Sending Camera/Lens in for Calibration

[mom2rtk]

Well, I think I've finally gotten over the thread where the poster sent their Nikon in for service and all that arrived was an empty envelope!

I have the Sigma 50-150 f/2.8 and it does have front-focusing issues, which is not uncommon with this lens. I think I am to a point that I can be without it for a bit. My understanding is that they prefer to have me send in both the camera AND the lens. But I don't think Sigma sends a box to mail it in. My question is, how do you package your babies up to mail in? Do you take them to a pack & ship place and go see what they have? Do you go to the store and buy some foam to cut out around it?

Anyone else done this and have an idea of how long and/or how successful it was?

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

I'm getting ready to do the same thing. Fortunately, I kept all the original boxes so that part is not an issue. I did speak with them and they (Sigma) stated the turn around is very quick. In the past, I have sent things in and the longest turnaround was 9 days (I had one emergency and they turned it around in 4 days).

 

[Docarino]

I've sent my camera body out twice for repair. I've wrapped it in bubble wrap each time and made sure it was snug in the box and not moving around. Both times, they have sent it back to me wrapped similarly in bubble wrap. Good luck!

 

[alloyd1170]

Do you have a UPS store nearby? If so, I'd take it there. You can let them wrap/pack it up for you (you will probably pay more than doing it yourself). The other option-wrap it in bubble wrap yourself. You can buy bubble wrap at Walmart, Staples, Office Depot, etc. You can also pick up boxes at those places too (I picked up some cheap at Walmart for under a dollar...more if larger). Grab some packing tape as well to seal up the box except for the final top closure. Take it up to UPS and have them fill it up with the foam pieces. Be sure to get a box big enough to center the camera/lens in the middle surrounded on all sides by the foam.

I like UPS because your item is insured automatically up to $100. After that, you pay extra for more insurance. You can easily track your item online to. Fed Ex is the same I believe. I just don't like the service at the Fed Ex Service/Kinkos store here in town.

 

[mom2rtk]

Thanks for everyone's replies! I'm going to try hard to get this packed up and out this week. All the packing suggestions are great.

Can anyone tell me how happy they've been with the result after sending a lens and camera in for calibration?