Repair FAQs
How long will my repair take?
Estimates usually take 7-10 days to generate. This can vary depending on our current workload and how easy it is to track down the necessary parts. If we have the required parts in stock, repairs normally take 5-7 days after the quote is accepted. Please note: if parts require ordering, turnaround time will vary depending on manufacturers stock.
Do you use genuine parts?
In the first instance, we will always attempt to source genuine parts. If these are no longer available to order from the manufacturer, we will explore obtaining parts
by other means, whether it be a used or a non genuine part. Rest assured, in all cases (unless stated otherwise), our standard 6 month warranty will apply.
How much is a service to my camera?
Film/Analogue Cameras:
A service on a lot of common film SLRs is £72. This includes replacement light seals and any necessary repairs to the shutter, winding mechanism or the metering. Please note, this is intended only a rough guide, as price will vary depending on your camera and amount of work required. We will confirm price before commencing work.
Digital SLRs/Mirrorless:
We offer a service wherein we clean the imaging sensor and give the camera a check-over. This costs £36 and is normally a next day service. If any major fault is found, we would get in touch to discuss what is required.
Are repairs done in store, or are they sent away?
In the majority of cases, our repairs are conducted in our workshop at our premises in Northampton. Depending on what parts require replacing, we may need to refer your repair to a manufacturer approved repair centre. This is so that we can ensure that your camera/lens can be set up and calibrated correctly to ensure continued optical performance. We would always advise you should that be necessary, and we would provide a no-obligation quote before any required work was undertaken.
Is there a warranty given for my repair?
Unless stated otherwise, we offer a 6 month warranty on all our repairs. Should anything go wrong in this time, please do let us know so that we can organise a warranty repair.
Is there an estimate refusal charge?
There is no estimate refusal charge for any quotes that we produce on site. If a camera has been sent away to an external repair agent there may be a charge to cover their time and to cover return postage. You would be informed of this cost before your item is sent away.
What happens if you find unexpected additional faults over the course of repair?
If, after our original quote has been accepted, we find any additional faults that need repair, we would get in touch to provide an updated quote. At this point you are still under no obligation and can either accept the repair, or refuse the estimate with no overall repair charge.
What experience do your technicians have?
Our head technician and business owner, Steve, has over 30 years experience in camera repairs. Although he currently specialises in all our analogue/film repairs, he also has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to most things digital. Jeremy covers most of our digital repairs and has been doing so since completing his physics degree in 2014.
How and when can I make payment?
We only accept payment after repairs are completed. If you are collecting in-store, we accept payment by cash or card (including AMEX). If you require your items to be posted back to you, we normally send you an invoice to pay online, or can accept a bank transfer.
Can I post my repair to you?
Absolutely. Please fill in our repair form so that we have all the required details. Once this has been completed, you will receive an email with postage instructions.
https://www.skearsphoto.com/post-your-repair.html
How do you post my repair back to me?
We use DPD Local for our deliveries. After payment, we securely parcel up your equipment and send them out via DPDs Next Day parcel delivery. You will receive a 1 hour delivery window on the morning of the day of expected delivery.
Can you remove fungus or dust from my lens?
This is a very difficult question to answer without first inspecting the lens. A lot will depend on where the dust is, and how much time it will take to get there to remove it. In the case of fungus, we would also have to examine the damage done to the lens element itself, and to check whether optical quality has been severely compromised. After examination, we would quote accordingly.
There are dark spots on my images, what are they?
In 99% of cases this is due to dust sitting on your camera's imaging sensor. If you own a Digital SLR, or a mirrorless system camera, please see our Sensor Cleaning page: https://www.skearsphoto.com/sensorclean.html
If you have a digital compact camera or a bridge camera, please get in touch so that we can provide a quote.
If you have any further questions, or if you need further information, please get in touch using the form below and we will be in touch as soon as we are able.