Camera Hospital: Bleah.

I had a slight problem with the shutter on my Canon 300D and not wanting to go to Canon to fix it (warranty’s way over and it’s expensive to fix it there!), I tried the “sort-of” recommended Camera Hospital at Sunshine Plaza.

Having heard some reviews that he will either be 1. very nice and sincere to you, or 2. will try to cheat you, I gave him the benefit of the doubt.

I got #2. Damn.

As I walked in to the shop with Janise, I didn’t feel comfortable with his smile. It’s like a “oh, 2 girls looking very lost… Moahahahaha!” kind of inviting smile.

He told me that the problem will take more than $300 to solve, which was pointless and not cost-effective, as this camera, in its used but usable state, fetched about the same price outside. So I might as well not fix it and get a new camera anyway.

I was disappointed because we were looking at selling this camera to a friend of ours who’s interested in photography, but didn’t have the finances to delve into it fully. I was looking at upgrading anyway, so why let a good camera go to waste?

I respect gadgets and their life span. Even if something is old and not as sexy as the latest model around, someone else out there could benefit from the joy of using a used piece of equipment that still worked well.

So I asked him if he knew anybody that sells the 500D for a good price, and he did quote me a price that I was happy with though. But all the while, he gave the “aiyah these girls know nuts, why bother with them?” kind of look.

I asked him if he could take in the camera anyway (he does trade-in), and he said he could take it for around $80-100 but generally he would not take in damaged goods.

Feeling unsure, we left the shop shortly after the free consultation which I was somewhat grateful for, anyway – as Canon would have charged me $120 just to check the camera out, paid upfront!

And so, Jeffwee decided to spend some time to take apart the camera according to an online guide (complete with photos!) last night. After bending over the camera for about 2-3 hours, he managed to fix it, much to his satisfaction (mine also lah). With some small tools and a piece of paperclip… HE DID IT! OMFG!

He’s my hero

And so, I was neaaaaarly cheated by a guy who told me the part to replace the “$270 shutter box” when it could have been fixed by deft hands with some free time.

So my verdict? Go there if you know your stuff. Do not go there if you can’t flirt with the dude (his name is Steven) and get him to bend over backwards for you.

Oh well. At least the camera is going to good hands now… and I can guiltlessly aim for my 500D soon

WHEEEE!!!