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To service or not to service

I have to admit that sometimes I can come across as a quite dogmatic person. When i hold an opinion, i feel that it is the right one and it is very difficult to make me change my mind. At the same time, i seem to be easily persuaded sometimes which sounds like a contradiction itself. Those who read my blog have noticed it already, camera "A" is the best camera in the world" until I lay my hands on camera "B". Also statements like "This camera is a definite keeper" are usually followed by "I ended up selling it eventually". The views i hold about servicing a camera (or CLA - Clean/Lubricate/Adjust) are pretty similar too - i have gone from one extreme ("No point servicing a camera") to the other.
 
Before someone accusing me for inconsistency, let me first explain that it is quite the opposite - it allows me to be able to see the advantages and disadvantages of both views. And when i first started writing up this blog, i was a strong believer that servicing a camera makes it look like less of a bargain. It adds to the costs and if you sell it you are not necessarily going to get your money back. That is true. What is also true is the fact that, if it is not broken, don't try to fix it.
 
In the past, i had to send my EOS 5 away to have the broken command dial repaired and the Leica that i own has been serviced. The camera that started the CLA trade for me though was the XD-7. Then the Pentax MX followed, the Nikon F4s and the Olympus OM-1n. Why this change? Simply, for the love of old cameras. The camera repair specialist market becomes smaller and smaller as we speak and the likes of Pentax MX, or Nikon F4 or Olympus are not going to be produced ever again. Each camera we throw to the bin, is not going to be replaced in the future. True, if looking for a bargain, the CLA route might not be the right one but if you are buying or collecting cameras like I do, service them while you can, can save a beautiful camera from a trip to the tip. It also adds to their usability and gives you a peace of mind for the next 15-20 years to come.
 
Choosing the right repair man is crucial. There are some self proclaimed experts out there and I have been greatly disappointed with some. My advice is: Go to the ones that have a proven history of positive feedback by photographers on the Internet. A simple search on google can give you a quick indication. Don't be swayed by £10 off on next service or free delivery like I did, ask each other who to use and who to avoid. There needs to be a trust between you and the repairer you choose, especially in the cases of a simple CLA where you have no means of checking if the camera has even been opened or not.
 
In the majority of times, I end up selling these cameras and I hardly ever make any profit. I am not fussed though just as long that I don't lose any money. Buying and selling cameras is not my source of income and I do find great pleasure in knowing that I have rescued a beautiful camera from the bin. Not only that - it is a great pleasure to know that someone else out there is enjoying that little camera that I rescued from been thrown away.

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