Camera Repair: advice please

Essexdelboy

I have a Sony Cybershot DSC-W70 which is in great condition, not a scratch on it but the mechanism that controls the lens is broke and it won’t close. I have looked into getting it repaired and Sony want >£115 to fix it. I have heard horror stories about Jessops repair bills, but can anyone recommend repairers that may be cheaper? I am at present contemplating selling it on eBay with the box, manual, cables, CD & accessories etc for spares /repair just to try and recoup some funds to put to a new camera. Can anyone help?
I have repaired mobile phones before but are cameras any more difficult?? In for a penny I suppsoe

fwor

The basic problem here is that modern cameras aren't really designed to be repaired. In all probability what you will get from Sony with their fixed price is that yours will be binned and you will get a refurbished one (often one which is returned as faulty because the first owner was too stupid to operate it, and is actually completely Ok).

I would not consider an open-ended repair without a full quote to fix, because of the risk that the end cost will exceed the value of the camera (about £80 on Ebay).

If you put it on Ebay as "spares or repair", expect to get about £20 for it at most.

diable

You may be better off selling it for spares as I don't think these types of cameras are made for cheap repairs.

diable

fwor beat me to it

fwor

Glad we agree though!

diable

Yep Ebay it or Bin it

happywarmgun

Have gone through both scenarios in the past with canonn ixus. Spent 120 quid to fix a camera that cost 200, only to see three months later a new one on sale for 140 quid.

When it later broke again I sold it on ebay, and amazingly, got 25 quid for it (I was absolutley honest about conditions and faults), chap I sold it too turned out to be a camera repair shop - presumably who would strip out the good parts - after all he can then fix them at 120 quid a pop!

So replace with new - but sell don't bin - just be very, very honest on your ebay listing to avoid any hassle.

fuzzybear01

I had the same problem with my old compact and managed to give myself a lovely electric shock / burn when I tried to fix it. Forgot about the flash!

scratchwraps

Try calling or emailing Colchester Camera Repair Centre. I've used them myself and recommend them to others and they usually come back cheaper than expected.

Simon

Lirin

Colchester are very good at repairs. With most compacts though it's simply not worth it, due to high costs and the rate at which new models are introduced.
A brilliant camera site is www.dpreview.com, fantastic for comparisons etc.
I am a photographer and was extremely lucky in that the man who taught me also taught me camera repair (to a point, anyway).
A quick rough guide- repairing a screen- not worth it, same with chipboard faults. Lens and sensors- can be, but highly priced. Body plate repairs- if duct tape can't fix, spare or repair on ebay can....

I deliberately look for spare or repair SLR's as there's a host of common faults taht are easily fixed.

With regards to yours- what part of the lens ins't closing? The aperature (round circular thing in center of lens), the shutter (Back) or the lensgate- the protective cover at the front?

W70's an older model, should be easy to find a new/used one for cheaper than your quoted repair bill.