My name is Kai. My late grandmother’s Rolleiflex survived over 60 years in beautiful condition. My mom recently passed it down to me, and as an LA-based photographer, I was deeply honored to carry forward our family’s history.

I never imagined that within days of receiving it, I’d be fighting just to get it back.

Before shooting my first roll, I took the camera to Walter's Camera Repair shop in Los Angeles for a routine inspection and cleaning. The clerk confirmed it was in pristine condition, requiring only a simple mirror replacement. But when I returned a week later, I was handed a completely different camera—scratched, dented, with mismatched serial numbers and altered parts.

Despite having extensive photos and video proving the camera I dropped off was not the one sitting on the counter, the shop gaslit me. I refused to accept it and demanded my grandmother's original camera back.

Since sharing my story, millions of people around the world have resonated with the heartbreak, anger, and shock of having a sentimental heirloom mistreated. This could happen to anyone who entrusts something irreplaceable to a professional.

I am raising funds to take legal action, demand accountability, and cover:

Legal Fees: Retaining an attorney to navigate court costs and pursue all available remedies.

Authentication: Hiring an independent Rolleiflex specialist to inspect, document, and verify component swaps.

Recovery or Replacement: Fighting to recover my grandmother’s original camera and parts—or, if unrecoverable, sourcing and restoring a comparable piece.

This camera survived six decades before reaching my hands. I refuse to let it disappear without a fight.

Whether you donate or simply share this page to keep eyes on this story, your support means the world to me and my family. Thank you for standing with me.