Camera Repair vs. Camera Purchase? Which Should You Choose?

by Dan on

camera repair and cash pic

Stop wasting money on frivolous purchases.  And stop wasting money on frivolous repairs.  “But how?”, you may ask.

As photographers, we need to have a well functioning camera system that delivers the performance we require, captures the images that we want, and does so when we need them.

Why should I purchase a new camera?

The simple answer is that…well…it’s new.  New products tend to incorporate all the latest bells and whistles.  They have warranties against defects, and the new prices of some products can be comparative to, if not better than, some repair costs.  The technological breakthroughs are coming fast and furious, and it is appealing to be on the cutting edge of what is new in the world of photography.  Generally speaking, the ease of use associated with these new products, combined with the functionality and prices, make buying new products a logical decision.  The negative side of this option would be that new equipment can be produced much cheaper in some cases, leading to design flaws and product failures at inopportune times (take it from me…I have fixed THOUSANDS).  Many photographers, both professional and amateur, become very comfortable with the operations and performance of their existing equipment.  They know what to expect in terms of how it will perform and the results that it will deliver.  New equipment must be learned, and is not always compatible with the user‘s existing equipment.

Why and when should I invest in camera repair?

Camera repair has many pros.  First, used equipment is generally understood from a functionality standpoint by the user.  Manufacturing processes have had time to get all the bugs worked out.  Manufacturers periodically release modifications to existing products to correct and improve design and function which sometimes results in a superior product than what was originally intended.  In many cases, higher quality manufacturing processes were utilized to create these earlier generations of photographic equipment.  These items become highly sought after for their performance and quality, sometimes resulting in increased value.  Generally speaking, repaired items come with additional warranties and have the support of the repair facility behind their workmanship.  The negative here would be that at some point, all equipment will lose its overall usefulness and may become incompatible with new technologies that support photography.

A Camera Repair Technician’s Advice

From a technical standpoint, all photographic equipment will eventually experience some form of failure.  Some will experience failure faster than others due to cheap manufacturing, inexpensive components, and poor design.  Some camera systems will fail due to neglect, mishandling, and improper operation.  The factors that can be controlled are the latter.  Like any piece of equipment designed to be used repeatedly, cameras and related equipment must be cared for in order to extend the life of the working parts to achieve their maximum performance.  This includes proper cleaning techniques, minimizing exposure to harsh elements, and proper storage when not in use.  These factors can dramatically improve the longevity and functionality of the equipment.  Most owners’ manuals for these products outline these aforementioned suggestions and are usually located in the first few pages of the manual.  Consumers tend to neglect to read this information, but it is worth revisiting and can help preserve the life span of both new and repaired products.

The goal is to capture cherished images and preserve those moments in time that we, as photographers, seek to encapsulate.  Our equipment is what allows us to do that, purchased new or repaired, it must be treated with care for it to serve us well.

Leave a Comment

Previous post:

Next post: