Canon factory service - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

01/02/2008 11:29:24 AM · #1

Is this worth it or not. A general service and cleaning from Canon for my 5D costs $45. (per phone estimate from Canon) Shipping to Canon service center via UPS Store insured for $2500 is about $45 and I'm sure it's about the same for the return trip. $135 total.

dwterry

Canon EOS-1D Mark III

01/02/2008 12:31:37 PM · #2

Do you need anything more than just the sensor cleaned? You can clean the sensor yourself and save both time and money. I've sent two cameras in for repair (shutter) and the turn around is fairly quick, but you're still out a camera for awhile. So I wouldn't do it just for cleaning, but if there was some other, more compelling reason, to send it in then I'd do it.

ETA: The shutters being fixed were my 20D's which I used for sports and easily had over 100,000 actuations on both.

Message edited by author 2008-01-02 12:33:04.

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

01/02/2008 12:40:28 PM · #3

Originally posted by dwterry:

Do you need anything more than just the sensor cleaned?

I'd like the cruddy viewfinder cleaned up in addition to the sensor.

dwterry

Canon EOS-1D Mark III

01/02/2008 12:47:09 PM · #4

See, I'd just live with the dirty viewfinder until something more important comes along. It doesn't affect your ability to take pictures, so there's no real rush to clean it up. When/if something else breaks, then would be a good time to get everything cleaned up.

Bear_Music

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Sony 24-70mm F4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

01/02/2008 12:48:03 PM · #5

If you had a $2,500 car, you'd be spending a whole lot more than $135.00 a year on maintenance and upkeep wouldn't you? It seems to me that if you can afford it and it makes you feel better, go for it. The cost of the shipping isn't Canon's fault, and the price for cleaning and general service seems very reasonable. Of course, there are in many places local operations that will do the same thing without shipping; in San Diego we used to take all our cameras in twice a year to a local shop that serviced and tuned them, this was routine maintenance and we budgeted for it. Whether you have anyone like that within driving range of your home in Iowa I do not know. I'd guess Des Moines has at least one good camera service shop. Iowa City might, as well.

I used to live in Ames, Iowa back when I was little, BTW, and my uncle and aunt both were professors of English at Iowa State.

R.

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

01/02/2008 01:50:23 PM · #6

Originally posted by Bear_Music:

I'd guess Des Moines has at least one good camera service shop. Iowa City might, as well. R.

They do but anymore I think camera stores just send it to Canon for you.

DrAchoo

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5

01/02/2008 02:02:46 PM · #7

Why can't you clean the viewfinder yourself? That dust is often on the mirror or the dohicky above the mirror.