sometime next week.


Cheers,

Chuan

[hangdog]

Well, that was painless! $16.50 later, the Pro Roller has two new zipper sliders and is working again.

Thank you again to everyone for helping me rescue a ~$600 bag.

--Chuan

[Glen]

Chuan, glad it worked and the price is unbelievable.

[who]

And for future reference -- also check with people who repair motorcycle gear.

Some may do this -- I have a cousin-in-law out round Ipswich who repairs leathers, boots, zips etc.....