Author Topic: Repair or replace? (Read 8353 times)

Silken Photography · « **on:** February 07, 2013, 01:24 »

I'd really appreciate some opinions, I have no fellow photographers I know near me to chat with!

I have a beloved Canon 550D/T2i that I've put through the wringer since it was given to me about 2.5 years ago. Recently the shutter died so I put it in for repair.

The repair quote has come back at $391 (shutter repair, and the whole outer body needs replacing as the rubber grip has almost completely come way). That's such a big chunk of money that I'm wondering if it would be better spent on a new camera.

I think I want to stick to ASP-C for now, as I have a couple of EF-S lens that I can't afford to replace yet (although I dream of a full frame one day) and I suspect even the cheapest is out of my budget for now.

I have been doing some googling but I'd love some fresh opinions - would you repair or replace? If replace, with what? I'd rather not spend more than about $700 if I can help it, but could probably stretch to $900 or so if it seems really really worthwhile (and cash in some incoming birthday money!).

nicku · « **Reply #1 on:** February 07, 2013, 01:32 »

In my opinion .... definitely replace it.

RacePhoto · « **Reply #2 on:** February 07, 2013, 02:43 »

Quote from: nicku on February 07, 2013, 01:32

In my opinion .... definitely replace it.

Same here, you can replace it for less, with another used T2i. Or upgrade to a newer used model, for close to what the repairs will cost. Unless there's some reason why used is out of the question? It's not just fixing it, you are also going to improve the equipment, and hopefully your images, with an upgrade.

Sad to say, but you can always box it in case you want to fix it some day. $400 in repairs (shipping? taxes?) seems a bit high for an old well used camera?

enstoker · « **Reply #3 on:** February 07, 2013, 03:05 »

If You shoot for stock try to find GOOD used 5D Mark2.
New world... compared to 550.

sgoodwin4813 · « **Reply #4 on:** February 07, 2013, 09:32 »

It looks like you can get the latest digital Rebel - the 650D/T4i - for around $650 new. The reviews of it were very good - sounds like an improvement from the T3i, but would still be very similar to the one you have so not much learning to curve to use it, and it's a ton cheaper than a used 5D Mk II. If it were me at that price for repairs I'd go for new.

Silken Photography · « **Reply #5 on:** February 07, 2013, 22:41 »

Thanks all, I think you're right, replace is definitely the way to go.

I've got nothing wrong with buying used particularly, although I'm wary that I might be buying a camera that's only a few shutter clicks away from its own terminal failure. I've noticed some sellers give you actuations which I assume would help mitigate that. I was quite tempted by a used 7D, but as even used it's so expensive I was interested to see if anyone would recommend it, but maybe it's just that bit too old these day.

Sounds like a choice between a new T4i or a used 5D Mark2? Final decision will probably come down to what I can justify budget-wise (as much as I'd just love to grab a 5D, if only money was no object!).

Racephoto: I probably should have mentioned that I'm quoting Australian dollars, but as the $AU is so close to the $US, and I can buy direct from the USA, I figured it didn't come much into the equation when looking at buying a new camera. But for repairs, I'm sure parts are more expensive here, labour was nearly half the quote as they have to replace the whole body (seems they can't just replace the rubber handgrip on its own as Canon don't make that part), then there's 10% tax.

PaulieWalnuts · « **Reply #6 on:** February 07, 2013, 23:07 »

It's your call. Your money. "Beloved" makes it sound like it's something special. If so, do what you feel is right.

tab62 · « **Reply #7 on:** February 07, 2013, 23:25 »

No Way! Get a new or used better camera!

Look at this price for a newer rebel-

http://www.ajrichies.com/Canon-EOS-Rebel-T4i-Body/p-3055?refid=Ibcart

Silken Photography · « **Reply #8 on:** February 07, 2013, 23:30 »

PaulieWalnuts: Well, I do love my old camera, it was the first DLSR I ever own, and it showed me for the first time how I could take the image I saw in my head and turn it into reality (well, more often than I could with my old bridge camera anyway!). But that doesn't mean I wouldn't throw it out in a heartbeat if I can justify spending money on something younger, faster, better...

