Camera Repair Information
Cameras are electronics used to capture photos through film or digital storage media. They can have a fixed-lens or detachable lenses, and they also offer a variety of attachments. Cameras are complicated devices, and when repairs are needed it is important to have the best information available before making the decision about where and how to have it repaired.
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Benefits
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Regular repairs and maintenance can significantly extend a camera's lifetime and ease of use. Cameras have moving parts as well as lenses and sensors that can accumulate dust and grit, and they must be cleaned and lubed periodically or they risk breakdown. Following the user manual's advice on preventive maintenance will help reduce the chance of larger breakdowns.
Warranties
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Cameras are often covered by warranties from their manufacturers, as well as offering manufacturer-certified repair locations, according to Canon's Camera Support website. Manufacturer warranties typically do not extend past one year, and cover parts and defects on the part of the manufacturer.
Cost
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According to a Camera Repair FAQ maintained by Appalachian State, repairs generally range between $50 and $100, unless major parts are required. The FAQ also advises avoiding using a camera shop as an agent to contact a repair shop and doing it yourself, to avoid the camera shop's mark up.
Types
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According to the Camera Repair FAQ, repairs fall under three categories: repair by manufacturer, full repair by a repair shop and limited repair by a repair shop. The manufacturer repairs are usually expensive and only available for current production models or those discontinued less than 10 years ago. Full repair by a repair shop will address the stated problem as well as any others found by the technician, and will include a six-month warranty from the shop in most cases (preferred by most professionals). A limited repair will only address the stated problem, and therefore is cheaper than a full repair.
Considerations
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It is never recommended to attempt a camera repair yourself. Doing so voids the warranty and can irrevocably damage the camera, according to both Nikon's and Canon's support websites.
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Related Searches
References
- Photo Credit Photo courtesy Tomasz Sienicki.
