Camera repairs- urgent, so please answer!

Question

I have a camera ( Canon Powershot) and I BADLY need to repair it. It's not a HUGE repair (at least i hope it's not) so I'd really love to know anyone who could repair it for me.

I'd really like it if they accept cash, because that's all I have.

Thank's SO much!!

Answer 1

There is probably a camera repair shop in your town, but they probably see your specific model of camera once a month or less.

If you google "camera repair" you'll find a lot of national places.  I emailed on in Chicago about my camera problem, and they kept trying to tell me the problem was something it obviously isn't (my problem is that everything on the LCD, including the battery power remaining indicator, is smeared - they claimed it was a CCD issue.  If it were that, then the battery power indicator would be fine, just the image of whatever the camera is pointing at would be messed up).

I'd really recommend that you just send it to Canon.  They will have the best odds of having seen the problem before and knowing the right way to fix it.  Maybe you can get someone with a credit card to pay for it, if you pay them back in cash.

Answer 2

The only thing I can think of you to do is send it off to Canon and let them fix it.  

Answer 3

Unless you know the problem it's hard to find a specific repair shop. Although, most cities have at least one exclusively camera repair places and large cities tend to have quite a few. You should weigh the cost of the camera first though, as repairs at a shop like this can cost an arm and a leg.

For example, I have a camera that has a $1200 base and a $400 lens, not too expensive but still a decent chunk of change. The lens was ran into at a local football game I was shooting (apparently helmets are harder than lenses) and I took it to  Precision Camera here in Austin. They quoted me roughly $180 to send the lens into Canon for repair. I weighed the pros and cons and opted to purchase a used $200 lens that was a lot better than mine. I still have the old canon lens lying around gathering dust.

Many stores will also not give a quote over the phone as they need to see the camera in person to narrow down the problem. Would you call a bodyshop and say "I wrecked my car, how much will it cost to get fixed?" No, you would naturally take it in for an estimate so that the proper repair person can get an idea of the entire scope of the damage.

You are basically looking at an hourly charge for labor plus parts. The most expensive Powershot I can find is $500 bucks, but adjust for retail of your camera. It might be cheaper to get something comparable used or new.