My husband's lucky I don't think the same way about relationships

Tab62: Wow that's an amazing price, thanks for the link!

tickstock · « **Reply #9 on:** February 07, 2013, 23:32 »

Silken Photography · « **Reply #10 on:** February 07, 2013, 23:58 »

Quote from: tickstock on February 07, 2013, 23:32

Quote from: tab62 on February 07, 2013, 23:25
No Way! Get a new or used better camera!

Look at this price for a newer rebel-

http://www.ajrichies.com/Canon-EOS-Rebel-T4i-Body/p-3055?refid=Ibcart

They don't look like the best place to buy from. http://www.resellerratings.com/store/AjRichard
I would go with BHphoto.com, Adorama.com, or KEH.com from the US. http://www.resellerratings.com/store/B_H_Photo_Video_Pro_Audio

Ugh, yes, I see what you mean. I always check http://www.productreview.com.au for dodgy Australian sites but hadn't checked out US ones yet. The hard upsell particularly puts me off, I don't like giving money to companies who resort to pressure tactics like that.

_{(Yes, despite reading this forum for weeks, and having used many other forums for years, somehow I've only just twigged I really should be using quotes...)}

enstoker · « **Reply #11 on:** February 08, 2013, 02:12 »

7D : Sport photography
Rebels, 60D : Allround photography & entry level stock
Fullframers....: Stock photography for big girls & boys - only sky is the limit

Poncke · « **Reply #12 on:** February 08, 2013, 02:45 »

Quote from: enstoker on February 07, 2013, 03:05

If You shoot for stock try to find GOOD used 5D Mark2.
New world... compared to 550.

I am in the market for a 5D Mark2. Cost 1200 euro new, cant find any second hand. Any ideas?

BaldricksTrousers · « **Reply #13 on:** February 08, 2013, 04:43 »

1,200 euros is a bargain for a MkII. It cost 2,600 four or five years ago (I think the dollar and euro prices were the same back then).

ShadySue · « **Reply #14 on:** February 08, 2013, 08:48 »

Quote from: BaldricksTrousers on February 08, 2013, 04:43

1,200 euros is a bargain for a MkII. It cost 2,600 four or five years ago (I think the dollar and euro prices were the same back then).

Amazon price is £1500 /2953 euros. Wex is out of stock. If that's a reliable source you have, I'd go for it.

Poncke · « **Reply #15 on:** February 08, 2013, 10:18 »

Its on ebay. Hongkong and those countries. Been told thats not smart to do.

modviz · « **Reply #16 on:** February 08, 2013, 11:28 »

Just out of curiosity, do you have any idea how many shots have been taken with your T2i? Even a rough guess-timate? My T3i is about 18 months old with approximately 15,000 images taken. I've heard that the Rebel series is good for approx. 100,000 snaps before you can start expecting repairs. Anybody have any comments?

enstoker · « **Reply #17 on:** February 08, 2013, 14:01 »

Hi, modviz,
Maybe this statistics:
http://www.olegkikin.com/shutterlife/
Kind regards.

ShadySue · « **Reply #18 on:** February 08, 2013, 15:52 »

Quote from: Poncke on February 08, 2013, 10:18

Its on ebay. Hongkong and those countries. Been told thats not smart to do.

Oh, I thought it was some local shop. I'd have hopped over for that price!

Poncke · « **Reply #19 on:** February 08, 2013, 16:16 »

Quote from: ShadySue on February 08, 2013, 15:52

Quote from: Poncke on February 08, 2013, 10:18
Its on ebay. Hongkong and those countries. Been told thats not smart to do.
Oh, I thought it was some local shop. I'd have hopped over for that price!

I have found a few for 1350 euro in the UK, online. So not too bad. Cant find anything in ireland at the moment. This country is just too expensive in everything except for taking a taxi.

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Author Topic: Repair or replace? (Read 8353 times)

Silken Photography

nicku

RacePhoto

enstoker

sgoodwin4813

Silken Photography

PaulieWalnuts

tab62

Silken Photography

tickstock

Silken Photography

enstoker

Poncke

BaldricksTrousers

ShadySue

Poncke

modviz

enstoker

ShadySue

Poncke

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