Estimates & Policies

Start With the Camera, Not a Guess

Camera repair starts with seeing the equipment in person.

A camera that will not turn on, a shutter that sounds wrong, a lens that will not focus, or a meter that seems inaccurate can each have several possible causes. Without the camera on the bench, a price over the phone would be little more than a guess.

Camera Tech offers free estimates at our shop in Orange, California. Mike evaluates the camera or lens, explains what he finds, and tells you what he recommends before repair work begins.

No obligation. No sales pitch. Just an informed answer.

How to Get an Estimate

Bring your camera or lens to Camera Tech during normal business hours. No appointment is required.

Mike will inspect the equipment and determine what the problem appears to be, whether the repair is practical, and what the work is expected to cost.

Most problems do not hide for long. Occasionally, a camera requires more involved diagnostics before the full problem becomes clear. If diagnostic work becomes extensive enough that a charge would be necessary, that is discussed with you first.

We do not provide repair estimates by phone or online. Even two cameras showing the same symptom can have completely different problems inside. It has to be seen.

How Long Will the Repair Take?

There is no standard turnaround time for camera repair.

Camera Tech is a single-technician shop. Mike performs the evaluations and repairs himself, so timing depends on three things:

• The complexity of the repair

• Mike’s current workload

• Parts availability

Some repairs are relatively straightforward. Others require considerably more bench time. Older or discontinued equipment may depend on a part that is difficult to locate, and in those cases a repair can take weeks or sometimes months.

Mike will give you the best turnaround expectation he can when the equipment is evaluated. That timing is an estimate, not a guarantee. If the repair becomes more complicated than initially expected or a part becomes difficult to source, the timeline can change.

If you need the camera or lens for a trip, wedding, paid job, or another firm deadline, please mention it when you bring the equipment in. Mike can tell you whether the timing is realistic before you leave it for repair.

We would rather give you an honest timeline than a fast promise we cannot keep.

Not Every Camera Can Be Repaired

We would rather tell you the truth before money is spent.

Some cameras and lenses are very good repair candidates. Others may have severe damage, unavailable parts, extensive corrosion, previous repair damage, or multiple failures that make further work impractical.

Older equipment is not automatically a problem. Camera Tech regularly works on vintage and collectible cameras. What matters is the actual condition of the equipment and whether the repair is mechanically and economically reasonable.

If a camera is irreparable, Mike will explain why.

If a needed part cannot be found, he will tell you that too.

Not everything should be repaired. We’ll tell you which is which.

If the Camera Has Already Been Worked On

If you or another repair shop have already opened, adjusted, cleaned, or attempted to repair the equipment, let Mike know.

Previous work does not automatically mean the camera cannot be repaired, but it can change the diagnosis. Missing or incorrect screws, damaged fasteners, oil or other residue, changed adjustments, disconnected parts, or previous repairs can make the work more involved.

If you still have any parts that were removed, bring them with the camera.

And if you are considering opening the equipment yourself because you are trying to decide whether professional repair is worth the cost, bringing it in for the free estimate first usually gives you more information with considerably less risk.

Questions Are Fine. Estimates Still Require the Camera.

You are welcome to call (714) 535-0993 during business hours with general questions.

We just cannot tell you what a repair will cost until Mike has the equipment in front of him.

What to Bring

Please bring only the camera or lens that needs to be evaluated.

Straps, camera bags, cases, and unrelated accessories should stay with you. Keeping unnecessary items out of the shop helps prevent things from being mixed up or misplaced.

Drop-off and pickup are available anytime during normal business hours.

Bring It In for a Free Estimate

Camera Tech

1940 N Tustin St, Suite 114

Orange, CA 92865

Monday–Friday: 1:00 PM–5:00 PM

Saturday: 1:00 PM–4:00 PM

Sunday: Closed

Free estimates. In person only. Serving photographers since 1978.