I had a 28-105 D lens and the aperture was not working right . I found a camera repair about an hour away. I got there and decided to leave my D7000 with him for cleaning as well. The estimate I got was as $80 to repair the lens and $130 to clean the camera. A week later, when I picked them up I was told the lens only needed cleaning but my bill rose from $210 to $245, plus tax. Is that about what everyone pays for a professional camera cleaning?
Camera cleaning cost?
- Thread starter jnosacka
- Start date
You mentioned the aperture wasn't working right. I had a lens repaired that cost around $199 (cost of repair without factoring in shipping) because the aperture couldn't be changed. Nikon did the repair. The overall cost was $225 due to Nikon's return shipping charge. When I sent the lens out for the repair, I had to pay the shipping which was around $20. So overall, my total came to roughly $245.
If it is just the camera's sensor that needs to be cleaned, prices can vary from approximately $50 to $90 (depending on who does the cleaning). If there is additional debris inside the viewfinder and/or within the area where the sensor is located, then most likely the cost would be higher.
My point is if they had to ship the lens to Nikon, and if it was the same type of repair I had done, the cost is spot-on.
Fred Kingston
Senior Member
The local shops here frequently have events where one or more vendors are in town to demonstrate/promote a particular product. Along with these "events" the local shops try to make a full day of activities... In addition to special Sales they offer sensor cleaning for $50, and lens/camera fine tuning for $10/lens...
To even quote a rate of $130, I'd want to know what that included... If just a sensor cleaning, then I'd decline because that would be a rip off in my opinion... I would expect those rates from Nikon/Canon if it included shipping to some corporate facility, but NOT from a local dealer's shop.
The prices sound very high.
You can buy a mint condition 28-105D somewhere between $50 to $100, and sensor cleaning rates are probably about $50. I believe $250 probably buys a clean D7000.
I clean my own sensors weekly as it takes only 3 to 5 minutes per camera. Even $50 for a 5 minute job is ridiculous, imho.
You can buy a mint condition 28-105D somewhere between $50 to $100, and sensor cleaning rates are probably about $50. I believe $250 probably buys a clean D7000.
I clean my own sensors weekly as it takes only 3 to 5 minutes per camera. Even $50 for a 5 minute job is ridiculous, imho.
Clean the inside? Sounds like a scam. I have had 20+ Nikon DSLR bodies over 20 years and none of them has ever been "cleaned inside." A couple has been rebuilt with new shutter and aperture assembly after they got worn out, but "cleaning inside" ... no way.
editorial_use_only
Senior Member
Without knowing what the issues were and what was done, can't really say if the price is reasonable. Like, if there was debris inside the viewfinder and the card slots, then it's a different story than if it's just that the sensor has some dust on it. The revised fee is $35 more than the original quote. I think the difference sounds reasonable.
Just as a general principle: I don't have equipment serviced unless something is malfunctioning. I do routine cleaning myself, including sensors, lens front and rear elements, lens mount, AF contact points, exterior. The exception is if a camera or lens is going out of mfg service support. Like, the D3s. That went in for a final CLA and any needed repairs. The milestone was a shame. I'd buy another D3s if parts were available. Same story with the AFS/D long lenses. I don't need VR in a 400mm, but availability of replacement parts is different.
Just as a general principle: I don't have equipment serviced unless something is malfunctioning. I do routine cleaning myself, including sensors, lens front and rear elements, lens mount, AF contact points, exterior. The exception is if a camera or lens is going out of mfg service support. Like, the D3s. That went in for a final CLA and any needed repairs. The milestone was a shame. I'd buy another D3s if parts were available. Same story with the AFS/D long lenses. I don't need VR in a 400mm, but availability of replacement parts is different.
Horoscope Fish
Senior Member
I am a little unclear on exactly what was done for what you paid but wow...That's a serious chunk of change you were charged. The most I've *ever* paid to have a camera completely cleaned - meaning the sensor, shutter box and body exterior - was $80; which was $20 more than what I was used to paying.