Trying to resist the throwaway culture(?)
October 23, 2010 11:30 AM   Subscribe

Philadelphia-filter: I need a recommendation for a good quality camera repair shop where I can get an opinion on whether to fix my camera.

A few years ago I bought a decently-used but still excellent Sony DSC-H1 camera on eBay for around $80. During a trip to the Outer Banks of North Carolina earlier this summer, it sadly broke. To be more specific: the motor/mechanism that makes the lens go out and retract stopped working, making the whole camera unusable.

I'd love to get it fixed, but I fear it's too expensive, and that I might as well just try to snag a new-to-me camera on eBay again. I'd prefer not to, though, as the DSC-H1 I have now treated me very well until it broke.

That said, I can't find any decent recommendations for camera repair shops in Center City Philadelphia. I used to live in NW Philly so could have gone to Chestnut Hill Camera, but that's not terribly accessible to me anymore. Roth Camera Repairs at 1015 Chestnut St. looks like it's no longer in business. Does anyone know of any shops around Center City that they've had good experiences with, and where someone could advise me on the cost effectiveness of repairing the DSC-H1 vs. getting a new camera?
posted by midatlanticwanderer to Shopping (4 answers total)
 
Adorama Camera on South Columbus might be able to advise you. They generally cater to a more pro clientele, but they'll at least be able to point you in the right direction. There's a bus that runs straight there; sorry, can't remember the number.

Sony might be able to perform the repairs, even if it's not free and under warranty. I'd be surprised if it turns out to be (a) possible and (b) worth it. Camera repairers probably focus on higher-end models, but could probably handle it.
posted by supercres at 1:21 PM on October 23, 2010


supercres, are you thinking of Calumet? I don't have any experience there, but it's a camera shop on South Columbus.
posted by null14 at 1:33 PM on October 23, 2010


Ach, brain fart. Yes, that's the one. Calumet. I've been happy with everything I've gone there for, but I've never needed or attempted to get repairs.

Basically 2nding that Sony will, at best, exchange your camera for a working refurbished model. Mid-range cameras unfortunately are not made to be repaired, least of all by a 3rd party.
posted by supercres at 8:59 PM on October 23, 2010


Response by poster: Thanks for everyone's help. I'll at least ask the people at Calumet but have suspected it's not practical to get it repaired. Thanks.
posted by midatlanticwanderer at 8:36 AM on October 24, 2010


« Older Healthy chewy snack ideas please?   |   Awesome Halloweeen Songs??? Newer »
This thread is closed to new comments.