Not all repairs. A lot of camera parts are obsolete. We do mostly main-stream repairs like SLR's and medium format cameras. We don't have much to do with flash, audio/visual equipment or in-house digital cameras as of yet.

We maintain a large inventory of parts for older cameras and in many cases we can repair just about any camera. But, sometimes, parts and/or service data may not be available for us to conduct the repair. If we can't fix it, we can usually help you find a facility that can.

Here is a list of equipment we ( as well as most other repair shops) DO NOT repair:

We also have three repair standards we use when determining the level of repair.

We are an authorized Fuji repair facility. Our techs are factory trained. We use only genuine Fuji replacement parts. All we need is your valid proof of purchase.

Precision Camera and Video can handle this transaction for you for a modest service fee which covers 2-way shipping, properly packing and handling plus adequate insurance. Factory service typically takes 4-6 weeks. All we need is a valid proof of purchase. This is not a credit card statement. We need the actual receipt from the dealer you purchase the equipment from. Please don't ask us to '' intervene'' for you on undocumented warranty claims. We are not arbitrators, we are a Service Center. We will not ship anything for free and do not give out free loaner equipment for the failure of the manufacturer's equipment which is beyond our control.

Following are a few common things you can do to check out your unit before sending it in for repair:

• Are the batteries good? Worn out batteries are probably the number one cause of a malfunctioning unit. Most photo stores are perfectly willing to test batteries.
• Are the batteries are inserted properly? Are the contacts clean? Pencil eraser works miracles sometimes, even when they look clean.
• Is the unit being operated properly? This check is not just for beginners. With today's high tech models, a switch in the wrong position can perplex even a pro. Your instruction manual is the best resource.
• For camcorders, be sure that the tape is not damaged. Try substituting a known good tape.
• Was the processing satisfactory? Is the film is out of date? Occasionally problems that are blamed on the camera are attributable to poor processing.

Checking these few simple items can prevent you from incurring any unnecessary expenses. If you do have to send in your camera, we will always give you an estimated cost of repair before any work is done. We will help you assess whether or not to repair or replace the unit.

You can save money by repairing (instead of replacing) most cameras.

Major Brand Single Lens Reflex Cameras (SLR's) should almost always be repaired, unless heavily sand or water damaged. Even older models like the Minolta SRT-101 or Canon AE-1 can be fixed economically by Precision Camera and Video. Fixing an older SLR helps you preserve your investment in lenses and accessories. Repairing also eliminates the time investment required to learn how to operate a new model. Older cameras are also just better in our opinion. They were for the most part all metal and hand made. They are classics and have maintained much of their original value if properly maintained.

The repair of vintage Leica cameras is also very popular at Precision Camera and Video. The owner started the business as a Camera Repair Tech and most Leica series cameras and lenses can be readily refurbished and repaired by him.. The sentimental value of these older models often makes repair prudent. It would be wise to call first, though, to be sure your vintage model is serviceable, as parts are very limited.

Higher end, newer Video camera equipment is almost always worth repairing. Unless a Camcorder has been heavily abused, the repair of a unit is cheaper than the replacement cost. However the newer low cost Digital Video Cameras can come in at around $400 on the low end and make extensive repairs of older Video cameras somewhat problematic. You may wish to consult with one of our sales associates concerning the economics of this rapidly changing technology.

Point and Shoot Auto focus Cameras are usually economical to repair one time. After that we think the best advice is to toss it and buy a new camera with a full warranty. Pentax Cameras come with a 5-year manufacturer's warranty... that is a lifetime for a point and shoot.

However, a few situations can make a repair uneconomical:

• The inexpensive point and shoot models (cameras sold in bubble packs) are not worth repairing. Generally speaking, if you paid more than $150.00 for a point and shoot, have it repaired.
• Cameras or camcorders that have been soaked in water, Coke (maybe Pepsi), beer, suntan lotion, milk or grape juice, yes cat pee, etc! ) are probably beyond economical repair. (Small amounts of liquid "splash" damage are usually not too big a problem if caught soon after the spill.)
• Units that have faced extensive damage from battery corrosion or sand may not be worth repairing. Sand is DEATH to cameras and lenses. There are millions of grains of sand in there and try as we may we can't get them all.

Precision Camera and Video is always ready to answer your questions regarding the repair of your film or digital camera, camcorder, projector, or lens. We like a challenge. Give us a call or stop by the Service Dept. We are open 7 days a week.

Because the problems with cameras can vary considerably, predicting an accurate price without seeing the unit can be very difficult. We divide repair costs into four categories: Minor, Standard, Major and Estimate Only. We have a minimum Service Charge for actually work done on the bench of $ 18.48 + Tax = $20.. We had a repair once for over a little over a $1000... your camera will probably fall in between....

Precision Camera and Video accepts cameras for repair via many sources.

If you're in Austin, Texas, just visit our Service Counter in our store at 3810 N. Lamar Blvd. We are on the Northwest corner of N. Lamar Blvd at 38th street, across the street from Central Market. Store hours are 9AM to 6PM Monday through Friday, Saturday 10AM to 6PM, Sunday 1PM to 5PM, Central Standard Time.

If you need to ship your camera or video unit in for repair, United Parcel Service (UPS) is the most popular method. Secondary sources are Registered US Mail and Federal Express. Be sure and get a tracking number for your shipment.

However you send your unit, please be sure to package it well in a box (NOT AN ENVELOPE!), large enough for AT LEAST 2 INCHES of extra packing material around the unit. Wrap the unit in bubble wrap or newspaper, then place as much additional packing material as possible around the camera. Be sure to insure your package for its replacement cost. Precision Camera cannot be responsible for inadequately wrapped packages.

Please include your name, address, and a daytime phone number with every repair. Ship the camera to:

Precision Camera and Video
ATTN: SERVICE DEPT
3810 N. Lamar Blvd
Austin, TX 78756

Precision Camera and Video stands behind its work. Should you experience problems with your camera during the warranty period, simply return it to us, freight prepaid, with a description of the problem, and we'll gladly take care of it.

Precision Camera and Video guarantees workmanship and materials on most equipment to be free from defects for six months under normal use. For professional, high use or antique collectable equipment it may be limited to three months.

Factory Service Centers Warrantys vary by manufacturer. Usually 3 months to 1 year.

Precision Camera and Video is in not responsible for caps, straps, film, memory cards, tape, batteries, or other accessories left with equipment not itemized on our repair ticket. Please strip all unnecessary items not needing repair and keep them... we don't need or want them.

14 day mechanical warranty.

With the extreme high summer temperatures, we have seen a few camcorders come back and the customers say the tape will not load or unload. After checking with the service department, it appears that in most cases, the tape has stretched due to excessive heat which fouls up the transport.

When you leave a camcorder in the trunk of their car with the outside temperature over 90 degrees, you might expect to have a problem with it. The temperature inside your trunk can reach 180 to 200 degrees.

Do not leave your camcorder in any place you would not stay or would not leave your child. Tape can actually melt onto the heads of the camera. This is not a warranty problem.... Same with the lenses.. the focusing lubricants actually melt and then vaporize and then find their way into places where they were never intended to go. Please use common sense.