(Updated 22nd September 2017)
In this generation, whenever things spoil, be it electrical, bag or whatever, the best option is to buy a new one. Because sometimes buying a new one is cheaper than repairing the old item. Having new stuff also makes us happy for a while. Ha!
I am no exception. Whenever my digital point-and-shoot cameras spoil (they really suck and they always spoil after warranty period), I didn’t even consider repairing them. I simply buy a new one: add-on feature, improved sensor, better design, etc… Hence, I wonder why do repairing services still exist? That was before I got my film cameras.
One day, my Nikon FM2 decided to fail on me. This film camera is no longer in production, it has got sentimental value and is a gem to me. I don’t simply buy a new one unless some truck ran over it. Now, I understand why people still send things for repair.
Camera Hospital
Fujifilm Pro 400H, Singapore (2016)
The ‘doctor’ in Camera Hospital is nice and is definitely a niche in his field. When I went, mine was the 10th film camera of that day. He was shocked as he said previously he only received at most 10 film cameras per week. Now, it’s 10 per day! Film is not dead! and is coming alive! Muahaha!
He charged me $140 because he said my gear is rusty, causing the shutter to get stuck. So he changed the internal parts for me. Expensive right? He also said I need to use the camera often. Luckily, FM2 is mechanical, thus is not expensive to fix. If this camera is electronic (eg full frame Canon dSLR), I would have to pay $800! Furthermore, one comment on my YouTube channel said I can actually learn to fix my FM2 by watching YouTube, provided if it’s a common fault. Why didn’t I think of that!
Fujifilm Pro 400H, Singapore (2016)
To be honest, I don’t easily trust any repair/sales person. I met this car mechanic, he said before he examined the car, he would look at the owner’s profile. There was once he met an expat MBA holder. That’s his best chance and even though the gear/spare parts are still functional, he would say they need to be changed, etc. That would increase their company’s target: more bonus. So, in my opinion, those service that rank number 1 in google is often because they pay people to do SEO for them. A truly honest service is often known from ‘word of mouth’. Hence, if anybody knows any good camera repairman in Singapore or even Malaysia, LET ME KNOW!
I am not saying this camera hospital is no good. Many many many people sent in their cameras. Many people trust him. Hence, I should 🙂
Website: http://www.camerahospital.com.sg/
Address: 91 Bencoolen Street, #01-67 Sunshine Plaza, Singapore 189652
(Nearest MRT: Bugis)
Uncle Phillip Tay
After knowing more film people, they suggested another good camera repairman- Uncle Phillip Tay. I haven’t been to his shop but it’s located near to Paya Lebar MRT Station.
Many people say Uncle Tay is extremely good with his work. If you send in your camera for CLA (cleaning, lubricate and adjust), the camera will come back looking as new.
Address: 511 Guillemard Road, #01-46 Grandlink Square, S(399849)
Website: www.decameraconsultant.com
Book an appointment with Mr Tay before you go.
P & G Photography Centre
I recently (Sept 2017) just gotten back my Hasselblad from this repair shop. Well, it’s not really a 100% repair shop but they do provide repairing services.
Due to mishandling, I accidentally clog the lens to the Hasselblad’s body. It occured several times before but I always could able to unclog the lens. Not this time. The issue was quite serious that the camera has to be dismantled.
Uncle Andrew is the boss of this shop and he’s the one who dismantled my Hasselblad 500C/M. For the fee, he gave me a big discount and charged me SGD120 for it. Because I bought the camera from him. Otherwise, he said he could charge me at least SGD 250…
Well…
Address: No 3, Coleman Street, #01-19, Peninsula Shopping, S 179804.
Website: http://pgcameras.com
I am a bit tickled you refer to Andrew as Uncle Andrew … I’ve patronised both him and David, his brother, as far back as 1992 when they were already running Prime Camera at Adelphi.
At that time, Camera hospital was at Paradiz Centre, and staffed by an older repair guy who has long retired and maybe passed on.
Hello! Where do you send your film cameras for servicing nowadays? I tried googling for Uncle Philip Tay, but the shop seems closed with no news since around 2018! 😔
Hmm… I am not sure what happened. I heard he doesn’t open his ‘shop’ regularly. Have you tried going to the address stated in this blog?