Victoria Camera Service Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are your hours of operation?
We are open weekdays from 9 AM until 5 PM, Monday to Friday. We are closed weekends and Statutory Holidays. You do not need an appointment if you wish to bring your equipment in.
Is there an estimate fee?
There is a $25.00 estimate fee for most equipment. This estimate fee is credited towards the price of your repair. Please note, to give our customers the most accurate estimate, we need to see the equipment, so phone or email estimates may not be provided. How long will my repair take? Repair times vary due to work load and parts availability, when your repair is approved a completion date will be advised. Most repairs range from a few days to two weeks. Always give yourself extra time if you need your camera for an important event.
Is my camera worth repairing?
A good rule of thumb is if you have paid more than $90 for your camera we can often repair it economically. Cameras which retail less than this are usually not worth repairing unless it has a simple problem such as a broken battery door. If a camera is liquid, sand, or impact damaged, there is no way to determine if it is worth repairing unless it is inspected. If your camera is older and parts are not available, it may very well still be worth repairing. Depending on the make and model, an overhaul can return your camera to like-new condition and provide many years of reliable service. We also carry a large inventory of parts which are no longer available from the manufacturers or other shops.
Can I repair it myself?
There are a few things you can check yourself which may solve your problems and save you time and money. There are also a few don'ts that can cost you big.
Never:
Never force something that is jammed. Forcing a winding lever, lens cover, etc. is a guarantee something else will break and result in additional parts and labour costs.
Never put any kind of oil or lubricant into a camera. Oil will ruin light seals, rubber parts, and composite plastic parts. This can do major damage, most often making it uneconomical to repair.
Never dismantle equipment. No matter how mechanically inclined a person is, there is no substitute for experience and training. Taking a camera or piece of equipment apart almost always results in additional broken parts or labour time to reassemble.
Always:
Try new batteries. In order for a camera to operate properly, batteries must be at more than 40% of their rated peak. You cannot trust a simple voltage measurement of a battery. We use expensive battery load testers to ensure proper operation. If a battery works in a radio, toy, etc., this does not mean it will operate in a camera. Carbon batteries are NOT recommended. When using in a camera that calls for AA batteries, the best choice is rechargeable Ni-MH, Alkaline or Lithium batteries. The cost of the rechargeable cells will be far outweighed by the long life. A good rule of thumb is to always check with FULLY CHARGED batteries.
Make sure you are operating the camera properly. Many problems are due to operating error or accidental changes to the camera’s settings. A return to factory settings can correct some problems. Double check your operating manual or check the website of your camera manufacturer if you are unsure.
Sensor Cleaning: Cleaning the digital camera sensor is something many amateur and professional photographers do not consider. When the average person thinks of camera cleaning they assume that a general cleaning is the only thing required for their equipment to perform better, but this is not the case. With all digital SLR cameras a thorough cleaning of the imaging sensor needs to be performed as regular maintenance- but sometimes adjustments and calibration must also be made to ensure that the camera is working properly. As a photographer you want to make certain the quality of your images is not jeopardized by dirt or improperly adjusted equipment.
Can I Recycle my broken camera or charger if I don’t want to repair it?
Yes, camera parts and components can be recycled, you may drop off any unwanted camera equipment with us for recycling at no charge. How do I make an Extended Warranty claim? When most warranty plans are purchased, you will receive a toll-free number to call and set up your claim. From there we can take over, bring your camera down, we will estimate the repairs, get approval from the warranty company and in most cases, bill them directly for repairs, and call you when your equipment is ready.
Does using my credit card to purchase my camera increase my warranty period?
Many types of Visa and Mastercard will extend your warranty coverage up to one year after your original warranty period when you purchase your equipment with your credit card. Many also offer other limited coverages for loss and damage, contact your credit card provider at the phone # on your statement for information about these coverages.
What problems can you repair?
Most common problems for camera’s include: LCD replacement, lens error, damaged lens, broken battery door, no flash, barrier or shutter sticking, water damage. Most problems can be repaired for much less than replacing your equipment.