Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know before shipping your camera or lens to our lab. Not answered here? Ask via the contact page.
Which countries do you accept repairs from?
From every European Union member state: Germany, France, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Ireland, the Nordics and all the others. We do not currently accept shipments from the United Kingdom (post-Brexit customs make costs and timing unpredictable) or from Switzerland and other non-EU countries.
How much does shipping cost?
You ship your equipment to our lab in Ancona, Italy at your own cost with the courier you prefer — inside the EU a tracked parcel typically costs €10–25 depending on the country. The return trip is our contracted courier at a flat €20, tracked and insured, to any EU country, regardless of size or weight.
Do I have to deal with customs or import duties?
No. Italy and your country are both in the EU single market: there are no customs declarations, no duties and no VAT paperwork in either direction. Your parcel travels exactly like a domestic shipment.
How long does a repair take?
Diagnosis takes 2–3 working days from when your equipment arrives. After you approve the quote, most repairs take 5–10 working days. If a rare spare part has to be sourced we tell you in the quote before you commit. Add courier transit time in both directions (typically 2–5 working days each way).
What warranty do I get on the repair?
Every repair is covered by a 6-month warranty on the work performed and the parts replaced. If the same fault comes back within 6 months, we repair it again at no cost — you only cover shipping to us.
How and when do I pay?
Nothing is due up front. After the free diagnosis you receive a written quote; if you approve it, we complete the repair and you pay by bank transfer or PayPal before the return shipment. The quote is binding — the price you approve is the price you pay.
What happens if my camera cannot be repaired, or I decline the quote?
The diagnosis is free in every case. If the equipment is beyond economical repair, or you simply decide not to proceed, you only pay the €20 return shipping. If you prefer, we can also recycle the equipment for you at no cost.
How should I pack my camera or lens for shipping?
Use a double box: wrap the item in bubble wrap inside a small box, then place that box in a larger one with padding on all sides. Remove battery and memory card, fit lens caps, and include a note with your name, email and a short description of the fault. Choose a tracked courier service.
Do you repair vintage and film cameras?
Yes. Mechanical film bodies (Nikon F/FM/FE, Canon A/F series, Minolta SRT, Pentax Spotmatic and K, Hasselblad V system, Mamiya RB/RZ and many others) are a regular part of our bench work: shutter calibration, light seals, full CLA services. Availability of spare parts is confirmed at diagnosis.
Will I get updates while my equipment is with you?
Yes. You receive an email when the parcel arrives, when the diagnosis is done (with the quote), when the repair is completed, and when the return parcel ships — with its tracking number.
Ready to get your gear working again?
Tell us what is wrong, ship your equipment to our lab in Ancona, and we take care of the rest. Diagnosis is always free — you only pay if you approve the quote.