Camera Repair

[rkatapt]

Nothing fancy, but I acquired for free a Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8 camera. I used it at work for about 3 years until it finally shit the bed. It took decent photos and they told me to throw it away as we have already replaced it.

The problem is when you turn it on the lens will not come out. You can hear the motor running, but nothing happens and the camera just tells me to remove lens cover.

It was $350 a few years ago, is it even worth trying to have it repaired? For some reason I think it would cost more than what it's worth to fix it. If could get it repaired for say $100 I'd do it.

Does anyone know of a good place online or B&M to take a camera for repairs? Is it even worth it? I know nothing about camera repair.

 

[sethmo]

Not sure with Panasonic, but with Canon, you can send broken Canon cameras and they will give you an estimate on what it would cost to fix. If you don't want it fixed, you can have them toss it, or pay for shipping back.

I'm sure Panasonic has some repair centers, give them a call.

 

[madFive]

I'm using United Camera at the moment to have one of my lenses repaired (10.5mm f2.8 DX Fisheye - took a spill with it in pocket, now it won't focus correctly ). I sent the lens in to them a couple weeks ago - so it'll be a few more weeks before I get it back. So far I'd say the process of chatting with their CS, placing order, getting the lens in to them, their "works on the first time or it's free" guarantee, and the constant communication I've gotten from them since the order was started has given me a good sense of confidence in their ability to do the repair correctly. Should be getting the lens back closer to the end of this month - I'll let you know how it goes.

Looks like they have repairs available for DMC-FZ8 - i think what you'll need is the lens repair service for $116. You can check with them to find out.

 

[haste]

I'm using United Camera at the moment to have one of my lenses repaired (10.5mm f2.8 DX Fisheye - took a spill with it in pocket, now it won't focus correctly ). I sent the lens in to them a couple weeks ago - so it'll be a few more weeks before I get it back. So far I'd say the process of chatting with their CS, placing order, getting the lens in to them, their "works on the first time or it's free" guarantee, and the constant communication I've gotten from them since the order was started has given me a good sense of confidence in their ability to do the repair correctly. Should be getting the lens back closer to the end of this month - I'll let you know how it goes.

Looks like they have repairs available for DMC-FZ8 - i think what you'll need is the lens repair service for $116. You can check with them to find out.

Sweet. Thanks for the info. I have a 7 year old Kodak DX7630 that I absolutely loved for a POS camera and I think the CMOS sensor died on it because it only takes black pictures and the LCD only shows black when in picture mode. Everything else still works on the camera though. I filled out a form for an estimate...we shall see how it goes!

 

[rkatapt]

I'm using United Camera at the moment to have one of my lenses repaired (10.5mm f2.8 DX Fisheye - took a spill with it in pocket, now it won't focus correctly ). I sent the lens in to them a couple weeks ago - so it'll be a few more weeks before I get it back. So far I'd say the process of chatting with their CS, placing order, getting the lens in to them, their "works on the first time or it's free" guarantee, and the constant communication I've gotten from them since the order was started has given me a good sense of confidence in their ability to do the repair correctly. Should be getting the lens back closer to the end of this month - I'll let you know how it goes.

Looks like they have repairs available for DMC-FZ8 - i think what you'll need is the lens repair service for $116. You can check with them to find out.

I am going to give them a ring. Thanks for the link...