camera and lens repair

[boBQuincy]

I mentioned that I recently purchased two Rebel Xsi cameras, and that one was front-focusing slightly. I emailed Canon and they promptly emailed back "yes, it sounds like it is front-focusing, send it in for adjustment".

I just got it back and the focus appears to be very good. I asked them to optimize it for the center focus point (the only one I use except for very rare occasions).

They may not always come through but they sure did this time, way to go Canon!

 

[YesDear]

Great Bob. Is it not great when we get excited when companies do what they are supposed to. Nothing more frustrating than a camera not operating properly.

 

[Rob_Drebel]

How often do you use two bodies? I am considering a second body (for backup as well as have tro different lenses mounted at all times).
Do you think it is worth the extra $$$.
thanks

 

[boBQuincy]

How often do you use two bodies? I am considering a second body (for backup as well as have tro different lenses mounted at all times).
Do you think it is worth the extra $$$.
thanks

Actually I never used two bodies. I brought the 1st Xsi home and DW really liked it, enough so if I wanted to use it much I realized I needed to get another one.
Still, I can see a possible need to use a wide and telephoto lens at the same time so I may try carrying two bodies instead of switching lenses. It's a lot to carry so I doubt I would use that strategy much.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I'm glad Canon came through for you. I have to send in our S2 IS for a minor repair (plastic memory card cover broken), too.

 

[boBQuincy]

Great Bob. Is it not great when we get excited when companies do what they are supposed to. Nothing more frustrating than a camera not operating properly.

You are absolutely correct, yet that is what it has come to for most service providers. I gave up taking my vehicles in for service and do it all myself now. If only I could repair my cameras...

 

[MICKEY88]

How often do you use two bodies? I am considering a second body (for backup as well as have tro different lenses mounted at all times).
Do you think it is worth the extra $$$.
thanks

I use the 2 body method all the time, I have my 28-75 2.8 on one, and my 80-200 2.8 on the other, works great for football games, and things like the PA renn fairre...

 

[tyedye]

I am curious as a real newbie to dSLR how one would know if they had any probs with their new camera such as front focusing etc? Before purchasing an XSi I read many review sites and other photo boards and supposedly there is a small number of new XSi's with focusing probs. Since I'm learning all about the features and such I can't tell if something is my user error or the camera's.

 

[boBQuincy]

I am curious as a real newbie to dSLR how one would know if they had any probs with their new camera such as front focusing etc? Before purchasing an XSi I read many review sites and other photo boards and supposedly there is a small number of new XSi's with focusing probs. Since I'm learning all about the features and such I can't tell if something is my user error or the camera's.

Every time Canon (or anyone else I suppose) comes out with a new camera it seems the reports of focus issues arise. Most of the time this is hearsay and poor test procedures but sometimes it is real. Canon's 1D Mk III has an issue that was recently verified by Canon and I know of at least one Xsi that front focused. .

Focus testing is easy to do incorrectly, much more difficult to do correctly. It should involve at least two lenses and several images made with the lens initially at infinity. The most difficult part seems to be just what are the boundaries of the focus point.

The test referenced below has a problem with that (imho) where it is not easy to verify just what the camera focused on. If after all of this you decide to just go take photos, I think that is a great idea!

http://photo.net/learn/focustest/

In any event, I use three business cards, one at the focus point, one in front, one behind (each by about 1/4"). I use about 50-100mm focal length and take several photos, not all will be at the exact same focus point! With a f/4 lens it was difficult to see any difference, with a f/1.8 it was more obvious. Everything must be level, square, and steady, IOW it is a lot of trouble. If you try it let me know how it goes.

 

[Groucho]

It helps to have a fast lens for testing focus accuracy, also, since that will give you a shorter DoF. A larger DoF may mask some of the errors.

I used the usual one and since found this one that someone put together for the K20D, but of course you can use it with any camera. Mine was front-focusing a little. I corrected it via the built-in focus adjustment and that made a big difference (it's amazing how a slight adjustment affects the sharpness of large-aperture photos!).

