Sending Camera to be cleaned & calibrated

snips86x · 2 May 2014 at 09:07

Next week, I’m sending my Canon 7D to be cleaned and recalibrated. While I have no issue actually sending the unit away, I’m not sure on the postal service I should use.

I will be sending it back in its original box with caps and such, but should I simply send it via Royal Mail? My main concern would be any damage from any other couriers, actually even RM for that matter.

It will be going to a Canon approved technician in Kent, 140 miles from my location.

Recommendations?

snips86x · 2 May 2014 at 09:47

I've had a quote of £156 from Thomas Camera Services in Kent for a clean & calibration as it's overdue really.

Would sending to Canon at Elstree be a better alternative?

snips86x · 2 May 2014 at 09:52

I have tried, but cannot reach the difficult placed. Would prefer the first clean to be done by the pro's before I attempt myself.

As for calibration, I've had a few errors pop up over the last few months, so for peace of mind, I'll get it done! I also dropped it!

snips86x · 2 May 2014 at 10:41

Raymond Lin said:
Canon at elstree or Fixation.

No one else.

Out of interest, what makes you recommend these 2 over others? Are not all Canon approved repairers the same?

I really appreciate your recommendation, especially seeing the kit you own, so it's definitely worth me considering.

snips86x · 2 May 2014 at 11:09

Thankyou both for the replies!

I was leaning towards Elstree anyway, but I wanted to know why they were recommended over the others. I did use the Canon UK website to locate a workshop which is how I came back with my selection.

I will send them an email and get a quote, thanks for your help.

snips86x · 30 May 2014 at 13:32

I finally got round to sending my camera to Canon UK in Elstree and received a call earlier today to tell me it's ready to come back.

Sensor has been cleaned, calibrated and firmware upgraded to 2.5. I honestly didn't know there was a new firmware version despite checking every few months. There were no other issues.

I despatched on Tuesday and it will be back with me on Monday, very much looking forward to taking it out again. I've delayed taking it out as the pics have not been as good as they should have been, the Canon technician said I should now notice a difference

Now to get that 35mm Sigma!! Cheers for the recommendation Raymond, really appreciate it.

snips86x · 2 Jun 2014 at 13:12

I've just received my camera back and it most certainly takes better pictures now. My only issue is when looking through the view finder, the image is not pin sharp, but on taking the picture, it's perfect.

I've never had to make any micro adjustments, is this what's causing the issue?

snips86x · 2 Jun 2014 at 13:35

Oh - that was easy. I was expecting it to be more complicated. I've never had to use that before, always wondered what it was for.

Thanks

snips86x · 2 Jun 2014 at 20:34

V F said:
It was released last year. 12/10/13 http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/slr_cameras/eos_7d

I also haven't updated it.

How bad was it before?

I had issues with noise no matter what ISO I used and dust on the glass plate where the AF points overlay

I also got error 40 not long after I purchased it and dropped it with new my new lens on, 2 days after buying it :mad:

Just been in the garden with it and remembering what it was like before, it's like a new camera.

Very happy with it now, just need to get that 35mm Sigma f/1.4

Here are a few I've just taken:

snips86x · 3 Jun 2014 at 06:45

V F said:
No wrist strap?

I do have one, but it's a pain to use when I'm out and about. It's easier to use the neck strap with my son and when stopping if walking/clambering.