Local repair or factory??

[BSGp8ntball]

What are your opinions on out or warranty repairs. How do the prices and turn around times compare. Obviously each independent shop will have different prices, time tables customer service etc but as a general rule. Let me say it like this I know that the car dealership charges sometimes as much as twice as much to do the same thing a competent local mechanic does. There are pros and cons with service time, available parts etc. This is the broad generalization I'm asking for. More specifically I am looking to have my Canon 5d worked on. The screen has a blueish tint to it. It does not show on the images so it's just the LCD. I am in Houston and trying to decide if I should send it off to Canon or find a reputable local repair shop.... thoughts?

[Rick4003]

I'd get quotes from both. I've read posts where Canon wanted an arm, leg and rights to your first born for a repair, and in other cases they were very reasonable. Turn around time may be quicker going local, but again, I've read posts where Canon's turn around was pretty quick. Never hurts to check.

[Patti Edens]

I've always had good luck with Canon - quick service and good work. I had a very bad experience with a local shop. I guess the hard thing is knowing if local shops are reputable. The one I used was recommended by a pro photographer that had used them a couple of times and they did not have any complaints in BBB. I thought they would be okay, but a repair to a lens that should have cost $150 ended up costing me over $800. Not pretty.

[SCone]

Great response time & cost from Canon... can't speak about local myself, but my friend has been waiting for her XTi for over two months, not sure who she used.

[BSGp8ntball]

thanks for the help guys, your experiences are exactly the information I was looking for.

[kenw]

I would 1st try Professional Camera Repair (call). If they can't do it, they will tell you and then you can ship it off to Canon.
Professional Camera Repair - Houston, TX - (713) 621-3627 - Bing Local

[BSGp8ntball]

Originally Posted by kenw

I would 1st try Professional Camera Repair (call). If they can't do it, they will tell you and then you can ship it off to Canon.
Professional Camera Repair - Houston, TX - (713) 621-3627 - Bing Local

Ken I went to their website and looked around. I noticed they do a free estimate. They close at 6:00 and I tried to call around 6:05, then I came here and made the post. Have you used them before?

[KenJulio]

There's a thread here where they do sensor cleanings, providing an image of before and after, and they do one heck of a job. Also, the visit the forum as well.

[KenJulio]

Keith - here's the link to the thread i mentioned about the sensor cleaning and and they do post the images of before and after.

Filthy sensor got a bath.

[kenw]

Originally Posted by BSGp8ntball

Ken I went to their website and looked around. I noticed they do a free estimate. They close at 6:00 and I tried to call around 6:05, then I came here and made the post. Have you used them before?

Yes, I used them to repair bent CF pins on my 50d, excellent work. Yes, the hours are a bit inconvenient, but if you can get there it is worth it IMHO. However, I called them about the shutter failure I am now having and they don't do that repair. So, yes, call them 1st.