My camera's actually on its way back to Pentax for a second time... it was strange, I sent it in for focus adjustment and for an issue with inconsistent noise on the sensor. I got a letter after a week or two saying that a part was on backorder... but with the wrong person's name! Correct address and serial number though. I called to correct that and a week or so later, received the camera and the packing list didn't state what was done. I called to check and they agreed that that seemed strange so they issued a call tag to UPS to pick it back up. I wonder if when the name got corrected, the replacement part didn't make it to my camera and no work was actually done. Weird! I took less then 10 shots with the camera so I can't really tell if it had changed at all. They promised that it'll get be high priority so hopefully I'll get it back soon. The K100D is nice and all but I miss my K20D. Fortunately the K100D and my old DL have had spot-on focus so I never had to send those in for adjustment.

 

[anniet]

I'm in a dilemma and I need some advice.

I used to own a Nikon Coolpix 995 and I LOVED it! I dropped it 3 years ago and the focus went out of whack. I had repairs estimated (about 2 years ago) and they said it would cost $200 to fix.

DH said for that kind of money we could get a new camera, so last year he bought me a Kodak Easyshare and I HATE it! I really miss my Coolpix.

Basically - I use my camera for vacations (Disney of course, but sometimes hiking or at a lake) Family events, and I try to get creative when I can.

I've been looking at the Coolpix P80 and P60.

P60 is about $200 - so I'm wondering - should I repair the 995 or spring for the P60 or bump up to the P80 at $300?

What would you do?

p.s. Don't try to convince me of another camera - I definitely am married to the idea of another Nikon Coolpix - the question is repair or which one to buy????

Also - just a little bit of further info - DH is a photojournalist and has a D2H, but we don't take his cameras on vacation or anything, he just uses them for work.

 

[Steve's Girl]

My opinion is to get a new one. The newer cameras have less shutter lag, better sensors, etc. You will also get a new warranty. It would really stink to pay $200 for a repair only to have something else go wrong in the next few months and not be covered by warranty.

 

[ukcatfan]

I agree. Get a new one. They might not even be able to fix it anymore if your quote was two years ago. You might contact them to see if they have a customer loyalty program similar to Canon's. They offer discounted refurbs, but the warranty is only like 3-6 months.

 

[YesDear]

I have a 995 that still works well and I use at the office. I would not get it repaired if it broke. For the $200 you can get a much better camera today. I love my 995 but would not get it fixed.

 

[Disneyland_emily]

So less than 3 weeks after I finally get a DSLR it needs major help The strap broke and the camera fell about 7 inches (I was putting it down at the time..) and broke the aperture sensor/lever.. The estimate I got today was 225 and still waiting to hear from Nikon on how much it would cost them to fix. I bought the camera from a friend of a friend so its out of warranty (yes Im already kicking myself over that one.. least it wasnt too expensive)

From looking online I can get a new body for about 250 and wondered if that was the better option..

I cant really afford either (as the purchase was a stretch to begin with) but will do what I can to get it back...

sigh- It shouldnt be this hard to own a DSLR..

 

[jann1033]

how old was the first camera? i would probably scrape together the extra 25 so you would have a warranty for the yr at least

 

[Chikabowa]

What camera was it? What would you replace it with?

I'm sorry, that really sucks. I'm surprised that it took such a hit at only 7 inches.

 

[wdwwishes]

Bummer! I'd be lost w/o my camera and would replace it in a hearbeat. In your situation, I think I'd go with something new. You'll get a few newer features as well as the warranty. You can compare a couple of the Digital SLRs and fine one to suit you needs and budget.

 

[Disneyland_emily]

The camera is the Nikon D40 and it would be replaced with the same- Nikon gave me a decent ballpark to get the part replaced so I fed-ex'd the camera off today and lets HOPE it can truely be fixed for under 150...

The camera is about a year and a half old and was in great condition before its tumble... I also am amazed how much damage it got from such a small fall- My Canon Powershots have taken 100x the beatings and survived and my Canon SLR (non digital) took stronger hits and survived.. Im hoping I didnt make a bad decision to go Nikon...

 

[GrillMouster]

...I also am amazed how much damage it got from such a small fall- My Canon Powershots have taken 100x the beatings and survived and my Canon SLR (non digital) took stronger hits and survived.. Im hoping I didnt make a bad decision to go Nikon...

Point and shoots are much lighter than DSLRs, so their falls wouldn't have much impact. As for your old SLR, digital SLRs have a lot more sensitive electronic components. Additionally, old SLRs had more metal, while modern entry-level DSLRs, like the D40 and Canon equivalents are made with a lot of plastic. I don't think it has anything to do with the Nikon brand.