Where to Get your Film Camera Fixed in NYC 2024
Investing in your film photography practice means investing in a film camera. It’s no secret that vintage cameras need repairing, whether they are Leicas or thrift store finds. Often photo labs get confused with photo repair shops but most labs do not fix film cameras. Luckily NYC is a city with reputable camera repair shops to meet your specialized needs. Below is an enhanced list of the best places in New York City to get your film camera repaired, complete with operation hours, customer reviews, hidden fees, and other vital information to help you make an informed decision.
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Location: West Village, Manhattan
Hours: Monday - Friday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Closed Weekends and Holidays
Services:
CCD Cleanings: CCD Cleanings for DSLR and Medium Format Digital Backs with a quick turn-a-round.
Lens Repairs: Impact damage, or needs to have a dented filter removed.
Digital Cameras: Camera Doctor can repair bent pins in the card slot, bad USB ports and more. Canon & Nikon etc.
Shutter Repair: Repair and clean various large format film shutters
Medium Format Camera Repair: The Camera Doctor can repair various cameras and lenses from Hasselblad, Mamiya, Rolleiflex, Pentax, and more pending parts availability
Customer Reviews: Known for their expert repairs, customers appreciate the staff's knowledge and the detailed care they give to each camera as well as the friendly demeanor of the staff. However, some note higher prices due to their specialized services.
Additional Info: Be aware of potential additional costs for parts that need to be specially ordered for vintage models. Turnaround times can be long for specific film cameras
Contact:
Phone: 917-499-1915
Staff: Frank Rubio
Tel:646-382-5234
frank@cameradoctornyc.com
Matt Swiader
Tel:917-916-3396
matt@cameradoctornyc.com
2. Nippon Photo Clinic Service
Location: Midtown, Manhattan
Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Closed on weekends.
Services:
Repairs: Bronica (SQ-A & ETRS)
Canon
Contax (No Repairs for TVS I/II/II or RTS I)
Copal (Shutter 0, 1, & 3)
Hasselblad (No Digital)
Linhof (Master Technika series, Kardan, 612/617, Panorama, Tripod Ball Head)
Leica (M Series Only- Excluding the M5)
Nikon (No Repair for AF lenses)
and many more (Pentax, Rolleiflex, Mamiya, Olympus, Toyo, Widelux, Wista, Zeiss, etc)
Lens calibration
Shutter repairs
General servicing and cleaning
Customer Reviews: Celebrated for their detailed focus on specialized cameras. I can personally say I love Nippon. The process if very clear cut and transparent and wait times for average repairs are only a couple of weeks.
Additional Info: A non-refundable consultation fee is charged but included in the repair cost if you proceed.
Contact:
Phone:
212.982.3177212.736.4663
3. Photo Tech Repair Service
Location: Flatiron District, Manhattan
Hours: Monday - Thursday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM; Friday, 10am - 4pm. Closed weekends.
Services:
General camera and lens repairs
Authorized warranty services
Digital and film camera servicing
Battery and card door replacement
They repair metering, advance mechanisms, and shutter issues. They can also replace light shields to prevent light leaking on film images.
Customer Reviews: Known for reliability and efficient service, though some have mentioned service time discrepancies.
Additional Info: They offer a 90-day warranty on repairs, providing additional security for customers. Be aware that is is primarily a digital camera repair shop. They were not able to provide a list of specific film cameras they work on, my best guess it they’re limited to popular 35mm beginner models like the Canon AE-1s and the Nikon FM.
Contact:
Phone: (212) 673-8400
Email: service@phototech.com
4. Brooklyn Film Camera
Location: Bushwick, Brooklyn
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Closed on Monday.
Services:
Polaroid camera repairs: BFC offer a highly unique service that is very difficult to find anywhere else. They specialize in SX-70 repairs. If your camera is dead, slow, the light meter broken, or the auto-focus inaccurate they have you covered.
Customer Reviews: Favored for their deep knowledge of instant photography and the welcoming atmosphere. BFC is a great place if you’re a beginner with lots of questions. The staff is so welcoming, knowledgeable, and kind. Plus you can drop off film while your there to get developed at Nice!
Additional Info: Besides repairs, they also offer workshops and social events focused on film photography. BFC’s SX-70 Restoration turnaround time is typically 8-12 days from the time they receive your camera. If you need any extra assurance that your camera has been delivered to them, you can email them with your order number and they will let you know!
Contact:
Phone: 845-261-3573
Email: hello@brooklynfilmcamera.com
5. Chrysler Camera Repair
Location: Midtown East, Manhattan
Hours: Monday - Thurs, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Friday: 10:00 am - 4:00pm. Closed on weekends.
Services:
Antique camera repairs
Mechanical camera repairs
Restoration of vintage cameras
Replacement of worn-out parts
Customer Reviews: Highly valued for expertise in antique models. The cost reflects the specialized service. People say the prices are fair, and the turnaround is quick
Additional Info: Diagnostic fees are applied upfront but are deducted from the final bill if services are rendered.
I called all around town trying to find a few more quality places! If you know any quality film camera repair shops, leave a comment and I’ll add them to the list!
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